As lifetime luxury travellers, we keep our eyes peeled for the new openings. There are tonnes of hotels that open up every year, but these ones are special, given the high standard of care and detail we hope they have for serving their guests. Here are the Indian Luxury Hotels we are looking forward to visiting in 2018.

1. The Oberoi, New Delhi

Delhi has the pick on luxury hotels, but nothing speaks luxury as the Oberoi. The iconic Oberoi hotel in Lutyens’ Delhi will reopen its doors on January 1. The hotel, which was first opened in 1965, was closed in 2016 for a total renovation.

After 21 months, the place will reopen, with significant investment in intelligent luxury.The earlier 283 rooms have been reduced to 200, adding more space per room, and come next year you may be breathing the cleanest air in the city. The hotel has been fitted with a state-of-the-art air purifying system. To add to this, all rooms will have an iPad which controls the room.In short, the new Oberoi will be modern, contemporary but still retaining its old world charm.

Coming on January 1, 2018

2. Conrad Bengaluru

Hilton’s luxury brand Conrad is all set to open its second hotel in India in Bengaluru. This stunning high-rise hotel is centrally located overlooking the Ulsoor lake and is minutes away from M.G. Road. The location is perfect for business travellers as well as folks taking a break in the city. Hilton’s focus on technology will let guests customize their stay through the Conrad Concierge App.

Opening: January 15, 2018

3. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Havelock Island, Andamans

The Andamans will no longer be virgin to luxury hotel brands. The Taj will be the first hospitality chain that will open its doors to travellers early next year.

All the 75 villas on this 30 acres beachfront resort are designed to resemble the local tribal hut styles. The villa interiors will have four-poster beds with draped in beautiful white net curtains. Having ample space with a walk-in closet, his and her sinks and a full-size bathtub, the Taj on the Havelock island will reflect minimalistic luxury.

There will also be a presidential villa which will come with its own private beach and a butler. For those wishing to indulge themselves, the signature Jiva spa here will offer traditional Indian therapies and holistic beauty rituals with organic, natural products.

Expected Opening: February 2018

4. Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort

Mahabalipuram is fast taking up its due place under the sun. As a coastal town which also has some famous temples, it was always a destination, but now it is becoming a luxury one.

Last year, InterContinental Mahabalipuram Resort opened up. And now, Starwood’s Mahabalipuram resort will open early next year and will have 90 guest rooms, suites, villas and chalets.

Located close to the backwaters of Bay of Bengal this Starwood resort will also open with the largest indoor and outdoor event space in the vicinity, therefore an ideal choice for weddings and conferences.

Expected Opening: February 2018

5. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty: Cochin, Kerala

Kerela has traditionally been associated with good food and lazy lagoons. And now, Hyatt is almost ready to enter God’s Own Country in Kochi. Located on the beautiful Bolgatty Island, the palatial Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is a waterfront resort overlooking the gorgeous Vembanad Lake.  All the 300 plus rooms, villas and public spaces here offer either stunning views of the backwaters, the cityscape or lush, landscaped gardens. And yes, there is a spa with traditional Ayurvedic massages to indulge in, in addition to a rooftop bar and dining options by the waterside.

Expected Opening: March 2018

6. Taj Theong Resort & Spa Shimla: Himachal Pradesh

Shimla will soon have another luxury address for tourists. Located at an altitude of 8,000 ft, the Taj Theong will be one of India’s highest luxury hotels. This 70 rooms property is built on a hilltop and has panoramic views of the mountains and the greenery. The 45 minutes drive from Shimla to the hotel entails driving through winding mountain roads sprinkled with apple, plum and cherry trees on the way.

The hotel is divided into seven simple zones – stay, hang out, meet, work, workout, unwind and explore. It will be equipped with an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, a bar, spa and banquet facilities. This will be one property you wouldn’t want to step out of once you enter in.

Expected Opening: April 2018

7. Six Senses Bhutan

Okay, well, this deserves to be counted as it is right next door. Accessible by flight and one of the top driving international destinations from India is its neighbouring country Bhutan. So what should we expect from the Six Senses in Bhutan? Similar to the Amankora lodges, the Six Senses here will offer five unique stays experiences crafted through the Kingdom of Bhutan.

The 82 suites and villas are going to be distributed amongst five lodges where travellers will experience the heritage and hospitality of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro in the colourful Kingdom, also known as the Happiest Place on Earth.

Expected Opening: Early 2018

8. Soho House Mumbai

Founded in London, Soho House is a boho-chic private members’ club and an international hotel chain. Its members include celebrity A-listers who are regarded as trendsetters in the global arts and media scenes.  The first ever Soho House in Asia is due to open in Mumbai mid next year. The beachside Soho House Mumbai overlooks the Juhu beach will have a rooftop pool and bar, spaces for eating and drinking, fitness centre, yoga studios and 38 rooms.

Expected Opening: Mid 2018

9. Six Senses Fort Barwara Jaipur

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Six Senses is entering India with its first heritage property due to open in late 2018. Located 100 kilometres from Jaipur, the property stands on the restored site of a 700-year-old fort in Chauth Ka Barwara village. An all-suite hotel with just 48 beautifully designed suites, the Six Senses Barwara is expected to give its guests a taste of royalty in the middle of a local village in India.

Expected Opening: Late 2018

10. The Chedi Mumbai: Maharashtra

Singapore based General Hotel Management company is bringing its luxury brand The Chedi in India next year. Offering great views of the Powai lake, The Chedi will offer game-changing luxury in India’s City of Dreams, Mumbai. The 312 rooms and suites at the hotel will soar above 20 floors and will be divided into eleven distinct categories. Of these there are 8 different types of suites guests can choose from.

Expected Opening: 2018

We’re already excited about a few hotels on this list. Which ones are you tempted to stay at?

All pictures from the respective websites