Boasting a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary sophistication, our pick of the most luxurious hotels from across India and South Asia showcases the region’s reputation for excellence in design, from opulent interiors to breathtaking bathrooms and every sumptuous design detail in between.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, India
A diamond set in an array of sapphires, The Oberoi Udaivilas sits majestically at the center of the sparkling Lake Pichola of Udaipur, vying with the charming city for your attention.
Built on 32 hectares of what was once the hunting grounds of the Maharana of Udaipur, the property blends traditional marble architecture with the natural habitation of the island so effortlessly that you’ll find yourself in a whole new world.
Within this world, you’ll also discover verdant gardens complete with peacocks and deer, delightful restaurants, exquisite experiences and excellent accommodation options.
Be transported to the resort by canopied boat before settling into your spacious room adorned with hand-crafted furniture. Sink into the Victorian-style bathtub to relax in your elegant marble bathroom as you enjoy views of your private courtyard or the lake, depending on your room choice.
The St. Regis Mumbai, India
Standing tall and strategically situated between Mumbai’s commercial and arts districts, The St. Regis Mumbai has a persona that reflects this fortunate placement. Here, you will find stunning pieces of art amid opulent decor.
Each of the 395 rooms in this hotel offer stunning views of the city, the Mahalaxmi Race Course or the Bay of Bengal.If you love shopping, the posh Palladium Mall is conveniently located next door.
Experience ultimate comfort in thoughtfully designed rooms with rich marble bathrooms, each with its own large tub and rainfall shower. And enjoy the convenience of an on-demand butler to take care of your needs.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, India
Falaknuma in Urdu means ‘mirror in the sky’, so it’s no wonder that the Taj Falaknuma Palace perfectly reflects the days of Hyderabad’s royalty in its elevated palace accommodation.
Travel back in time with the Taj Falaknuma Palace’s magical interiors, the world’s longest dining table, exquisite fountains, intricate marble work and its fascinating library.
Once home to Hyderabad’s Nizam Mahboob Ali Pasha, the Falaknuma Palace is now a treasured Taj hotel and its pride is evident in its carefully furnished rooms and restaurants. The bathrooms, with their Venetian chandeliers, walnut furnishings and mirrored tiles surrounding a deep bathtub, raise the property to an even higher level of perfection.
Oberoi Amarvilas, India
The Taj Mahal is India’s most celebrated tourist attraction and it certainly lives up to the hype. The Oberoi Amarvilas is just 600 meters from this world wonder and every room in this splendid property offers breathtaking views of the Taj.
The Mughal-themed design of the hotel with its fountains, terraced gardens and domed architecture makes you feel a part of the Taj, even as you view its various hues from the comfort of your room.
Rooms feature Burma teak floors, rich Indian-themed drapes and furniture, and a private butler service. The bathrooms have their own personality with a marble and granite theme, a luxurious bathtub, a shower cubicle and a stunning view of the Taj depending on the room type.
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Ananda in the Himalayas, India
When you want to get away from it all, the Ananda in the Himalayas promises a holistic retreat right at the foothills of the Himalayas, overlooking the river Ganges and the spiritual town of Rishikesh.
Located within the 41-hectare estate of the palace of Tehri-Garhwal, the resort is picturesque in itself, fringed by mesmerising Sal forests and the river.
Arrive prepared to be pampered and rejuvenated by the personalized wellness therapies on offer at the spa. Rooms are extremely comfortable with large ensuite bathrooms that offer excellent views across the valley.
Evolve Back Hampi, India
Experiential accommodation at its best, the Evolve Back Hampi, is designed to take you back to the days of the prosperous Vijayanagara Empire of Karnataka.
Located just four kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi – which is believed to have been the second-largest city in the world in the 14th century – the resort follows an architectural style that’s stunningly similar to the actual royal buildings.
Enjoy being treated like royalty yourself as you settle into your suite or villa. The splendid ensuite bathrooms offer a large bathtub, twin vanities, a shower enclosure and access to a shallow jet pool.
Six Senses, Bhutan
‘The Palace in the Sky’, as the Six Senses Thimphu calls itself, is perched at 2,200 meters up the mountains and offers fabulous views of the Himalayas and the city of Thimphu.
The vast resort offers accommodation in 20 luxury suites and five villas in a perfectly opulent setting, complete with glimmering ponds and an amazing spa. The suites and villas are elegantly decorated with exquisite pieces of local art. The bathrooms are spacious with a roomy bathtub and a rain shower.
The Dwarika’s Hotel, Nepal
A living museum more than a hotel, The Dwarika’s Hotel has a touching story to tell – and experiences to savor. The Founder, Dwarika Das Shrestha, made it his life’s mission to preserve the temple relics and wooden artifacts of Nepal, which would have otherwise been used as firewood.
It is these pieces of wood, some of which date back to the 13th century, that have been used to build and decorate the hotel.
Let time stand still as you relax in any of the 80 ethnic rooms or suites, each with its unique period piece of decor. Bathrooms are large with a sunken tub and a shower enclosure, and are generously stocked with handmade bath essentials.
Don’t miss dining at the Krishnarpan restaurant, which will be the highlight of your visit to Nepal.
Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
The aroma of tea at the Ceylon Tea Trails is pleasantly pervasive, as is the greenery of the Hill Country. Prepare yourself to forget the rest of the world as you soak up the comforts of the Ceylon Tea Trails resort with your own butler, your morning tea in bed, a room that opens up to the clouds, a crackling wood fire and refreshing spa treatments.
The resort’s bathrooms, in sync with the colonial architecture, are vast and charming with classic roll-top baths and generous walk-in showers.
Amanwella, Sri Lanka
With coconut trees swaying gently on one side and the waves of the Indian Ocean breaking over the coast on the other, the Amanwella takes you to an exclusive corner of Sri Lanka, a place where you can experience this stunning country while also reveling in your own nook of luxury.
The resort rests comfortably in a coconut grove just off the beach, near the village of Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Each of the 30 comfortable suites has its own private plunge pool and spectacular views of the coast or the grove.
You can even enjoy the view even from the comfort of your bathroom, which offers the convenience of a standing tub, twin vanities and a rain shower.
