Chasing barefoot luxury: four of the best exotic hotels in India.
Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa
Udaipur is regarded as one of India’s most romantic cities. White marble was one of the prominent features of architecture in the Mewar region and the Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa reflects this. The 72 rooms in the resort, which overlooks the Aravali mountain range, are categorised as suites, premium, deluxe and super deluxe. In addition to the swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre and spa, the luxurious lodgings offer yoga lessons and cooking classes with an executive chef. ramadaudaipur.com
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
The Khyber Himalayan Resort has a scenic lake on its doorstep, which glitters like a jewel and mirrors the mountains that are all around. Ensconce yourself in luxury while overlooking the majesty of the snow-covered Affarwat Peaks. The 85-room resort is surrounded by three hectares of sylvan coniferous forest, making it a wonderland for skiers who like to be pampered after spending the day off-piste. In spring, the meadows are carpeted in flowers and picnicking in the forest is the done thing. Improve your handicap on the world’s highest golf course. khyberhotels.com
Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort, Goa
You will get the red carpet treatment when you arrive in Goa with your motley crew of hangers-on at the resort dubbed the ‘jewel in Calangute’s crown’. Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort is the kind of place where everyone from ageing hippies to millennials with healthy trust funds like to gather to try and find their true selves. There are some guests who have been visiting this resort since it opened in 1979 and show no signs of fatigue when it comes to adoring India. estrelahotels.com/estrela-do-mar
Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman
The first thing guests at the Barefoot at Havelock Resort do is kick off their shoes. The next thing they do is sit near the sea listening to the wind beating through the trees, the waves lapping the shores. India’s only beach-side jungle resort is as rustic as it is exotic. Unplug from the world and dive headfirst into this resort experience designed to ‘fit in with the rhythm of the land’. Swim in crystal-clear seas, dive and snorkel, kayak or simply feel the sand between your toes at the first and only eco-friendly resort in the Andaman Islands. barefoot-andaman.com
