This Diwali, India’s most beautiful retreats open their doors to a season of light, abundance, and renewal. Each destination tells its own story: of heritage, indulgence, and quiet magic where the air hums with warmth and the glow of diyas lingers long after the night ends. Royal palaces wrapped in marigolds to forest sanctuaries alive with birdsong, these escapes invite you to celebrate not just the festival, but the feeling of being deeply, exquisitely alive. From the tranquil lakeside vistas of Udaipur to the majestic Aravallis, the timeless elegance of Jaipur’s palaces to the serene Himalayan foothills, these escapes are more than getaways; they are immersive journeys that celebrate light, togetherness, and the art of festive living.
Raffles Udaipur
Cradled on a private island in the serene waters of Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur turns Diwali into an experience of tranquil opulence. As dawn breaks, sunlight dances on the lake’s surface while guests begin their day with yoga on dew-laced lawns, followed by champagne breakfasts and bespoke lake excursions.
Come evening, lanterns flicker along the promenade, and intimate dinners unfold under a canopy of stars, each moment steeped in Raffles’ legendary butler service. The resort becomes a sanctuary where every gesture feels personal, every celebration imbued with the kind of stillness that only true luxury can hold.
ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram
Spread across 290 acres of Aravalli serenity, ITC Grand Bharat embodies the grandeur of a bygone India. This Diwali, the palatial retreat transforms into a haven of luminous rituals and gourmet abundance. Courtyards shimmer with diyas, thalis gleam with heritage recipes reimagined by master chefs, and the spa becomes a sanctuary of slow, sensorial renewal.
Guests are greeted with ITC’s signature generosity — a complimentary meal, a symbolic gesture of sharing and gratitude. Here, the festival becomes a journey inward, celebrating not only prosperity but the art of mindful indulgence. The offer can be availed from 17th to 21st October 2025.
Raffles Jaipur
In the heart of the Pink City, Raffles Jaipur celebrates Diwali as a symphony of light and legacy. The palace glows in gold and rose, echoing the grandeur of Rajasthan’s regal past. Guests are welcomed with traditional aartis and marigold garlands before being swept into days filled with champagne high teas, diya-painting sessions, and evenings of live classical music.
Each space, from the courtyards to the Raffles Treasure Trunk boutique, tells a story of craftsmanship and memory. It’s not merely a stay; it’s a living celebration of heritage where modern indulgence meets the poetry of the old world.
The Oberoi Sukhvilas, New Chandigarh
At the edge of the Siswan Forest, The Oberoi Sukhvilas celebrates Diwali in harmony with nature. Every pathway glows with oil lamps, every suite opens to a garden scented with night-blooming jasmine. Days are spent in rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies or forest walks, evenings lit by moonlight and soft music.
At Kaanan, the resort’s signature restaurant, chefs craft Punjabi feasts that tell stories of soil and spice. This is Diwali in its purest form — rooted, reverent, and radiant, where the soul quiets and light feels like a presence rather than a spectacle.
Relais & Châteaux Suján The Serai, Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert, The Serai unfolds like a mirage of gold and silence. Set across 100 private acres, this Relais & Châteaux retreat transforms Diwali into a quiet symphony of desert dreams. Guests stay in tented suites with plunge pools, sip cocktails as the sun melts into dunes, and dine under a velvet sky scattered with stars. The air hums with Manganiyar melodies, fires crackle, and the night feels infinite. Here, Diwali is stripped of noise and excess; it’s raw, radiant, and profoundly spiritual.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Overlooking the eternal Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is Diwali seen through the lens of romance. As dusk falls, the monument blushes in pastel light while guests dine on terraces adorned with candles and rose petals.
Each suite frames the Taj like a painting, each meal a meditation in refinement. With curated experiences, from Mughal-inspired spa rituals to private moonlit dinners, the hotel invites you to rediscover the timeless allure of love and beauty. Here, Diwali isn’t just celebrated; it’s felt — softly, deeply, like a heartbeat echoing against marble walls.
Fairmont Jaipur
As Jaipur glows in festive splendour, Fairmont Jaipur invites guests to celebrate The Fairmont Jaipur Way — where heritage meets contemporary elegance. From October 17th to 23rd, the palace transforms into a world of light and joy, featuring royal welcomes with folk musicians and nagada drummers, a festive carnival, and the spectacular Grand Illumination.
Thoughtfully curated details, from artisanal in-suite hampers to the signature Fairmont Treasure Trunk filled with mithai, teas, and keepsakes — make every stay a radiant ode to togetherness, luxury, and Diwali’s timeless spirit.
Sangam Farms, Bhilwara
At Sangam Farms, Diwali is a return to the earth — slow, soulful, and sustainable. Surrounded by fields and trees strung with fairy lights, this eco-luxury retreat celebrates the joy of simplicity. Farm-to-table feasts at SOL, crafted cocktails under starlit skies, and royal tented suites designed with local artistry bring together luxury and authenticity. Every detail, from the handwoven linens to organic produce, reflects a deep respect for the land. This is the kind of festive indulgence that nourishes both the heart and the planet.
InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road
For the modern aesthete, InterContinental Jaipur Tonk Road redefines festive elegance with an urban glow. Set amidst the city’s evolving skyline, the hotel’s architecture blends contemporary lines with regal undertones, evoking the new spirit of Jaipur — bold, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish. Guests can spend mornings by the pool, afternoons in chic cafés, and evenings indulging in global cuisines beneath crystal chandeliers. This Diwali, the InterContinental becomes a cosmopolitan stage for celebration, where luxury is polished, personal, and filled with golden light. Our favourite? A spa appointment at Tattva, followed by dinner at House of Han.
Taj Aravali Resort & Spa, Udaipur
Set against the sculpted arcs of the Aravalli Hills, Taj Aravali is where modern design meets soulful celebration. Each of its 176 rooms and villas exudes understated grandeur, while equestrian-inspired interiors tell stories of Udaipur’s noble heritage.
This Diwali, guests are invited to explore indulgence in all forms — cinematic nights under the stars, wellness rituals at Jiva Spa, and dining experiences at Javitri and Ridgeview that blur the line between art and appetite. The mood is one of effortless elegance; festive yet serene, radiant yet calm.
Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa by Araiya, Haridwar
Where the Ganges meets the wild, Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa reimagines Diwali as a celebration of nature and spirit. Guests are invited to light diyas beneath ancient trees, join in aarti ceremonies by the river, and share intimate dinners with family beneath an open sky. High teas, artisanal keepsakes, and a 25% bonus voucher for future stays add to the warmth of the experience. It’s a festive homecoming — an ode to light that feels both divine and deeply human.
Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur
A palace reborn for the modern era, Sawai Man Mahal stands as a living ode to Rajputana grace. During Diwali, its marble courtyards shimmer under thousands of diyas, the air filled with the scent of sandalwood and the sound of shehnai.
Guests can dine at La Mesa, unwind at 1835 bar with rare malts, or simply wander through corridors lined with books and heirlooms. The hotel’s grandeur feels timeless yet intimate — the perfect close to a journey through India’s most luminous escapes.
The Leela Palace Bengaluru
This festive season, step into The Leela Palace Bengaluru, where every corner glows with the splendour of Southern heritage and timeless luxury. Sprawled across 7.5 acres of lush gardens and tranquil lagoons, this palatial retreat is an ode to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Palace’s majestic Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian architecture, paired with The Leela’s signature hospitality, creates an experience steeped in opulence. Guests can indulge in globally inspired breakfasts, chef-curated festive dinners, and sacred aarti evenings that bring light and meaning to every celebration. With handcrafted Indian mithai, a festive hamper from Signatures by The Leela, and an exclusive INR 2,000 credit towards signature offerings, each stay is a symphony of indulgence and warmth until October 25, 2025.
Images: Brands respectively
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