Recommend February 2012 - (Page 38)

INDIA DOES LUXE continued from page A8 TOURING IN STYLE Quite a few luxury operators offer stays at some of India’s ﬁnest. Artisans of Leisure’s (800-214-8144; artisansoﬂeisure.com) 16-day India in Style visits quite a few of the properties mentioned above, with indepth visits in New Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Highlights include safaris for possible tiger spotting, rickshaw rides around Old Delhi and elephant rides to view the surroundings from a different vantage point, with plenty of time to explore bazaars and palaces. Cox & Kings’ (800-999-1758; coxandkingsusa.com) India & Beyond program is generous in exclusive experiences, including 10 days of top-tier travel aboard the Maharajas’ Express luxury train, where opulent cabins and royal dining are the norm. With the Classical India option, travelers enjoy daily guided tours to landmarks such as the Agra Fort, the temple city of Khajuraho and the holy city of Varanasi, resuming their train journey in the evenings. On board, panoramic windows allow them to admire day-to-day life in their surroundings as they enjoy luxurious amenities and service. Private travel with local guides is a common choice with Abercrombie & Kent (888-611-4711; abercrombiekent.com), but its array of signature journeys are just as fulﬁlling. Treasures of Northern India–Pushkar Fair indulges travelers in all matters of luxury experiences, including a private cruise along the Ganges and Lake Pichola, a rare visit to the Maharana’s Crystal Gallery in Udaipur and nothing but the best accommodations, of course. But it also offers an in-depth visit to the annual Pushkar Fair, a livestock and camel sale in the state of Rajasthan that draws tens of thousands with eclectic competitions, exhibitions, live music and more. BEYOND THE HOTEL WALLS Adventurous types will ﬁnd no shortage of exciting yet luxurious alternatives for a different type of stay. The unique houseboats or kettuvallams that traverse the backwaters of Kerala, for instance, come with full bedrooms and dining areas, with meals prepared by an onboard staff. Posh jungle lodges replete with creature comforts are &Beyond’s (andbeyondindia.com) calling card. With four jungle lodges in Central India, &Beyond takes full advantage of tiger reserves and area parks. Lodge guests can ﬁnd everything—depending on their choice of lodge or tented camp—from rooftop platforms that let them safely sleep outdoors to yoga amenities to enjoy en-suite. For example, Pashan Garh Panna Wilderness Lodge, ensconced in jungle and located a few minutes away from Panna National Park, features stone cottages with leather furniture and private verandahs. Amanresorts (800-477-9180; amanresorts.com), also well known in luxury circles, has brought three outstanding properties to India, in New Delhi, Rajasthan and on the outskirts of Ranthambore National Park. The latter, Aman-i-Khas, consists of 10 luxury air-conditioned tents, a “spa tent” and excursions that allow guests to see tigers and other wildlife in their natural habitat. TAJ UDAIPUR A10 february 2012 recommend.com http://www.artisansofleisure.com http://www.coxandkingsusa.com http://www.andbeyondindia.com http://www.abercrombiekent.com http://www.amanresorts.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2012

Editor's Notes/Agent Speak
Hotel Desk: The Lodge at Woodloch
Tour Talk: Swain Tours
Celebrity Silhouette
Savoring the Zulu Kingdom
The Falkland Islands-Nature's Last Stand
Asia
One Bal Harbour, Florida
Las Vegas Spa Retreats
Beaver Creek Lodge, Colorado
Bliss Springs Eternal at Esperanza
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
Time to "Czech" Out Moravia
Caribbean Uber-Luxe

Recommend February 2012