Hill Resorts in the Himalayas are a sad scene. Despite what is pretty much the most breathtaking landscapes you can ever hope to see, there are just a handful of oh-so-awesome hotels in the whole stretch of mountains from Pakistan to Burma. And the good ones are limited only to three countries. Here goes...
1. Amankora, Bhutan
For those who don't know, Aman resorts is probably the finest setup ever known to hotelkind. Think of superbly chic spaces with service you couldn't even dream of, luxury that seems to ooze out of everything in sight and a price tag that will leave you literally breathless (before you realize it was worth it).
Aman itself was the first international chain to be allowed to build in the closed kingdom, and it came with quite an unconventional beginning. To begin with, Amankora is not 'one' hotel. Its actually a series of five lodges in different location which Aman markets together to offer a sort of complete travel solution. Rooms feature log burning stoves, terrazzo bathtubs, enormous jump-on-me beds. No entertainment options though, as the resort is all about the experience. On offer are first class service and suicidal views through floor to ceiling windows.
Off season rates begin from USD 1100. Thats between 40-50K. Per Night.
visit www.amanresorts.com
2. Uma Paro, Bhutan
Como, the chain that runs Uma Paro, comes across as a micro-aman. stunning properties, but very few in number. Uma Paro itself is housed in a traditional style buildings and seems like a more contemporarized version of shangri-la when it comes to the interiors. traditional accents are complemented by accesories like CD/DVD players, hi-tec gyms, heated pools and a dedicated spa.
Off season rates begin from USD 300. thats a more affordable 13k.
Check it out on www.como.bz
3. Three Sixty Degrees Leti, Near Almora, Uttaranchal
This ones a stunner, in every sense of the word. Plonked in a remote but unimaginably beautiful spot, 360 Leti is a 1.5 hour walk from the nearest roadhead, and is as high on luxury as it is on seclusion. A handful of chic stone-glass cottages offer views galore, and combined with a co-ordinated village tour, the holiday turns out to be an ideal hill holiday with equal measures of luxury and adventure.
Rates begin at USD 560 (around 30k) but its more practical when combined with a weeklong tour, which, ex-delhi, amounts to around 1.5 Lacs per person.
check it out at www.shaktihimalaya.com
4. The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
A colonial era residence of a british viceroy, bang in the centre of forested hills, complete with raj-era interiors, one of the country's best hotel spas, sports facilities to the extent of tennis courts and even a stunner of an outdoor bath located at the edge of the hotel terrace. Bundle it with near legendary Oberoi service and you've got a first rate hotel. Classicy, but thats the way Oberoi does it best.
Highly rated in Travel Awards and Gold Lists by Conde Nast (US and UK) as well as Travel+Leisure
Rates start from 21k.
Check it out at www.oberoihotels.com
5. Ananda in the Himalayas, Near Rishikesh, Uttaranchal
India's celebrity destination spa, Ananda is a world famous property and pretty much the best. A former palace with expansive lawns, Ananda is well known for its comprehensive wellness programs and the huge waiting list for a stay there. Although the design isn't too much to extoll about, it wasn't the main focus in the first place. At Ananda its all about trying to get disoriented souls back in touch with their oriented souls (or vice versa) and similar haridwar-rishikesh-yoga mumbo jumbo. But its a pretty spectacular way at that.
Huge number of awards for being the world's best spa by pretty much every awarder in the industry.
Rates start from 14k, but that excludes the very hefty spa packages without which a holiday at Ananda is like Goa minus the Beaches.
Special Mention
Taj Tashi, Bhutan
Traditional architecture, cutting edge style, et al, but a city based location makes it more of a business hotel with a leisure twist rather than vice versa. that too in a city which is more of a village and place where business trips are non-existent.
Dwarika's, Kathmandu
Quirky, and definitely the most interesting place to stay in Kathmandu, but its more like a handicrafts museum.
The Clairmont, Mashobra
Still in its nascent stages, The Clairmont is a rent out bungalow (a gorgeous one), but i have no idea about the rates.
The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Where the oberoi story started, The Cecil receives neglect when compared to the more celebrated Wildflower Hall. Its probably the concrete sprawl of Shimla that reduces focus on the hotel, but an Oberoi is an Oberoi, and this place has the add-on of being a proper Grande Dame.
The Lalit Grand Palace Intercontinental, Srinagar
I'm sure the name wasn't right, but then again, the management here isn't. Blame it on what i'd call india's worst 'luxury' hotel chain. The Lalit has a knack of turning excellently located properties into horrors which do not deserve their 5-star tags. The Delhi Intercontinental, before renovation, actually had a paan-stained bathroom which was left for me to admire. Having seen the Srinagar property (Remember Rafoo Chakkar), i shudder to think what might have gone wrong inside. But this being Srinagar, there is no better place to stay.
The Grand Dragon, Leh
Probably the most well equipped hotel in Leh, complete with LCD TVs, glass walled bathrooms and elevators. Not luxurious in comparison to others, but at 3000m above sea level and after the world's toughest and most scenic drive, you should really appreciate it all.
Stok Palace, Ladakh
Not yet open, but keep a watch for it. A UK based tour operator is planning to throw it open to guests after carefully renovating and refurbishing a few of the rooms. This should probably the most authentic experience available in Ladakh, being located in the royal palace cum monastery.
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