Media Coverage - Our Hospitality reviewed by the Experts

Whether you are dreaming up a royal-themed wedding, a beachside one or an intimate one in the hills, these resorts in India offer the most gorgeous settings and even assistance for wedding planning

Architect Anil Badan of Studio B is a specialist in hotel design. He talks about the challenges the architects and designers face with the advent of a new breed of hotel developers with no idea or background of hospitality.

Mountains and hilly regions are the most popular destinations for building hotels and resorts. With the advantage of harnessing the idea of panoramic views of landscapes, hotels often seek to offer unique designs and experiences to the guests.

Often called the ‘Jewel in India’s Crown’, Kashmir is on everyone’s bucket list. Stunning scenic beauty, plenty of history and unique culture, exciting experiences, some seriously good food and shopping make sure that a typical Kashmir itinerary ticks all the boxes for a wonderful holiday and then some!

Mist filling up the valleys, snow peppering oak-covered slopes and clouds kissing your window—sometimes a good mountain view is all it takes to turn a vacation around. Whether your city-weary soul wishes to escape to the green Nilgiris or the imposing Himalayas, the landscapes of India have ample beauty to feed your soul. Here are 38 hotels and homestays with the best mountain views.

A morning swim in the temperature-controlled indoor pool is the perfect way to energise your body and mind here. Depending on the season, the towering coniferous trees outside will either be bright green or flecked with pristine white snow.

When on vacation, the smallest early morning ritual or activity could make or break your trip. From curated morning hikes and floating vegetable markets at dawn to soothing dips in a pool with a view, here are the best ways to wake up at these hotels in Asia.

Kashmir was crying out for an eatery that could be called the finest restaurant in the Valley, and at last Brawa at The Khyber, Gulmarg, fits the bill. A modern casual restaurant with no hint of the bistro about it, despite the very visible pizza oven in the glassed-in kitchen.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed a surge in demand this summer, unlike anything it has seen in its over a decade of operation.

Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa is a charming property spread over a pine valley. All the 85 rooms come studded with breathtaking views of snow-capped Affarwat peaks. There’s also a sheesha lounge and a heated swimming pool to while away the hours. The piece de resistance here is the spa by L’OCCITANE with stunning vistas from all its treatment rooms.

For an experience unlike any other, how about a round at the world’s highest 18-hole golf course? It’s just a 10-minute walk (and a ride on the famous gondola ski lift) from Gulmarg’s first five-star luxury hotel – situated at an elevation of 2,690 meters. This is truly playing in the clouds with stunning views over the Pir Panjal range and the snowcapped Affarwat peaks of the Himalayas.

A world away from the ordinary  Traverse the valleys of Kashmir to ski on one of Asia’s most sought-after slopes, and trek through lush forests and snow-laden valleys. At The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Simaran Kaur and Harman Singha are taking you on A Heady Affair amidst the plush paradise and fine cuisine of Gulmarg. 

Closer home, luxury properties in India that risk an adverse impact from the brisk threats of global warming on ski and winter tourism are taking baby steps to contribute to the solution. For instance, the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa encourages its guests to walk rather than drive, to save water and plant a tree.

Get enchanted by Heaven in Heaven. Located just 5 minutes from Gondola. The Khyber is one of the best luxury resorts in Gulmarg, Srinagar. If you are looking to ski in India, this is undoubtedly the top destination with Asia’s finest slopes. It has the world’s highest ski lift and the shoulder of Mount Affarwat, which at 13,780 feet is the highest ski point in the Himalayas.

Set up and away from the world at 8,825 feet above sea level, in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa provides majestic views of the Affarwat Peak. Spread over seven acres and surrounded by a thick coniferous forest, the 85-room resort, built in the traditional Kashmiri style of architecture, comprises plush interiors and offers a fine spread of cuisine.

FAVOURITE INDIAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL Winner: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg

When it comes to staying options in Gulmarg, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa should be on the top of your list if you’re looking for luxury in the lap of nature, with the world’s highest golf course. Another option is The Highlands Park – a boutique and heritage property located in the center of Gulmarg, boasting some of the best views of the Apharwat range, with easy access to the Gulmarg Gondola and the Gulmarg Golf Club.

Experience panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges from this luxury resort in Gulmarg designed to please your senses. One of the most beautiful hotels in India, it is spread over 29,000 square meters of a sylvan coniferous forest and has the exquisite The Khyber Spa by L’Occitaine which offers indulgent treatments, especially curated from the eastern and eastern parts of the world.

Experience panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges from this luxury resort in Gulmarg designed to please your senses. One of the most beautiful hotels in India, it is spread over 29,000 square meters of a sylvan coniferous forest and has the exquisite The Khyber Spa by L’Occitaine which offers indulgent treatments, especially curated from the eastern and eastern parts of the world.

A quintessential part of the Kashmiri wazwan, tabakmaaz is a dish of lamb ribs that are first simmered and then deep fried. At Cloves, executive chef Satya Prakash Mishra serves the dish as part of the Kashmiri wazwaan and as an independent appetiser. When you sink your teeth in, you will be greeted with the deliciously crisp exterior and soft, subtly-spiced meat under. Website.

Revive the beauty of nature as you connect with yourself amidst the breathtaking view of Gulmarg. The Khyber, adorned with Kashmiri culture and craft awaits as you enter into a world of traditional luxury. Explore the heaven in heaven with TravelDine.

Since its launch in December 2012, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg, has won several accolades and appreciation for its impeccable service, warm hospitality, and facilities at par with international standards. This magnificent resort is truly a fantasy, straight out of a postcard, as the drama of the shifting seasons plays out here all year long.

Set in the very romantic destination, Gulmarg in Kashmir, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa will leave you awestruck with its romantic settings and its beauty. It is counted among the most well-known romantic mountain retreats in India. Spread over a huge seven acre, the property is all about natural beauty, modern convenience and best-in-class experiences.

The demand for one resort in Gulmarg has been robust with over 90% average occupancy. Vinit Chhabra, general manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg said, “We have started April on a very positive note with such a strong average occupancy."

Promising a unique experience, the luxury resort is surrounded by a coniferous forest and offers a spectacular view of the Pir Panjal mountain range in the Himalayas. Constructed in the traditional Kashmiri style, the Khyber resort has 85 rooms that have state-of-the-art climate control features along with architecture that promotes the local Basholi art.

Bring alive your childhood fairy-tale dream of living in the hills at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa. Head to the Chaikash Patio at sundown for a private couple’s dinner set against the sprawling pine forests. If you want to make it even more special, consult with the chefs to curate a menu to your liking. khyberhotels.com

Nestled in the Himalayas, more than 8,000 feet above sea level, The Khyber Spa by L’Occitane is a world-class international spa that offers a fusion of Indian and Mediterranean well-being. Choose from a repertoire of signature treatments specially crafted with home-grown seasonal flora combined with L’Occitane products from Provence and pure water from Himalayan springs.

Imagine a heated swimming pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass beyond which you can see incredible panoramic views of the Affarwat peaks. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg makes this idyllic scene a reality. Whether you go for a skiing holiday in winter or a trekking vacay in summer, the pool offers the perfect place to recuperate and rejuvenate. The adjoining Khyber Spa by L’Occitane takes the pampering to another level with signature treatments from Provence fused with Himalayan water and seasonal flora.

The long weekend could well be called a mini summer vacation going by the rush for cooler climes. With a four-day break ahead, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand, hill stations of south, Panchgani, etc are attracting travellers for some relief from the heat. Popular trains to hill stations of Shimla and Kathgodam have a waiting list of over 200. Resorts like Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla, and Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, Gulmarg, are booked to full capacity.

If you have been longing for a relaxed and rejuvenating vacation amid mountains, the Khyber resort in Gulmarg, Kashmir, is a good bet. The property is prized for its gorgeous enclosed infinity pool, from where guests can enjoy some magical views of the snow-covered mountains. This little paradise on earth promises postcard-perfect views that are bound to take your breath away!

A paradise within a paradise, the Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa takes the Kashmiri experience to a whole new level. You are surrounded by meadows and forests, wrapped by the clear air of Gulmarg. You can choose between rooms and cottages, and enjoy superlative dining experiences at its in-house restaurants.

If the Covid-19 situation remains under control, it may not hurt much, said Vinit Chhabra, general manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. Post September, the property has seen a growth of 50% in business. Besides, the bookings in the current quarter have jumped by more than 50% in comparison to the quarter gone by.

Pristine pine trees, freshly powdered slopes and snow-capped mountains! That’s your view from the heated swimming pool of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. 8,825 feet above the sea level in the Pir Panjal range of the majestic Himalayas, the hotel is surrounded by 7 acres of forest & greenery. As you get cozy in the pool, enjoy the views of snow-covered Affarwat peaks of the Himalayas.

Situated in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, The Khyber resort, with its 85 rooms has one of the highest ski lifts, the Gulmarg Gondola, which is only minutes away from the resort’s porch. The Gondola takes you to the Kongdoori mountain, on the shoulder of Mount Apharwat- the highest ski point in the Himalayas at 13,780 feet. Moreover, the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering provides certified instructors, quality equipment and apparel needed for you to ski down the slopes of one of Asia’s best ski destinations.

Besides being close enough to powdery slopes to qualify as a ski in-ski out resort, the Khyber’s indoor heated pool with its giant glass windows is a hit with bachelorette parties. Then there is the L’Occitane spa to enjoy some après ski pampering. Try the Revitalizing Aromachologie massage that combines Swedish and Balinese massage techniques with rosemary, pine and mint essential oils to cure fatigue.