The announcement of the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, held at London’s landmark Guildhall building recently, provided the world with some of the most unique and luxurious travel destinations and properties to visit. The list, topped by Italian boutique hotel Passalacqua by the picturesque Lake Como, was mostly dominated by European luxury hotels and around 18 Asian properties. Standing tall and proud among these World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 was one Indian property, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra.
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Ranked at 45th number on the list, The Oberoi Amarvilas is the only Indian luxury hotel to make it to the coveted list. "We are honoured to be the only hotel in India to be included in this prestigious list,” the team behind this Agra hotel with a grand view of the Taj Mahal said on Instagram. “Our commitment to providing guests with unrivalled experiences remains unwavering, and we invite travellers from around the world to join us in discovering the magic of the Taj Mahal from our exceptional vantage point.”
Here is everything you need to know about The Oberoi Amarvilas, the only Indian luxury hotel to make it to the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list.
The Taj Mahal is not only one of the Wonders of the World but also a UNESCO heritage site that attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. And if the Taj Mahal is one of the key Indian tourist spots, then The Oberoi Amarvilas provides the most luxurious stay with an uninterrupted view of the iconic building in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Oberoi Amarvilas is unique because it is the only building standing in the green belt around the Taj Mahal. Located just 600 metres away from the Taj Mahal’s main entrance, The Oberoi Amarvilas has 95 rooms, seven suites, private terraces—all of which provide enviable views of the landmark dedicated to love.
The Oberoi Amarvilas opened its doors in 2001, and has since hosted travellers and Taj Mahal pilgrims from around the world, including celebrities like Brad Pitt. To call the structure of The Oberoi Amarvilas iconic wouldn’t be wrong since it is clearly inspired by traditional Mughal architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries—which is one of the main reasons why this luxury hotel property does not look out of place while in the proximity of the Taj Mahal. From ornate fountains to terraced lawns, sculptures to reflection pools, the hotel has plenty of picturesque nooks and crannies beyond the view of the Taj Mahal.
With a 24-hour butler service for every room, The Oberoi Amarvilas makes every guest feel like royalty. The dinner-only Esphahan restaurant here has incredible Mughlai and Indian food to offer, including grand tandoori platters. The all-day Bellevue offers pan-Asian, Indian and European dishes over an outdoor terrace. The Lounge and The Bar here also provide plenty to indulge in. Overall, the experience at The Oberoi Amarvilas is one that oozes with bespoke luxury and Indian hosting at its best.