12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels
Small Indian Hotels Intro
Boutique hotels are more boom than bust in India and they’ve cropped up in a variety of locations. From Kashmir to Kerala, we zone in on the homeliest and quaintest in the subcontinent.
By Guest Editor Purnima Shrinivas
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12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Abode, Mumbai
Abode, Mumbai: This charming, classic 20-room boutique hotel in Mumbai’s touristy downtown Colaba district is where vintage and modern tastefully collide, where artworks are expressions of the city’s colonial past, and where ‘sustainable’ and ‘ethical’ are more than empty buzzwords. abodeboutiquehotels.com
1/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Yoga Magic, Goa
YogaMagic, Goa: Goa’s golden beaches may be just a few kilometres away, but that’s not the lure of this tented eco-hideaway. Here, there’s ample opportunity indulge in rejuvenating yoga, meditation, pranayama and massage sessions, and tempt taste buds with flavourful, healing meals and rehydration tonics for holistic wellness. yogamagic.net
2/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Ramathra Fort, Rajasthan
Ramathra Fort, Rajasthan: This hilltop retreat is a quaint mix of romantic outdoor tents and indoor luxury suites, serving up a unique opportunity to live inside a 350-year-old Rajputana battle fort. The middle-of-nowhere setting suits tranquility seekers, but also offers guided tours of cave temples and valleys, as well as sunset boat trips to migratory-bird-rich Lake Kalisil. ramathrafort.com
3/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Scarlette, New Delhi
Scarlette, New Delhi: French etiquette and refinement reign supreme at this serene 4-room homestay tucked away in the buzzing capital’s quiet Safdarjung Enclave suburb. The vibe is homely, with helpful concierge services and an eager café that rustles up a hot breakfast and home-cooked Desi/Continental lunches and dinner. scarlettenewdelhi.com
4/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Sukoon Houseboat, Kashmir
Sukoon Houseboat, Kashmir: There’s a profound sense of calm on this houseboat on Dal Lake, outside Srinagar. The views on arrival via speedboat are the main attraction: glistening waters, snow-capped Pir Panjal peaks and historical temple silhouettes in the distance. Settle into a Mughal Garden room with old-fashioned charm, then cruise the lake in a shikhara or pay the Gujjar gypsies a visit in the mountains. sukoonkashmir.com
5/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Nilaya Hermitage, Goa
Nilaya Hermitage, Goa: The rough-hewn stone walls and Gaudi mosaics that make up this 20-acre resort in Arpora-Bardez evoke the splendor of Moorish architecture. The sea isn’t close by, but the distant glimmering views of it are relaxing if you’re seeking serenity. Bask in the sun poolside or chill with a cocktail, but certainly take a day trip to the River Chapora in the hotel’s Dhow. nilaya.com
6/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
The Machan, Lonavla
The Machan, Lonavla: ‘Creativity’ is not necessarily a word you’d associate with Indian hotels, but it certainly holds true here. Perched atop trees, the machans provide panoramic sights of surrounding forestlands and sounds of falcons and junglefowls. Outdoorsy fun includes stargazing, cycling, trekking and fort and cave visits. themachan.com
7/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Rohet Wilderness Camp, Rajasthan
Rohet Wilderness Camp, Rajasthan: This isn’t your usual pitch-a-tent, light-a-campfire sort of stay, but rather glamping in Thar Desert in a luxury Swiss-style tent. Wake up to wildlife alarm clocks, enjoy clear night skies and make the most of equestrian, camel and jeep safaris, royal picnics and culinary workshops. rohetwildernesscamp.com
8/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Shakti, Ladakh
Shakti, Ladakh: Stay in traditional village house with vistas of one of the most picturesque locations in the world: 3,500m high on a plateau overflowing with pristine meadows, lakes and snow-capped mountains. The homes are all about authenticity with touches of plush, so there’s a sun terrace, Ladhaki décor and cottage kitchen with personal butler service. shaktihimalaya.com
9/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Aaanavilasam, Kerala
Aanavilasam, Kerala: Crisp mountain air, 3 hectares of verdant cardamom and pepper plantations, and a stylish retreat with 5-star quality comforts are what you’ll get at this homestay near Thekkady – not many boutique stays have it as good. The nearby Periyar tiger sanctuary, elephant treks and spice gardens make for interesting attractions. aanavilasam.com
10/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
Sunbeam, Goa
Sunbeam, Goa: If there’s one place brimming with the character of a home away from home, it’s the Jivi Sethi-designed B&B in Assagaon, with its traditional-meets-contemporary Goan décor and antique objets d’art. Sway in languor on a Chinese Opium swing on the porch or even host a party at the Mughal garden on the terrace. justjivi.com
11/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
The Corner Courtyard, Kolkata
The Corner Courtyard, Kolkata: Not far from the Victoria Memorial Hall and St Paul’s Cathedral lies a cheerful heritage stay that cultivates an old Calcutta sensibility: it’s easy to detect a bit of filmmaker Satyajit Ray, the famed Durga Pujo festivities, and ambassador taxis in its 7 rooms. Enjoy parfaits, waffles and pizzas at the friendly restaurant, and ask for a free ride in the hotel’s vintage Land Rover to experience the City of Joy at night. thecornercourtyard.com
12/13
12 Best Exotic Marigolds: Wonderful Small Indian Hotels.
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