If you’re looking for accommodation that provides Indian opulence with all the modern conveniences you could wish for, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces are certainly worth consideration. With 93 hotels in 55 locations across India, western Asia, Australia and the UK, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces provide luxurious accommodations to the entirety of India as well as 16 international locations.

Originating in Mumbai, India in 1902, the Taj group has rapidly expanded. They specialise in refurbishing previous royal palaces into luxury resorts, yet have expanded internationally to encompass several varieties of resorts such as the baseline Taj hotels, the Taj Exotica, the Taj Safaris, the Vivanta, The Gateway, and Ginger models, each with its own interesting twist on the Taj brand of luxury. The Taj Exotica specialises in comfort and privacy in unique and exotic locales, whilst Taj Safari’s reside in the beauty of the illustrious Indian jungle. The Vivanta, for many, is a jewel in the crown of the Taj offerings, as this is where they really show off their unique approach to style, design and luxury.

However, the true hope diamond of this group is their original home, the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower in Mumbai, which opened shortly after the company’s inception in 1903. The architecture alone is worth the experience, and it only gets more interesting from there. The amenities are breathtaking, from the silk carpets and amazing tapestries, to the chandeliers and inspiring art collection. There is little doubt that the Taj strives to impress, and there is no chance of failure given the meticulous and beautiful detail of this resort.

Those looking to stay a little closer to home may also be surprised to hear that they can experience a little taste of this exotic luxury right here in the UK. One of the pleasant surprises of the Taj group is the Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, which lies only minutes from Buckingham Palace itself. Guests will be immediately impressed by the award-winning exterior, including a beautiful fountain, as well as its’ luxurious interior. Most interesting and memorable are the superb butler service and the exquisite Quilon restaurant, offering a range of dishes to tempt even the most discerning of palates.

Overall, from relatively humble beginnings, the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have claimed their place as a major player in the luxury accommodation market. Any traveller interested in something more than the humdrum chains they may be used to, could do much worse than to venture out of the ordinary to one of these unique hotels.

It was a pleasure to meet the team from the Taj Group at our recent Connections Luxury event in Abu Dhabi (6-9th September). If you’d like to know more about participating in a future event, please drop me a note at micaela@weareconnections.com.