Oberoir Wildflower Hall, Shimla

The Oberoi Wildflower Hall is a sight to behold from any angle: the prime location on a clifftop offers some incredible views of Shimla below. It used to be Lord Kitchener’s estate, and in the transformation process, the retreat has maintained both its grandeur and its regal character. Come to this part of the world for superior mountain trekking, hiking, cycling, and shopping, and come to the Oberoi Wildflower Hall for indulgence and relaxation once you’re done for the day.

Shimla was designated the Indian summer capital during the British Raj era, and since then it has flourished, particularly in the warmer months. The main street is bustling with visitors, mostly shopping and meeting around the Mall area. Winding alleyways form labyrinths full of boutiques and bazaars. At the Wildflower Hall, you can enjoy a spa treatment, spend some time in the pool, steam room and sauna, take a picnic in the cedar forests surrounding the hotel, or stroll down the Wild Strawberry Trail. Leave some time for contemplating the Greater Himalayas from the open-air whirlpool on the deck. Two restaurants and a bar adorned with Spanish marble create a great dining and drinking ambience.

There are 87 rooms and suites, all spectacular sporting views of the Himalayan ranges and the cedar forests. All rooms are furnished with Burmese teak flooring and king beds, and all bathrooms are luxury marble affairs. The Premier Mountain View rooms have particularly unforgettable mountain vistas, as the name suggests.

This is a place to come and indulge. It’s not meant for children younger than ten. As one of India’s finest hotels, it is better suited for couples or small groups accustomed to absolute luxury.