THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, HIMALAYAS

This new hotel near Rishikesh is set to become a family favourite.

-  Smitha Menon.

In Rishikesh, the holy town on the banks of the Ganga, there is an immutable rhythm of life. As the sun rises-its golden light turning tree tops into disco balls that catch and throw dazzling colourstemple goers, white-water rafters and yogis rise, humming with the energy they derive from the mighty river.

I gaze upon its shimmering surface from my perch at a private villa overlooking the valley at The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, a new 141-key property on the Shivalik Hills. Concentric circles, inspired by drops of water and tree rings, run through 12 acres of the hotel that offers guests a range of accommodation options from balcony rooms to garden suites and private villas. Each room, with a modern, earthy aesthetic, is kitted out with Westin's signature bath and bed programmes as well as private balconies with arguably the best views in town.