Your Guide To India’s 10 Most Unique Hotel Pools
From opulent palace hotels to sequestered coastal getaways – the sheer variety in India’s hospitality offerings is at an all time high. Most of these come with gorgeous pools in every shape and size, designed in line with the properties’ visual language. Some are lined with glittering decorative tiles that celebrate the idea of living like royalty. Others are minimalist and expansive; they allow the view to do the talking. Here’s our roundup of the most unique hotel pools in India –
#1 Ananda In The Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Ananda – In The Himalayas is a luxe spa resort situated at the Himalayan foothills that aims to provide a holistic wellness experience through not only the proximity to the mountains and the river, but through the ancient processes and philosophies of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta combined with contemporary international therapies which enhance and augment the original. Perched on the side of a hill that slopes down to the valley, flanked by natural forest on one side and the property’s exquisite spa on the other, the aquamarine pool is a sprawling oasis that promises an immersive nature experience.
#2 Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
One of Jodhpur’s most regal hotels, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage that inspires with exotic views of the old city, vast sand dunes, and the grand Mehrangarh Fort. The hotel’s subterranean Zodiac Pool area features cool blue walls that serve as an homage to the iconic Blue City.
#3 Brij Lakshman Sagar, Pali
Brij Lakshman Sagar comes with 12 independent cottages and takes inspiration from the local lifestyle of rural Rajasthan. Its stunning rock-cut swimming pool has been hand-carved and sits on top of a rock hill that overlooks a man-made catchment. This particular pool is embedded in a massive boulder neither ridged in shape nor its flooring.
#4 City Palace (Airbnb), Jaipur
In line with today’s tourism sensibilities that prioritize unique narratives over conventional ideas of luxury, the titular Maharajah of Jaipur, Padmanabh Singh has collaborated with Airbnb and opened his family home, the City Palace of Jaipur to tourists. The breathtaking Gudliya Suite now bookable through the Airbnb website comes with its own lounge, kitchen, luxurious bathroom, and private swimming pool. Right out of a Wes Anderson film, saturated peach hues take over this minimalist interior. A ‘pool’ by today’s standards, the space was originally inspired by Turkish baths, seeing as pools weren’t a concept in Jaipur in the 1700s.
#5 The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
Situated amidst the picturesque Himalayas, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg provides an unforgettable experience, with stunning views from all across. Within the resort’s Wellness Block lies a state of the art gym with the latest equipment, separate steam and sauna chambers for men and women and an impressive heated indoor pool offering dramatic views of the mountain ranges, and a dramatic contrast to the icy environs.
#6 Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Originally built in 1835, the iconic Rambagh Palace offers 78 restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. A regal indoor pool carries forward the Rambagh ethos.
#7 Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
The former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall is a luxury hotel in Shimla that exudes the ambience of a grand stately home; with a welcoming lounge, opulent accommodation, a snooker and billiards room, and a well stocked library. The hotel’s temperature controlled indoor swimming pool comes with beautiful mountain views, as does the outdoor deck with an al fresco infinity whirlpool.
#8 Suryagarh, Jaisalmer
Suryagarh in Jaisalmer represents a unique way of life, carefully preserving the traditions of the past yet framing them in a modern idiom. The covered indoor pool at Suryagarh Jaisalmer called Neel takes inspiration from the vivid blue of the native peacocks, and the bygone age of leisurely indulgence.
Also Read : The Newly Minted Kimpton Kitalay Samui Revels In Its Picturesque Oceanfront Setting
#9 The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is spread over 1,21,406 square meters of luxuriant gardens, with an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that reflect the layout of Udaipur itself; whose seven lakes are linked by canals. The property boasts two temperature controlled pools with Mughal inspired design features. In an interview with Design Pataki, architect Bill Bensley says, “The traditional black and white marble floors of the Udaipur Palace influenced my pool design for The Oberoi Udaivilas, and Mewari architecture was a clear influence in my Udaivilas gardens.”
#10 The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Inspired by Mughal palace designs; with fountains, terraced lawns, reflection pools and pavilions, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers unrestricted views of Taj Mahal from all rooms and suites. In an interview with Design Pataki, architect Bill Bensley says, “My gardens at The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra had to be a reflection of traditional Mughal gardens where water was abundant and moved freely throughout. I am particularly happy with the way many gardens bowed to the great Taj Mahal.” The temperature-controlled pool, too, takes inspiration from Mughal architecture.
