India

Off The Beaten Path

Welcome to India, One of the oldest civilizations on earth and one of the most populated countries in the world. On a more humble note, India is home to some pretty magical resorts and hotels that offer a glimpse of their ancient culture, immerse you in their boundless landscapes, and give you a taste of what serenity feels like.

Let me take you on a tour through the different regions of India and show you some of the most beautiful places to stay to make your visit truly unforgettable.

Let's start in the majestic Himalayan Mountains.

Shakti 360 Leti - Kumaon

If you've ever wanted to live in total remoteness, unbothered by other human beings, then the Shakti 360 Leti, deep in the Himalayas, is your opportunity to experience this tranquility. This stunning resort has eight individual cabins. Each one is designed with glass walls to embrace the natural surroundings. They have teak flooring and wood-burning stoves to keep you warm year-round. Built with the environment as the cornerstone, you can rest assured that all eco factors are in place for sustainable living. With staff available 24 hours, all your needs will be cared for. The resident chef is at your service morning, noon, and night to offer you the freshest local ingredients, expertly prepared and artfully presented to cater to your senses. 

You can reach this remote resort by train from Delhi, after which you will drive for 7 hours through breathtaking scenery and then embark on a short walk to this remote haven. The reward will be worth the labor. The Himalayas are unparalleled anywhere else in the world, and the Shakti 360 Leti will provide your soul the regeneration and rejuvenation needed to face the world again. 

Recommendations include meditation, yoga, nature walks, and nothing but relaxation! 

We recommend you book with the resort directly to have all your travel questions and concerns taken care of! 

Ahilya by the Sea - Goa

We couldn't take you on a tour of India without visiting Goa. The owner of this boutique hotel, Leela Rao Ellis, a Goan by birth and New Yorker by choice, originally renovated this property as a holiday home for her and her husband. Due to their immaculate taste in art and interior decor, what was once a holiday home for her family matured into an 8-bedroom heritage hotel that now contains three villas. In sync with 18th-century Goa, Ahilya by the Sea draws influence from Portuguese and Jacobean architecture. The interior decor, all hand-picked from various world travel, is beautifully curated to bring a sense of rustic charm to this humble abode. Their Instagram is nothing short of swoon-worthy. 

An hour's drive from Goa International Airport in Dabolim and only a ten-minute drive to the tourist hub of Candolim, Ahilya has found itself a serene spot just far enough from the noise.

Make sure to book your stay a few months in advance. You can Book here to receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a couples massage. 

Recommendations include: Take a ride 20 minutes to see the beautiful Church of Our Lady in Panjim. Take a day trip to chase waterfalls by visiting the Dudhsagar Waterfall.

Taj Lake Palace - Udaipur

This grand palace, built between 1743 and 1746 under the direction of Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar, is now a royal guest accommodation. Set in the middle of Lake Pichola with 83 rooms, consisting of 16 unbelievable suites, you will feel like royalty staying in this illustrious palace. Showered in rose petals as you step off your private boat, entering the palace is an experience of its own.

The history of this palace is fascinating. It wasn't always in the pristine condition you'll find it today. When the last ruler inherited this private residence in the mid-1950s, it was in a state of decay and dilapidation and was running out of the means to support itself. His only option was to open it to the public as a hotel by utilizing a few of the rooms. Then, in 1971, the Taj Group took over management and improved the status by adding 77 of the now 83 rooms, with a second round of renovations completed in the early 2000s. 

You can book that reservation here. 

Recommendations include visiting the Udaipur City Palace and the Monsoon Palace nearby.

Aman-i-Khás Boutique Hotel - Rajasthan

Photo by Michael Freedman

glamping: ɡlampɪŋ/

noun BRITISH informal 1. a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Glamping is likely to satisfy the desire of any city slicker seeking a little refuge in nature—without compromising on life's little luxuries.

Aman-i-Khás is a boutique hotel inside the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. With ten tents boasting 20-foot high canopy ceilings, space is not an issue, and nature's most awe-inspiring scenery is abundant. Spend your time relaxing, reading, and rejuvenating. When you're ready for adventure, you can opt for a guided track through the park to spot tigers, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, antelope, deer, and much more! 

Book with MrandMrsSmith.Com to receive the best rate, which includes a complimentary camel ride and sunset drinks for two.

Recommendation: Ranthambore National Park

Machan in Lonavala - Maharashtra

This rustic jungle hideout near Mumbai is a 5-star hotel built in one of the few biodiversity hotspots in the world and is 100% off-grid and powered by sustainable energy. The resort offers multiple cabins to suit individual needs. Splurge a little and opt for the Heritage Machan, built around a wild fig tree some 30-40 ft. above the forest floor. This splendid tree house has four floors! You can climb up to the "Crow's Nest" another 40 ft above the main level and for an unobstructed view of the Jambulne forest.

Book through the official website - you can see all the in-depth photos there.

Recommendations include a visit to the Karla & Bhaja Caves, which date back to the 2nd century B.C.