India is the world's second most populous nation, and with all those people is bound to come some beautiful, extravagant and perfectly executed businesses. Some of these are in information technology, an area where India is rapidly establishing itself as a market leader. Some of these are in outsourced customer service -well-trained staff and minimal accents are giving these call centers a newfound reputation for excellence.
One of the newest ways in which India is establishing itself as a global market leader is in its luxury hotels and resorts -some of the best in Asia, which you can often stay at for a fraction of the price of the same luxury in Europe or America.
The Oberoi Group led the way for India in creating a reputation for the best luxury Asian holidays. The company was established in 1934, and now manages 33 different hotels and luxury cruise liners in India and four other countries. It has been noted that prior to the last decade, many of the best hotels India had to offer had unpolished service staff, second or even third rate amenities like towels, and a characteristic musty smell -a legacy of the cities in which they are found.
The Oberoi group has concentrated their efforts on building and acquiring new luxury hotels in India over the last decade, and the result has been a surge in the market generally, led by this one pioneering company. They now offer spas, leisure hotels, business focused hotels, cruises, and beautiful surrounds and elegant perfection of service at all of their locations.
The Taj Hotel group is another chain of hotels making a name for themselves as purveyors of perfection in Indian accommodation and luxury hotels. They own Umaid Bhawan Palace, a hotel where you can stay in the same building as the royal family of Jodhpur. Many celebrities also take advantage of this fact, including Kate Winslet, Arun Nayar, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Hurley and Elton John. The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel in Mumbai was one of the very few luxury hotels in India prior to the last decade -built more than a hundred years ago. They now have 57 hotels in 40 locations across India, and are growing rapidly.
You'll also now find gems of luxury hotels in India such as the Shangri-La New Delhi resort. The Shangri-La brand has made an impression on the world's psyche as a major player in the Asian luxury hotel market, and the New Delhi Shangri-La lives up to expectations. Shangri-La splits their focus effectively between business and leisure travelers, recognizing that executive guests crave luxury just as leisure guests do.
One of the factors in the rise of the luxury hotel in India has been the global marketplace -most of the guests at these extravagant resorts are international travelers, taking advantage of the fact that the exchange rates with their own currencies often provides them better facilities than they could experience at home for the same price.
Rajasthan and Mumbai are the places you will likely be looking at if you want to take a luxury rest in India. These forward thinking cities, with their high population concentrations, have the potential, human traffic and resources for creating more luxurious facilities. There is plenty to do and see around Rajasthan and Mumbai, which adds to the attraction of the areas for affluent travelers.
A little research will quickly uncover why India is fast becoming known for more than tandoori chicken - and how you can make a holiday in India one of luxury and opulence.
For the ultimate island getaway, travelers are flocking to Phuket, Thailand and enjoying its white sand beaches, azure waters, and tropical mountains. Although the central western coast of the island attracts the majority of visitors, those who seek the finest Phuket luxury hotels and five star resorts head further south, to the pristine, unspoiled beaches of Nai Harn and the Prompthep Cape. Known for its glorious sunsets and the purity of its waters, the area caters to those who seek sophistication, opulence, and exclusivity.
Finding Exquisite Beach Hotels
In Phuket, luxury beach hotels are in a class by themselves. But to get that extra measure of service, it's best to choose from among five star hotels that have no more than 110 rooms. With a hotel that size, you'll have access to the finest services and amenities, but your needs won't get lost in the crowd.
In fact, personalization should be key at the resort you choose. You should, for example, be greeted by name at the airport and upon checking in. Your room should be set with every one of your preferences in mind, from the temperature of the room to the flowers, from the lighting to the choice of pillows, and from the scent to the movie selections. You should have a personal butler who will unpack, press, and hang your clothing, and who will stock your complimentary mini bar with your favorite beverages.
Look for accommodations where every guest room and suite faces the water, and where each has a large terrace and sun bed. To get the maximum enjoyment of Phuket's natural beauty, find a five star luxury hotel where the public buildings, spa buildings, and swimming pools are designed to blend in with their surroundings.
Savoring the Experience
After you settle in at your Phuket luxury hotel, you should be sure to savor all of the experiences the resort has to offer. Unwind at the spa with an aromatherapy massage and body wrap, or rejuvenate with a body scrub and footbath.
The natural beauty of Phuket is meant to be enjoyed, so take advantage of the resort's amenities, such as canoes, windsurfing boards, snorkeling gear, and beachside umbrellas. Enjoy a set at the hotel's tennis courts, and then be whisked away on a private schooner to delight in the sapphire waters of the Andaman Sea.
Meetings and Special Events
Phuket luxury hotels provide the perfect backdrop for destination meetings and special events. The serenity of the island's nature beauty belies the efficiency and service that luxury business hotels provide to business travelers and those attending corporate retreats.
With the ever-increasing popularity of destination weddings, Phuket five star resorts are ideal settings for the most romantic of ceremonies and receptions. Whether the betrothed wish to get married overlooking the pool, on a private beach, or even on a private schooner, luxury beach hotels will accommodate their wishes.
Whether you're looking for the perfect island getaway or a gorgeous backdrop for your next corporate retreat, the accommodations and service at Phuket luxury hotels will exceed your wildest dreams.
Both Gregory Smyth & Chris Robertson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Gregory Smyth has sinced written about articles on various topics from Types of Cancer, Luxury Hotels and Family Travel. Hong Kong-based currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La ho. Gregory Smyth's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.