5 Unique Retreats in India for Your next Relaxing Weekend Getaway

Experiential holidays are getting increasingly popular across the globe. You can now get your own exclusive immersive experience in some of the best unusual hotels in the Indian subcontinent. Here is a list of the top unique hotels that we think would be ideal for your weekend getaway.

Evolve Back, Coorg

The Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate in Coorg is probably the ultimate destination for experiential travel. Previously known as Orange County Resort, this hotel situated in around 300 acres of picturesque spice and coffee plantations offers luxurious villas designed in the distinctive Kodava architectural style. With separate living rooms and bedrooms overlooking personal swimming pools, it offers the best of dining experiences alongside nature. You can enjoy rejuvenating ancient massage therapies, or simply relax in the infinity pool with a beautiful view of the coffee plantations and Dubare Reserve Forest.

A coracle ride (a traditional round boat) from the Evolve Back resort is one of the best experiences you can try. You can also choose to go trekking in the Dubare Reserve Forest to experience nature at its best.

How to reach: Mangalore International Airport, about 160 km from Coorg, is the nearest. You can also travel to Coorg from Bengaluru in a taxi or car – it will take around five hours.

Book Your Stay at The Evolve Back

Fateh Garg, Udaipur

One of India’s best heritage hotels, the Hotel Fateh Garh in Udaipur is a heritage renaissance resort-sanctuary. Located 7 km from the city centre, this luxurious hilltop hotel offers panoramic views of the City Palace and Monsoon Palace.

This environment-friendly hotel is built on the principles of Vaastu, utilising locally found marble and other stones to best reflect Rajasthan’s heritage. Relax at the Sansha Spa that offers rejuvenating massage therapies as you enjoy a view of the City Palace. Lounge in the infinity pool that offers breath-taking views.

For a fully immersive experience, head to the local villages nearby in jeeps or on horseback. If you are an automobile enthusiast, you will fall in love with the collection of vintage cars at the hotel.

How to reach: The Maharana Pratap Airport connects to all major Indian cities and is about 20 km away from Udaipur.

Book Your Stay at Fateh Garg, Udaipur

Read More: Revealed: The Most Romantic Stays in Udaipur

Nak-Sel Boutique Resort, Paro

The Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel and Spa in Paro is a pristine holiday destination in Bhutan and makes for a great weekend getaway idea. Located about 8 km from the main town of Paro in Ngoba Village, this eco-friendly hotel offers the finest of modern services such as underfloor heating systems, solar panels and water heaters.

From your rooms, you will enjoy magnificent views of the Sangachoekhor Monastery, Mount Jumolhari, Taktsang Monastery and the Tsendona valley. To make your stay more exciting, head for the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or visit the ancient fortress of Drugyel Dzong. There are plenty of local hikes that you can take in Paro to observe the valley town’s local culture.

How to reach: The Paro Airport is about 7 km away from the main city and there are four flights from New Delhi to Paro every week.

Book Your Stay at Nak-Sel Boutique Resort

Khyber Resort and Spa, Gulmarg

Khyber-Gulmarg

The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa in Gulmarg is counted among the most unique places to stay for an experiential holiday. Located about 65 km from the Srinagar airport and a few minutes’ walk from one of the world’s highest ski lifts – the Gulmarg Gondola, this resort offers the best picturesque views of Gulmarg.

The rooms are from walnut timber and decorated with traditional Kashmiri carpets give you the essence of a luxurious Kashmiri lifestyle. Relish the traditional multi-course Kashmiri meal, locally called Wazwan, as you enjoy the splendid views of the snowclad mountains surrounding the resort.

The list of things to do is endless in this experiential holiday in Gulmarg. Trek to Khilanmarg Valley, known for its spring flowers; enjoy trout fishing; take ATV rides or enjoy horse riding in summer and head out for skiing on the Kongdoori Mountain during winter.

How to reach: The Srinagar International Airport is about 56 km away from Gulmarg and is connected to all the major cities in India.

Book Your Stay at The Khyber Himalayan Resort

Travancore Heritage, Kovalam

The Travancore Heritage is one of the unique places to stay in Kovalam. Located in the south of Kovalam, this unusual hotel is built in the architectural style of the Tharavadu tradition of Kerala. With serene views of the beaches and coconut palm trees, you can enjoy traditional local cuisine and various kinds of seafood at the ‘ocean-grill’ beach restaurant.

This unusual hotel in Kovalam keeps the ancient traditions of Ayurveda alive through its Anandam Therapeutic Centre. This centre also hosts tours to the herbal gardens nearby.

Enjoy buying antiques in the shops around the hotel or head to the ancient Padmanabhapuram Palace for a dose of history. You also get to enjoy cultural performances and traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, among others.

How to reach: The Trivandrum International Airport is 15 km from Kovalam and is connected to all the major cities in the country.

Book Your Stay at Travancore Heritage

So, there you have it. Pick any of these unique retreats for a perfect experiential holiday on your next weekend trip away. If you want more weekend holiday ideas, just visit the MakeMyTrip website!