Presenting haute rooms to let you soak in some of the world’s most gorgeous views. These are sights to behold and love as you let the utopian venues set the tone of your celebrations.
THE LEELA PALACE, UDAIPUR
Since its inception in 2009, The Leela Palace Udaipur has been reigning as a landmark overlooking the lustrous Lake Pichola. This modern palace hotel, which is serenaded by the views of the Aravalli mountain range, reimagines the opulence of the ‘Land of the Mewar’. If you are looking to immerse in picturesque picnics only to be treated to handpicked delicacies, or for sunset boat rides, look no further than The Leela Palace Udaipur. All 80 rooms at the hotel are lavishly appointed with traditional crafts inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. All rooms enjoy scenic views of the heritage city and mountains. Expect to be greeted by hand carved marble lotuses and elephants in silver along with vibrant paintings of puppets in colourful costumes depicting mythological characters. Get immersed in the intimate vibe of The Library Bar with the dark wood panelling decor of the lounge drawing from the study rooms of the local Maharanas. It’s perfect for a date with champagnes, time refined cognacs, single malts and vintage wines as accompaniments. Last but not least, the outdoor rooftop fine dining restaurant, Sheesh Mahal offers a panoramic view of Pichola Lake and houses secret recipes of the royal kitchens of India.
RAH BAGH, SRINAGAR
An idyllic new retreat on the outskirts of Srinagar, Rah Bagh is a Himalayan jewel nestled in the vale of Kashmir. Escape into this three-acre luxury boutique resort imagined in an alpine-chalet style set, as you set your foot within an apple orchard, sprawling gardens, only to soak in the picturesque views of the Dal and Nageen lakes, framed by towering poplars and the Zabarwaan mountains as the backdrop! All 33 rooms and suites at Rah Bagh have private balconies or sit-outs and offer stunning views of the shimmering Dal and Nageen lakes during the day and the twinkling city lights by nightfall. Great attention to detail and the use of local materials and timber create a soothing blend of warm and contemporary harmonious spaces, embellished with vibrant and colourful accents from Kashmir and across India with native cedar wood detailing, and parquet flooring, offering the traveller a refreshing haven. Rah Bagh, Srinagar is the brainchild of the Rah family -Nazir, Katherine and their two children, which is an ode to the Kashmir they love.
12 APOSTLES HOTEL, CAPE TOWN
Serenaded by South Africa’s majestic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, this grand hotel is on the scenic route, exterior to the central Cape Town. Each room here has its own charm. White louvered window shutters open to a landscape with the huge waves crashing on the big boulders lining the stretch of the Atlantic coast, while the orange sun slowly dips below the horizon simulating the colours of twilight.
COMO UMA PUNAKHA, BHUTAN
With the views of terraced rice fields, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and the temple of Khamsum Yuley Namgay, the COMO residences stand apart in its far-away-from-the-madding-crowd vibe. With two villas and eight rooms offering astounding valley views, the property signifies the ethos of slow living. It is perfect for a luxurious staycation in a countryside setting.
EVOLVE BACK, HAMPI
Recreating the lavish lifestyles of South India’s most prominent rulers, this property channels the grandeur of Hampi’s medieval heyday. The suites have extravagant terraces overlooking lotus ponds and boulder-strewn hills. For a real Maharaja-style experience, book a Jal Mahal suite and revisit the glory days through the arched- window views.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL GEORGE V, PARIS, FRANCE
Located in the heart of the eight town of Paris, the Four Seasons Hotel George V emits a grandeur worthy of its royal namesake. With the rooms taking you back to a bygone era, you return to the mesmerising reality of Paris when you gaze at the beautiful views from the private terraces, ranging from the courtyard to Avenue George V and even the Eiffel Tower.
KARAN MAHAL, SRINAGAR
Imagine yourself sitting on a balcony and watching shikaras go by on the Dal Lake. Karan Mahal makes it happen in the most elegant way possible. With seven luxurious guest rooms and three lavish suites and each of them fitted with a private balcony, every facet of Karan Mahal opens to unsurpassed views of the Zabarwan and Pir Panjal ranges. An immersive experience will make your luxury stay memorable.
JADE MOUNTAIN, SAINT LUCIA
The combination of pure privacy and unmatched spaciousness sure makes this property the perfect luxury getaway or a honeymooner’s hotspot. Each room here opens to the view of the fabulous twin peaks of the Pitons and the Carribean sea. Perched proudly above the 600 acre beachfront, it celebrates St Lucia’s stunning beauty.
THANDA ISLAND, TANZANIA
A breath-taking private island hideaway, Thanda Island is located off the coast of Tanzania Zanzibar Archipelago and has one villa and two bandas. Anything you pick to stay will transport you to the heart of a blue swinging paradise. The best marine life nursery here offers a view that justifies its name Thanda, which means “love” in the Zulu language. The windows open to vistas of lush vegetation, white sand beaches, and clear blue waters.
HOTEL CAESAR AUGUSTUS, CAPRI, ITALY
The magnificent Ralais and Chateaux property, which is a few minutes outside the village of Anacapri, has 55 rooms and suites with gorgeous views of the Bay of Naples, the hotel gardens, and the volcanic isle of Ischia. It’s nestled on the cliff, which gives you the best panoramic views right from the exquisite private balconies. The best thing about the evenings is the classic Caprese sunset witnessed right from the room.
OBEROI AMARVILLAS, AGRA
Trust the Amarvilas to offer unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal! One can witness the monument of love changing its hue from sunrise to sunset while rolling gracefully in the beautiful beds. In the richly crafted rooms, the eyes are inevitably drawn to the large windows that make for the perfect frame to relish the view through.
JAL MAHAL PALACE, JAIPUR
As you walk through the corridors welcoming you with fragrance of roses, jasmine and sandalwood and as you soak in the beauty of the geometric marble floors, floral motifs on the ceiling and royal portraits, you know your stay is going to be nothing but glorious. If you choose rooms that are far away from the main lobby, you will be enjoying the verdant views of the pools and grounds. This hotel is perfect for honeymooners as you are promised luxury and quietude.
PRIMROSE VILLAS, CHIKMAGALUR
About 40 minutes away from the mesmerising temples of Belur and Halebid, this property is a picturesque retreat for all pleasure seekers. Fitted with seven villas and five rooms, Primrose offers a pristine private setting where you can sit and admire the serenading garden view with your partner almost away from the whole world.
MUNJOH OCEAN RESORT, ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
Munjoh, a word of ancient origin meaning “mine” is exactly how you are going to feel when you enter the little paradise-like rooms of this hotel. Nestled amid coconut and betel treee groves and along a bubbling rivulet meandering through to the beach, the view feels nothing short of an infinite heaven! Let the allure of the lovely landscape view from your room lull you to a beautiful rhapsody.
EXPLORA PATAGONIA HOTEL SALTO CHICO, CHILE
This hotel that faces the breath-taking Paine Massif believes in encouraging their guests to explore the world beyond their television screens with none in any of their 50 rooms! While the larger rooms offer views of the Massif, the smaller ones face the gorgeous waterfall. However, all the rooms open to the captivating Patagonian landscape, letting you immerse in a gazing-through-the-window-pane spree.
THE CORINTHIA, LONDON
A grand dame with gorgeous views, the Corinthia is yards away from the Thames. Fun fact: If you pick one of the top-floor suites with a private terrace, you can save yourself the time and see Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, all of them at once. Pick the seven duplex turret suites with fireplaces to keep you cosy, while you relish the awe-inspiring views serenading the private balconies.
WILDFLOWER HALL, AN OBEROI RESORT, SHIMLA
Located approximately 13kms from the hill station of Shimla, this property is set in the beautiful backdrop of Himalayas. The rooms and suites give you the most spectacular views overlooking the cedar forests and mountain ranges. Go for the Lord Kitchener suite to get a quaint taste of nature.
Text by: Aishwarya Chattoraj