A Casto Travel Blog

Archive for the 'India' Category

Most Unique Hotels in the World: Part 2

Author: Clementine Briand
04.28.2008

Cave Hotels:

Elkep Evi Cave HotelElkep Evi, Cappadocia, Turkey: Ancient caves converted into a beautiful and unique hotel. The suites include private terraces that open to a spectacular view of the Goreme National Park.

Le Prince Noir, les Baux de Provence, France: This French Bed and Breakfast was Roman-area fortress carved out of mountainside. This exclusive lodging is located in one of the most fascinating villages in the south of France.

RainForest:

Safariland Treehouse ViewSafariland Treehouse Resort, India: This Resort consists of four three-houses built from local materials and bamboo all about five meters high. This resort is for the truly adventurous traveler looking for an eco-experience.

Canopy Tower Ecolodge, Panama City, Panama: Built to defend the Panama Canal by the US Air Force this tower is tucked away in the heart of the SoberanĀ­a National Park. Find yourself looking above the tree canopy, great for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, Manaus, Brazil: This hotel is made of four Kilometers of connecting walkways and lodges located deep the Amazon rainforest. Immerse yourself in the beauty of one of the most exceptional wildernesses of the world.

More of India’s Luxury Hotels

Author: Wendy Wayne
03.12.2008

Devi Garh, Delwara, UdaipurDevi Garh, Delwara, Udaipur. This boutique hotel was a former fort built in the 1700’s. This upscale hide a way is someplace where you would expect to find Brad & Angelina on holiday! Only 39 all suite rooms, all with a contemporary design and very private. Another out-of this world spa. This is modern India at it’s best. Send your young hip clients.

Amanbagh, Alwar. After all the intensity of traveling around Rajasthan, this is t-h-e place to ‘ relax & recharge’. It is a 2 hour drive from Jaipur, located in the hills, in a area that was favored by the Maharaja’s for hunting. Contemporary architecture, yet with a nod to the past. Amanbagh, AlwarSixteen pool pavilions are located on the perimeter of the property, all with lavish enormous baths & sitting areas. No TV! Courtyard & garden rooms are located in the two story structures on either side of the pool. All with sitting areas & lavish marble baths. Another world class spa with traditional & healing therapies. I had my first ever Indian head message. thought I had died & gone to Heaven!! Indoor & outdoor dining with Western & Indian cuisine. Many local activates can be booked from the hotel. We went on a jeep tour to the local village, which was one of the high lights of the trip. Your high end travelers will love this place.

India’s Luxury Hotels

Author: Wendy Wayne
03.11.2008

Imperial Hotel India-Guest RoomWe started in New Delhi with a two night stay at The Imperial Hotel. This simply is the b-e-s-t hotel in the heart of the city. Staff were most courteous & friendly. It has the British colonial feel, very elegant & understated. The lead in category of a Heritage room offers very spacious accommodations with king bed, sitting area and good size marble bath. The one bedroom suites in addition to the large living room offer a spacious dressing area off the marble bath room. There are a variety of additional amenities from butler service to in room massage. The Spice Route Restaurant in the hotel (Asian fustian) is one of the best in Delhi. A wonderful dinner.

Taj Palace New DelhiTaj Palace, New Delhi. Is a high rise contemporary hotel in the heart of Delhi. Decor was dated, sort of ’80’s feel. You will not find any jet setters there. Rooms were comfortable and this hotel could appeal to business travelers. Club level offers the usual amenities of breakfast & afternoon tea.

The Oberoi, New Delhi. Another high rise contemporary hotel located in the city center. The hotel was full so we were unable to see any rooms. Compared the the other Oberoi hotels, this was not as luxurious. If you have golfers they will like the location by the best course in all of Delhi. The spa is brand new and very luxurious. Overall my top hotel pick for Delhi would be The Imperial.

Oberoi UdaivalasNext stop Udaipur, a very popular honeymoon destination located by Lake Pichola . We stayed at the Oberoi Udaivalas, which was rated best hotel in Asia by from Conde Nast in 2007. Spectacular entry amid manicured gardens and acres of marble. This luxury resort recreates the ambiance of a royal residence. Only 87 rooms, all feature a sitting area, luxurious marble bath overlooking a private courtyard. The spa is simply fantastic! Two good restaurants with menus of both Continental & Indian cuisine.

Oberoi Rajvilas JaipurTaj Lake Palace, Udaipur. Does anyone remember the James Bond movie ‘ Otopussy’, well many scenes were filmed here. The hotel is a marble fantasy that sits in the middle of Lake Pichola. 84 rooms with some suites. This is classified as a ‘heritage’ hotel, which might appeal to a seasoned traveler.

Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur. This resort is truly an oasis set on 32 acres of beautiful gardens, pools & fountains. It is located about an half hour from the city center. Built in 1997 with a contemporary Rajasthani-style design there are deluxe rooms with four poster beds & marble baths. Also 14 deluxe air conditioned tents with lavish bathrooms, teak floors and marble bath. World class spa and dining. Travel & Leisure rated the Rajvilas the third best hotel in the world.

Oberoi Amarvilas, AgraOberoi Amarvilas, Agra. All 105 luxury rooms & suites have an uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal! Elegantly appointed interiors, all with marble bath & some with private terraces. Many recreational facilities including fitness center, heated pool and library. Another outstanding spa operated by Banyan Tree. Two restaurants, Esphalhan which serves Indian cuisine & Bellevnue offering both Western & Indian cuisine. Not to forget the lobby, bar & tea lounge all offer spectacular views of the Taj Mahal.