65 Unique Hotels in South Asia

Found high in the Himalayas at Chaura Maidan, the Oberoi Cecil, Shimla provides sweeping views of the snowcapped mountains and valley below. Once the residence of the Viceroy of India, this Grand Heritage hotel was restored to its former glory that offers you modern conveniences while retaining its colonial charm. …

Formally Bombay, Mumbai is India’s capital of commerce and home to the Bollywood film industry. Rise above the hustle and bustle of the city in your guestroom, perhaps overlooking the Arabian Sea with floor-to-ceiling windows. It has internet, a hot drink maker and top quality bedding. The best suites have …

The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is a historical site, first constructed in 1928 and placed above the desert capital of Jodhpur. It was originally a palace and the last of the grand palaces of India. Besides twenty-six acres of lush foliage and gardens, the palace hotel features art-deco style …

The Reethi Rah – Maldives is a luxurious but nature-friendly choice for travelers with exquisite tastes. Set against the illustrious beauty of the Maldives, you can enjoy beach verandas, private swimming pools, over-water decks, and stone soaking baths for two. Luxuries are all modern despite the island paradise appearance. In …

This 14th-century fort was built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs who claim to be descendants of Lord Krishna – though they probably weren’t as good flutists. The fort has had many owners over the years - the Mughals, the Jats, the British, and, of course, today it is owned by Neemrana …

Have you ever wanted to dine on the ocean? Short of magic, the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort may be the closest and safest way to do just that. The Raffles Maldives Meradhoo has been called the Secret Hideaway in the Indian Ocean and encompasses two islands with lush amenities. The …

Built in 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on a hill with brilliant views of the Indian countryside. It is a 55-room heritage resort covering six acres of land with multiple levels and palatial wings. Left to ruin for much of the 20th Century, it was restored in the 1990s …

Known as the city of royal palaces and shimmering lakes, Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a fine location for The Oberoi Udaivilas – a traditional Indian palace. Come and walk through the complex courtyards, musical fountains, pools and lush gardens. The architecture was inspired by the old palaces …

Located at the Matheran Hill Station around 90km from Mumbai, The Verandah in the Forest is a 19th Century colonial bungalow originally built by an Englishman who no-doubt sported the Nietzsche-style mustache in vogue at the time. Overman or not you will find the surroundings delightful and the location, high …

Located in Buttala, this eco-resort is the perfect base for exploring some of Sri Lanka’s amazing forests and wildlife. Visit the nearby Yala Wildlife Reserve, home to elephants, peacocks, and other endangered species. The area has been populated for over 9000 years and was once home to a sophisticated ancient …

Located a mere 600m from the Taj Mahal, this hotel has one-of-a-kind views of this masterpiece of architecture. Inspired by the Mughul period, the interior has ornate gardens, green laced pools, and fountains. Your room is furnished in the traditional style using teak wood. Your bathroom is marble luxury with …

On the Niyama resort website, they talk about their hotel having “Epicurean Delights” – what does this mean? Well Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who advocated community living and friendship. He was particularly interested in maximizing pleasure and kicking pain in the ass. But that is not to say that …

This hotel was designed to combine the best hospitality with traditional structures built from locally-sourced materials that blend into the local landscape of rice fields and palm leaves. The hotel has been a boon to the local community. It helps to fund the nearby high school and employs local women …

The Dune is a holiday village spread over 35 acres near the Bay of Bengal. Your accommodation can be found in one of the bungalows and villas located between lush trees along 700 meters of private beach. Each structure has been designed to minimize environmental impact by using renewable energy …

Safari was an Indian invention. The word Sahar means travel in Sanskrit/Hindi and the British appropriated the word and took it to Africa. The India Safari club takes you on trips in the Rajastani wilderness using 4x4, camels, or even elephants. It was all the brainchild of founder, Reggie Marwar …

These family-size tents will leave you in the lap of luxury under the stars. Located in the Western Ghats, a mountain range in West India, these tents perfectly combine verdant back-to-nature living and modern luxury. You have a shower, internet, television, and the best Indian cuisine available at the touch …

A favorite among celebrities and fun-seekers, this palace of whimsy is juxtaposed against lush jungle surroundings. The hotel was built by visionary artist, Esme De Silva and her bon vivant husband in the 1930s. Today it is run by their daughter, known as Madam Helga. She decorated the hotel using …

Deep in the Tiger country of India, there is a treehouse available to guests. Reception is also a treehouse with a large social area and viewing deck where you can see animals use the local water hole. You will commonly spot jackal, wild boar, and rare species of deer. Your …

Goa is one of the most popular destinations on the globe. Its year-round sunshine, laid-back culture, and infinite stretches of beach attract people the world over. Now wouldn’t it be nice if you could break off a piece of this paradise to call your own? Well, you can at Elsewhere. …

There are two things you need for a kicking tea factory in Sri-Lanka: one, elevation, over 2,000 feet is good, and two, lots of floors so the sorting, weighing and drying process can be done quickly so the tea retains its distinctive flavor. And then, when the time comes to …