Hampi
This 'ecowilderness’ resort is 10km west of Virupapur Gaddi by the Tungabhadra River. It's an isolated but supremely relaxed place to escape, with a…
Must-see hotels in South India
Panaji
Miramar’s plush Goa Marriott Resort is the best in Panaji, with a price tag to match. It's expertly choreographed, with the five-star treatment beginning…
Mumbai (Bombay)
This stylish hotel in the happening Khar area blends contemporary chic with traditional artefacts (textiles and hand-carved chairs) and some statement art…
North Goa
This top-notch choice has unusual, stylish, dome-shaped huts – some look like giant hairy coconuts – made of a combination of all-natural local materials,…
Mumbai (Bombay)
This modern Four Seasons is everything you expect it to be, with exemplary service, psychic staff that pampers the 202 rooms of guests, and classic yet…
North Goa
Set around a leafy, shaded courtyard that’s home to Bean Me Up, Vagator’s best vegan restaurant, rooms here look simple but are themed with individual…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Recently renovated, this heritage property once served as the residence for the maharaja’s British guests. It has spectacular grounds and a choice of…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
This delightful farmhouse is surrounded by verdant coffee plantations, with good birding in the vicinity. Its nine rooms are spacious, and most have good…
Panaji
Run by the friendly Jeanette, this pretty Portuguese townhouse offers eight spacious, well-kept rooms with timber ceilings. The little rooftop terrace…
Arya Ayurvedic Panchakarma Centre
Gokarna
At the southern end of Kudle, this ayurvedic centre has some of the best rooms on the beach. It offers simple yet elegant accommodation with quality…
Mangaluru (Mangalore)
Next to the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama park, with views of the Gurupur River and coconut groves, this lodge offers a tranquil natural environment for those…
Hampi
Seriously stylish new place with stunning accommodation. Book a terrace suite for maharaja-size space, including your own hot tub. The grounds are…
Panaji
In an old Hindu mansion, the nine divine, colonial fantasy rooms at Panjim Pousada are set off by a stunning central courtyard, with antique furnishings…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Right in the heart of the city, with most attractions within walking distance, this hotel represents fine value. Decor is over-the-top kitsch, but with…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Owned by a hospitable couple, this rustic homestay boasts a hillside location and stunning valley views. It's just the spot to enjoy nature and perhaps do…
Gokarna
Cottages and rooms are scattered around a shady hillside plot in this Kudle institution, located above the beach and owned by a very amiable German yoga…
Hampi
Shanthi offers attractive, earth-themed thatched cottages with couch swings dangling in their front porches. The location is stunning, with a row of…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
These lovely old bungalows scattered among coffee plantations have been luxuriously renovated by the Tata group and have fine features such as wooden…
South Goa
At the northern end of Patnem Beach (reached by road via Colomb), Kala Bahia is a sweet guesthouse, veg restaurant and something of an event centre, with…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Fine family-owned lodgings on a huge estate that grows coffee, pepper, cardamom and rice. There's a choice of accommodation: two rental cottages with…
Karnataka
'Boutique' is pushing it a tad, but this likeable hotel certainly has a modern feel, with elegant rooms and quality furnishings, including desks and…
North Goa
The excellent boutique rooms at this water-sports outfit are stylish with the sort of artistic and soulful vibe that goes with the attached gallery,…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
An excellent place with high cleanliness standards and bright, cheerful rooms, Tom’s allows you to stay in a central location – it's a 15-minute walk from…
Calangute & Baga
Large, light-filled rooms are the signature at this beautifully designed boutique resort behind the beachfront restaurant of the same name. The labour of…
Karnataka
This luxury lodge has wonderful lake-facing bungalows, and organises tip-top jungle safaris, boat trips and nature walks. The restaurant is beautifully…
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Offers inviting, contemporary rooms and located just 600m from the train station. The hotel also has an excellent veg restaurant, Arya Bhavan, and a…
Gokarna
Some of the best dorms in Karnataka, with AC, lockers and sea views, await at this efficiently managed hostel. The cottages are also very inviting,…
North Goa
The award-winning Coco Shambhala is a luxurious retreat with just four two-bedroom villas in a lush tropical garden, each with their own private jetpool,…
Maharashtra
Svasara is a beautifully designed luxury lodge spread over four or so hectares where the gorgeous suites and facilities really add some luxury to the…
Karnataka
KAAV has open-plan rooms with polished-concrete floors, hip bathrooms and spacious balconies that open directly to the national park. The attention to…
Pune
Around 5km northeast of the centre, handily placed for the airport and tech parks, this contemporary-chic hotel gets everything right, with an excellent…
Hampi
A step up from most places in the bazaar, this clean, orderly place has eight well-presented rooms (and more in another block) that have spring mattresses…
Mysuru (Mysore)
A good choice, with helpful management who are eager to help you make the most of Mysuru. There's a wide range of large, unremarkable but inexpensive…
Palolem
The two stunning rooms above Fern’s restaurant are beautifully designed with heavy timber finishes, huge four-poster beds, TV, modern bathrooms and views…
Anjuna
The solid timber and rendered concrete cottages here are some of the best-designed on the beachfront. Set in a pleasant garden, they feature large beds…
South Goa
The Alila is South Goa's standout boutique design hotel resort with an awesome infinity pool overlooking the rice paddies. Rooms are modern and minimalist…
Karnataka
A fine upmarket lodge in leafy grounds with pretty cottages and suites, and a good ayurvedic spa. Lots of activities are offered, from guided birding…
Mumbai (Bombay)
A Marine Dr landmark that’s part of the Oberoi Hotel complex, but offering better value and a pleasing contemporary look in its restaurants, bars and pool…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Fine backpackers' hostel in a tranquil, leafy suburb close to many yoga schools. It's a well-designed space with comfy dorms, lockers, board games and…
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
In the heart of town, this well-run establishment has business-style rooms equipped with desks, plump pillows and good mattresses. Its two restaurants,…
