While India hasn’t been known in global circles as a premier tourist destination, a few years from now there could be many resorts on the list. It may seem unlikely, but I have seen India’s tourist future and it’s luxurious. Whether India intentionally wants to be Dubai’s top competitor for luxurious destinations or not, she will be in the running.
Of course luck and market forces play a role in selection of the next “hot” destination, but in the case of India, her cultural riches are largely unexplored. India’s fortunes reflect the remarkable situation of opening to the world all at once (or at least within a few years). Therefore, the country holds many surprises to foreigners that are largely unexplored and unwritten.
India is adding 78 hotel projects shortly which will add 35,000 rooms, about 30% will be “luxury” hotels. Below I have compiled a list of some of the best that may turn into some of the World’s best resorts. Hotels in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai. Chennai are already under construction, while the one in Jaipur is still in the design phase.
The Contenders
The Leela will soon enter Chennai with the first ever beachfront Luxury Hotel. The location is the idyllic, prime Marina Beach stretch, that is rated the second longest in the world. The Chennai property will sprawl over seven acres.
The 15-storeyed high-rise hotel will have 306 rooms suites. 20,000 sq.ft. will be dedicated to extensive meeting and conference facilities. The architecture inspired by the royal, opulent Chettinad dynasty, will be offset by the grand expanse of the azure blue seas. Work on the hotel is under progress with the opening slotted for 2009.
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| Leela Beachfront Hotel Chennai - 2009 |
The Leela Palace, Kempinski Udaipur with its breathtaking view of the Aravali Mountains stands majestically on the banks of Lake Pichola. Evoking the grandeur and opulence of a bygone era, all 72 rooms and 5 Suites overlook the tranquil waters of the lake. The palace with its open to sky Courtyard, lake facing Pool, 900 Sq. meter Spa, and Restaurants with al-fresco dining provide a fairy-tale setting for an authentic royal experience.
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| The Leela Palace, Kempinski Udaipur - 2009 |
Elegantly rising above the thriving metropolis of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), Four Seasons is a beacon for warm hospitality and a sanctuary from the bustle of India’s most colourful and vibrant city. Spacious accommodations, many with views of the Arabian Sea, offer unrivalled comforts and modern amenities. In convenient proximity to Mumbai’s movie industry and financial quarter, the Hotel's destination spa, poolside recreation, see-and-be-seen dining and superior business facilities welcome the world to India.
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| Four Seasons Mumbai - 2008 |
Contemporary and luxurious, this 244-room property is being built on 3 acres, Commencement of work has already begun on April 05, 2007. The architect for the hotel is Mr Achal Kataria and the property will be operational by 2008.
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| The Grand Jaipur- 2008 |
In the magical tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats of India, the biodiversity is amongst the richest in the world.
The Shillim Retreat by Hilton will be situated in the heart of this nature lovers' paradise, just two hours drive from Mumbai. Situated on 2,500 lush acres, the environmentally friendly eco-resort is designed to bring guests closer to nature, and features an on site equestrian centre should you feel like exploring on horseback.
Located beside a picturesque lake with beautiful seasonal water falls and ravines nearby, this peaceful haven will be a true wellness destination, offering tailor-made programmes in yoga, meditation and alternative holistic therapies in a Spiritual Retreat. To balance the body as well as the soul, the retreat's Health Spa will provide blissful treatments in beautiful and exotic surroundings. Guest villas, suites and rooms will be in total privacy and will boast innovative features like horizon-edged pools, spa treatment spaces, monsoon pools and private outdoor bathing gardens.
The Grand Great Eastern will rejuvenate the central business district, promise those behind the restoration design solution of the heritage address.
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| An artist’s impression of The Grand Great Eastern - 2008 |
The design team — comprising architects61 of Singapore and city-based Dulal Mukherjee & Associates — promised to “retain the genus locii” (the spirit of the place) and deliver a “splendid but not overwhelming” property.
The hotel will have 244 rooms, all-day dining, two speciality restaurants (including Maxim’s), the bakery, a 6,000-sq-ft ballroom, five conference rooms, a health spa, swimming pool, a two-level car park for around 150 vehicles and a drive-in porch from Waterloo Street. The first phase of the Rs 120-crore project will be ready by end-2007 and the entire property by mid-2008.
Other Future India resorts can be found here
PostCards from Today – The Best of India’s Hot Spots
CREATED BY the Oberoi Group, the 'Vilas' properties have already gained a reputation for being amongst the best hotels in the world and, for the ultimate in luxury journeys in India, this tour simply cannot be bettered. The ‘Vilas’ properties by Oberoi –’ ..a dazzling new ring of hotels around Rajasthan: outrageously luxurious and faultlessly comfortable, with the most delicious, zingingly fresh, unthreatening food.' (Victoria Mather - Travel Editor, Tatler).
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| 'Vilas' properties Rajastan |
Swirled in the sacred mists of time, nestled in the Himalayas is Ananda, a world class Destination Spa. Once the residence of Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, it is dedicated to today’s traveler, who is looking for innovative ways to restore and rejuvenate his energies. Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas and overlooking the sacred river Ganges, lies India’s finest luxury destination spa, Ananda — In The Himalayas.
Ananda is dedicated to providing its guests with a total immersion in discovering a well–being oriented lifestyle through traditional Indian science of Ayurveda and Yoga. The personalized therapy and activities programs are designed to meet individual needs and health goals. The cuisine at Ananda is a pleasurable and delectable mix of spa and gourmet culled from Ayurvedic, Asian and European cuisines that can be enjoyed in unique dining venues. The 75 deluxe rooms and suites are subtle statements in style and luxury. The rooms, infused with warmth and serenity of the Himalayan light, are designed to imbibe the feel of the mountains. Built on a mountain ridge, the rooms offer the guests breathtaking views of the valley, the city of Rishikesh or the Palace.
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| Ananda in the Himalayas - Uttaranchal, Northern India | |
India's first luxury jungle resort – India
Nestling in the natural beauty of the wilds, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is India’s leading luxury jungle resort on the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. It is a perfect base from which to explore the territory of the majestic tiger. Tiger sightings are most frequent during the months of May and June, while it is warm during the day, though mornings and evenings are pleasant.
The resort setting is picture-perfect with a dramatic watercourse and sun-kissed private decks. The luxury tents with finely embroidered canopies, luxurious bathrooms and private walled gardens are in perfect contrast to the ruggedness of the jungle.
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| The Oberoi Vanyavilas | |
Adorning the banks of Lake Pichola and standing witness to the historic City Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures all the romance and splendour of a royal era in Udaipur - in the heart of Rajasthan, a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. The grand setting combined with palatial architecture and a beautiful spa offers an experience created exclusively for those who know there is nothing like too much luxury
Udaipur, also called the City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Arravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples. The resort is about 4 kilometers from the city center (Court Square).
The Oberoi Group has scored a first by receiving top honours in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards2007 readers’ survey. The Oberoi Udaivilas, the luxury hotel in Udaipur, has been ranked the best hotel in the world with the highest overall score of 94.36.
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| The Oberoi Udaivilas | |
