Among its many other mandates, our gay tour of India is meant to make you feel like royalty. And we can’t think of anything more important to a princely state of mind than where you slumber. That’s why we’ve selected a series of extravagant hotels for the journey. Feast your eyes below, your highness…
Luxury awaits in New Delhi.
Begin your gay tour of India in style at The Imperial.
Your first two nights will be spent in a 5-star hotel, weaving awe-inspiring heritage with Colonial elegance. Expect art laden halls, manicured gardens, a spa and hair salon, yoga studio and pool. Overwhelmed by the majesty of it all? Retreat to your room where plush beds, French linens and private garden views await.
Almost as beautiful as the Taj Mahal… almost.
Our gorgeous Agra hotel needed to compare to the cultural beauty surrounding it.
Styled to slay, the ITC Mughal is lavish, lux and elegant. In fact, it is the only Indian hotel to ever win the Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture. We needed something to compete with the Taj Mahal, Darling.
This “royal retreat” offers visitors 233 opulent rooms to choose from. On our tour we’ve reserved the recently renovated Mughal Chamber rooms. These smartly decorated and ultra-comfortable rooms are spacious and welcoming.
Aside from the hotel’s beauty, other highlights include an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, two bars and three restaurants.
A bright accommodation in Jaipur.
Kick back in a hotel as colourful as the Pink City itself.
The Samode Haveli was built 175 years ago exclusively for the rulers of the region. In fact, the heritage mansion is still occupied by the descendants of the rulers but lucky for us, said descendants have converted their beautiful home into a luxury hotel.
The boldly designed Deluxe Rooms we’ve reserved are steeped in history. While each room has been updated with amenities such as air conditioning, much of the furniture is the same as it was when royalty slumbered here.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about this luxe accommodation’s delicious restaurants. Dine al fresco on fiery vindaloos and other regional delicacies. Finally, other highlights include the beautiful pool, spa and fitness centre (to burn off said vindaloos, of course 😉).
Heritage elegance in Jodhpur
A vintage suite awaits
Our grand Blue City accommodation is a celebration of Rajput and Mughal architecture. From its arch-shaped swimming pool, beguiling frescoes, latticed windows and flower-strewn water fountains, the hotel evokes the very essence of Rajasthan.
Inside the hotel, the Luxury Pool View Rooms we’ve reserved are some of the most spacious on tour. Towering bed frames highlight the high ceilings. Meanwhile, a minimalist approach to the regional art gives the decor a sophisticated appeal.
White-gloved hospitality in Narlai.
Prepare for the Maharaja treatment.
Our second last hotel is a painstakingly restored country manor, once used by vacationing royalty while hunting.
Between the Indian countryside appeal and the white-gloved hospitality, the Rawla Narlai evokes a bygone opulence. Each of the uniquely decorated Grand Heritage Rooms we’ve reserved is furnished with British Colonial beds, side tables and armoires.
We’ve arranged a very special dinner at the Rawla Narlai, worthy of the royalty that used to vacation here. Together we’ll arrive at the hotel’s historic stepwell, illuminated by hundreds of flickering candles. We’ll enjoy a lavish dinner in the centre of this beautiful scene, soaking up the spicy cuisine and unforgettable atmosphere.
Our penultimate escape.
The Fateh Garh will be our Holi Festival basecamp.
Our Holi Festival basecamp may as well be a palace. The period furniture, history-soaked interiors and meticulous preservation offer a scintillating taste of a bygone era.
You’ll love coming back to your Heritage Chamber Room after a full day celebrating colourful Holi.
At the Fateh Garh, you can spend your final afternoons in India enjoying Hi- tea, rejuvenating in the sumptuous spa, strolling the vintage car collection, or—wait for it—playing fetch with the hotel’s great danes, Phantom and Zara. This will be the perfect way to end your extravagant gay India tour.
Photo Credits
All photos courtesy of The Imperial, ITC Mughal, Samode Haveli, Taj Hari Mahal, Rawla Narlai and the Fateh Garh.
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