Colonial Houses and small, characterful hotels

These dreamy little hotels today belong to their descendants, who are your highly affable, energetic and involved hosts.  Brick by brick they have devotedly restored these unique properties and it now oozes charm and warmth. From the havelis in Rajasthan to the colonial houses in the South India as well on the tea estates in the foothills of the Himalayas, these are hidden gems. The rooms scattered around the premises and facing onto the gardens or overlooking courtyards. The rooms all vary in shape and size and are very prettily decorated in local fabrics and with varied colour themes. They are home to some fabulous frescoes and, with its pretty courtyards and leafy gardens it is difficult to believe that you can stroll out into the bustling city streets.  A glistening swimming pool usually occupies one of the courtyards, overlooked by the open-sided dining room.  The gentle and caring staff does their utmost to look after your every whim.

A holiday to India or Sri Lanka can often become hectic and fast paced for some. These countries offer some fantastic opportunities to spend a few days at a beautiful retreat either in the foothills of the Himalayas or in Southern India or amongst tea plantations in Sri Lanka or perhaps staying in a boutique hotel located in a padi field or at a lovely eco retreat in the north west region of Sri Lanka . These are not just retreats that will leave you breathless with the enchantment of their surroundings, but assist in redefining lifestyles.