5 Special Winter Hotels That Are Destinations in Their Own Right

While planning a holiday, most travelers like to conduct a painstaking research of hotels that complement the destination they’re visiting. But what if it were the other way round?

There are some hotels in India, which are destinations by themselves. Heavy on the purse strings, these heavenly establishments are strewn across some of the most pristine, exquisite destinations in the country. Since winters are now upon us, how about finding out a little more about them?

Introducing 5 special winter hotels that are destinations in their own right. Brace yourselves, surreal experiences are coming.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa – Gulmarg

The cascading snow slopes of Gulmarg make a fine setting for the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa. Offering enviable vistas of Mount Affarwat, the alpine lodge is a short walk away from the Gondola station that leads you to the very edge of Gulmarg. With 80 rooms upholstered with Kashmiri carpets, teak floors, and all the trappings to make its guests feel cozy during their winter escapade, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is truly a world-class resort. Along with its superior room furnishings, the resort also hosts a ski shop, amphitheatre, on-site dining restaurant, an exquisitely landscaped garden, and retail outlets if you want your shopping to be done close to base.

Book Your Stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort and SpaBook Your Stay at Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa

Ananda in the Himalayas – Rishikesh

Not for nothing is Rishikesh known as a hotspot for health tourism. Every year, thousands of visitors flock its grounds to get natural cures for their ailments. Amongst the havens that throng the valley is Ananda in the Himalayas, a giant establishment stretching across 24,000 square feet. A spa and resort, Ananda in the Himalayas overlooks the majestic Ganga River and offers a wide range of European, Asian, and Ayurvedic spa therapies for its guests. From anti-ageing and weight loss to destressing and detoxification, there are a number of programs for guests to avail here. If you’re looking for rejuvenation by other means, the resort also offers classes and workshops in Reiki, healing crystals, Satyanand Yoga, Hopi ear candling, Chakradhara and meditation. 

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Read more: How to Spend 24 Hours in Rishikesh

Savoy Hotel - Ooty

One of the oldest hotels in Ooty, the Savoy Hotel is a luxury property that boasts exclusivity in every suite, and across all services. Spread across six landscaped acres, the four-star property offers 40 rooms and six suites for its guests, replete with quaint fireplaces, satellite TVs, mini-bar, and personal safety compartments. Along with offering colonial 19^th century cottages, the Savoy Hotel stays true to its English lineage by offering an old English-style pub, tea lounge, and a traditional dining area. There’s even a fitness centre and an Ayurvedic spa centre to keep up with your daily regime. Adventure enthusiasts can avail of the travel desk, which offers golfing, fishing, bird-watching, trekking, and jungle safaris on request.

Book Your Stay at Savoy Hotel, OotyBook Your Stay at Savoy Hotel, Ooty

The Spa at Wildflower Hall – Shimla

Nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills, The Spa at Wildflower Hall makes the most of its serene environs by offering a rejuvenating stay experience for its guests. Offering a variety of comforting experiences, from aromatherapy and specialty baths to thermal mud wraps and a range of massages, The Spa at Wildflower Hall provides a large array of rejuvenation. Guests can indulge in various different therapeutic treatments, meditation yoga classes, couples’ massages and even take a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool.

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Read more: 5 Hotels in Shimla for a Hill Station High

The Elgin Hotel - Darjeeling

A heritage site in its own right, the Elgin Hotel in Darjeeling is a 125-year-old establishment that once belonged to the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. Now a luxury hotel set a few short steps from the Mall Road in Darjeeling, The Elgin Hotel offers 25 deluxe suites that come with their own fireplaces for the most exclusive guests in the hill station. With exquisite dining rooms, bars, tea lounges and cafes, along with outdoor gazebos and garden spaces from which to enjoy the vistas of Darjeeling, The Elgin Hotel evokes an atmosphere of luxury entwined with romance. For families, The Elgin Hotel provides a well-stocked library, children’s activity centre and a games’ rooms for recreational purposes.

Book Your Stay at Elgin Hotel, DarjeelingBook Your Stay at Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling

So, these are some of the luxury hotels across India that make winters come alive for holidaymakers. Which one of these would you rather visit?