As the land of palaces, Castles, world-class spa retreats, destination resorts, and plenty of opulence, there is no dearth of luxury 5-star hotels in India. Many global hotel chains have their branches in most of the greatest tourist destinations of India. In addition, there are some great Indian brands like Taj, Oberoi, CGH, Leela, SUJÁN & Aman Resorts, that offer a 5-star hospitality experience that rivals the best in the world.
But if large hotels are not your thing, and you prefer the laid-back local vibe, intimate setting, and personalized service of a boutique hotel, there are so many wonderful options in India that are on offer in the country.
Here is a list of the best 15 luxury boutique hotels in 2024, handpicked for you by our travel experts. We’ve done our best to cover all the key tourist regions of the country— the snow-capped Himalayas, the beaches of Goa, the “Land of Kings” Rajasthan, South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu), and India’s holiest city Varanasi.
Contents
- 1. Glenburg Tea Estate, Darjeeling (Himalayas)
- 2. RAAS, Jodhpur (a Boutique Hotel)
- 3. Brijrama Palace, Varanasi
- 4. Aman – i – khas, Ranthambore
- 5. Sartha Vilas, Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
- 6. Palais de Mahé – CGH Earth, Pondicherry
- 7. Eight Bastion, CGH Earth, Cochin
- 8. The Johri, Jaipur
- 9. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir
- 10. Evolve Back, Hampi
- 11. Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
- 12. Six Senses Fort, Barwara
- 13. Fort Bujera, Udaipur
- 14. Coco Shambhala, Goa
- 15. Raas Chatrasagar, Pali (North India, Rajasthan)
1. Glenburg Tea Estate, Darjeeling (Himalayas)
The Glenburg Tea Estate is an idyllic plantation located in the Himalayas in West Bengal (Darjeeling). Conde’ Nast Traveller describes it as “stunning scenery, old fashioned elegance and the opportunity to see the rituals of tea production make Glenburn Tea Estate a compelling blend.
Established in 1859 by the Scottish Tea Company, the plantation is now owned and operated by the Prakashs “the Chai Wala Family” who transformed the establishment into a heritage plantation resort in 2002. The stunning tea estate sprawls over 1,000 acres of private forest and tea hills with two rivers running through it.
Guests are housed in two bungalows located atop a hillock with stunning views of the Himalayas and the valley down below. East bungalow houses four suites with gardens, private verandahs, and terraces.
The Glenburg Tea Estate is your ideal getaway to the Himalayas to enjoy a soothing hill station holiday and learn about the art of tea growing.
Amenities: Luxury Cottages, tea-plantations tours, guided walks and treks, private forest.
Cost: Rooms and cottages start at $ 490 per night per room.
2. RAAS, Jodhpur (a Boutique Hotel)
Rajasthan’s “Blue City Jodhpur” is famous for its forts, palaces, and havelis, and is an important part of the tourist circuit in Rajasthan. RAAS Jodhpur, the city’s oldest and still its finest boutique hotel, is located in the Walled City, in the shadow of the towering Mehrangarh Fort—one of India’s legendary fort, and the top attraction in the city. The fort sits on its throne on a hill 400 feet above the city skyline. RAAS’s ideal location makes for a stunning visual experience.
RAAS’s design is inspired by the Walled City of Jodhpur with four Haveli-styled buildings flanked by a magnificent pool. Like the region’s ornate Havelis, the walls of RAAS are adorned with delicate architectural carvings, embellished stone panels, and a rose-red exterior theme.
Notable amenities at this fine boutique hotel include a swimming, a spa, a salon, and a gift shop.
Amenities: Spa, Salon, Swimming pool, gift shop.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 350 per night per room.
3. Brijrama Palace, Varanasi
Darbhanga Ghat is one of the oldest embankments on the banks of the Holy Ganges River in the Spiritual Capital of India, Varanasi. Brijrama is housed in a 210-year-old heritage building located on this Ghat. Built during the era of the Maratha Dynasty, the architectural design of Brijrama has been heavily influenced by the style of the dynasty.
Brijrama Palace, an excellent boutique property, provides a serene escape from what is one of India’s densest urban settlements and the site of pilgrimage for millions of devotees and visitors worldwide.
Key tourist attractions like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Dashashwamedh Ghat are located within walking distance from Brijrama.
Blending modern comforts with old-world charms, this excellent heritage hotel offers 32 well-decorated rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant, a Ganga-facing yoga pavilion, private boat rides, and guided tours of the city.
Amenities: Yoga, Spa, Pool, in-house restaurants, boat rides
Cost: Rooms start at $ 4680 per night per room.
4. Aman – i – khas, Ranthambore
The Ranthambore National Park, the former hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur and the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger is one of India’s top safari destinations, with a tiger-spotting probability among the highest in the country. Other wildlife spottings you can expect are Indian leopards, Gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, Caracals, Sambar Deer, and Wild boars.
The Aman-i-Khas, a wildlife safari-inspired luxury tenting camp is modeled after the royal hunting expeditions of the Maharajas and the British colonial period. Aman-i-Khas is nestled in a large private estate, close to the entrance of the national park, and offers daily private safaris into the park. The gold and green hue of the park forms a splendid background for Aman-i-Khas.
Amenities: Dip pools, guided safari tours, an outdoor swimming pool, multiple dining options.
Cost: Luxury tents start at $ 1600 per night per unit.
5. Sartha Vilas, Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
Something remarkable happened in the Nagrathar Chettinad region in Tamil some 200 years ago. Thanks to their banking and maritime trading acumen, the community of Nattukottai Chettiar people amassed enormous wealth and absorbed immense cultural learning from their trading exchanges with other regions of South and South East Asia, as far as Bali and Malaysia.
The result was a construction wave of stunningly ornate Havelis (estimated 10,000 – 15,000) built by the Tamil Chettiar community that is a unique blend of the architectural tradition of South India and Bali. The 10-room Sartha Vilas built in the 1850s is one of the finest such hotels.
Nestled in a grove of palm trees, the Sartha Vilas has large spacious verandas with granite columns, a giant Kuttam (hall) with rare marbles from Belgium and Italy, two dining halls, a souvenir shop, and spacious rooms equipped with vintage furniture.
Amenities: Heritage property, in-house Kerala Restaurant, souvenir shop, guided tours to Chettinad city.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 190 per night per room.
6. Palais de Mahé – CGH Earth, Pondicherry
Pondicherry (also known as Puducherry) is the former trading enclave of the French Colonial Empire located on the southeastern shoreline of India. Nicknamed the “French Capital of India,” Pondicherry is famous for its beaches, old churches, water sports, unique fusion cuisine, and Ashrams (spiritual communes).
Palais De Mahé is a splendid boutique property that lies smack in the middle of the old French quarter of Union Territory. As is obvious from the name, this fine boutique hotel oozes a French colonial vibe with its huge courtyards, tall pillars, and verandahs, sparkling white & yellow facades, and vintage French furniture.
With the Bay of Bengal only 50 meters away, the gentle breeze from the sea soothes the soul. Key facilities at Palais De Mahe include an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house cafe, bar and restaurant, an Ayurveda Wellness Center, and deluxe French-styled rooms.
Amenities: Ayurveda Spa, Wellness Center, bar, restaurant, cafe
Cost: Rooms start at $ 285 per night per room.
7. Eight Bastion, CGH Earth, Cochin
The port of Kochi (Cochin) was for centuries the center of maritime trade and colonial prestige. An important stopover on the so-called spice trade between Europe and Asia, Cochin has a history of cultural exchange and commerce that goes back over 500 years.
Legend has it that the old fort of Kochi built by the Portuguese in the 15th century (Fort Kochi) had seven bastions—a typical feature of a fort built by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Located near Fort Kochi, this luxurious boutique hotel positions itself as the Eight Bastion of this iconic fort, and is a unique blend of Dutch tradition and Indian culture.
Facilities at the Eight Bastion include a large swimming pool, a gym, a spa, an on-site restaurant, and guided bicycle/walking tours of the old city.
Amenities: Sea-side swimming pool, Ayurveda spa, gym, multi-cuisine restaurant.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 302 per night per room.
8. The Johri, Jaipur
Jaipur “Pink City” is Rajasthan’s capital and one of India’s most beloved travel destinations known for its palaces, forts, Havelis, and cultural allure.
The Johari Hotel is named after the famous Johari (jeweler) bazaar that it is located in, in the heart of the city. It is housed in a 19th-century Haveli that has been lovingly restored to capture the glory of a bygone era. All around this fine boutique hotel are the “City of Pearls” jewelry and pearl shops, textile houses, and buzzing marketplaces with a historical vibe.
The Johari offers five spacious suites that overlook a traditionally designed courtyard, an in-house vegetarian restaurant, a chic cocktail bar, and a tranquil massage spa, and is adorned with tasteful vintage Rajasthan furniture, textiles, and ethnic art pieces.
Amenities: Vegetarian restaurant, souvenir shop, bar, spa.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 330 per night per room.
9. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, Kashmir
The Khyber Himalayan Resort is nestled in an alpine private estate in the shadow of the Affarwat peaks in the ski capital of India, Gulmarg “the meadow of flowers” (Kashmir). It is located within walking distance from the Gulmarg Gondola—the world’s highest cable car.
Perched at a height of 8,825 feet above sea level, the Khyber Himalayan Resort is the perfect Himalayan escape both in summer (when the lush green meadow blooms with flowers) as well as in winter (when it is covered in snow, making it an ideal place for skiing and winter sports).
With 80 rooms and 5 luxury cottages, its architecture is styled in the local Kashmiri tradition with wood-carved and embellished Khatambandi ceilings and finely-carved wooden furniture. There is a splendid on-site spa. It is among one of the finest luxury hotels in India.
Amenities: Luxury cottages, spa, swimming pool, restaurant, ski.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 400 per night per room.
10. Evolve Back, Hampi
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Hampi in the southern Indian state of Karnataka is one of India’s greatest ancient marvels. The capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1565 AD), the abandoned ancient ruins of Hampi are famous for their glorious temples, marketplaces, palaces, forts, and other public buildings.
The Evolved Back is located in a virgin forest in the Deccan Plateau, near the Hampi archeological site. With arched hallways, stone-paved boulevards, and palatial chambers, the design of Evolve Back is inspired by the great Vijayanagara Empire, to which the city of Hampi is credited.
It features 46 palace suites, private pools, a spa, a large outdoor swimming pool, and two fine dining options. The Evolve Back also offers you a guided heritage tour to Hampi. Be sure to enjoy coracle rides in the Tungabhadra River located close to the hotel.
Amenities: Suites, spa, swimming pool, restaurants, guided tours to Hampi.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 490 per night per room.
11. Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
An oasis in the wilderness of the mighty Great Indian (Thar) Desert, the “Golden City” Jaisalmer is one of the most unique places in India, with much of the population of the city still residing in what is one of the few remaining “living forts of the world”— the Jaisalmer Fort.
Suryahgarh is modeled after the Jaisalmer Fort with its honey-colored towering building —you could almost mistake it for the fort itself. Suryagarh offers a range of luxury accommodations (rooms, suites, havelis, and apartments).
The establishment has several in-house fine dining options, a Wellness Spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and concierge service, and it also offers guided camel safaris to the Thar Desert.
Amenities: Camel Safari in Sam San Dunes, local music and dances, gym, spa, swimming pool.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 265 per night per room.
12. Six Senses Fort, Barwara
Overlooking the scenic and tranquil Barwara Lake, the Barwara Fort was constructed in the 14th century and is still owned by the royal family of Barwara.
Operated by the renowned Six Senses Hotels Group, this heritage property has been meticulously restored to its original condition, with modern many amenities added to it. These amenities include a sauna, a large outdoor pool, a yoga pavilion that faces the lake, and Barwara’s signature Spa Swedana which offers a host of modern European and traditional Indian Ayurveda therapies and treatments.
Amenities: 700 year old fort, sauna, swimming pool, spa, yoga pavilion, multiple restaurants.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 1500 per night per room.
13. Fort Bujera, Udaipur
Udaipur “the City of Lakes” is one of Rajashtan’s most romantic destinations that often draws parallels with Venice. Bujera Fort is located on the west banks of the picturesque Lake Pichola in the shadow of the scenic Aravalli Hills. You get unhindered views of top Udaipur attractions like the Monsoon Palace, the Lake Palace, the City Palace, and the Fateh Garh castle.
A fine exhibition of traditional-style architecture, this building is perched on eighty-six stone columns, with hundreds of Rajasthani Jharoka (mini windows) carved out of local stone. Fort Bujera offers rooms, suites, and cottages that are lavishly decorated. Other notable facilities at Fort Bujera include an outdoor swimming pool, a library, an in-house restaurant, a spa, and a gym.
Amenities: pool, library, spa, gym.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 300 per night per room.
14. Coco Shambhala, Goa
Rated as the Best Boutique Hotel in India by Outlook Traveller in 2016, and among the World’s Top 25 Beach Vilas by Conde Nast Traveller, the Coco Shambala offers four exclusive private villas facing the Arabian Sea in Goa—the Beach Capital of India. Imagine a slice of a tropical paradise all to yourself with your private villas and beach set in the golden sands of Goa. A tropical holiday does not get much better than this.
Set in a tropical garden and lush greenery, the Coco Shambhala is only 200 meters from the beach. The Villas are designed for barefoot living, and each comes with its own infinity pool overlooking the sea.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 480 per night per room.
15. Raas Chatrasagar, Pali (North India, Rajasthan)
The RAAS Chatrasagar is located on the banks of the breathtaking Chatrasagar Lake in the Pali region, which was a venue for historic hunting expeditions of the Maharajas.
This impeccable property positions itself as a “luxury tent birding” paradise, and is home to over 250 species of resident and migratory birds, making it an ideal location for bird and nature lovers. Offering high-class personalised hospitality, the Raas Chatrasagar is an excellent place to enjoy a quiet holiday in the rugged countryside of Rajasthan.
RAAS Chatrasagar features spacious sound-proof and air-conditioned luxury tents decorated in soft muted colors, teak furniture, and Jodhpur stone.
Amenities: Luxurious tenting camp, Swimming pool, local temple tours, lake-facing open air dining, guided birdwatching.
Cost: Luxury tents start at $ 400 per night per room.
