Unique Stays in India: A Guide to the Country’s Best-Kept Secrets

Tired of staying in the same boring hotels and resorts that all blur into one another? If your idea of travel involves more than just ticking boxes off an itinerary, it’s time to rethink how and where you stay. Across India, there’s a new wave of private unique stays reshaping the landscape of leisure. These are not just places to sleep; they’re spaces that immerse you in design, nature, and a sense of belonging.

From wooden cottages in Himachal to glamping in the hills of Mussoorie, Japanese-style villas in Maharashtra to soulful homestays in Karnataka, these one-of-a-kind retreats stand apart. They offer the kind of privacy and character you rarely find in standard resorts. Thoughtfully designed and exceptionally located, each one is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and live well, whether you’re with family, friends or simply seeking solitude.

Why These Unique Stays Are Worth Booking

• Handpicked Locations Away from the Crowds: From apple orchards in Himachal to the peaceful forests of Mulshi and heritage lanes of Mysore, these homes are set in destinations that feel exclusive, yet accessible.
• Privacy Meets Personality: These aren’t mass-market resorts. You’ll find intimate settings, thoughtful layouts, and spaces that feel like they were made just for you.
• Immersive Local Experiences: Whether it’s jam-making in Himachal, forest bathing in Mulshi, or dining on regional cuisine in Mussoorie, every stay includes a layer of local flavor.
• Luxury Without Excess: Think indulgence done right, private pools, jacuzzi, curated art, scenic decks, not loud, but refined.
• Slow Living Built-In: With nature-facing decks, hammocks under trees, open-air lounges, and space to breathe, these stays encourage you to pause and truly unwind.
• Versatile for Every Occasion: From corporate retreats and milestone celebrations to solo resets and family holidays, these homes shape-shift to suit your moment.

Nirvana Dhar, Rajgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Hidden in the quiet folds of Rajgarh in Himachal Pradesh, Nirvana Dhar offers an experience that goes far beyond the usual mountain getaway. Spread across four acres of lush Himalayan terrain, this cluster of cottages offers sweeping views of snow-capped peaks that appear like clockwork each season. It’s not just the location that makes this property remarkable, it’s the way it allows nature and design to exist in harmony.

Each cottage is built with sustainability in mind, featuring reclaimed wood, stone textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that draw the outdoors in. On-site, there’s an amphitheatre ideal for stargazing or evening gatherings, adventure zones designed for team-building, and endless walking trails for those who like their mornings crisp and silent. A visit to the nearby Bhuira Jam Factory, where you can try your hand at jam-making, adds a touch of wholesome nostalgia to the stay. Whether you’re planning a corporate offsite or a family gathering, Nirvana Dhar brings community and calm into the same breath.

Kyuka-Kizuna, Mulshi, Maharashtra

Mulshi is where Pune locals escape for weekend bliss and Kyuka-Kizuna is where they can  go when they want to do it in style. This Japanese-inspired cocoon-style retreat channels a calm, collected energy, with minimalistic interiors, zen gardens, and floor-to-ceiling glass that blurs the line between inside and out. Yet, its comforts are distinctly indulgent: a private jacuzzi with forest views, a gazebo perfect for cocktails, and open lawns ideal for celebrations.

The stay includes a fully equipped kitchen, entertainment zones with board games, and plenty of lounging spots to soak in the mountain air. From open-air theater nights and curated workshops to hikes and picnics, the experiences here are crafted for unforgettable memories. This unique stay is pet-friendly and party-ready, yet equally suited for wellness retreats or family holidays.  Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a milestone moment, Kyuka-Kizuna makes the everyday feel sacred.

Everest Base Camp, Mussoorie

Just a short trail away from the iconic Sir George Everest’s House, this glamping site offers an experience you’ll be hard-pressed to replicate. Everest Base Camp features seven luxury tents that blend Himalayan minimalism with well-appointed comfort, think warm wood interiors, luxe linen, and the kind of mountain views that look better in person than on any postcard.

The space is anchored by an open-air lounge and a café that serves signature dishes like slow-cooked pahadi mutton and flaky Himalayan trout. It’s a place where you wake up with the sun and wrap up your day by the bonfire. Pet-friendly and popular among photographers, this unique stay also doubles up as a favourite pre-wedding shoot location. Add in nearby treks and heritage trails, and you’ve got a stay that’s equal parts aesthetic and adventurous.

Kabins, Lonavala, Maharashtra

There are villas in Lonavala, and then there’s Kabins, a modern, architecturally bold stay that’s equal parts luxurious and laid-back. Designed for people who like their vacations with a side of aesthetic pleasure, this property is all sharp lines, open glass, and sweeping views of the Sahyadri hills. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on the cozy: think soft lighting, warm wood finishes, and oversized sofas that you’ll never want to leave.

Outdoors, there’s a private  infinity pool, expansive lawn, and a setting sun that casts gold over the entire valley. Indoors, you’ll find a full kitchen, board games, sound systems, and curated nooks that invite everything from lazy brunches to impromptu karaoke nights. It’s perfect unique stay for family reunions, couples’ retreats, or that long overdue friends’ weekend away.

Atmaveda, Mysore, Karnataka

Set on the banks of the Cauvery River and  in the cultural capital of Karnataka, Atmaveda lives up to its name, by offering a unique stay that feels emotionally grounding and spatially serene. This isn’t your typical city home. Surrounded by verdant gardens and crafted with rich wood and natural stone, the space balances traditional Mysorean elegance with modern design.

A private pool, home theatre, open dining spaces, and elegantly styled bedrooms make the home equally suitable for restful escapes or lively celebrations. The interiors carry subtle references to Mysore’s royal past, ornamental arches, antique furniture, and curated local art. Located just a short drive from the city’s palaces, markets, and Chamundi Hills, it serves as the ideal base for both exploration and inner stillness.

Elevate the Way You Travel

In a world where travel often feels transactional, hotel rooms that look the same, itineraries that blend into one another,these unique stays in India offer something refreshingly different. They’re not just places to sleep, but destinations in themselves. Whether you’re waking up to misty Himalayan vistas in Rajgarh, sipping slow-brewed coffee under a starlit Mysore sky, or soaking in a Japanese-style jacuzzi in the hills of Mulshi, these homes shift the rhythm of your journey entirely. Each property explored brings a sense of place, culture, and intention, crafted not just for luxury, but for deeper connection. Connection to nature. To local heritage. To the people you’re travelling with. And most importantly, to yourself. These aren’t just holidays; they’re restorative experiences, thoughtfully curated to slow you down, ground you, and remind you of what it means to truly feel on vacation.

Let your next journey begin not with booking a room, but choosing a story. One that starts at check-in and lingers far beyond checkout.

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