An unforgettable experience is the Halwai breakfast at Suryagarh, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. An option for the first meal of the day, it is based on traditional breakfasts of the region. It starts with nine platefuls of different mithais. It may sound a little excessive for the average human, but this smorgasbord is but a starter to the actual meal, which travels through pooris, kachoris, chaat, dal pakwan, mirchi vada, jalebi, pista milk… What brings it alive is the traditional cuisine of the region, no longer accessible as easily to the average tourist—right in the hotel.

Premium hotels now try to up the ante by offering unique cultural experiences. “These immersive experiences significantly enhance the hotel’s offerings by creating a distinctive blend of luxury and heritage,” points out Preeti Makhija, Hotel Manager, The Leela Palace New Delhi. “Our associations with prestigious culturally rich events such as the India Art Fair and Jaipur Literary Fest, adds to the hotel’s position as a hub for cultural sophistication, while our brand initiatives like Icons of India by The Leela and ceremonial rituals not only enrich the guest experience but also align with the hotel’s commitment to celebrating and preserving India’s heritage.”

Entire hotel brands are now centred around local experiences, such as Le Meridien, part of Marriott, which focuses on art and local revival across its hotels. Renaissance, also part of the Marriott empire, describes itself as “a hotel for the curious, the adventurous, and for those who see every journey as a chance to be inspired by the unexpected”. Accor’s second largest brand, Mercure, says all its hotels are “infused with a deep sense of local authenticity”. Multiple cultural touch points from the neighbourhood are referenced in the hotels.

A deeper dive into how these brands interpret and implement these connections is revealing. As a brand, JdV by Hyatt believes in creating hotels that are deeply connected to their neighbourhoods, where guests don’t just stay but feel the pulse of the locale. “At Ronil, this connection to Goa is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the hotel, offering an atmosphere that mirrors the laid-back charm and energy of the region. Inside, the essence of Goa greets you at every corner,” says Jagruti Sochar, Experience Manager at Ronil Goa. “From the vibrant décor that hints at the state’s Portuguese influences to the cheerful hospitality that feels like an embrace, Ronil embodies Goa’s easygoing lifestyle. The property’s two pools reflect this balance—one buzzing with energy, the other offering tranquillity for those who seek it. Culinary offerings carry the spirit of Goa, with flavours that range from nostalgic local favourites to the kind of comfort food you crave after a long day of exploring. Whether sipping a refreshing feni-based cocktail at Patrao’s or unwinding in the open-air spaces that invite you to linger a little longer, the hotel is designed to feel like a slice of Goa itself.”

What’s on offer

If you wish to delve into the soul of India and understand how people beyond your immediate social circle live, it may be more prudent for you to choose your hotel based on what experiences are on offer. Crucially, the offer is already extensive.

IHCL, and the Taj Hotels in particular, firmly believes that curating local experiences for guests isn’t merely an added benefit, it’s the soul of modern luxury travel, transforming an ordinary resort stay into an extraordinary narrative. At Taj Holiday Village in Goa, for instance, guests are invited to visit the local fish and vegetable markets to understand the native cuisine of Goa, which culminates into a Goa Gaud Saraswat Brahmin Thali experience at Morisco at Taj Fort Aguada. Or they could opt for guided tours to Fontainhas (Latin quarters of Goa) or the Aguad Central Jail. Or be part of bird-watching trips within the property!  Or take pottery classes, comprehending why food cooked in mud pots is far more delicious while deciphering the art and science behind it. Or even experience a Goan carnival within the hotel.

Explains Miglani, “For our resorts and SeleQtions properties, the allure lies in offering a tapestry of Goa’s essence—be it through immersive dining under a 300-year-old banyan tree, adrenaline-fuelled adventures at Fort Aguada, or indulgent ayurvedic therapies at J Wellness Circle, each experience amplifies Taj Group’s fundamental belief of showcasing the locale, not just a retreat from it. Guests, in turn, satiate a yearning for authenticity and savour the cultural nuances that make a destination unique like the Carnival parade.”

Similarly, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner, which has been renovated to be an ode to the last Maharaja of Bikaner, Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji, is a perfect blend of art deco elegance and Marwari heritage. You could choose to have culinary experiences such as the Marwari Thali, offering regional dishes like Aloo Ki Subzi, Hari Mirch Ka Maas, and Gwarfali, bringing the flavours of Bikaner to life using traditional ingredients. The Literally Literarily Lunch, where each dish is inspired by books the Maharaja might have read, adds an intellectual and historic twist to gastronomy. The Royal Exploration Trail takes guests through landmarks like Junagarh Fort, Rampuria Havelis, and Bhandasar Jain Temple, culminating in a culinary showcase of Marwari heritage at a grand merchant’s residence.

Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa's evening tea experience showcases a mythology-based puppet show, along with song and dance recital beautifully capturing the melancholy of the parched land. “The food and beverage offerings are greatly inspired by local habitat and much of the specials in the menu are made from locally sourced ingredients that ensure you soak in the culture and living traditions of the historic city, says General Manager Shiv Bose.

“These cultural offerings enhance the resort’s value proposition by creating deeper connections between guests and the destination,” says Bose. “Travellers today seek enchanting experiences that leave an indelible impression in their minds. To facilitate them in this endeavour, the resort has curated a travel brochure called ‘Jaisalmer & You’. This brochure lists all experiences of the magnificent city, ranging from visits to historic monuments, local shopping and dining at the sand dunes. Guests can choose from these experiences and plan an itinerary of their choice.”

Local immersive experiences are helping locals earn from traditions often endangered by the march of tech-led modern lives. The Earth at Ranthambore offers a night market experience to captivate guests with the magic of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage under a canopy of stars. “As night falls, the resort comes alive with the energy of traditional Rajasthani folk performances,” elaborates Managing Director Rohit Pareek. “The air hums with the rhythmic beats of dholaks and the soulful tunes of sarangi. Dancers dressed in vibrant, flowing ghagras and intricately embroidered costumes take centre stage, telling stories of Rajasthan's rich heritage. Each movement is a celebration of local traditions, from the joyous Ghoomar to the spirited Kalbelia dance. Nearby, a skilled magician captivates guests with mesmerising illusions, conjuring moments of surprise and wonder that leaves the audience in awe, adding a touch of enchantment to the night.”

Even popular ‘hill stations’ such as Mussoorie, where the mountains have dominated tourism, are branching out. “At The Fern Brentwood Resort, we take many initiatives in getting the guests to experience the local culture,” says Arindam C Bahel, General Manager of The Fern Brentwood Resort. “Our initiatives include food-centric festivals including ‘States on the Streets’, ‘Padharo Mhare Des’, a gastronomic passage to Rajasthan in the heart of Mussoorie, help connect our guests to traditional cuisines. Our goal is to offer guests a deep dive into India's diverse cultural heritage. These festivals are an open invitation to experience the storied culinary landscape of different states with a special focus on Uttarakhand, where every dish narrates a tale of tradition, flavour, and warmth.”

Luxury boutique property The Postcard Hideway Netravali stands in a secluded corner of Goa, surrounded by 20 acres of greenery, and a Western Ghat forest beyond. Guests are taken on guided exploratory tours to the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary to spot rare birds, butterflies, black panthers, giant squirrels, and great pied hornbills. Hidden waterfalls and tranquil forest corners provide picturesque picnic spots perfect for unwinding with wine, books, and snacks. A visit to the Tanshikar Spice Farm introduces the verdant world of organic spice cultivation across 25 acres, culminating in a traditional Goan lunch. Guests can also experience Goa’s vibrant village life with a trip to a local market, where they meet community vendors and discover the region’s culinary traditions. Fresh market ingredients are then transformed by the hotel’s chefs into hyperlocal dishes like Pork Vindaloo, Goan Prawn Curry, and Vegetable Xacuti.

Ronil Goa, too, offers culturally immersive experiences that seek to take the guests beyond the beaches and shacks the state is famous for. Experiences such as curated heritage walks and a visit to local markets or spice plantations provides deeper understanding of the area’s traditions, while riverside dining experiences and stops at beach shacks allow guests to savour Goa’s flavours in their purest form. 

Heritage hotels—usually palaces, forts, mansions and more—converted into hotels offer a cultural immersion of a unique kind. At Six Senses Fort Barwara, for example, guests explore the history of Fort Barwara, built in the 14th century by a Royal family. “This experience includes stories about the fort, Rajputana architecture, cultural anecdotes, and efforts to restore the region's wild landscapes with endemic flora," says Rajat Gera, Commercial Director, Six Senses Fort Barwara. Other experiences are on offer, too. “We organise workshops where guests can learn traditional crafts like block printing, pottery, or regional culinary techniques, visit traditional temples such as Chauth Mata Temple or attend the evening aarti at the Radha-Krishna Temple.”

Incidentally, even new hotels often could be mistaken for heritage properties, given how they incorporate traditional elements. A comparatively new brand by ITC Hotels, Mementos, in its Jaipur resort pays homage to the Pink City with its picturesque blend of traditional architecture and ornate décor featuring exotic motifs of artistic perfection. As Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) & General Manager ITC Maurya, points out, “Immersive indigenous activities enhance the guest experience through cultural enrichment, thereby crafting unique memories or emotional assets lasting a lifetime.”

Courtyard by Marriott, a sprawling resort just outside Delhi, and nestled among the picturesque Aravallis, organises a number of culinary experiences that showcase the best of a region still commonly unexplored by most Indians. Chaupal, an experiential high-tea inspired by the traditional community space of rural north India, is at the heart of the resort. The Ballabgarh Thali, inspired by the Maharaja of Ballabgarh, is a regal fusion of Haryanvi and Rajasthani cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to offer a truly authentic culinary experience. A village trail takes guests to local homes amidst farms for a meal of millet rotis, traditional dal, and fresh vegetables. And, if you are in rural Haryana, can you really avoid milking cows? Well, the resort offers a cow-milking activity, where guests learn the techniques of this age-old tradition!

Bottomline boost

While there may be an element of branding and marketing benefits from these offerings, increasingly, hotels also point out that it makes a difference by adding to the revenues. “From a business perspective, these offerings distinguish the hotel in the competitive luxury hospitality market, enhancing its value proposition,” says Makhija. “They contribute to the hotel’s positioning, attracting culturally curious travellers willing to pay a premium for unique experiences. This, in turn, boosts revenue, encourages recurring visits, and generates positive word-of-mouth, underscoring the long-term impact on the hotel’s bottom line.”

Incorporating local culture enhances Stotrak’s appeal by offering guests unique, authentic experiences that deepen their connection to the region, affirms Manish Goyal, Founder, Stotrak Hotels. “These distinctive touches increase guest satisfaction, loyalty, and positive reviews, driving repeat visits and recommendations. Collaborating with local producers and guides is cost-effective, fosters community ties and bolsters the hotel’s sustainability reputation. While the direct financial impact varies, such offerings create long-term value by enhancing brand appeal, boosting guest retention, and enabling premium pricing for a differentiated experience.”

From a business perspective, such offerings enhance our brand’s distinctiveness in a competitive hospitality market. “Today’s travellers are not just looking for places to stay, they are seeking destinations that offer emotional resonance and stories to take back home. By catering to this demand for authenticity and personalisation, we not only create exceptional guest satisfaction but also encourage longer stays where guests are drawn to the immersive nature of these experiences, choosing to extend their visit to fully partake in all the curated offerings,” says Yadav. 

Word-of-mouth advocacy is important too as unforgettable moments like a starlit desert dinner or a guided heritage trail naturally lead to organic promotion through guest recommendations and social media sharing. “By creating emotional connections, we ensure guests return, not only for a stay but to relive and explore more of the destination.”

IHCL has perfected this experience game in states like Goa. From bespoke tours to Goan spice plantations, beachside culinary extravaganzas, or artisanal workshops—each activity at its hotels whispers a story of place and tradition, forging a deeper emotional connection. “These gestures and experiences not only cultivate loyalty but also ensure guests leave with memories worth sharing in today’s social media-driven world,” adds Miglani. “The ripple effect on a resort’s bottom line is profound. Bespoke local experiences command a premium, justifying higher room rates and ancillary spending. Today’s luxury travellers willingly pay for the curation of such personalised local experiences, boosting the average spend per guest. Additionally, such initiatives enhance brand differentiation in a competitive market, driving both repeat visits and glowing reviews. Word-of-mouth—whether whispered or posted online—becomes a potent marketing tool, reducing acquisition costs and elevating long-term profitability.”

Choices are diverse and cater to specific interests, which could help not just the hotel standout, but also ensure return trips for those interested. For a glutton pretending to be a gourmand or better still, a gastronome, the Halwai breakfast beckons me—and I must admit that I have returned to it. Repeatedly.

Royal campaign

The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts has unveiled its latest brand campaign, Time Travel with The Leela, in collaboration with HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. This campaign offers a window into The Leela, crafting experiences that embody the essence of India’s heritage while meeting the expectations of the modern global traveller.

At the heart of Time Travel with The Leela is HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, an Icon of India by The Leela. As a modern custodian of Jaipur’s royal lineage, he represents the brand’s vision of bringing India’s rich history to life in a way that resonates with contemporary sensibilities. His collaboration with The Leela underscores the shared commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s legacy while offering it in a manner that feels relevant and accessible to a new generation of travellers. 

As he puts it, “Indian heritage is not frozen in time—it is vibrant, alive, and part of who we are. It needs to be seen, felt, and lived." The Leela has always been a gateway to India’s illustrious past, where each property offers an invitation to explore a deeper connection with the country’s heritage. "Through this campaign, we continue to showcase what makes us unique: an unwavering focus on meaningful, immersive experiences that reflect ‘True Indian Luxury.’ With HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh, we bring India’s regal traditions to life, creating memories that are as timeless as they are extraordinary,” says Shweta Jain, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, The Leela.

With properties across India, The Leela stands as a manifestation of the country’s cultural and architectural legacy. From the grandeur of The Leela Palace Udaipur to the contemporary elegance of its city hotels, every Leela property reflects an intricate balance of India’s rich traditions and modern sophistication. The campaign captures this ethos, showcasing how The Leela allows its guests to immerse themselves in India’s heritage through thoughtfully curated stays that celebrate the art, culture, and legacy of the past.

With this vision at its core, The Leela has designed a series of exclusive cultural and culinary experiences that celebrate the enduring relevance of India’s royal traditions. Guests will not only step into the world of India’s majestic past but will also enjoy these immersive experiences presented through the lens of modern luxury.

The Leela’s commitment to providing something opulent and fresh is evident in every facet of this campaign. The Leela’s ethos of offering “True Indian Luxury” goes beyond simply providing lavish accommodations—it is about forging meaningful, immersive connections with the very essence of the destination.

To complement this extraordinary experience, The Leela presents an exclusive offer, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the campaign’s luxurious narrative. This all-inclusive package features an array of carefully curated offerings designed to elevate every moment of their stay:

•  An elaborate daily breakfast spread, showcasing the finest local and international flavours.

•  A meal of your choice at one of the resort’s signature dining venues, once during the stay.

•  A bottle of exquisite house wine, once during the stay, to enjoy in the setting of your choice.

•  A 15% saving on all spa services, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate in luxurious surroundings.

•  An immersive art walk through the property’s most celebrated collections, accompanied by a glass of wine, enriching guests’ cultural journey.

Through Time Travel with The Leela, guests are not merely visitors but participants in a living, breathing celebration of India’s cultural tapestry. The Leela, in partnership with HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh, invites you to experience this exceptional blend of heritage, sophistication, and modern luxury—setting a new standard for what luxury hospitality can truly be.