5 luxe travel experiences in India for the summer

Gauri VijPublished on Jun 08, 2022

Tucked-away boutique hotels in cooler climes beckon to a getaway in the hills

Even if you don’t believe in the #climatemeregency we are in currently, it’s hard to deny the blistering, energy-sapping summer that we are experiencing. Until mid-May this year, almost all of India was reeling under a heat wave that seemed interminable. But making an escape from the city is always a great idea, especially when we are lucky to have gorgeous mountains and hill stations to lift the spirit, calm you down and just allow you to breathe.

We’ve chosen five secluded luxury stays that are special experiences in themselves. To get to each of these locations from any city will involve multiple modes of transport–a plane or train ride and then driving down to where these boutique stays are located, but the journeys are all worth it.

Imagine a holiday where all you have to eat, walk, read a book or sleep–now that’s true luxury. During the day, enjoy mountain views and exhilarating treks, and at night, look up to see clear skies featuring a carpet of stars. Start planning your getaway now.

Shel, Ladakh

Rooted in the Ladakhi landscape is a brand new homestay managed by photographer Hajra Ahmad, about a 30-minute drive from Leh airport. ‘Shel,’ named after the ancient royal palace of Shey (Shel), translates into ‘mirror’. Located on a private estate at walking distance from the Sindhu (Indus River) and the Shey marshes, it is a great site for birding. The home is made up of three bedrooms, a library, drawing and dining areas, rooftop spaces and gardens, and is designed keeping local heritage and comfort in mind.

The best part: you can both hear and see the River Indus from the bedrooms.

Website:https://www.shelladakh.in/

Image: courtesy Hajra Ahmad

Hushstay x Hakushu, ShimlaWhile Shimla is overcrowded even at the leanest of times, it might be wise to explore nearby hamlets that offer more quietude. One such option is about 50 kilometres from Shimla and a two-and-a-half hour drive from Solan. Situated at a remote village called Sainj is the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of a tourist town. Nestled in an apple orchard and overlooking the stunning valley is Hushstay x Hakushu. A one-bedroom private retreat, it is more like a mountain cabin. Consisting of just one bedroom, a fully-functional kitchen and a large living area around a fireplace, this luxury mountain cabin is an ideal getaway for a couple or a small family looking to explore the wonders of nature.The best part: You can hike to the Giri River that flows through Sainj.Website:https://www.hushstays.com/hakushu-luxury-cabin-sainj-shimlaImage: courtesy Hushstays — **Hushstay x Hakushu, Shimla**
While Shimla is overcrowded even at the leanest of times, it might be wise to explore nearby hamlets that offer more quietude. One such option is about 50 kilometres from Shimla and a two-and-a-half hour drive from Solan. Situated at a remote village called Sainj is the perfect escape from all the hustle and bustle of a tourist town. Nestled in an apple orchard and overlooking the stunning valley is Hushstay x Hakushu. A one-bedroom private retreat, it is more like a mountain cabin.

Consisting of just one bedroom, a fully-functional kitchen and a large living area around a fireplace, this luxury mountain cabin is an ideal getaway for a couple or a small family looking to explore the wonders of nature.
**The best part:** You can hike to the Giri River that flows through Sainj.
**Website:**
https://www.hushstays.com/hakushu-luxury-cabin-sainj-shimla
Image: courtesy Hushstays

Ri Kynjai - Serenity By The Lake, MeghalayaAt a time when summer temperatures are soaring, the northeast states of India experience a steady coolness in their climes. Set against the backdrop of the Khasi Hills, this is a sprawling resort of over 45 acres that boasts of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, and small organic tea and vegetable gardens. The hotel offers beautiful views of the nearby Umiam Lake, a day at the Shillong golf course and spa treatments.The best part: Sampling Khasi cuisine and other delicacies from the northeast.Website:https://rikynjai.com/Image: courtesy Ri Kynjai — **Ri Kynjai - Serenity By The Lake, Meghalaya**
At a time when summer temperatures are soaring, the northeast states of India experience a steady coolness in their climes. Set against the backdrop of the Khasi Hills, this is a sprawling resort of over 45 acres that boasts of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, and small organic tea and vegetable gardens. The hotel offers beautiful views of the nearby Umiam Lake, a day at the Shillong golf course and spa treatments.
**The best part:** Sampling Khasi cuisine and other delicacies from the northeast.
**Website:**
https://rikynjai.com/
Image: courtesy Ri Kynjai

Glenburn Tea Estate, DarjeelingA well-known plantation retreat from a colonial era, Glenburn is on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas and overlooked by the stunning Kanchenjunga mountain range. At Glenburn, you must walk. And tuck in heartily into family recipes: tea-leaf pakoras, brownies, momos and khow suey while soaking in the views. One of the experiences you can opt for is walking to the tea factory where you partake in a tea-tasting ceremony.The best part: Spotting birds and butterflies you are unlikely to see anywhere else.Website:https://www.glenburnteaestate.com/Image: courtesy Glenburn — **Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling**
A well-known plantation retreat from a colonial era, Glenburn is on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet, high in the Himalayas and overlooked by the stunning Kanchenjunga mountain range. At Glenburn, you must walk. And tuck in heartily into family recipes: tea-leaf pakoras, brownies, momos and khow suey while soaking in the views. One of the experiences you can opt for is walking to the tea factory where you partake in a tea-tasting ceremony.
**The best part:** Spotting birds and butterflies you are unlikely to see anywhere else.
**Website:**
https://www.glenburnteaestate.com/
Image: courtesy Glenburn

The Tamara, CoorgThis is a property set across 180 acres and located over 3,500 feet above sea level, in the heart of heavily forested hills. Opt for treks, jungle meditations, spa treatments, bird watching, plantation tours, yoga and more. Coorg is a biodiversity hotspot, peppered with hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, rainforests, plantations and paddy fields. Pleasant climate though the year makes Coorg a welcome summer destination. The only minus point is that children under 12 years are not permitted.The best part: Living in a forest.Website:https://thetamara.com/Image: courtesy The Tamara — **The Tamara, Coorg**
This is a property set across 180 acres and located over 3,500 feet above sea level, in the heart of heavily forested hills. Opt for treks, jungle meditations, spa treatments, bird watching, plantation tours, yoga and more. Coorg is a biodiversity hotspot, peppered with hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, rainforests, plantations and paddy fields. Pleasant climate though the year makes Coorg a welcome summer destination. The only minus point is that children under 12 years are not permitted.
**The best part:** Living in a forest.
**Website:**
https://thetamara.com/
Image: courtesy The Tamara

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5 luxe travel experiences in India for the summer

Tucked-away boutique hotels in cooler climes beckon to a getaway in the hills

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