Who doesn’t love a chilled out holiday? Well, all of us do. Especially during the holiday season. Travel enthusiasts don’t need a reason anyway, as they are open to planning trips during anytime of the year. While luxury hotels, apartments or even a local stay usually tops a traveller’s list during the planning period (depending on one’s budget and preference), personally, we are huge fans of exquisite boutique hotels and resorts in India. 

Every state, city and village in the country has so much to offer. Be it tourist attractions, culture, food and crafts; there is something unique that state has to offer. Similarly, boutique hotels in these states also have a USP ranging from breathtaking views to luxurious rooms and delicious food. In this feature, we round up a list of our favourite boutique hotels and resorts in India. Get set to pack your bags already, fellas!

Tamara Resort, Coorg

Nestled amidst pristine valleys, spice estates and the gorgeous Western Ghats, Tamara Resort is perfect for those who are looking to unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With 44 luxury cottages and 8 suite cottages (the latter houses a private jacuzzi facing the Western Ghats), Tamara Resort makes for a luxurious getaway. The resort also offers exclusive Spa Therapies, leisure and recreation activities. One can also opt for a nature walk or the popular Rudraksha Trail The resort is surrounded by several valleys and waterfalls, which makes for a breathtaking view.

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Golkonda Resorts and Spa, Hyderabad

Housed in a princely guest house built in 1917 by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, the Golkonda Resorts and Spa offers luxurious facilities at a decent budget. Despite being in the heart of the financial centre and just a little off the expressway, one cannot escape the tranquil ambience of the resort. While Garden Villas come with balconies that provide a stunning view, our favourite has to be the spacious double storey Duplex Villa, that comes with a private lawn. Who else fancies a cuppa with your loved one, while watching the setting sun? For anyone whose middle name spells Luxury, go for the Pool Villa, that comes with an exclusive Pool and butler at your service all day. The resort also has an activity area, several dining options, and a spa - salon. Easily one of the best resorts in Hyderabad.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Acron Waterfront Resort, Goa

A luxury boutique resort (part of the renowned ITC group of hotels), Acron Waterfront Resort is a haven for lovers of luxury in Goa. Situated next to the Baga bridge, with the Baga beach on right and the beautiful, serene Baga river in front of the property, Acron Waterfront Resort is a 29 room boutique hotel with amenities that can give any luxury hotel a run for their money. Despite the fact that this property is located right in the middle of all the buzz and happening hot-spots, the moment you enter the resort, you are transported into a quiet and calm world. A secluded place of your own, complete with an infinity pool, spa, lounge and gym area and a restaurant by Cyrus Todiwala, that whips up lip smacking food.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Raas Haveli, Jodhpur

The perfect gateway for History Lovers. At Raas Haveli, Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel, the old world charm meets modern and contemporary times. The resort is housed in an 18th century Haveli, with three new additional buildings, where Jodhpur's red sand-stone unites the new with the old. The resort has 39 rooms, equipped with the best amenities, of which four are suites. What’s beautiful is the fact that almost every room in the hotel enjoys a spectacular view of the Mehrangarh Fort. Raas Haveli has two restaurants, catering to both Indian and International tastebuds.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

The Glasshouse on the Ganges, Rishikesh

Part of the popular Neemrana Hotels group, The Glasshouse on the Ganges is situated at a stunning location, where the river Ganga turns around and flows north towards its source. Those looking at relaxing in a peaceful environment, look no further. Set in a lychee and mango orchard of the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal, with a garden of tropical plants, full of rare birds and butterflies. What’s amazing about this resort is the fact that they have a sand beach of their own, unlike the other Rishikesh hotels. Adventurous folks can opt for activities ranging from river rafting, rock climbing, cliff jumping or a trek, while the ones looking for some serenity can indulge in a therapeutic massage at the Anand Kashi spa.

Best Time to Visit: End of September / Early October to mid-November. Later, from Mid-March to first week of May.

Have you been to any of these beautiful boutique hotels and resorts? If yes, let us know your experience in the comment box or join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar

Love,

The Dancebee

February has been a 'lovely' month. Apart from being the month of love and happiness, it gave us a surprise in the form of a fun and exclusive editorial shot for one of India's leading lifestyle magazines - New Woman. Keeping in mind the demand for easy make up tutorials for a special date, the amazing team at New Woman invited me to work on a step-by-step date look guide, for both day and night. It is perfect for those who want to go the minimal way and keep it simple yet chic for a special occasion. In this post, I will be decoding a special Valentine's Day date look, for a lunch date or day out with your loved one.

Step One: Spray a facial mist on your face to let the make-up stay longer. I prefer using the MAC FixIt+. Two light pumps are enough to keep your face hydrated.

Step Two: Start with the base. I have mixed two shades of Revlon Nearly Naked Liquid Foundation - Fresh Beige and Shell. Mix a small quantity of both the shades and with the help of a brush, spread it evenly all over your face. Ensure that your face looks even and natural (we don't need a cakey look).

Step Three: Time to conceal blemishes and those pesky dark circles. I prefer using the concealer after using the foundation (tip: it helps save a lot of your product). Mark those blemishes and areas that you want to conceal. Blend it well with a blending brush or sponge. I have used the L'Oreal True Match concealer.

Step Four: Use some pressed powder foundation to set the base, and to ensure that there is no trace of sweat or grime. I have used the MAC Studio Fix pressed powder. Ensure you use it well on the t-zone with the help of a powder brush. You can skip this step if you feel your base is perfect and doesn't need a final touch up.

Step Five: Pick an eyeshadow hue that matches your outfit well. I chose a maple shade from the Sleek Matte Eyeshadow palette and applied it with the help of a brush. It was blended well with a silvery white shade from the same palette. I use my index finger for blending. You can use a brush as well. Tap off any excess shadow.

Step Six: Use a liquid eyeliner and wing it in a unique way. Split the ends of your wing into two, creating a twig. I have used the Lakmé Absolute Gloss Artist in black. The tip of this liquid liner is perfect for experiments. You can keep the line thick or thin, according to your preference. Add a little eyeliner on the inner corner of the eyes to open them up and to prevent your eyes from looking too pale.

Step Seven: Work some mascara. I have used two swipes of my favourite - MAC Haute and Naughty Mascara, which comes in a dual-wiper system. I have used the defined brush here, to add a more natural look.

Step Eight: Use a brow pencil and fill your brows well. Likewise, you can also use an eyeshadow that matches the shade of your brow hair and fill them in.

Step Nine: For my lips, I chose Clinique Chubby Stick in Pudgy Peony, which is a nice fuchsia pink. You can add a tinge of red and blend the two colours as well. I prefer blending this shade with Lakme's Absolute Gloss Addict in Red Delight.

Step Ten: Use a blush that matches your skin type and complexion. I like both cream and powder based blushes, but for this look, I chose the Clinique Blushing Blush Powder Blush. With the help of a blush brush, apply it in an angular motion, blending from the apples of the cheeks towards the temples.

Step Eleven: Use an anti-frizz leave in on your hair to ensure there are no unwanted flyaways or frizz.  Set it with the help of a paddle brush and blow dry it gently, or you can choose to keep it natural. Leave your hair open and accessorise it with a chic hairband. 

And there you go! All set for a lunch date with your loved one (or even a fun day out with your girl friends). We are huge fans of chic dresses that add some drama to an otherwise quiet afternoon date. Let us know how you like the look and if you will be trying it out this V-day. And do check out the full tutorial in the February issue of New Woman Magazine.

Outfit Details

Dress - RuVya by Ruchika & Divya

Hairband, Set of Love Rings, Boxed sling bag - all: Accessorize

Peeptoe pumps - Steve Madden

MUA and Hair - Team Dancebee

Shot by: Siddhesh Savant

Featured in - New Woman Magazine (February Issue)

Original article by - Anisha Suvarna

Love,

The Dancebee