The Aaliya Resort lawns, on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, was beautifully decked up. Dim yellow lights,alovely tent in different shades of pink, lamps lit around the swimming pool, a food arena with cloches and cutlery,anopen bar with unopened bottles lying in wait and the big white stage everything was perfectly set for a gala evening at the Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards onOctober 23.
Held for the second consecutive year, the awards are a one-of-its-kind initiative to honour Indias luxury boutique hotels for their unique excellence. This year, the Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards was presented by Uttarakhand Tourism. Diageo was the celebrations partner for the event and Aaliya Resort the hospitality partner.
The beautiful state of Uttarakhand is rich in flora and fauna. The biodiversity it offers, makes it a must-visit destination for tourists from all over the world. One can fall in love with wildlife at the various National Parks in the state. Head to Jim Corbett to spot tigers in the wild, the oldest national park in the country. For the adventure seekers, theres always sporting activities like whitewater rafting, paragliding, hang gliding and even skiing in different regions of the state. For natural beauty lovers, trek to the Valley of Flowers for an outstanding view of blooming flora. Uttarakhand also has beautiful hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital, which are great weekend getaways for a group offriends and families. For the religious-minded, the state has various pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Haridwar and Badrinath which are extremely popular among tourists. Uttarakhand also has various fairs and festivals, the most recent addition being the annual International Yoga festival. Overall, Uttarakhand is a great tourist destination which offers activities for every kind of traveller.
As the invitees started streaming in for the eagerly-anticipated event, new friendships were formed and old friends caught up after ages. The chief guest for the night was Satpal Maharaj, Uttarakhands Tourism, Irrigation and Culture minister. As he along with his family made his way to thetent, the evening began with a musical performance by Impulse which was greatly enjoyed. Their music, inspired from Indian classical and Sufi traditions, is widely acclaimed.
A five-member jury, after much deliberation, had decided on the winners from among the nominees in each of the categories. The members of the esteemed jury were Hari Nair (Founder & CEO,HolidayIQ.com), Shravan Gupta (Executive director- Leisure businesses, FCM Travel Solutions India), Kapil Goswami (Managing Director, Big Breaks), freelance author and journalist Charukesi Ramadurai, and the husband-wife travel writer duo Anurag Mallick and Priya Ganapathy.
The tourism minister spoke about what the beautiful state of Uttarakhand had to offer tourists-adventure sports, wildlife, culture, heritage, unique experiences which cant be found in other states along with the challenges they face and the plans to overcome them, to much applause.
As guests enjoyed the delicious local food of the region on offer, catered by the host resort,the main awards ceremony began. It began withRoseate Housein Aerocity winning theBest City Hotelaward. Its a popular watering hole for NCR citizens and an epitome of contemporary design in this great urban landscape.
ZuriKumarakomwas awarded theBest Resort. Its strategic setting on the embankments of Lake Vembanad, classy accommodation, tempting gourmet meals and the iconic Kerala backwaters a stones throw away, are the many allurements that make them a popular choice for countless travellers exploring Gods Own Country.
With a seamless fusion of modern-day designs and patterns and intricate architectural carvings in the iconic Haveli-style of the 18th century, theRaas Jodhpurhas bridged the ancient and the modern with remarkable ease. No wonder it was awarded theBest Designedhotel.
Skyvilla, Beyond by Sulais set in the wine country of Maharashtra and the lovely lake-view retreat set amidst the hilly environs of Nashik, won forBest Private Villa.
Responsible Tourism is a major focus for Outlook Traveller and keeping in mind eco-friendliness, the charmingDune Elephant Valleyorganic farm and plantation, set upon an ancient elephant migration route in the Western Ghats, won theBest Responsible Hotelaward.
TheBest Beach Propertywent to theLalit Resort & Spa, Bekal-a gorgeous luxury beach retreat sprawling over 26 acres of virgin land in Kerala whileMosaic, Mussooriewas adjudged theBest Hills Propertyfor its countless quaint charms.
For romantics, theres nothing better than to experience nature in gorgeous wooden cottages offering forest and waterfall views. No wonder theBest Romantic Hotelwas awarded toWildernest, Goa.
Taj Faluknama, a stunning palace of the Hyderabadi Nizams which has now been transformed into a splendid luxury hotel, wonBest Hotel for Honeymooners.
Standing cheek by jowl by the Kiplingesque Pench National Park,Jamtara Wilderness Campoffers guests a delightful eco-friendly experience of one of the loveliest wilderness spaces in India. No wonder it was the top choice forBest Wildlife Lodge.
TheWelcomHeritage Ferrnhills Royale Palacehas been familiar with the business of providing private spaces of luxury and comfort for long. Thus, theBest Suiteaward couldn't have gone to anyone better.
Hosts play a major part in a guest experience. The charming, knowledgeable and attentiveHemendra Singhensures guests have a wonderful time at Bhainsrorgarh Fort. It was so surprise he was awarded theBest Host.
Tijara Fort-Palacewas the wining fortress hotel from the Neemrana chain with its hallmark hospitality and fabulous atmospherics forBest Destination Hotel.
The iconic and elegantWelcomHotel The Savoyopened its doors in 1902 and is today one of the top choices in Mussoorie. It wasawarded theBest Heritage Hotel.
The lovely sea-facing villas ofCoco Shambhalain the robust environs of the old fortress of Sindhudurg on the Konkan Coast won forBest Debut Hotel.
TheChampakali, with its lovely twin villas in Old Goa near the Mandovi River delta, won forBest Guest Experience.
Boats are a wonderful way to experience a holiday. The award for theBest Boutique Boatwent toSukoon, the luxury houseboat, where one can be pampered and make memories that last a lifetime.
TheJawai Leopard Campwith 9 luxurious tents, including one royal suite, was adjudged theBest Boutique Camp.
The last winner of the evening was selected among all the nominations for theFinest Boutique Hoteland it went toAlila Fort, a unique heritage experience with no compromise on hospitality. Over 230 years old, the warrior fortress in its restored avatar, with 59 luxury suites, all supplied with modern conveniences, is a stunning testimony to traditional Rajput hospitality and rugged charm.
