Best for Beach & Spa
With a coastline that skirts the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, there are few places that rival the Indian subcontinent for the ultimate beach escape. With a glittering collection of world class beach and spa resorts to its name, the region is just perfect for some R&R under the shade of a leafy palm. We’ve handpicked our favourite destinations where you can do just that, so whether it’s on the south coast of Sri Lanka or the untouched beaches of the Andamans, there’s nowhere better to kick off your flip flops on the sun soaked shores of the Indian subcontinent.
Hailed one of the world’s finest spa and wellness retreats, Ananda is a one of a kind hotel. Located in the birthplace of yoga, Rishikesh, it is wonderfully situated in the heartland of a rejuvenation for mind, body and soul. Whether a stay is combined with a cultural tour of India, or simply by itself, you are bound to return feeling wholly relaxed and refreshed. With bespoke treatments, nutrition plans and personalised programmes, every stay is tailored to each individual guest to ensure that the experience is as beneficial and sustainable as possible.
With new flight links from Calcutta, Delhi and Chennai, the Andaman Islands have been put well and truly on the map. With the opening of Jalakara and the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa Andaman Islands, the cluster of idyllic islands is set to be one of the hottest destinations of 2018. Boasting world class snorkelling, diving on its kaleidoscopic reefs and barefoot luxury on an unparalleled level, the Andaman Islands are an unrivalled spot for a real beach escape.
Cape Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s premier beach resorts. Located on its south coast, a 30 minute drive from Galle, the resort is well established as one of the most exclusive places to stay in the country. With the option of in-room spa facilities, you can indulge in the ultimate pampering experience; a massage on the veranda of your private villa without having to leave the comfort of your room.
Only an hour’s drive from Kathmandu, Dwarikas Dhulikhel is a charming resort which proudly maintains an authentic Nepali feel which is entrenched into its design and its spectacular setting. One of the biggest draws of the resort is the onsite Pancha Kosha Himalayan Spa where treatments fuse Ayurveda techniques, Buddhist practice and local knowledge for the ultimate spa experience. This is the perfect place to stop and recharge after a trekking holiday in the hills.
Kerala is renowned for its deliciously laid back pace of life. Life in the backwaters is exquisitely relaxed yet nowhere is more so than at the Neeleshwar Hermitage resort. With a fantastic Ayurvedic spa, brilliant yoga practice spaces and a gorgeous swimming pool overlooking the beach, the Neeleshwar Hermitage is the ultimate place to unwind and recuperate from a busy India itinerary.
The Oberoi Sukhvilas is a luxury spa resort with elegant Rajput and Mughal architecture, enveloped in 8,000 acres of the Siswan Forest Range in New Chandigarh in the foothills of the outer Himalayas. Guests can unwind wandering through the beautiful gardens, relax by the outdoor pool overlooking the forest and be pampered with indulgent spa treatments. There are also special programmes including Ayurveda, relaxation, wellness and weight management programmes.
Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated wellness resort, situated in the emerald Hill Country an hour from Kandy. It's a boutique resort with just 16 bedroom suites, which are set on stilts. The spa includes thermal salt bath, steam room, sauna and several treatment rooms overlooking beautiful terraced paddy fields. The yoga pavilion and 24m infinity pool are great for keeping fit during your stay, and there are local hiking trails too.