TRAVEL IDEAS | July 11, 2013

From Kashmir to Kerala, the top Indian resorts guaranteed to make you go weak at the knees

A candlelit meal in an ancient palace, a moonlit boat ride, your own private island                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  romance often blossoms in a magical setting. We’ve picked the top Indian resorts                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         guaranteed to set the mood.

Vaamika Island Kochi

This seven-acre private island along Vembanad Lake has two main residences                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Sun Rise and High Noon—which reside on their own islets with access to private                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        lagoons. These centuries-old Kerala homes, restored and relocated onto the island                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          from nearby villages, come with lakefront pools, gardens, massage pavilions and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             a private butler service. You can reach this secluded spot (wi-fi enabled throughout)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         within half an hour via speedboat from Kochi’s Bolgatty jetty. Take advantage of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           their ‘dine anywhere’ concept and have your butler set up lunch by the pool or                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         along the water lily-covered pond; they make for quiet, refreshing venues on                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     hot summer days. Complete your romantic experience by having dinner at the resort’s moonlit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       museum—the partially open-air space is located on the waterfront and houses                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ancient artefacts and sculptures from Kerala.

Ahilya Fort Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh

In 2000, the fort was converted into a hotel by the last Maharaja of Indore's son.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Photo: Tom Parker

Whitewashed walls lined with royal images, bougainvillea-festooned courtyards and age-old bronze idols all tell stories of love, romance and valour. The hotel’s 13 rooms—including the spectacular Narmada Suite overlooking the river, and the Neem Suite that Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar once occupied—have been restored using traditional textiles such as the Maheshwari and indigo block prints from Indore. Spend a quiet evening under the giant tree in the central courtyard, then feast in the moveable restaurant on food cooked using the royal family’s own recipes. Or go for a sunset sail down the Narmada River. There are few places that truly spark love, but Ahilya Fort is one of them.
(www.ahilyafort.com) Doubles from Rs18,060

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Ranthambore

Located on the edge of the Ranthambor Tiger Reserve, the resort offers                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       accommodation in the form of luxury tents

A stay at Vanyavilas is perfect for couples looking for adventure without compromising on luxury. You’ll wake up at dawn to drive into the beautiful Ranthambore forest in the hope of sighting a tiger; and by midday you c    an return to the plush comfort of The Oberoi’s 25 luxury tents (replete with huge bathrooms, beautiful tubs andteak floors). There are little touches of magic everywhere, from the friendly elephant who greets you at the entrance to the way the sunshine dapples onto the four-poster beds in the afternoons. The massages at the spa are p                         articularly indulgent. Whether or not you have an exhilarating wildlife adventure, you’re bound to treasure the experience.
(www.oberoihotels.com) Doubles from Rs19,000

Nandadevi Estate, Binsar, Uttarakhand

This 20-acre property is 155 years old

Lying deep in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, this heritage estate is perched at a height of 7,500ft on the Kumaon Himalayas. With three bungalows affording dramatic 500km-long unbroken views of the mountains and surrounded by lush forests, it offers absolute privacy. Book the Goralkot Bungalow, which comes with wide verandas, an extensive library and an open fireplace to curl up in front of. The hotel can also arrange outdoor activities, so you can spend some uninterrupted time together—camp overnight in the forest, go horse-riding along the centuries-old trails, or make a trip to Almora to visit the ancient Nanda Devi temple.
(http://elsewhereinindia.com) Doubles from 19,000 for a minimum three-night stay

Bungalow on the Beach Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu

The beach at your doorstep. Photo: Michel Figuet

The tiny town of Tranquebar has few attractions (two churches, one restaurant and an arts and crafts store), but that also means fewer distractions. The island’s remoteness from Chennai and Trichy—the closest city with an airport—ensures that very few will make it this far. Bungalow on the Beach is a quiet hideaway, where you won’t be interrupted by any trappings of city life. Hire a local fisherman’s boat and have him cook you a meal at sea under a starlit sky. Or go skinny-dipping in the waters off the hotel’s virgin beach; even the fishermen disappear inland by mid-morning.
(www.neemranahotels.com) Doubles from Rs4,450

Butt's Clermont Houseboats Srinagar

Srinagar is also known as the 'Venice of the East' because of its legendary houseboats on Dal Lake. Photo: Michael Turek

Experience Kashmir, the quintessential honeymoon destination, in quiet seclusion by staying in one of the five Butt’s Clermont houseboats. Moored in a sheltered corner of Dal Lake, the five houseboats offer stunning views of the placid waters and surrounding snow-covered peaks. Set up home in a cosy houseboat built with cedar wood and furnished with carved wooden pieces and Kashmiri objets d’art; then spend a lazy afternoon on the veranda amid spectacular scenery.
(http://buttsclermonthouseboat.com) Doubles from Rs5,500

Wildernest Goa

The cottages at this nature resort are all eco-friendly

High up on the Western Ghats at the meeting point of Goa, Maharashtra and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Karnataka, this resort provides the perfect escape in the lap of nature. You’ll see                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              abundant greenery on every side, but we suggest you pick a room with a view of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              the waterfall. It might be far from the pool, but that only means you’ll stay away                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             from loud families. There isn’t all that much to do here, which makes it perfect for                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           spending time getting to know each other. In the evening, while the light is still                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 strong, trek up the hills and enjoy the spectacular sunset as you breathe in the crisp mountain air.
 Doubles from Rs5,500

The Machan Lonavala

Each machan has been designed to minimise environmental impact but still provide the best views

This chic hotel with four tree houses just off Lonavala’s town centre is a boon for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of cities such as Mumbai and Pune. Located in Jambulne, a botanical hotspot, the luxury eco                                                                                                                                                                                          -resort’s 30ft to 45ft high tree houses offer stellar views of clear, star-studded skies and the surrounding 25 acres of forestland. Pack a picnic and go on long walks, or enjoy an alfresco dinner on your machan’s wooden deck.                                                                                                                                                                                             Book the 800sq ft Canopy Machan—its bathroom’s skylight will give you a feeling of bathing outdoors.
(www.themachan.com) Doubles from Rs10,000

Glenburn Tea Estate Darjeeling

A fifth-generation tea estate, Glenburn is perched a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet. Photo: Martin Morrell

Overlooked by the mighty Kanchenjunga, the tea estates around Darjeeling offer some of India’s most idyllic scenery. Hidden among their emerald hillsides is the Glenburn Tea Estate. Each of its eight suites comes kitted out in lavish colonial style, with four-poster beds and roll-top baths. You’ll be woken each morning with a tray of cookies and ‘bed-tea’, which is made using leaves plucked from the plantations outside your window, of course. If you’re craving the great outdoors, book a stay in the Glenburn Lodge and Campsite on the banks of the River Teesta. Here, the two of you can sit around a campfire, as the hotel chef prepares an alfresco dinner for you to eat under the stars.
(www.glenburnteaestate.com) Doubles from Rs23,000

Devi Garh by lebua Udaipur

The Devi Garh Fort was the royal residence of the rulers of Delwara

With the Aravali Hills as its backdrop and a quaint village as its base, this 18th-century palace just outside Udaipur has a truly magical setting. Over the years, the clifftop hotel has been refurbished to reflect a more contemporary design. While local marbles and semi-precious stones have been used in its minimalistic décor, the ancient sandstone exterior has been left intact, and the result is breathtaking. If you’re looking for A-class luxury, check into the 1,200sq ft Devi Garh Suite, which comes with a stunning black marble pool and its own private sundeck affording romantic views of fiery sunsets across the mountains—the sight alone warrants Devi Garh a spot on this list.
(www.lebua.com) Doubles from Rs9,775

Barefoot at Havelock Andaman Islands

Havelock is home to Rajan, the swimming elephant

Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, azure waters and abundant coral, Havelock Island makes for a tranquil holiday spot. Right next door to the spotless Radhanagar beach, Barefoot at Havelock is one of the finest resorts on the island. You’re bound to fall for the hotel’s 19 elegant cottages and villas (either fan cooled or air-conditioned), each of which is built using local materials and features tribal architecture. Rise in the morning and go snorkelling or fishing, then laze in a hammock throughout.
(www.barefoot-andaman.com) Doubles from Rs4,725

Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad

Old world charm at its best. Photo: Tom Parker

Perched atop a hill with the city of Hyderabad at its feet and nothing but the sky above, Taj Falaknuma Palace is a place for true old-world romantics. With 60 beautifully restored rooms, grand, marble staircases and plenty of antique objets d’art, it will make you feel as if you’re living in your own fairytale palace. After a guided walk, sit down to a candlelit dinner at Gol Bungalow, where you can feel the night breeze on your face and listen to smooth live jazz music. You aren’t simply surrounded by more than a hundred years of history; instead, you will feel as if you’re making it.
(www.tajhotels.com) Doubles from Rs19,500

Elsewhere Goa

The location of this hotel is a well-kept secret

You’ll be surprised how close you are to the action on Ashwem beach, yet how cut off you’ll feel from it. The property’s four beachside Portuguese bungalows, owned by fashion photographer Denzil Sequeira, seem to exist in a bubble of solitude, thanks to the creek that surrounds them. Make the 10-minute walk for a delicious French feast at La Plage, or pack it up to eat under the stars on the beach in front of the property. Either way, you’re guaranteed plenty of ‘us’ time without intrusion from Goa’s perennial party seekers.
(www.aseascape.com) Doubles from Rs50,500 for a two-bedroom villa

Ri Kynjai Shillong

The cottages have been designed like the original Khasi thatch huts. Photo: Tom Parker

There’s nothing more romantic than a monsoon break in idyllic natural surroundings—which is why Ri Kynjai is the perfect honeymoon spot. Located in the Cherrapunjee-Mawsynram district—one of the world’s rainiest areas—the resort has been designed in Khasi style, with upturned boat-shaped roofs to shrug off excess water. The pine-panelled rooms have balconies overlooking the serene Umiam Lake. There’s more to do here than just relaxing at the in-house Khem Janai spa; go trekking in the Khasi hills, play a round of golf at the Shillong Golf Course, or head to Laitkynsew (80km away), and spend an afternoon walking across its living tree-root bridges.
(www.rikynjai.com) Doubles from Rs6,500

Shakti Ladakh

Part of the Shakti experience is going on a village walk with a local guide

These high-end village homestays offer a seductive combination of absolute seclusion, spectacular scenery and five-star comfort. You’ll stay in charming village houses surrounded by flower-filled meadows and sparkling streams. Each group of guests gets a village home entirely to themselves, so you and your partner can star-gaze from your rooftop gazebo, share a bottle of wine around the wood-burner or enjoy a five-course dinner in your cosy cottage kitchen, with only your butler for company.

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh

This spa resort is perched 5,000ft above sea level

This is an all-out spa retreat, where time seems elastic as you spend your days indulging in aromatherapy massages or doing yoga and meditation in the pavilions. At night, sit in the fire-lit Infinity Pool-bar & Pavilion with a bottle of wine and gaze up at the sparkling Himalayan sky or the illuminated city of Chandigarh far below. (Parwanoo is only half an hour from Chandigarh.) An added bonus: all suites here are decked out in classic wooden furniture and come with private terraces and extra-large bathtubs.

The Tamara Coorg

Tamara Coorg has been listed as one of the Top 20 Honeymoon Destinations in India by Condé Nast Traveller India

The long drive to Kabinakkad Estate, 260km from Bengaluru, sets the tone for the languorous agenda ahead. You’ll find no dramatic elements en route here; just gently curving roads and blossom-scented air that lead you to 170 acres of pristine, private space. Set among lush coffee plantations, the cottages on stilts seem to float above the misty Kodagu valley. Appointed with every luxurious amenity, each suite is designed for uninterrupted together time. Wake up in the morning to a ripe-peach sky blushing under the mountains. Then snuggle in bed with a cup of coffee or let the panoramic sundeck seduce you to step out. The Tamara delivers the luxury that city-slickers are always longing for: solitude à deux.
(www.thetamara.com) Doubles from Rs11,000

Wildflower Hall Himachal Pradesh

This colonial hotel has spectacular mountain views

Wake up to the sweet smell of pine and cedar wafting through your suite, as the Himalayan monal chirps softly outside your window. Situated on a forested cliff, this refurbished colonial structure overlooks the snowcapped Pir Panjal range on one side and the mountains of Nanda Devi on the other. It’s one of those entirely romantic spots you can’t help falling for, where the suites come with four-poster beds, teakwood flooring and cosy fireplaces. There’s an indoor heated pool and an outdoor jacuzzi with jaw-dropping views of cedar forests and the Himalayas beyond it. And if all that wasn’t enough, it also houses the Oberoi spa—a winner of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards in 2010.
(www.oberoihotels.com) Doubles from Rs26,000

The LaLit Resort & Spa Bekal Kerala

The rooms at this hotel come with their own private Jacuzzis

This stunning resort is located in Kasargod, which despite being North Kerala’s foremost beach destination is still largely undiscovered; go there before it changes. Just a two-hour drive from Mangalore airport, it’s set amid 26 acres of lush landscape fringed by palm trees and is surrounded by backwaters. Book a couples’ massage at the 20,000sq ft Rejuve Spa, which offers a range of ayurvedic and Swedish treatments, and opt for a few nights in their houseboat accommodation, Kettuvallam, where you and your partner can enjoy unhurried cocktails on the water.
(www.thelalit.com) Doubles from Rs15,000

The Serai Chikmagalur Karnataka

Dining by candlelight under the stars

Karnataka’s lesser-known coffee country is home to miles of rolling plantations as well as majestic temples—and The Serai is bang in the middle of it. The resort, where no kids are allowed, has four private villas with pools, jacuzzis and large bay windows; book the Estate Terrace which has a paddy field as its backyard. Let the pleasing smell of spices from nearby fields intoxicate you on walks. Then explore the grand Belur and Halebid temples, where Shiva and Shakti have been worshipped for centuries. After all this exercise, recoup with a deep-tissue coffee massage à deux at the resort’s Oma Spa.
(www.theserai.in) Doubles from Rs19,700

- See more at: http://www.cntraveller.in/story/india-s-20-most-romantic-resorts#sthash.BgJqnETE.dpuf