THE BEST OF INDIA'S SOULFUL STAYS

A whole range of boutique hotels are presenting a rooted side of India with unmatched charm and flair.

- SUMAN TARAFDAR

An erstwhile hunting lodge. A run-down mansion. A once grand palace. A warrior fort. Abandoned havelis. A planter's residence. Tents, treehouses, plantations... In a landscape dominated by cookie-cutter hotels, a distinctive breed of hospitality has quietly taken root-painstaking restorations, lovingly preserved traditions, with sustainability and local communities at the core. This new wave of boutique hotels in India offers something different-rooted, authentic, and so utterly charming, it's often heart-wrenching to leave.

While boutique hotels have existed for a while, they were few and far between. Of late, however, driven by rising traveller demand and passionate owners eager to celebrate their legacies, new outposts-some urban, most remote-are emerging. A growing preference for personalised, meaningful travel and deeper cultural immersion is fueling this trend. More travellers today actively seek stays that reflect local heritage and authenticity.

These hotels aren't easy to run-often isolated from supply chains, lacking trained staff, facing infrastructure hurdles, and carrying higher operational costs. Yet nearly every visitor is smitten-by the charm, the service, the thoughtfulness of every detail. Despite their typically high price tags, this segment is poised for steady growth, with a projected CAGR of 8.4% in India, according to Future Market Insights.

Defined by meticulous curation, these boutique propertiesoften with just a few keys-offer personalised service, cultural immersion, and rich experiences. From heritage and cuisine to wildlife and wellness, their styles may vary, but they all share a commitment to intimacy and excellence. SOH presents some of India's finest offerings. Let's see how many you can resist returning to-again and again.

ALILA FORT BISHANGARH Bishangarh, Rajasthan