Checking out plunge pools in plush suites in five-star hotels across India
BY RUPALI DEAN
PRESIDENTIAL VILLAS, ITC GRAND BHARAT, GURUGRAM
Unhurried luxury at its best
The Presidential Villas at ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram, are a personification of India’s rich heritage, culture and history. Set amidst the ancient Aravalli Range, the Presidential Villas comprise of four magnificent villas – each drawing inspiration from the Mughal, Maratha, Chola and Maurya dynasties.
The villas offer luxuries including a sit-out patio in the master bedroom, an inbuilt steam and sauna, a state-of-the-art work station and a private deck with pool and Jacuzzi among others. Fit for royalty, every inch of the villas is vast and has been designed with guest’s utmost comfort in mind.
PLUNGE POOL VILLAS AT LEELA PALACE JAIPUR
Royal, opulent and contemporary luxury
The Plunge Pool Villas at Leela Palace Jaipur are inspired by Rajasthan’s stately architecture that depicts opulence and royalty. An open-plan layout featuring a large double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, four-fixture bathroom with a rain shower, a bathtub, separate seating area with a view of the private pool outside. In addition to all the other modern amenities and facilities this category also features Royal Palace Services which include complimentary breakfast at the restaurant or by the plunge pool, evening high tea and cultural show at Dharohar, sunset cocktail hours and royal butler services that takes care of all the guest requirements.
The Palace consists of 41 of these uber luxury villas offering temperature-controlled private plunge pool with Jacuzzi and a canopy day bed for you to relax in your own private outdoor space after having a dip in the pool. This accommodation is perfect for that romantic or family getaway.
SULTAN SUITE, THE LODHI, NEW DELHI
The epitome of royal grandeur
A definitive tribute to the glorious past of Delhi and the majestic sultans who ruled the capital, the Sultan Suite at The Lodhi, New Delhi offers the splendours of a regal ambience paired with every modern conceivable amenity and more. The 4,400 sq.ft of opulence connects two floors by a private elevator inside the suite. The expansive living space features magnificent gold-leafed walls, a grand upright piano and a state-of-the-art 86-inch TV. A six-seater dining area allows you to hold your soirées in style and the hotel’s master chefs can be summoned to create culinary gems in the suite’s fully-equipped kitchen.
The suite encompasses two luxuriant bedrooms and the master bedroom has its own study. What’s more, you have your very own fitness and wellness area, along with spacious walk-in closets, to complete the regalia. The private plunge pool and balcony presenting scenic views make it as grandiose a sultan’s perch as any from the ages past.
THE KOHINOOR PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, THE OBEROI GURGAON
Sprawling villa with calming views
The sprawling Kohinoor Presidential Suite on the top floor of The Oberoi Gurgaon commands sweeping views of the swimming pool and maze garden. Natural light flows through the master bedroom and adjoining twin room, the private dressing room, comfortable living and dining areas, private study and pantry. And for your relaxation, there is a heated outdoor pool and a terrace with views of the Gurugram skyline. Eclectic modern artworks abound adding a touch of class.
The living room includes a comfortable seating area furnished with sofas, chairs, a large coffee table and side tables. The study is designed to provide a relaxed and tranquil workspace. A sense of calm permeates the master bedroom furnished with a king-size bed. The tranquillity is accentuated by large windows that frame perspectives of the reflection pool and suffuse the space with warm natural light. The luxurious bathroom is finished in Botticino marble. It features a double vanity counter, a separate rain shower, separate water closet and a large free standing bathtub placed next to the window. A wall-mounted 17-inch LCD television is provided beside the bathtub.
PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT & SPA
Rejuvenating experience with a panoramic view of the Western Ghats
A 550 sq.m contemporary and well-appointed three-bedroom villa positioned at the uppermost point of Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, the Presidential Villa offers a panoramic view of the opulent Western Ghats. Relax on the secluded deck surrounded by nature or take a dip in the glorious private pool for a rejuvenating experience. The Presidential Villa features a kitchenette and a separate living area.
Explore the realms of mindfulness or adopt a new lifestyle with the resort’s Dharana Wellness Programmes. The comfort amenities include a separate bathtub and shower, balcony, 42-inch HDTV, flexible work environment and much more.
POOL VILLA, TREEHOUSE THE PUGMARK, RANTHAMBORE
Traditional offerings with modern amenities
Surrounded by nature and set over an area of 10 acres, The Treehouse Pugmark is located at the edge of Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan. With a mix of modern architecture and imaginative landscaping, it provides traditional offerings of a resort along with all modern services and amenities.
The luxury Pool Villa is a blend of modern architecture in a spacious landscape at one of the most popular resorts in Rajasthan. The treehouse offers an eco-friendly pool for you to kick back in. Soak your feet in, while enjoying marvellous views overlooking the Aravalli range right from your sunbed.
PANAGAD, KERALA
Breath-taking, luxurious backwater villa
976 Panangad is an extravagant, boutique backwater villa with all the four indulgent bedrooms looking out over the backwaters. Two of the four bedrooms have their secluded plunge pools as well! The villa also has a common swimming pool, lounge room and outdoor gardens. Authentic Kerala cuisine is served from a fully functional kitchen and guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking. Located on the edge of the backwaters, this quaint property is set in the midst of lush Balinese inspired gardens.
BOUTIQUE FARMHOUSE, DELHI-NCR
Poetry in bricks
This unique Airbnb farmhouse can best be described as ‘Poetry in Bricks’, and has been inspired by Laurie Baker design. The farmhouse is surrounded by huge lush lawns, exotic plants and trees amidst 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens. With large rooms around a central courtyard, a dining room that opens into a huge swimming pool and a gorgeous gazebo, one can choose to get away from hectic city life, and celebrate in the lap of nature.
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GOA, PANAJI
Luxuriously Goan living… reimagined
The Presidential Suite at Doubletree By Hilton Goa, Panaji, has a modern setting inspired by Goan elements that channel the essence of indulgence and opulence. The extravagant living in the suite is heightened with select and bespoke services to make every minute of the stay feel like royalty. But that’s not all. For relaxation, the expansive suite offers you your own private terrace with a jetted-tub as you take in the remarkable view of the Mandovi river from every corner of the suite.
An open-plan layout features a large double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, luxurious bathroom with a rain shower, separate seating, dining and work areas. During your stay, you can enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with a range of benefits including complimentary breakfast, evening light snacks, and soft beverages. This well-appointed accommodation is perfect for vacation guests looking for additional space and tranquillity.
JOE’S PENTHOUSE, NERUL, GOA
of stunning views, greenery and luxury
Overlooking beautiful paddy fields with lush green views and the Nerul river, Joe’s Penthouse in Goa has a sprawling bedroom with stunning views and a sleek and well-styled kitchen with modern fixtures. One of the key highlights of this penthouse is the gorgeous private plunge pool and a lovely and spacious terrace to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets of the Goan sky.
This 1,000 sq. ft luxury loft is environment-friendly and has been designed using locally sourced materials and textiles. Concrete, brick and steel are employed for an unfinished look that’s complemented by the many shades of grey, giving the loft a rustic warehouse-style feel. With its quaint location and tastefully done interiors, this penthouse on Airbnb is the ideal place for a luxurious romantic getaway.
