The Luxe Travel List: Esquire India’s List Of The Finest Places To Stay At

HISTORY’S CHOCK FULL OF aristocrats, royals and writers crossing continents in unchecked extravagance and with dense retinues trailing behind. The true luxury of travel, however, is far removed from soulless riches. And where is this singular experience, this bold arterial strain that percolates into every aspect of life, more evident than in Indian hospitality? This land that’s abundant in views, geographies and climes is just as overflowing with architectural splendour, ancient modes of wellness, extravagances that are extravagant even for the wellheeled—and, of course, that old time-whetted maxim of ‘guest is god’. Only in a country as rife with contrasts will you find wealth and comforts of all possible kinds.

Esquire India set out to look for India’s most luxe stays— and here are 10 of them. They say check in and check out any time, but you will never truly leave.

ROYAL PALACES & HERITAGE FORTS

Ran Baas, The Palace PUNJAB

In the land of the five rivers, three rivulets of late-medieval architecture—Sikh, Rajputana and Mughal—combine to deliver an old-world charm that’s a stark departure from the royal grandeur one’s used to witnessing in the storied bordering state of Rajasthan. Statement chandeliers, suites in four distinct colour palettes, miniature narrative paintings and repurposed alcoves are all part of its unique princely appeal. As is the undisputedly regional menu featuring a selection of sumptuous Punjab classics. The 28-key luxury heritage hotel, formerly a residential wing for the guests of the Maharaja of Patiala, will prove to be even grander than what its destination wedding billing suggests. Among all things Patiala, it is second only to the peg.

JUNGLE LODGES & SAFARI CAMPS

Aramness Gir Sasan Gir GUJARAT

What makes Aramness truly one of a kind is not the emphasis on ‘rest’ in its name. It’s a sprawling and stunning wildlife lodge set right at the edge of the Sasan Gir National Park, where the last of the Asiatic Lions roam. Eighteen exceedingly well-appointed kothis (bungalows) laid out around in local style. Even if luxury must be worn lightly, it must never be taken lightly—which is how Aramness delivers its experience: game drives that are among the best in the country, jungle walks where you will forget the noise of the city, the most authentic flavours of Gujarati cuisine and loads of aram.

HIMALAYAN HIDEAWAYS

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa Gulmarg JAMMU & KASHMIR

A location that pretty hardly ever needs anything else. Perched above Gulmarg in the Pir Panjal, The Khyber is India’s boutique ski resort, sitting at roughly 8,825 feet amid seven fir-lined acres and built like a Swiss chalet, only, softened by Kashmiri craft. The property totals about 85 keys (c. 80 rooms plus luxury cottages and a presidential cottage), many with private balconies and true mountain views. It’s the natural launchpad for the Gulmarg Gondola (one of the world’s highest cable cars) and the slopes beyond; days here are a mix of alpine skiing or summer hiking, slow meals in cosy timber restaurants, a temperature-controlled pool with pine vistas and a quietly thorough spa.

BEACHFRONT & BACKWATER RESORTS

Taj Fort Aguada GOA

Perched on a headland above Sinquerim, Goa’s original grande dame of luxury blends a 17th-century Portuguese fort with sweeping Arabian Sea vistas. Rooms spill from ramparts into gardens; some gaze directly at the surf, others at tropical greens. Guests drift between sun-lit verandas and signature kitchens—Morisco for Goan seafood, Kokum Kitchen for global fare—before descending to Sinquerim Beach for parasailing, water sports or a barefoot sunset stroll. Infinity-edge pools, Jiva spa rituals and quietly attentive service make this storied resort feel both expansive and personal.

WELLNESS & AYURVEDA RETREATS

CGH Earth’s SwaSwara Gokarna KARNATAKA

Wellness has become mind-numbingly vague. The only things that differ are the spiels—sometimes. But not at CGH Earth’s SwaSwara, a quiet oasis of calm overlooking Gokarna’s surreal Om Beach (a fortuitous geographical alignment).  Its 24 rustic, coconut thatch-roofed, Konkan-style villas bring the outdoors in, with air-conditioning limited to the bedrooms. The laterite walls of each villa enclose a central open courtyard garden planted with medicinal herbs. The wellness programmes focus on lifestyle disorders, yoga consultations and guided meditation sessions, short treks in the forest, and seasonal ingredients and freshly caught seafood decking the menu.

DESERT & DUNE CAMPS

Suján JAWAI Jawai Bandh RAJASTHAN

In central Rajasthan's famous granite hills that shelter cave leopards, there are few better ways to experience the great outdoors in their endless glory. Ten luxury tents, including a family and royal suite—all set up in rewilded land—offer all the creature comforts you could imagine in a dream getaway. Over nature walks and spa sessions, lakeside luncheons and campfire dinners, leopard-watching and cultural exchanges, take in the ethereal beauty of the rocks-speckled grassland and the thrilling roar of the resident leopards. Suján JAWAI is also part of a larger series of conservation efforts in the region undertaken by the founders, which also means you’ll be living your best life, and in the most meaningful way.

TEA, COFFEE & SPICE PLANTATION BUNGALOWS

Glenburn Tea Estate Darjeeling WEST BENGAL

At 1,600 acres high in the foothills of the Himalayas (3,200 ft down to 800 ft), Glenburn is a tea-planter’s legacy run by the Prakash family since 1859. Two heritage bungalows (Burra and Water Lily) house eight suites total, each named and themed— Rose, Planters, Rangeet, Rung Dung, Singalila etc.— with bay windows or private verandahs, antique furniture, walk-in rain showers (and several claw-foot tubs), and no TVs to disturb the hush. Wake to views of the Rungeet River, the Simbong Forest, tearooms, tea walks through the gardens, candlelight dinners and drifting afternoons that feel like a return to calm.

LANDMARK HOTELS

The Leela Palace Udaipur RAJASTHAN

Among the many feelings only the truly fortunate experience in life—is the romance of gazing transfixed at the waters of Lake Pichola nursing a chilled bellini. The Leela Palace Udaipur takes the lake-palace fantasy and turns it up several notches. Its newest addition, ARQ by The Leela, carves out an even more private realm: a handful of villas with pools, jacuzzis and in-villa bars, Rajasthan’s craft artistry meeting contemporary ultra-luxury in a dramatic setting. Arrive across shimmering Pichola by electric private boat to a palace of domes, marble colonnades and frescoed courtyards. Traditional rituals, bespoke dining, a world-class spa and curated cultural experiences make it feel less like a hotel and more like an invitation into Mewar’s living heritage.

BOUTIQUE ART & DESIGN HOTELS

The Postcard Mandalay Hall Fort Kochi KERALA

Whether art's luxury is a debate as timeless and captivating as Klimt’s The Kiss. With the art on each of its walls—murals, mixed-media wall installations, experimental canvases by artists such as Sushanta Maharana, Anju Acharya, Jigesh Kumar and Giuseppe Stampone— handpicked by Bose Krishnamachari, this tiny design hotel put together by architect Tony Joseph, set in a 200-year-old home, is a true Fort Kochi landmark. Each of the five galleries (as the rooms are rightly called here), offer spacious beds, bathtubs in three of the rooms, and a chef-available-on-call service, an aspect of service where even the Postcard brand has outdone itself. The hotel’s experimental fine dining restaurant Aah, and the heritage jewellery store, aren’t to be missed.

RIVER & ISLAND STAYS

Antara Catamaran Cruises Bhitarkanika National Park ORISSA

In the creeks and estuaries of Bhitarkanika National Park, the cruise is pitched as eco-luxury that treads lightly. Sail softly into Odisha’s mangrove labyrinth aboard one of Antara’s boutique catamarans, designed as much for conservation as for comfort. Said to be among India’s first hybrid solar-electric vessels, they typically carry only two well-appointed suites, each with large windows, private bathrooms and thoughtful touches—linen, minibars, climate control—more often found in five-star hotels than on riverboats. Guests are usually looked after by a small crew that may include a butler and an onboard naturalist for guided excursions.