Family - Family at Play

Dotted along Sinquerim beach’s waterfront are idyllic cottages that, were it not for the sight of liveried staff, you’d mistake for a pastoral Portuguese settlement. If the resort at Fort Aguada celebrates Goan heritage, this 25-year old Taj property is a tribute to the beach destination’s unhurried bonhomie.

Stretched across the Sinquerim and Calangute beaches, the resort is an hour’s drive away from the airport.

The newly renovated Holiday Village has six dining options, not including the seasonal Moon Deck. The Banyan Tree serves Thai cuisine under the canopy of a 300-year old banyan tree. The Beach House serves Goan specialities in a charmingly amiable atmosphere while Caravela serves Mediterranean and North Indian cuisine on an open deck overlooking the sea. Jungle Jam is a jungle-themed children’s restaurant that serves kiddie favourites. Those who favour a stiff drink instead can head to Drift, the island bar or The Pool Bar — a sunken bar with seating inside the pool. Sport enthusiasts can head to the cricket nets, the tennis courts, go on an excursion or enjoy a lazy swim. For leisure seekers, there’s the ayurvedic centre and The Jiva Spa.

The resort accommodates 142 villas — Cottage Garden View with Balcony, Cottage Garden View with Sit-out, Cottage Sea View, Villa Garden View, Villa Sea View and Luxury Villa Sunset View. Each cottage has the air of a tranquil Portuguese home, albeit with a few decadent touches.

Few resorts can claim to have captured the essence of Goa as effectively as the Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada, located as it is on the eponymous heritage landmark. The resort is built on the ramparts of a 16th century Portuguese fortress, letting its guests experience both luxury and history.

The fort stretches along the Sinquerim and Calangute beach, and is an hour’s drive from the airport.

The resort’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisine including (but naturally) seafood specialities. Latitude serves a multi-cultural feast while Il Camino specialises in Italian cuisine. At Morisco you can dine on exquisite seafood preparations while taking in the view of the Candolim-Calangute beach, while SFX is for those who fancy a drink in a casual setting. It’s not just gourmets who are attended to here, the hotel has a health centre, an ayurveda centre and the Jiva Spa. Sport enthusiasts can enjoy everything from swimming to squash and bowling. The more adventurous can indulge in activities like rappelling, a Tyrolean traverse or an exploration of the fort.

The resort offers 145 rooms including Superior Garden View Rooms, Superior Sea View Rooms, Cottage Garden View Rooms and Terrace Suites. The décor blends stylish furniture with exotic native touches.

This hotel effortlessly blends Goa’s laid-back, breezy atmosphere with zeitgeist-compatible energy. With earthy hues and calm, clean-cut interiors, it is a sanctuary for the weary traveller at the heart of the busy city that is Panaji.

The hotel is 100 m from the Mandovi river promenade at Kala Academy, 28 km from the Dabolim airport.

There’s no dearth of interesting dining options here. Enjoy a brunch at the sunny Latitude at the atrium, a pan-Asian dinner at the swanky Tamari or nibble on the delectable offerings of Caramel, the deli. Tease, the bar is perfect for a great night out; special guests have access to Rhythm — The Lounge located at the upper atrium. For a relaxing day, visit the Jiva Spa, swim at the rooftop pool or just take in the views at the rooftop observation point.

The hotel’s accommodation facilities comprise 170 rooms and suites, including the 97 sq. m. Nirvana — The Presidential Suite. The décor strikes a balance between unsurpassed comfort and minimalistic design. Each room has a day-bed by the window and some, a balcony or sit out.

In a city that was once ruled by Maharajahs, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British; the Vivanta by Taj at Malabar is a tribute to all four cultures and a testimony to Cochin’s ethnic versatility. The hotel blends Victorian décor and European inspired architecture with the charm of the backwaters.

Located on Willingdon Island, the hotel is a 50-minute drive from Kochi (Cochin) International Airport and an hour and a half away from Kumarakom’s backwaters.

The hotel’s dining options include: The Rice Boat which serves speciality seafood; Thai Pavilion, Taj’s signature Thai restaurant; Mattancherry Bar, the lobby lounge; Pepper, an all-day diner with a view of the backwaters; and the open-air Dolphin’s Point (seasonal), known for its barbequed and grilled offerings. Taj Malabar has all the trappings of a relaxing luxury retreat — Jiva Spa with its signature treatments; Cinnamon Coast, the luxury yacht; backwater and sunset cruises; and an infinity pool. The hotel also organises excursions to Cochin’s landmarks: the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, the Dutch Palace, Fort Cochin, the Jewish Synagogue, to name but a few.

The hotel has 96 rooms including Tower Wing rooms, Heritage Wing rooms and suites. The design and décor of each room is a blend of the classic and the contemporary. While the influence of both European and Indian styles are evident, it is understated, giving the rooms an air of comfortable diversity that typifies the city.

Overlooking Rajasthan’s Golden City is the 12th century fort that is now The Gateway Hotel. It still retains its medieval allure, and even the royals of old wouldn’t find fault with the decadent comforts it offers.

The hotel is located at Jaisalmer which enjoys good railway connectivity. The nearest airport is at Jodhpur, approximately four hours away.

When it comes to recreation, the hotel offers everything from the requisite spa and swimming pool to the more locally unique — folk dance performances and camel safaris. The Dining Room serves all the international favourites, but for a true Rajasthani experience, try the local preparations. The signature dishes include laal maas, bajri ki sogra and dal bati churma.

The guest accommodations comprise 31 rooms including well-appointed Standard Rooms and the charmingly rustic Deluxe Tents. The tents, with their private verandahs are ideal for romantic getaways. The rooms on the other hand, are ideal for those seeking a quiet interlude.

Global delicacies are served in halls that have hosted centuries of royalty. Opulent rooms boast both antique furniture and contemporary comforts. And the large outdoor pool could have been a part of the original garden plan. At the Jai Mahal Palace you will find that plush modern amenities and Indo-Saracenic grandeur exist in serene harmony.

The palace is very close to the city’s centre; a convenient distance from most of Jaipur’s famous monuments.

This 1745 A.D. palace holds several gourmet restaurants within its ancient walls — Cinnamon the Pan-Asian restaurant; The Marble Arch that serves elaborate multi-cuisine fare amidst ancient architecture; Giardino, the Italian restaurant; Marigold, the generously stocked bar; The Palace Tea Lounge; and The Terrace where one may enjoy a snack while watching a Rajasthani folk art performance. The hotel also offers a swimming pool, croquet, spa treatments, mini golf, tennis and badminton. For those seeking activities that have a more local flavour, the hotel organises mehndi application, nature walks, and a game of chess on a gigantic chess board.

The living arrangements comprise 100 rooms that include 84 Luxury Rooms (17 of which have private sit-outs), 10 Deluxe Rooms and six Suites. All are equipped with modern requisites like coffee makers, wi-fi connectivity and mini bars in an ambience reminiscent of Rajasthani royalty.

Marwar-style architecture, domes inspired by the Moghul era and an azure pool bordered by trees. One of Rajasthan’s more modern palaces, Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal imperceptibly blends traditional grandeur with contemporary finesse.

The palace is located in Jodhpur’s main residential area; very close to the city centre. The hotel is 3.5 km from the railway station and about 4 km away from the airport.

When it comes to dining experiences, this hotel is without peer. With Marwar, the coffee shop; Good Earth, the Chinese restaurant, the inviting hotel bar, and the seasonal restaurants — The Courtyard that serves Mediterranean fare and Barbeque – known for its grills and kebabs. Apart from these, the hotel also organises theme dinners at exotic locations, such as the Sand Dunes Dinner Experience and Village Safari Meals. The facilities and activities include everything from croquet and cricket for the athletic; yoga and a Jacuzzi for those who want to unwind; and folk dance routines and puppet shows for the culturally inclined.

The hotel has 93 rooms comprising 48 Superior Garden Rooms, 42 Superior Pool Rooms and three Executive Suites. The rooms are furnished with ethnic décor and interconnecting rooms are available on request. Each of the princely suites have a living room and a bedroom that leads to a jharokha — a traditional Rajashthani balcony, that looks over the pool.

Luxury with a view. Colombo’s premier hotel is a restful haven, offering decadent comfort and thoughtful services.

In Sri Lanka’s capital city, on the south west of the island, is where you will find the Taj Samudra. The hotel is situated close to the centre of the city, near the museums, restaurants and shopping galleries.

The Golden Dragon for Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines, The Lobby Lounge for high tea, Navratna for Indian cuisine, San Domingo for cigars, Steak & Grill House, Ports and The Mix Bar are the restaurants and bars here. The hotel also houses a beauty salon, a swimming pool, fitness centre, sports facilities and a shopping arcade; and offers its guests babysitting services.

Guests have a choice of 300 spacious rooms, including 30 suites and three business floors, several of which overlook the peaceful waters of the Arabian Sea.

In a quiet corner of a coffee district lies a meticulously restored colonial structure that is now The Gateway Hotel. Serene and endlessly promising.

Located on KM Road, the hotel is 35 km from Kadur railway station and 156 km from Mangalore Airport. Bangalore is 260 km away.

The hotel offers an impressive list of facilities for recreation. If you need to unwind, head to the Ayurvedic Massage Centre or to the pool for a leisurely swim. If it’s sports you prefer, there’s volleyball, table tennis, or more relaxed games like snooker, shuffleboard and chess. For children, there are magic shows and a kids’ tree house. The hotel also arranges treks to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka and visits to coffee plantations. The hotel’s restaurant, the jauntily named Peaberry, is designed on the lines of a traditional Malanadu home. While the restaurant serves international and North Indian cuisine, it is the local favourites it is known for; these include chicken kalathagiri, uppali lamb masala, soppu saaru, asiyale and akki roti. The Mukwada Bar provides drinks and entertainment in a room decorated by mukwada (masks).

The hotel offers 101 Standard Rooms that offer a view of either the pool or the garden. It’s 300 sq. ft. of understated luxury. Each of the 19 Deluxe Cottages come with a large foyer and a private balcony overlooking the mountains.

Blue-tinged mountains that give the Nilgiris its name. Swirling mist that drifts past the landscape. Vast stretches of tea estates. Even against this awe-inspiring scenery, the colonial grandeur of The Gateway Hotel holds its own.

The hotel is five minutes from Lower Coonoor’s city centre and 80 km from Coimbatore’s airport and railway station.

The pleasant climate of the Nilgiris adds to the pleasure of every activity the hotel offers, be it badminton or cycling or something more relaxing like a browse through the library or a session at the Ayurveda Centre. The eateries include the convivial Hampton Bar and the inviting Dining Hall that offers a view of the mountains.

The hotel has 32 rooms comprising Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites. The rooms are tastefully appointed and offer excellent views. Some rooms have private patios facing the lawn and all but the Standard Rooms have a separate sitting and dressing area.

Built between 1834 and 1865, the cottages of the Savoy Hotel have a remarkably Victorian air. But rather than adopting a ‘pukka sahib’ attitude, it favours a warm, old-world charm.

The hotel is 2 km from Ooty’s railway station and the city centre. The airport and the nearest major railway station are at Coimbatore, 98 km away; a scenic three-hour drive by car. From Chennai, one could take the overnight train to Mettupalayam and then travel to Ooty in the toy train.

The hotel’s eateries cover everything required for an excellent dining experience. The Canterbury Bar is an English-style watering hole that serves fine liqueurs, spirits and cocktails. The Tea Lounge is an all-day lounge where you can enjoy an excellent cup of tea by the fireplace. The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as a pianist plays in the background. For the more athletically inclined, there’s basketball, badminton, bicycling and volleyball. The hotel also has an Ayurvedic Centre where the travel-weary may unwind. The hotel organises special activities like bharatnatyam recitals, yoga sessions and cooking classes on request.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are in charming cottages. The accommodation comprises 25 Superior Rooms, three of each, Deluxe Two Bedroom Suites and Deluxe Three Bedroom Suites and nine Standard Rooms. The spacious suites have quaint touches like intricately decorated fireplaces and writing desks. The rooms have private sitting areas and a view of the lawns; interconnecting rooms are available on request.

Overlooking the symbol that’s most evocative of the subcontinent is The Gateway Hotel, Agra. Its design and décor are inspired by Shah Jahan’s monument of love.

The Hotel is 12 km from the airport and 5 km from the station. It’s even closer to the Taj Mahal, a mere 3 km away.

It isn’t difficult to keep yourself entertained here. The athletic can cycle, swim, workout, and play a range of sports. If you’d rather take it easy, head to the spa, the beauty parlour or shop to your heart’s content. For children, there’s a special library and play area. For entertainment, there’s live music, magic shows and puppet shows. The hotel also organises a miscellaneous range of activities like tattooing, shooting and cooking classes. The dining options are just as varied. Aashiyaana is a stylish coffee shop. Jhankar, a charming eatery, serves Indian and Chinese. At Saqui you can sip on fine wines as various artistes perform. The hotel also arranges private dinners where you can enjoy a well prepared meal with the Taj Mahal for backdrop.

The hotel has 100 rooms including Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Executive Rooms and Executive Suites. Each of the rooms is well appointed, decorated in a blend of contemporary and Mughal design. And all but the Standard Rooms offer a view of the Taj Mahal. The Standard Rooms, furnished with marble and pietra dura, offer a view of the pool or the city.

In the most ancient inhabited city of the Indian peninsula lies The Gateway Hotel in all its colonial splendour. Perched atop the Pasumalai Hill, it overlooks the temples yet stays away from the din of the city.

Just 15 minutes from the city centre, the hotel is 15 km from the airport and 6 km from the railway station.

The hotel provides a list of recreational activities ranging from sessions at the Ayurveda Centre and a leisurely browse through a souvenir store, to more active pursuits like badminton and swimming. The hotel also arranges nature walks and palmists. Dining at the hotel is a relaxed affair. Onboard offers an excellent menu that specialises in barbeque. The View lives up to its name, overlooking the city’s temples and the Kodai Hills. At Harvey’s Lounge Bar you can enjoy a perfectly mixed drink and a game of billiards.

The hotel has 63 chalet-style rooms comprising the colonial Standard Rooms, the newly constructed Superior Rooms and the 400 sq. ft. Executive Rooms that overlook the temple city.