From misty wilderness to a vast golden expanse, these escapes invite travellers to soak in the scenery and stay where every mile is memorable.

Immersive journeys are having a moment, and more travellers are hitting the road to take it all in. According to the recent Indian Holiday Report 2025 by Thomas Cook and SOTC, 35% of Indian travellers are opting for self-drive road trips.

It is not just about the final stop anymore, but also about every winding turn and panoramic pause along the way. Tucked along some of the most dreamy stretches are stays that reward the ride with elevated design, local character, and majestic landscapes.

Brij Atmanya
Perched at 5,000 feet in the Kumaon Lake District, Brij Atmanya is a serene hideaway nestled between misty lakes and forested valleys. A six-hour scenic drive from Delhi or just two hours from the Pantnagar Airport, the journey itself sets the tone, winding through pine-scented roads and quiet hill towns.
Nestled between 3 valleys and built with local stone and wood, the property features rooms with private decks, lush gardens, and views that stretch across the Himalayas. Farm-to-table dining, forest walks, and immersive cultural experiences make the destination—and the route— unforgettable.

The Kumaon
A slow climb through Kumaon’s pine forests and sleepy hamlets set the tone. Getting there is part of the experience, a four-hour drive from Kathgodam train station that unspools through hills and silence, with air gateways at Pantnagar and Bareilly if you’re coming in from farther afield.
Perched high above it all, The Kumaon is a masterclass in architecture that disappears into the landscape while perfectly framing it. With floor-to-ceiling views from every suite and minimalist interiors featuring stone and glass, this retreat offers a range of experiences, including guided forest walks, Kumaoni cuisine, curated yoga sessions, and panoramic stargazing from private decks.

The Claridges Nabha Residence
The one-hour drive from Dehradun to Mussoorie is a postcard in motion with foggy roads, hairpin bends, and colonial churches. Travellers can also choose to drive from Delhi, a stunning 290 km journey that takes about six to seven hours. Just before the town’s bustling core, a quieter path veers off to The Claridges Nabha Residence.

This beautifully restored estate, which once served as a royal summer home, showcases colonial grace and old-world charm. Surrounded by deodar trees and echoing with birdsong, the property serves as a pause button amid a hill town, offering cosy bonfires and beautiful forests to stroll through. It also features a quiet library and a rejuvenating spa, ideal for travellers seeking to unwind and reset.

Ceylon Tea Trails
The train to Hatton is one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic routes, cutting through tea-covered hillsides, cloudy forests, and valleys dotted with waterfalls. From the station, a short drive takes one deeper into the hills where Ceylon Tea Trails awaits — five restored colonial bungalows nestled among the estate.
The journey from Colombo airport takes around four hours, traffic-free and unhurried – a fitting start for those seeking a slower pace. This retreat brings colonial charm to the highlands, offering butler-serviced bungalows, garden-to-table meals, scenic tea estate walks, and immersive experiences, such as tea tastings and factory tours.

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab
The road from Abu Dhabi to Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is like driving into a mirage as miles of sand in the Rub al Khali stretch endlessly on both sides. After the two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi airport, the city slips away, and the desert arises with solitary camels and towering dunes.

Amidst them, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab stands tall like a desert fortress. The resort seamlessly blends Bedouin tradition with Arabian hospitality, offering a range of experiences that include hammam rituals, gourmet dining, thrilling adventures such as dune bashing, and cultural activities like falconry. The suites open out to sweeping desert views, best enjoyed at sunrise or under a starry canopy.

Alila Jabal Akhdar
The journey to Alila Jabal Akhdar winds through clouds and cliffs, offering a moving prelude to one of Oman’s most secluded and spectacular retreats. Located approximately 174 km from Muscat International Airport, the scenic 2.5-hour drive meanders through rugged gorges, lush terraced farms, and serpentine roads that reveal the raw beauty of Oman’s highlands.

Beyond the Birkat Al Mouz checkpoint, a 4×4 vehicle is mandatory – not just for the terrain, but to fully experience the raw beauty of this elevated journey. On arrival, the resort welcomes you with quiet grandeur. Designed to reflect the architecture of a traditional Omani village, Alila Jabal Akhdar offers cliff-hugging suites, serene stargazing decks, and the kind of stillness that encourages you to unwind truly.

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