In India, luxury is not merely about five-star luxury but about the tales of old forts and the morning beginning with the distant roar of tigers. West and Central India effortlessly blends luxury and authenticity, seamlessly transitioning from opulent beach resorts to majestic royal palaces, and culminating in the unspoiled wilderness. Such is luxury travel with all one’s senses activated.
Luxury in Goa extends beyond the popular beach and nightlife, as there is a lot more that makes it one of the top destinations in the world. At Goa, you can experience a private villa nestled in a lush tropical garden, an infinity pool, or a heritage mansion converted into a boutique hotel. At this destination, luxury travelers open their doors to sea views, relish seafood delicacies that can be arranged by a personal chef, or simply indulge in the ancient traditions of the Ayurvedic treatment. Guests can explore Portuguese churches, Latin quarters and spice plantations through private tours during the day.
Maharashtra represents the extreme contrast oscillating between the fashionable and trendy urban experience and the soothing and pleasant countryside getaway. Mumbai, the glamorous capital of the state, represents indulgence taken to the point of extravagance. Luxury hotels, dining experiences with celebrity chefs, and designer shopping make Mumbai one of the best destinations for indulgence. Heritage walks, museum tours, and helicopter rides over Mumbai elevate the travel experience to an extraordinary level.
The region in Maharashtra showcases another facet of its diversity. The vineyards of Nashik invite visitors to stay at wine resorts with luxury amenities, waking up each morning to vineyard sights and ending each evening with wine tastings at night. The beach resorts in Konkan have secluded spots with subtle luxury for the more privacy-seeking visitors.
Many palaces and forts in West and Central India have undergone conversion into heritage luxury hotels. In the state of Maharashtra and other adjoining areas, these holiday rentals provide not only a place to stay but also the experience of living like royalty. One dines in the banquet halls, which were a domain of the royals, and gets serviced in a manner characterised by the traditional ways of the past. Heritage performances, historical tours, and specially designed experiences also ensure that visitors absorb the historical aspects of this region with a dose of modern luxury.
The heart of India, the state of Madhya Pradesh, is a heaven for luxury seekers with its rich historical cities like Gwalior, Orchha and Khajuraho with historical landmarks such as grand monuments, ancient temples and riverside palaces, as these make way for a luxurious experience.
Perhaps the most memorable luxury offerings in Central India are in fact inside the jungles. It is in the state of Madhya Pradesh that India boasts some of its most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in the world in Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench and Satpura. These luxury safari resorts are redefining vacations in the wilderness with their luxurious rooms, private plunge pools and stunning views of the surroundings, designed amidst Mother Nature herself.
Days start with escorted safaris to track tigers, leopards or exotic birds. Indulge your senses with locally sourced meals or relax at the spa with treatments based on indigenous knowledge during the afternoons. As night falls, the camp offers tales around the campfire or starry night skies and the deep peace of the forest.
Luxury travel in West and Central India is about perfection, not indulgence. For those who believe luxury must tell a story, this region offers unforgettable chapters.
