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NDTV
27-05-2025
- NDTV
7 Most Stunning Boutique Stays In India To Book This Summer
As the summer sun beckons and long weekends whisper of escape, it's time to plan a getaway that isn't just another hotel stay - but an experience. Boutique stays offer just that: personalised hospitality, beautiful design, intimate locations, and unforgettable charm. From the mystical shores of Rishikesh to the leafy tea gardens of Palampur, from Himalayan retreats to tropical Portuguese manors - your dream summer getaway awaits. Here's a curated list of the most stunning boutique stays to book this summer, each promising a world away from the ordinary. 1. ONENESS Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Where spirituality meets luxury Tucked along the banks of the sacred Ganges and cradled by the Himalayan foothills, ONENESS Rishikesh is a transformative escape blending contemporary comforts with the healing spirit of Rishikesh. Designed to immerse you in nature and inner peace, the property offers stunning river-facing cottages and luxury villas. What Makes it Special: Private cottages with serene river and mountain views In-house Ayurvedic spa therapies and yoga sessions Nature walks, gratitude circles, riverside meditation decks Pet-friendly stays, welcoming your furry family members Organic farm-to-table dining experiences Perfect For: Wellness seekers, nature lovers, families, and spiritual explorers. 2. Seclude Palampur Tea Estate, Himachal Pradesh A colonial gem in the embrace of tea gardens Imagine waking up to misty hills dotted with endless tea gardens - that's everyday life at Seclude Palampur Tea Estate. Located on a historic tea estate, this boutique stay is housed in a lovingly restored colonial bungalow, complete with old-world fireplaces, wood-panelled rooms, and sweeping verandahs. What Makes it Special: Only a few exclusive rooms, ensuring privacy and seclusion Colonial architecture, fireplaces, antique furnishings Personal chef curated meals with farm-fresh ingredients Tea estate walks, birdwatching, and sunset picnics Perfect For: Writers, romantics, slow travellers, and nature lovers. Also Read: 12 Practical Tips To Travel On A Budget In 2025 3. The Kumaon, Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand A design-led Himalayan escape Perched quietly above Almora, The Kumaon offers minimalist luxury set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Designed by award-winning architects, the retreat's pavilions and cantilevered dining space seem to float above the valley, making it one of the most visually arresting boutique stays in India. What Makes it Special: Modernist architecture blending into untouched landscapes Private suites with panoramic mountain views Farm-to-table Kumaoni cuisine Access to sacred sites like Kasar Devi Temple and hiking trails Perfect For: Architecture enthusiasts, hikers, and couples seeking solitude. 4. Amayah Villas, Assagao, Goa Goa's best-kept secret for private luxury Hidden in Assagao - Goa's most stylish and serene village - Amayah Villas offer an alternative to the traditional beach resort. Think private pools, sun-drenched courtyards, and breezy contemporary villas surrounded by palm groves. What Makes it Special: Fully serviced private luxury villas Private swimming pools and tropical gardens Gourmet kitchens and curated concierge experiences Close proximity to beaches like Anjuna and Vagator, yet tucked away from the crowd Perfect For: Families, friend groups, couples who love design and privacy. 5. Rosetta by Ferns, Sakleshpur, Karnataka Luxury in the lap of coffee country Rosetta by Ferns isn't just a hotel; it's an expansive 100-acre retreat set amidst the rolling hills of Sakleshpur. Here, nature envelops you at every step - whether you're practising yoga in the pavilion, walking through aromatic coffee plantations, or simply lounging in your sophisticated villa. What Makes it Special: Elegant villas surrounded by coffee plantations Award-winning Iyasya Spa with organic wellness therapies Outdoor trails, yoga pavilions, and scenic picnic spots Exceptional culinary offerings with farm-to-plate menus Perfect For: Luxury travellers, wellness seekers, and weekend getaways from Bangalore. 6. Mary Budden Estate, Binsar, Uttarakhand A hidden world within a forest sanctuary Deep inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mary Budden Estate is a restored 19th-century colonial home that now welcomes discerning travellers seeking both comfort and wilderness. Surrounded by ancient oak forests and dramatic Himalayan vistas, it feels like stepping into another time. What Makes it Special: Limited, private accommodations for a deeply personal experience Gourmet meals inspired by local Kumaoni traditions Guided forest walks and wildlife safaris in Binsar Sanctuary Stone cottages with fireplaces and breathtaking decks Perfect For: Nature enthusiasts, writers, soul-searchers. 7. The Postcard Cuelim, Goa Where Portuguese heritage meets tropical tranquillity A 350-year-old restored manor, The Postcard Cuelim captures the essence of Goa's slow, old-world charm. With only eight beautifully appointed rooms, it offers a hyper-personalised stay minutes away from South Goa's quieter beaches. What Makes it Special: Spacious suites with vintage Portuguese furniture Private patios and gardens Thoughtfully curated Goan cuisine Bicycle tours, cultural walks, and endless tranquillity Perfect For: History buffs, beach lovers, and those seeking Goa beyond the party scene. This summer, make your escape count. These boutique stays don't just offer a bed to sleep in - they craft memories, soothe your senses, and help you reconnect with nature, culture, and yourself.
News18
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Raveena Tandon and Rasha Thadani Inspired Us—Here Are 7 Getaways for Mothers and Daughters to Share
Last Updated: Celebrate your bond with a getaway tailored to every kind of mother-daughter duo—from soulful retreats to adventure-filled escapes Celebrate your unique bond through unforgettable shared experiences—whether spiritual, indulgent, or adventure-filled. Take cues from Bollywood's leading ladies—from Shilpa Shetty's wellness retreats with her mum to Raveena Tandon and Rasha Thadani's spiritual trail. Whether you're a duo that lives for long lunches, sacred rituals, or a little adventure in the sun, there's a getaway that fits your style. These curated escapes are perfect for reconnecting and creating lasting memories together. Sacred Sanctuaries Raveena Tandon and her daughter Rasha Thadani deepened their bond on a spiritual visit to all 12 Jyotirlingas, where sacred rituals and the blessings of Mahadev brought them closer. For those seeking similarly meaningful experiences, these destinations offer shared moments of spirituality. Explore a soulful escape to BrijRama Palace, a regal retreat perched above the Ganges in Varanasi. Built in 1812 and steeped in heritage, this palace offers a serene haven amidst the city's chaos—ideal for a mother-daughter getaway. Enjoy private access to the sacred Kashi Vishwanath temple, witness the Ganga Aarti from your room, and soak in the culture with pottery, classical dance, music, and heritage walks. Dine at Udayan Terrace as the ghats come alive below—a timeless experience crafted for connection, rejuvenation, and cherished memories. A few hours along the magnetic Kasar Devi ridge are never enough, which is why The Kumaon, a boutique getaway atop that belt, captures its quiet pull. Known for drawing thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, Bob Dylan, and Allen Ginsberg, the area's history adds a layer of energy and intrigue to this mountain retreat. Walks to the ancient Katarmal Sun Temple, afternoons spent reading under towering pines, and shared meals overlooking the valleys offer mother-daughter duos a pause to reconnect in a space shaped by time and legend. Complementing these experiences, the retreat offers guided yoga sessions in the open air, inviting mothers and daughters to stretch into stillness and find rhythmic bond in the mountains. Mindful Escapes for Two A champion of fitness and holistic living, Shilpa Shetty often shares glimpses of her wellness retreats, many of which she enjoys with her mother. Inspired by their bond, mothers and daughters who cherish wellbeing can discover rejuvenating escapes at these handpicked retreats. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the lush Caucasus forest, Chenot Palace Gabala is a globally award-winning wellness retreat in Azerbaijan. Guests can choose from transformative programmes like Advanced Detox, Recover and Energise, and Prevention and Ageing Well. Rooted in the scientific Chenot Method, these help eliminate toxins, boost vitality, reset the body's natural rhythms, and support long-term health. It's an opportunity to invest in wellness while deepening a relationship built on care and balance. At Ceylon Tea Trails, wellness transcends traditional treatments. Guided walks through the Bogawantalawa Valley's lush plantations, followed by an in-depth tour of the historic Dunkeld Tea Factory, provide insight into the art of tea-making. After a day of exploration, unwind with in-room spa treatments infused with local herbs and tea-based ingredients, or an aromatic bath featuring scents like cinnamon spice or bergamot. Evenings are reserved for the Tea Experience Dinner, where tea leaves are thoughtfully integrated into each course, creating a culinary journey that celebrates the region's heritage. Masaba and Neena Gupta, known for their energetic, adventure-filled vacations, embody the spirit of mother-daughter duos who love to explore and stay active. For those seeking a thrill-filled island escape, these destinations bring the excitement. For 'water baby' duos drawn to the ocean, Kandima Maldives offers a playful spirit with a side of adrenaline. From morning runs along a 3-kilometre beach to turtle quests and dolphin cruises, every moment is designed for movement and memory-making. Afternoons can be spent painting keepsakes at Kula Art Studio, while mimosas await at Breeze Pool Bar with endless views of the Indian Ocean to bring the day to a perfect close. Kuda Villingili is a playground for adventure, featuring the Maldives' longest pool for a refreshing dip or a leisurely swim. Catch the waves at Chicken's Break, where the surf season is in full swing, with expert instructors available for guests of all levels. Dive into a world of watersports—from jet-skiing to snorkeling—or explore the vibrant marine life together. Take the fun ashore with world-class tennis and padel courts, perfect for a friendly match with a stunning backdrop. Raise a toast at Raalhu Bar with themed cocktails, live music, and a golden-hour celebration. For expecting mothers, the spa's prenatal massage offers 60 minutes of Balinese-inspired relief and relaxation. City(E)scapes For those looking to unwind without leaving the city, The Claridges New Delhi offers a luxurious sojourn in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi. The world-class Cinqtuair Spa invites guests to indulge in exclusive pampering rituals. A 105-minute signature session revitalises the senses, priced at INR 8,500 ++. Post-treatment, explore a culinary journey across seven distinct restaurants—from sumptuous North Indian flavours at Dhaba to authentic Thai cuisine at Erawaan. Don't miss the iconic high tea at Lutyens Deli, featuring an extravagant buffet of freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches, and indulgent pastries, perfectly paired with Prosecco or a classic cocktail. Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
NDTV
11-05-2025
- NDTV
In Kasar Devi, Uttarakhand: A Luxury Boutique Hotel That Dissolves Into The Landscape
"Would you like a Shih Tzu puppy?" asked the affable young man working for Pawan Hans upon my arrival at Dehradun Airport — he was overwhelmed with a litter of five-week-old puppies. (Pawan Hans, a government-run helicopter service, operates flights to remote parts of India.) The offer was unusual, but since I already live with three dogs, I declined. Besides, my mind was more on the Kasar Devi Temple. I was reaching it by chopper to a band-aid-sized airport at Almora, the closest town. Lifting from Dehradun, fields and forests unfurled beneath me, silver rivers wreathed through scattered villages. Hills rose and folded into deep green valleys, terraced with gold and dusty emerald shades of leaf cover. Near Almora, pines thickened, the air sharpened, snow-hatted mountains appeared like joinery between earth and sky. A dirt track led me to The Kumaon, a ten-bedroom luxury boutique hotel founded by Dr Vikrom Mathur, an eminent environmentalist with a doctorate from Oxford University; he helms Transitions Research, a cutting-edge think tank in North Goa. Mathur and his business partners commissioned Colombo-based Zowa Architects, the studio co-founded by Jineshi Samaraweera and Pradeep Kodikara, to create a property — also my home through my visit — that is a masterclass in sensitive, site-responsive architecture. Special to The Kumaon is how its form dissolves into the landscape. Low-key luxe rooms with private terraces overlook layered natural courtyards, the creation palette chiefly locally sourced stone, bamboo — and poured concrete. Rooms and galleries effortlessly frame glorious views of Himalayan caps. Kodikara and Samaraweera ran with the baton of Sri Lanka modernism and pitched camp in the Himalayas to create a design language that is its own singular thing. On my evening walk, through oaks and myrtles, the terrain burned with a powerful, noble quality. A leopard had recently attacked a cow, which the villagers had buried where it was found. A few stones marked the gravesite; even at a site of loss, sacred air persisted. In the distance, rhododendrons bloomed — red, wild, and true — and a scent of lichen, rain-soaked earth, dry leaves; something timeless. *** Driving through narrow, circuitous roads to the temple, I passed stores stocked with local honey and nettle tea, boutiques that worked with women's collectives to make woollen toys for children, and cafés with million-dollar views but ugly furniture, selling sad slices of apple crumble. A renaissance on the slopes brought in Russian and Israeli tourists by the truckload (quite literally — big groups rattling along in open trucks). Dr Mathur accompanied me to Kasar Devi, telling me how he first came here as a child, enchanted by the small town of Almora and the decency of the locals, but mostly by the jungle further up, surrounding the ancient temples of Jageshwar. Here cedars stand in tall stillness, like monks absorbed in prayer; the hill fox urges cries of panic among ghostly-looking langurs. A Himalayan whistling thrush propels a song, a silvery question in the cold. The Kumaon had been his long-cherished dream — to create a refuge here for his children, and in doing so, he had created an elegant haven for other explorers as well. Presently, the car pulled up before a few food stalls at the base of Kasar Devi. The ascension to the temple — a long, high path — is flanked with pines, and it feels as if they are carrying you away from the familiar world. Now Dr Mathur pointed to a cave where Swami Vivekananda once sat in meditation. It was under the main temple, and here the great sage had experienced currents of power he described as "rare and potent." DH Lawrence came not long after, chasing the hard, clean light that might cauterise his fevers. I imagined Allen Ginsberg standing on a nearby promontory, verse foaming in his mind. Lama Anagarika Govinda wrote of this village in The Way of the White Clouds — less a settlement and more a flame that burned down the unnecessary to hold the essential. Long before scientists discovered that the ridge falls within a rare electromagnetic field — an energetic equal only to Stonehenge and Machu Picchu — the sages had already intuited what instruments would later confirm: that some places are more awake than others. You experience it here not in grand visions but in subtle adjustments of the body — the mind opening, as a window might to a gust; sediment in the heart settles. The temple does not ask to be entered. It enters you, quietly, before you notice, to remake you from within. At one point, I wondered — what was my story here? Man Visits Temple! But seekers before me had come not because Kasar Devi was their destination. They had come here, as I had — because we had been lost. But none of us imagined that this might be a homecoming. On a clear day, the Himalayan caps from The Kumaon. Photo: The Kumaon Below the temple, a rock appears suspended in the air. I sat there to gaze at the setting sun. A scorpion emerged from the dirt. In Egypt, the scorpion was never a threat; it was a sentinel, associated with the goddess Serqet; it stood at the crossroads of breath and afterlife, shielding souls from poison and secret harm. According to Jung, it represented the shadow self — to meet a scorpion was to encounter what was buried: hunger, fear, doubt, the terrible lusts. As the scorpion disappeared, my eye met the horizon, which seemed to have no end. I wondered if someone was going to adopt that Shih Tzu puppy. May I should have? That, perhaps, would have been the story.
