Taj

Built in the 19th century as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries, the Faluknama was once one of India's finest palaces; today, it is one of the country's most luxurious hotels. Local artifacts, Italian marble, and fixtures & fittings from around the globe make the Taj Faluknama a fascinating attraction in and of itself. Its sixty rooms and suites combine contemporary amenities, such as high-speed internet access, in-room safes, plush beds, and DVD players, with classic design features including hardwood floors and colorful, hand-painted walls. The Royal Presidential Suite, the most luxurious of these rooms, even has its own private swimming pool. The Taj’s culinary options include Adaa, which serves slow cooked, traditional Hyderabadi cuisine such as biryani, or rice slow-cooked with meat, vegetables, spices, and saffron; Celeste, an Italian and Mediterranean eatery that is open all day; Jade Verandah, a breakfast only venue; and a hookah lounge and a poolside bar. Amenities include a spa, pool, library and billiards room, as well as an in-house historian who will walk guests through the property's fascinating history.

A luxurious safari lodge, Baghvan is located at the edge of Pench National Park, situated next to a stream and surrounded by forest. The lodge is approximately 90 minutes' drive from Nagpur Airport. The lodge consists of 12 contemporary-style bungalows with large courtyards, private shaded sit-outs, an outdoor shower and a romantic rooftop sleep-out on a private machan, or jungle platform. The machan is protected with a mosquito net, refreshed with an overhead fan and comes with a hookah. In the summer months, a traditional Khus screen is sprinkled with water, which cools the breeze wafting in and scents it with a lovely fragrance. Fine Indian cuisine is served on your private veranda or on the poolside deck. There is also a bar & library, as well as in-room spa treatments.

Located on the banks of the Banjaar River, the Taj Banjaar Tola sits within the confines of Kanha National Park. The resort comprises 18 tented suites with private decks, glass doors, elegant, understated furniture, locally-produced fabrics, and plush beds. Dining options at the Banjaar Tola center mainly around fresh, locally-sourced foods prepared in a variety of Indian regional cuisines, from cheese, mint, and onion-stuffed kathi rolls to thalis, assorted, small dishes. Like other safari lodges, the Banjaar Tola offers guests the option to eat while on safari, or to dine outdoors, by the pool, or in the privacy of their own rooms. Amenities at Banjaar Tola include a spa, performances by tribal dancers, a private viewing deck, and a swimming pool. The lodge lies a scenic, five-and-a-half-hour drive from Nagpur Airport, four hours from both Jabalpur Airport and Rajpur Airport.

Located on the southwest coast of Goa overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Mediterranean-style Taj Exotica is arguably one of the best five-star hotels in Goa. Set amidst fifty-six acres of lush gardens, the Taj Exotica features a sun-drenched atrium, wide, shady corridors, and flower-lined patios. Its rooms and villas draw inspiration from Portuguese aesthetics and Indian design, and all offer plush beds, separate bathrooms and shower units, flat-screen televisions, electronic safes, and views of either the garden or the sea. Dining options include Alegria, a Goan restaurant serving fresh seafood and Portuguese wines; Eugenia, which serves a mix of Indian and southeast Asian fare; Li Bai, a Chinese restaurant named for a renowned poet; and Miguel Arcanjo, an eatery that faces the Arabian Sea, and serves dishes from a number of Mediterranean cuisines. Amenities include a spa, a pool, and various sporting facilities, including tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. The Taj Exotica lies forty-five minutes from Goa International Airport.

Known for its attentive service, the exclusive Taj Exotica Resort and Spa is a private island retreat situated on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Each of the 64 luxurious suites features air-conditioning, LCD televisions and satellite channels, plunge pools, personalized butlers, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean. Dining options range from 24 Degrees, an eatery set on the beach and specifically intended for sunset views; The Deep End, a restaurant inspired by world cuisines and featuring game, seafood, and organically sourced produce; and, of course, private dining in villas and on the beach. Amenities include an on-site fitness center and gymnasium, located over the waters of the lagoon. Activities in the area encompass diving and snorkeling the myriad reefs, sea kayaking, helicopter tours, big game fishing, waterskiing, and windsurfing. The Taj Exotica is 15 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport.