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It is that time of the year again when you take out your whites, only to let colours tint them; when social distancing is gone with the wind; when you can play Holi to your heart’s content and make up for the two years that COVID-19 kept us indoors and isolated. The cherry on the cake is that Holi 2023 is falling on a long weekend, so you can plan to head out of the city. Whether you want to play Holi or not, make the best of this festive time by visiting these hotels that will make this age-old celebration special for you.
Here are six hotels that will pamper you silly over the Holi long weekend:
1. Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
This luxury boutique hotel that was the former home of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner, Narendra Singh Ji, spells royalty and opulence in every corner. Famed for its Holi celebrations, it goes all out to make sure you fall in love with the festival and celebrate it in a grand way. On the evening before the festival, head for sundowners to the desert at Darbari and the next day wake up to a Holi bash. Along with the festivities and the colour, there is a bottomless brunch by the poolside where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. When Holi celebrations are done, indulge in a spa massage and get rid of all the fatigue.
Address: Karni Nagar, Gandhi Colony, Bikaner
Phone: +91 88750-25230
2. The Kumaon, Uttarakhand
How about celebrating Holi in the mountains? The Kumaon is a luxury boutique hotel in the Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand with 10 chalets spread over two acres. It has a lineup of interesting celebrations for the festival. The evening before Holi, gather around a bonfire in the crisp, cool mountain air and learn the story of how the festival began. The next day, wake up to the views of the majestic peaks towering in front of you and get into the Holi spirit by splashing family or friends with natural colours made with flowers. And then it’s time for a dance session by Chholiya dancers—a traditional Kumaoni martial arts dance form done on special occasions. They will come with dhols and make sure you enjoy the celebrations in a traditional yet fun way.
Address: Village Gadholi, Kasar Devi Almora
Phone: +91 75794-49997
3. Bijapur Lodge, Jawai
Nature lovers can celebrate the weekend trying to spot leopards in the Jawai hills. The village of Bijapur, about two hours away from Udaipur, is home to the Bijapur Lodge, which is a six-room boutique eco-friendly property. Of course, there will be organic colours and all the special food that you associate with Holi; apart from that, you can head out for a safari to spot leopards, visit a shepherd’s home, go for bird watching, and enjoy a sundowner at the lodge.
Address: Jawai, Village – Bijapur Rajasthan
Phone: +91 98409-58055
4. Six Senses Fort Barwara
If you are a history buff, then celebrate Holi in this 700-year-old fort hotel. The 14th century Barwara Fort in Rajasthan is a Six Senses property that has been beautifully restored. The property houses two palaces, two restaurants, two ancient temples, and 48 opulent suites. The Holi celebrations here are eco-friendly and sustainable, with zero water wastage. There is a lot of special Holifood to tuck into—including a live thandai station and a chaat corner at The Cortile, the all-day diner located by the leafy courtyard. As far as activities are concerned, have a go at making your own bangles and Rajasthani safa at the stalls put up for the occasion. And there’s no way you can leave without indulging in a massage at their signature Six Senses Spa.
Address: Chauth Ka Barwara Rajasthan
Phone: 7462257777
5. W Goa
It is that time of the year again when all roads in Goa lead to the Sunburn festival held at HillTop in Vagator. Let the interesting line-up of bands at Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festival help you tune into a festive mood. After getting into a celebratory mode with the vibrant beats, go to W Goa at Rockpool for the afterparty. Those who do not associate Goa with Holi will be in a for a surprise. The festival is celebrated with fervour in the country’s party hub—inGoantradition in fact, with drumbeats and the festival of colours going hand in hand. If that is not enough, India Cocktail Week starts on Saturday at W Goa, so sip on a lot of interesting cocktails and attend sessions to finetune your bartending skills.
Address: Vagator Beach, Bardez
Phone: +91 83267-18888
6. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Bring in this festival in a truly royal manner by checking into this iconic hotel that was originally built in 1835, and makes sure that you still imbibe the ambience of the erstwhile princely era. The palace is home to 78 luxury rooms and suites, and five dining options including two bars. On the evening before Holi, the celebration is going to be grand, going all the way from traditional festive songs to cultural performances and a bonfire at the Palace Lawns. On Holi morning, you’ll wake up to the sounds of peacocks, get a chance to play with herbal colours and flowers, and enjoy a hearty Indian lunch at one of the best fine dining spots in the city—Suvarna Mahal.
Address: Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur
Phone: 0141-2385-700
Photo: Rambagh Palace; respective hotels