The New Year is right on our doorstep and if you, like us, are planning your next epic vacation, we’ve done the homework for you – scour the map and find the most beautiful and enchanting hotels and homestays that are destinations in themselves. Are. Whether you’re in the mood for some nature-filled territory, a dose of rich history, or that cozy kind of luxury that wraps you up like a hug, we have the ultimate list for you to bookmark.

Raffles JaipurRajasthan

Luxury just got a royal sheen. Raffles’ second outpost in India is all about Mughal heritage meets modern luxury with pastel ceilings, intricate inlays and marble architecture. With 50 rooms and suites (each with its own decor and design) handcrafted by local artisans, there’s no shortage of options, whether you’re here alone or with company. Spend your mornings sipping bubbly under the spectacular dome of the Saphir Atrium and evenings sunbathing in the rooftop pool. And don’t leave without visiting the Writers Bar for a quick dinner – their farm-to-glass approach, paired with bite-sized bites of Singaporean fare, is the perfect way to end your day.

swanir forest Ecostay, Odisha

Spread across the Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, just 40 minutes from Bhubaneswar, Swanir Wilderness Ecostay is a cozy retreat with six charming cottages that draw inspiration from the local tribal culture. Hosts Saumya and Indrani gave up their 9 to 5 lives to create this sustainable slice of paradise, and trust us, you’ll feel the love. Between wildlife safaris, home-cooked meals, bird watching evenings, you will be spoiled for choice! Conveniently located, the homestay is an ideal base from which to explore Odisha. Take a day trip to Cuttack (famous for its fine silver jewellery), or take an hour’s drive to reach the iconic temples of Puri.

Rah Bagh, SrinagarJammu and Kashmir

winter blues? The path is not in the garden. This 41-key boutique stay, designed in the style of an alpine chalet, is framed by the imposing mountains of Srinagar, with a postcard view of Dal Lake for company while you sip kahwa from your private balcony. Spend your morning exploring the city, go spotting the Kashmir deers in Dachigam National Park or stroll through the iconic Shalimar Gardens, before heading back to the hotel for a hot soak at the spa or enjoy the Wazwan at Van Posh, their all-day There is food.

Ama Stays & Trails Ballyhack Cottage, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

This cottage has all the amenities for a comfortable and colonial Shimla stay. It oozes history – think basins sourced from Kerala, vintage stoves and decor from every corner of India. It’s like stepping into a time capsule, only better because there’s North-Indian-Parsi-European comfort food waiting for you. Warm up your evenings at Bukhari’s with a cup of tea and a good book. Snowy Shimla will never feel so personal.

Kumaon, BinsarUttarakhand

If there was a home of peace and tranquility, it would be Kumaon. Located in Kasar Devi, this hideaway is your gateway to the Himalayas, equipped with an eco-friendly Bukhari stove and a stone fireplace that exudes a cozy ambiance. Add some guilt-free luxury with their sustainable ethos, and you’ve got the perfect place to escape the world for a while. The hotel offers ten luxury bungalows (each with uninterrupted views of the snow-capped peaks) as well as a grand library, a sun lounge and a gourmet restaurant where Kumaoni cuisine awaits you. The staff also arranged for a day trip to the Kasar Devi Temple or a quick (but tiring) trip to a secret waterfall about 20 minutes from the hotel. Don’t go back with a box of hair sweets!

Isla Ridge – A CGH Earth Experience, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Do you want to feel like you are living in a cloud? Isla Ridge is perched atop the hills of Kodaikanal, with verandas for daydreaming and rooms filled with old treasures. Designer Lulu Van Damme has poured her heart (and her impressive collection of art and antiques) into this boutique retreat. The ground floor living room is a stylish blend of European furnishings and modern flair, with antique tables and smooth wood-glass cabinets. Upstairs, the outdoor area offers comfortable seating with spectacular views of the pool and the Western Ghats – perfect for stargazing. At Isla Ridge, the farm-to-table ethos shines with fresh bakes, preserves and milks, making for a culinary experience as enjoyable as the views.

Postcard at Durung Tea Estate, Assam

Tea lovers, this one’s for you! Nestled in the lush tea gardens of Assam, The Postcard’s newest outpost in India, located in Durung, is pure magic. Whether you’re sipping world-class wine, strolling through the endless green gardens, or staying in a colonial-style planters bungalow, this place is a love letter to tea and peace. And if you’re craving some modern luxury, charming bungalows are the place to be to relax. In the “land of red rivers and blue hills”, Assam also promises unknown adventures – from meeting local artisans to spotting one-horned rhinos.

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