Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort
Shimla

Sitting at 8,250 feet above sea level, Wildflower Hall in the Himalayas is an elegant mountain retreat offering sweeping views of cedar-clad valleys, snow-dusted peaks and crisp mountain skies. Just a 45-minute drive from Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, this grand hotel sits in serene isolation and feels a world away from the frenetic energy India is so often known for.

Built on the location of the former residence of Indian Viceroy, Lord Kitchener, this luxurious hotel is set amidst 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and forest cover. From its vantage point on top of a knoll, it looks out onto a magnificent vista of rugged mountains, snowy peaks and thick forests. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and many have fireplaces. The stunning indoor pool opens onto a large conservatory and terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi and is complemented by a state-of-the-art spa.

Rebuilt by the Oberoi Group after a fire destroyed the original structure, the current incarnation of Wildflower Hall captures a bygone colonial charm with the quiet confidence of a luxury retreat. Interiors are tasteful and atmospheric: polished wood floors, high ceilings and warm tones are complemented by rich carpets and fine antiques. Rooms are elegant and snug, designed to cocoon guests in warmth, particularly welcome after a day in the brisk mountain air.

The hotel is particularly well suited to those looking to disconnect and recalibrate. Nature walks, yoga sessions and guided treks can be arranged directly from the property, while the award-winning Oberoi Spa offers holistic treatments using traditional Ayurvedic techniques. The indoor pool, set beneath grand archways, opens out to a sun-drenched terrace with outdoor Jacuzzi and views that stretch endlessly across the Himalayas.

Dining is an intimate affair. The restaurant offers Indian and international cuisine, often served alfresco on the terrace when weather allows, and always with those mountain views. Evenings are best rounded off in the drawing room by the fire, with a book or a whiskey in hand.

Whether you visit in summer, when the grounds bloom with rhododendrons and birdsong, or in winter, when the landscape transforms under a blanket of snow, Wildflower Hall offers an atmospheric base for experiencing the magic of the Himalayas; steeped in history and wrapped in modern comfort.

Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb