Fit for the King in You!
Hampi has been in my wishlist for long, one of the reasons coz its a UNESCO World Heritage Site and anyone who reads my blog regularly knows that I'm a bit crazy about it!!! We took a long weekend off and set off to Hampi and for more about its awesomeness you've gotta wait for the upcoming posts. Before that, here's more about where we stayed - Evolve Back Luxury Resorts, Hampi.
To begin with, entering the resort through high wooden doors filled with metal decor & spikes, fitted on high granite wall, it was pretty much like entering a castle! With a 150m long waterway in front of the resort, going towards it, slowing engulfing its massiveness and palatial beauty its just mesmerizing! Covering an area of about 28 acres, in the middle of nowhere, just beside Daroji Bear Sanctuary (no, so far bears haven't come visiting the resort), its indeed a palace!!!
I was escorted in by the lovely staff of the hotel, women clad in beautiful cotton Gaghra that looks like saree and men with kurta with dhoti! Yes, the outfit has been designed keeping in mind the local clothing & the dry heat conditions in Hampi. The welcome drink is either Buttermilk or Badam milk! Everything in the hotel has been designed keeping in mind what the town is famous for - Hampi ruins - combining Vijayanagara Hindu architecture & Bahmani Islamic architecture - all, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
There are 4 types of rooms in the hotel - Nivasa, Nilaya, Zenana and Jal Mahal! There are 23 Nivasa rooms at 950 sq ft each, 8 Nilaya rooms at 1300 sq ft each, just 6 Zenana rooms (these are the corner rooms) at 1600 sq ft and the separate cottages called Jal Mahal are 9 in number at 2600 sq ft each!!! All the rooms are equipped with king sized beds, toiletries, mini bar, and the bathrooms are fitted with a shower, bathtub and Jacuzzi.
Several tiny little details of these rooms brings us close to a royal experience - doors & windows shaped like Islamic palace doors, cupboards & containers made of wood with brass detailing that look like royal treasure trunks, the switches are retro, liquid toiletries in ceramic containers, lights are fitted in a outer casing that look like a castle torch, a fabric hanging atop the bed that looks like the age old manual ceiling fans (punkah) used by royalties!!!
I'll give you a very simple idea - the bathroom of these rooms here are as big as the actual rooms of budget hotels!!! Except for the Nivasa rooms, the rest of the rooms have a separate living room apart from the bedroom. The Zenana and Jal Mahal rooms have a separate dining area and an open balcony as well!
However all the rooms have huge French windows (shaped in an Islamic style ofcourse) that will give a fantastic view! All the rooms are equipped with cupboard safes, kettles, French press for coffee, a bowl of fresh fruits, some local sweets (that are replenished everyday) etc!!! To be eco-conscious, all rooms are provided with RO drinking water taps and glass bottles; also a card requesting to not change the sheets is also provided, so the impact of detergent can be minimized!!! Nivasa, Nilaya and Zenana are in the main building while Jal Mahal rooms are like private cottages, each separate!
Jal Mahal is an epitome of luxury!!! As the name says, its surrounded by Jal i.e. water! The entrance to the cottages requires crossing a bit of water on some granite slabs. As soon as you enter is the drawing/dining room, next is living room with the TV and from here the back door opens which leads to your own private infinity pool!!!
Just beside the pool is a small private lounging area facing the setting sun! There's also seating arrangements in the shade if that's the preference. Private candle light dinner could be arranged here as well. A wall separates this area between adjacent cottages! The pool is accessible also from the bedroom as well as bathroom! The shower of the bathroom is skylit! These rooms are an honeymooner's delight!!!
More about the hotel's other facilities coming up soon. Stay tuned!!!
To get there:
From Hospet Jn: 17 km
From Bangalore Airport & City Station: 350 km
Transport is arranged by the resort from nearest airport / railway station on prior request.
Room tariff begins at Rs.29000/-
Resort Ph no: +91 (0)8274 258 481-4
P.S: I was invited by Evolve Back (was Orange County), Hampi to stay and experience the hotel for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.
awesome resort...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful resort, Bhushavali. Luxury living is something I have rarely experienced. I am heading for India this year, hopefully (after a trek in Nepal). We still haven't decided on where we want to go, or for how long, but this post provides me with yet another option to mull over. Bookmarked! And thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with UNESCO sites too!! This sounds like the most amazing experience! I definitely want to check it out. The little rooms look amazing too. Everything about this just looks incredible!
ReplyDeleteI do know you love UNESCO sites and love reading about which ones you've been to! I've actually been to Hampi as well which photographed beautifully, like most UNESCO sites do. I didn't stay in such a luxury resort like you did though. You have photographed the resort very well, I am probably in a position now where I could stay here if I visit Hampi again!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love a UNESCO site too!! Haven't read up on this one before though, it's beautiful. Love the resort, real luxury!!
ReplyDeleteWow looks like a beautiful resort! Great pictures, the rooms like really elegant. Will have to keep it in mind when we make it to India, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteUNESCO sites are amazing and Hampi has been on my travel list for a while. I now know where to stay when I finally reach there.
ReplyDeleteHampi is a great place and had been on my bucket list for a considerable period of time. I would definitely wanna visit soon. Thanks for the info
ReplyDeletewow what a stunning resort! would love to visit and explore the amazing UNESCO sites :) Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful resort and a luxury experience! I've never seen anything like that before. Thanks for introducing me to such a stunning place! I will keep Hampi on my list from now on!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that everything is surrounded by water. The walls and roofs are stunning as well. Thanks for educating us about Hampi.
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love this design especially the Islamic influences! Orange County Resorts really does look like a palace - I'm sure you felt like a queen the whole time you were there! ;)
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ReplyDeleteThat is a palatial compound indeed. I cannot imagine what 28 acres of resort is like. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteEeeeeppp, these are so beautiful! I love hotel rooms that are elegant and luxurious. Looks like this place is worth visiting!
ReplyDeleteThat really looks like it is a glamorous hotel. The whole thing is fit for a princess. And the views are spectacular too. I would like to lounge on one of those beds and try the local sweets.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see why this has been on your bucket list for some time. This resort is gorgeous. I love the seclusion of the accommodation and the beautiful canopy beds. The seating area just off the pool is adorable and perfect for a nice glass of wine to watch the sunset.
ReplyDeleteYou'll definitely feel like royalty in the resort. The rooms looks really elegant and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteYour bed is very inviting for someone like me who needs vacation asap :) Thanks for sharing us your luxury experience! Oh its so dreamy!
ReplyDeleteThis place looks stunning, I would love to stay in a place like this. I could certainly relax by that pool for a bit. Hopefully one day I can afford to stay in a place like this.
ReplyDeleteThis is dreamy resort. The decor is amazing. It looks so charming and authentic. We'd love to stay here when in Hampi.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how big the rooms are! And those beds look so elegant with the canopy on top. I love 4 poster beds but these have a really special design. The entire resort looks simply amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is absolutely beautiful! At first I thought you were showing photos of the entire hotel but that is just the rooms! Totally incredible :)
ReplyDeleteI love the open balcony concept! And the bathroom looks and sounds amazing. I always appreciate bathroom space even though I don't even think I have that many toiletries. I'd definitely consider staying here - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very luxurious and expensive resort. A great way to enjoy Indian culture. The architectural design and interior design are very picturesque.
ReplyDeleteAh! This place is amazing! I only see Taj Mahal online or in the movies. I've never been anywhere outside the Philippines. I bet you enjoyed your stay here, it looks really nice!
ReplyDeleteYou gave a truly convincing reason why one must consider visiting this place. It is indeed so beautiful and worth the time and energy. Everything is just so majestic and I must say the architecture is truly impressive.
ReplyDeleteThe bedroom with the canopy really caught my eyes. It looks so regal! I would have taken so many pictures of that bedroom if I was there. Hahaha! I really love architecture especially ornate decors so I'm definitely loving this. I can only swoon!
ReplyDeleteYour post is really such a great review. My fave photo is the one showing the beds and the drapes on top of it! It makes me feel that you were treated there like a princess! If ever I will have a chance to travel outside the Philippines, I would want to try that out as well.
ReplyDeleteThe rooms look amazing! They are so big - I think they are bigger than my entire house! And that bathroom is to die for! I can imagine lounging in that huge bath would be super relaxing! What a great resort!
ReplyDeleteThe picturesdid all the talking for me. It is such a beautiful place. The description makes it all the more interesting.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! The place is oozing of luxury! Ideal location. I like how they have modelled it on Hampi. My next trip to Hampi I have to experience this.
ReplyDeleteWe all know that UNESCO sites are just one of the best and a dream. This is just one amazing place to stay, like everything one can be spoiled at is here. With the magnificent and so unique structure, I bet one would love to stay more. I love that they also serve French Press coffee, I will be more than in love with that on this place. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteHampi is a place that I plan to visit this year and it was lovely to get to know about this lovely resort. I would love to travel with there with my companion for a truly luxurious experience. Look forward to your next post containing more details about it :)
ReplyDeleteThe resort looks quite magnificent. I love the interiors and decor. Even the entrance gate is huge. Looks like a luxurious royal getaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to spend a couple of days. I really appreciate places that keep with the feel and culture of the place where they stand. I hope you had a great stay! Yay for Hampi.
ReplyDeleteThis is really like a luxury!!! I bet all the rooms are so nice and comfy! The interiors and exteriors alone are so good for picture taking. hehe. I'm sure you're very relaxed and extremely happy because you got to see the place on your wishlist for so long. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's one fantastic destination! The architecture is amazing. The place reflects both luxury and comfort...
ReplyDeleteWow! this resort looks amazing! I also visited Hampi almost two years ago now and I stayed at Hampi Boulders, another magical resort... Loved my time there and what a magical city!
ReplyDeleteThis is a stunning resort. I think i like the water villa the most, just imagine sitting by that pool watching the sun go down in peace and quiet. Hampi also looks incredible. I am a fan of UNESCO sites (I live in one!) and would love to visit
ReplyDeleteThe hotel is spacious, and the architecture is nostalgic. Such design is not so common is our part of the world, just looking at the pics you've shared evokes a feeling of calmness and rest
ReplyDeleteI'm curious how the staff (women clad in beautiful cotton Gaghra that looks like saree and men with kurta with dhoti) looked like because I'm not sure how the outfits look like.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice view! Great post and nice shot. I love the pictures. I would love to experience that kind of place! Really awesome.
ReplyDeleteHampi has been on my wishlist for quite some time too... The resort looks lovely
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