From a luxurious tropical villa on the Konkan coast to a jungle lodge rooted in indigenous craft, these hotels tell their stories through design. Whether its red sandstone reinterpreted in a heritage haveli or a tea estate that evokes a bygone era, the design goes beyond visual to be immersive and experiential, too.
Coco Shambhala, Sindhudurg
A winding drive along the verdant Konkan coast brings you to Coco Shambhala, a tropical sanctuary of four Balinese-style villas perched above the Arabian Sea, with views stretching as far as the historic Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra. Designed with open-plan pavilions, wooden decks, and plunge pools tucked into the lush green, each villa blends a tropical aesthetic with relaxed elegance. Founder Giles Knapton envisioned a retreat where design is aesthetic and ethical—built using local laterite stone, cooled through passive ventilation, and furnished with handcrafted elements that honour the region. The villas are also designed to blend into the landscape. Each are low lying, unobtrusive, and framed by native foliage. The indoors and outdoors flow into each other, with uninterrupted views of the dense greenery, and the Arabian Sea beyond.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, Satpura
Deep in the Satpura forest of Madhya Pradesh, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge offers a stay that’s as much about storytelling as it is about wildlife. Designed in the style of classic African bush lodges but rooted in central India’s craft traditions, the lodge blends natural materials—stone, timber, clay—with a distinctly local aesthetic. The rooms are cosy—think elevated cottages with forest-facing decks and earthy interiors that mirror the surroundings. In the common areas, curated artefacts—Bastar metalwork, terracotta figurines, vintage brass utensils—create a lived-in atmosphere. Even the walls are treated with cow dung from local villages, a nod to indigenous practices. Whether it’s tales of leopard sightings or of the mysteries of the forest, every story in this setting feels more vivid.
Raas Jodhpur
Tucked within the walled city and facing the dramatic silhouette of Mehrangarh Fort in Rajasthan, Raas Jodhpur is a striking study in contrast. A 20-year-old haveli has been reimagined with modern lines, red sandstone façades, and architectural details that are a nod to traditional Rajasthani architecture. Designed with sustainability at its core, the property uses local materials and low-impact techniques, all while preserving the flavour of the old city. Inside, the rooms feature hand-crafted furniture, muted earthy tones, stone floors, and natural textiles. These coupled with shaded courtyards and soothing pools make for a beautiful blend of luxury and heritage. The signature jaali screens add another dimension to the design, while delicately filtering light and air.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
High in the Eastern Himalayas, Glenburn Tea Estate unfolds across 1,600 acres of rolling tea gardens with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. Originally a colonial planter’s bungalow, it has been lovingly restored by Husna Tara Prakash into an intimate, eight-suite boutique retreat. The Burra Bungalow evokes the elegance of an English country home, while the Water Lily Bungalow offers four sunlit suites with wooden floors, four-poster beds, antique writing desks, and windows that overlook the misty hills. All the other elements like the original fireplaces, vintage lithographs, chintz upholstery, and hand-embroidered linens are bound to make you nostalgic. Afternoons here are reserved for Darjeeling tea poured in fine China—best enjoyed in the sweeping verandahs!
Amanbagh, Alwar
Once a Maharaja’s hunting lodge nestled in the Aravalli hills, Amanbagh today is one of India’s most refined design destinations. The resort channels Mughal architecture—domes, colonnades, and scalloped arches crafted in soft pink sandstone and framed by palm trees. Suites open onto private courtyards or pools, furnished with daybeds, carved screens, and terrazzo floors. While the interiors are serene, they’re rich in detail with every proportion and texture in harmony with the environment.
