How Hotels in India transform into Cultural Ambassadors
In a rapidly evolving world of luxury hospitality, hotels in India are not just places to rest—they are immersive experiences celebrating the country’s diverse culture, cuisine, and heritage.
By Deepali Nandwani
When does a hotel transform into a true representative of the country
We believe that when hotels bring the region and the country into the establishment by offering experiences, whether culinary, wellness or otherwise, that are redolent of the region they are in, they are true representatives of the Indian or regional identity.
Hotels in India often act as cultural ambassadors, blending luxury hospitality with authentic local experiences to immerse guests in the country's diverse traditions, cuisine, art, and heritage. Varq in The Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi, for instance, serves modern interpretations of Indian dishes, while many of the Taj palaces host royal dining experiences. Properties such as Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, showcase Marwari architecture and art, offering guests guided tours of the palace’s museum and heritage-rich surroundings.
The Marwari Thali at Umaid Bhawan Palace is a regal dining experience that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Rajasthan. This elaborate thali typically features a variety of traditional dishes that represent the flavours of Marwari cuisine, with dishes such as Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri (a tangy and spicy desert bean and berry preparation), Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings in a yoghurt-based curry), and Pyaaz ki Kachori. Desserts include Malpua (sweet fried pancakes) or Ghevar (a disc-shaped sweet made from flour and soaked in sugar syrup). The experience is not just about the food but also about the royal ambience of the palace, making it a memorable way to explore Rajput and Marwari cultures.
Taj Fort Aguada, Goa, is not just known for its sun-kissed beaches but also for its diverse flora, particularly the bounty of the cashew tree, which plays a pivotal role in the local culture. The Vrikshamla therapy at Jiva Spa draws inspiration from Goa's lush landscapes and produce. The treatment involving cashew butter highlights Goa’s treasured resource—cashews, rich in vitamins and minerals. Cashew butter is particularly effective in replenishing moisture and repairing sun-damaged skin, making it an essential component of this treatment. The therapy includes a body polish with kokum, another local product famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, leaving the skin lighter and brighter, and a full body massage with a signature blend with a rich base of cashews.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur takes guests on guided tours of an in-house museum and heritage-rich surroundings.
Cashew body butter, made from Goa's treasured resource, is used in the Vrikshamla therapy at the Taj Fort Aguada.
Taj Chia Kutir and Spa offers a special ‘Cherry Blossom Sojourn’ package during the blooming season, spanning cherry blossom-themed high tea and spa treatments. The delightful high-tea spread of teas and treats is inspired by the vibrant hues and delicate flavours of cherry blossoms. The menu features tea-infused pastries, dainty finger sandwiches, and floral-themed desserts, accompanied by Makaibari Tea Estate's premium organic teas. The tea experience is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Makaibari Tea Estate and views of the Himalayan foothills. Rejuvenating spa therapies using ingredients and fragrances are inspired by cherry blossoms. Cherry blossom-infused oils and creams are believed to have hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, leaving the skin soft
and rejuvenated.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, mirrors Mewar's architectural traditions, with intricate frescoes, domes, and fountains. The hotel also introduces its guests to local folk traditions, particularly dances of the Kalbelia tribe and performances by Manganiyars.
CGH Earth is deeply rooted in local culture and eco-tourism. Marari Beach Resort introduces guests to coastal Kerala traditions, including toddy tapping and cooking classes within the hotel, besides Kalaripayattu performances. At Spice Village, Thekkady, with views of the cardamom fields and hills beyond, guests explore the hotel’s spice plantations, participate in cooking demonstrations focusing on Kerala cuisine with ingredients sourced from the organic garden, and explore the martial art form of Karalipayattu.
The Oberoi Udaivilas mirrors Mewar's architectural traditionals, with intricate frescoes, domes, and fountains.
Luxury boutique hotel Evolve Back at Hampi is designed to immerse guests in the history and culture of the Vijayanagara Empire. At evening storytelling sessions within a beautifully diya-lit hall, a historian narrates captivating tales from the Vijayanagara era. Guests can also embark on a guided tour within the hotel grounds that showcases the architectural influences of the Vijayanagara period, and learn about the intricate carvings, the significance of the layout, and the stories behind the design elements.
The Serai Resorts lean towards offering luxurious experiences with a strong emphasis on nature and wildlife. The Serai properties are often located in biodiversity hotspots, making them ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. At The Serai Chikmagalur’s OMA spa, body scrubs are made from indigenous wild ginger, sesame, honey and citrus. Fresh fruits from the garden, neem, fennel and local rice powder are used in body wraps. The culinary journey includes cuisine from the Mahad region, such as Akki Roti, a delicate rice-based roti, Koli Curry (chicken curry) served with rice or ragi mudde (finger millet dumplings), and Puliyodarai (Tamarind rice), a tangy dish infused with tamarind and spices. As Chikmagalur is the coffee capital of India, no breakfast is complete without experiencing freshly brewed filter coffee made with locally sourced beans.
At Orange County Resorts in Coorg, guests are introduced to the concept of coffee cultivation and treated to coffee tastings, offered cooking demonstrations, and can enjoy Ayurvedic treatments using coffee, the local produce in scrubs. At SwaSwara by CGH, guests can learn to cook healthy meals from southern India, focusing on the use of minimal oil, no refined sugar, or flour, and based on the principles of Ayurveda.
At the other end of the spectrum is Juniper Bar at Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, which uses locally sourced botanicals to make in-house infusions for their gin. The bar offers over 40 unique gin infusions. One of its highlights is the Delhi Sapphire Gin, a playful take on the renowned Bombay Sapphire. This gin incorporates Indian spices like cumin, coriander, cardamom and ginger, alongside vanilla and orange, creating a complex and layered profile that reflects Delhi's rich culture.
The world of luxury hospitality, particularly in the leisure segment, is a fine amalgamation of opulence and culture.
