Aishwarya Venkatraman
The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 has put India squarely in the spotlight. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has earned a place in the Top 50, while three remarkable Rajasthani retreats have been recognised in the inaugural 51–100 list. Together, they reflect a new era in which Indian hospitality is no longer simply admired, but celebrated on a global platform.
Opened in 1903, this grand seafront palace in Colaba has hosted royalty, heads of state, and some of the most iconic names in the world. On the 2025 list, it stands proud at No. 38, the only Indian hotel to break into the Top 50. Guests step into a world of marble staircases, gleaming chandeliers, and hand-knotted carpets, where every detail whispers history and every view leads to the Arabian Sea.
Suján Jawai on No. 91 is a wilderness retreat near the Jawai Bandh, where leopards roam freely among granite boulders. Here, luxury is defined by silence, star-studded skies, and the thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Conservation is at the heart of the experience, making the stay feel meaningful as well as indulgent.
At No. 93, The Johri is a restored haveli tucked inside Jaipur’s heritage lanes. With only a few suites, it feels like being welcomed into an exquisite private residence. Vintage charm meets modern design sensibility, with thoughtful details everywhere you look.
Amanbagh closes the India representation at No. 100 with its quiet, contemporary interpretation of palace-style luxury with an oasis of soft pink sandstone, walled gardens, and impossibly calm courtyards. Rooms open into private pools and verandas framed by greenery.
This year, Rosewood Hong Kong leads the rankings, with hotels like Four Seasons Bangkok and Passalacqua in Italy close behind, showing how diverse and competitive the list is. Seeing the Taj Mahal Palace and three Rajasthan retreats featured alongside these global icons shows that India is no longer just participating in the conversation around luxury hospitality; it is shaping it.