The Good Friday long weekend is an evergreen escape, but this time, instead of settling for a slow weekend at home, it is worth choosing a getaway that feels just as restful, only elevated.

Think familiar comfort, but set in beautiful surroundings, with experiences that are thoughtfully put together and designed to help you truly switch off. It is about trading routine for something more intentional, where even the simplest moments feel considered, whether that is a slow morning with a view, a meal rooted in the region, or time spent immersed in nature.

What makes these escapes especially compelling is that each of these recently opened properties brings a fresh perspective to luxury hospitality, with experiences that are seasonal, highly personalised, and deeply connected to their setting.

The Sen, Uttarakhand
For those seeking stillness shaped by design

Perched on a secluded ridge near Lansdowne, The Sen is one of India’s newest boutique luxury retreats. It feels less like a hotel and more like a home suspended between forest and sky. Envisioned by fashion designer Nakul Sen, the retreat is an extension of his design philosophy, where light, material, proportion, and stillness come together to create a deeply immersive, multi-sensorial experience.
With just four private suites, each designed with its own identity, including a striking two-level machan-style structure, the property offers complete privacy. It is ideal for couples, small groups, or even full buyouts. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring the outdoors in, allowing the forest to become a constant presence rather than just a view.
Days here are intentionally unstructured. Meals unfold in intimate settings, sometimes under open skies, while quiet forest walks and moments of stillness encourage a deeper connection with both the surroundings and oneself. The Sen does not try to impress loudly. It stays with you in quieter, more personal ways.

Sariska Lodge, Rajasthan
For those drawn to the quiet power of the wild

Set along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, Sariska Lodge is among India’s newest boutique wilderness retreats, where the landscape shapes every part of the experience. Surrounded by the rugged Aravallis and spread across 15 acres, the lodge has been thoughtfully created to exist in harmony with its environment.
The property features eleven private suites, built using local stone and reclaimed wood, with an earthy design that reflects the terrain outside. The experience here is not rushed. It unfolds through guided jungle drives, birding trails, heritage walks, and quiet moments that allow you to truly take in the surroundings.
One of the newest additions is “Movie Under the Stars,” an intimate open-air cinema set against the night sky. The experience is paired with warm, in-house popcorn and an open-air bar serving cocktails, making it simple yet memorable. There is also a deeper story to Sariska itself. Once a region that lost its tiger population, it now stands as India’s first successful tiger relocation site. That legacy quietly shapes every experience here and adds a sense of meaning to the stay.

The Postcard on the Mandovi River, Goa

For those who want Goa, without the noise
At The Postcard on the Mandovi River, Goa feels calmer, more refined, and far more personal. Set along the quiet banks of the river, this newly opened retreat invites you to experience the destination at a slower pace, away from the usual noise.
With just 18 thoughtfully designed rooms, each featuring expansive windows and private balconies, the focus is on space, privacy, and uninterrupted views of the Mandovi. A private jetty adds to the experience, offering direct access to the river and a stronger connection to the setting.
One of the highlights of the property is its rooftop bar, easily among the most scenic in the country. Overlooking the river, it serves handcrafted cocktails, fine spirits, and fresh, locally inspired small plates, making it the perfect place to unwind as the sun sets.
Days here do not need a plan. You can explore Old Goa or Divar Island, take slow walks by the river, or simply pause and let the setting take over. This is Goa in a different light, one that feels quieter, slower, and far more meaningful.