For 2026, discerning Indian travellers are looking beyond the standard hotel stay, seeking
destinations that offer a complete atmospheric shift within a short weekend window. The
trend is moving toward curated, immersive experiences that blend luxury with a distinct
sense of place—whether that’s a nature-led glamping retreat, a quiet hill station camp, or a
cave-style lodge in the wilderness. These getaways are designed not just for sightseeing, but
for slowing down, resetting, and returning to daily life feeling genuinely renewed.

Leading this charge is a new wave of experiential properties across India. In Goa, long the
essential weekend destination, the definition of a beach holiday is being refined. Indulge
House, Revora, offers a nature-led glamping concept where a gentle stream flows through
the property. It moves past the crowded shoreline to provide a serene, back-to-nature
experience, complete with an infinity pool and a pickleball court. Its location, just 25
minutes from MOPA Airport and close to North Goa’s popular beaches like Morjim, Anjuna
and Arambol, strategically blends secluded tranquillity with easy accessibility.

Similarly, redefining the Goan stay is Reve Escapes, with its collection of luxury stays in
Assagao and Siolim. Properties like Viraam Estates, Fable, Palette and Sanctuary are
designed for travellers who desire the amenities of a high-end hotel paired with the privacy
and space of a home. Tucked into calm, green surroundings, each stay features a private
pool, spacious rooms, and a 24/7 butler service. Offering wellness experiences like spa
therapies and sound healing on request and yoga, while keeping guests minutes away from
Assagao’s vibrant café culture. It’s a model that expertly balances peace with convenience.

Venturing into Maharashtra, D.A.T.A. Resort by Della in Lonavala presents a unique
proposition: luxury glamping with a thematic, adventurous twist. Its spacious 500 sq. ft.
tents, equipped with private patios, plush beds, and indulgent touches like Jacuzzis and
steam showers, are designed to feel like stylish hideaways rather than rustic campsites. The
property’s overall military-inspired theme adds a layer of immersive storytelling to the stay.
It successfully marries the thrill of the outdoors—set in lush wilderness—with the
unwavering comfort and hospitality of a five-star resort, catering equally to couples,
families, and groups seeking a memorable break.

For those drawn to the mountains, Everest Base Camp (EBC), Mussoorie offers a hillside
experience that prioritizes deep calm. Tucked away among deodar trees with open
mountain views, this glamping site allows guests to experience the outdoors without
forgoing comfort. The spacious, warm tents feature comfortable bedding and private
seating areas, perfect for watching the mist roll over the hills. The overarching atmosphere
is one of unhurried simplicity, making it an ideal retreat for a quiet couple’s escape or a
peaceful getaway with family and friends.

Perhaps the most dramatic setting of all is found in Rajasthan at Praveg Caves, Jawai. This
one-of-a-kind resort is carved into the wild, granite hill landscape of the Jawai region, known
for its leopard population. The accommodations are exceptional, ranging from luxury cave-
style rooms—some with private plunge pools—to elegant premium safari tents. The design
ensures a deep connection to the dramatic surroundings without sacrificing comfort.

Experiences here revolved around the raw beauty of the location: relaxing by an infinity
pool, enjoying meals with a view, and gathering for evening bonfires under vast, starry skies.
It is an escape that feels both adventurous and profoundly serene.

Industry observers note that this shift toward experiential, design-led weekend stays
reflects a broader maturation of the Indian travel market. Travellers are no longer satisfied
with just a place to sleep; they seek a narrative, a specific ambiance, and a guarantee of
disconnection from their daily routine. These properties, from Goa’s green hideaways to
Rajasthan’s rocky outcrops, are effectively selling a mood and a memory. They provide the
“much-needed pause” that modern life often lacks, proving that a truly refreshing escape
doesn’t require weeks of travel—just a thoughtful destination and a long weekend.