Sep 16: There is something special about a hotel once the sun goes down. Mountains become silhouettes, city lights begin to sparkle, pools take on a different glow and riverside landscapes become quieter and more atmospheric. From a beach resort in Goa to a Himalayan retreat and a hotel overlooking the Taj Mahal, these stays offer scenic settings that are just as rewarding after sunset.
1. ibis Styles Goa Vagator Resort, Goa
Goa’s laid-back beach atmosphere takes on a more vibrant character after sunset at ibis Styles Goa Vagator Resort. The resort’s brightly lit, contemporary setting, illuminated pool and palm-fringed surroundings make for an inviting evening escape. With warm music, a beach breeze and the glow of the poolside setting, it is an easy place to slow down after a day in Vagator.
Where: Chapora Fort Road, Vagator, North Goa
2. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati
Set amid the rolling green hills of Sonapur, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort offers a tranquil setting that becomes particularly atmospheric after dark. The property’s illuminated swimming pools lend a soft glow to the expansive landscape, while the surrounding valley and evening mist add to its secluded feel. It is a setting suited to long, unhurried evenings surrounded by Assam’s greenery.
Where: Tapesia Garden Road, Sonapur, Guwahati, Assam 782401 3. Aloha On The Ganges, Rishikesh
For an evening by the river, Aloha On The Ganges offers panoramic views of the Ganga and the foothills beyond. As daylight fades, the riverside landscape becomes quieter, with the surrounding lights adding to the serene setting. The resort makes for a peaceful base from which to experience Rishikesh beyond its daytime bustle. Where: NH 58, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
4. Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa, Dehradun
Set at the edge of Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together forested surroundings, mountain views and the Doon Valley. The property overlooks the Malsi Reserved Forest and Himalayan range, while its outdoor spaces also frame views towards the Dehradun skyline. As evening sets in, the contrast between the darkening forest and the lights of the valley makes for an atmospheric backdrop.
Where: Malsi Forest Edge, Mussoorie Road, Salan Gaon, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248009
5. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Mashobra
Surrounded by pine forests in the hills of Mashobra, Wildflower Hall offers the kind of mountain setting that feels made for clear nights. Away from the bustle of the city, the high-altitude retreat provides an opportunity to spend evenings surrounded by forest and mountain views, with outdoor spaces that make the most of the Himalayan landscape. On a clear night, the starlit sky adds another layer to the experience. Where: Charabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012
6. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Few hotel views are as instantly recognisable as this one. At The Oberoi Amarvilas, the Taj Mahal forms the centrepiece of the experience, with the monument visible from across the property. The view becomes particularly magical as daylight fades, while moonlit nights offer an altogether different perspective of the marble monument. Condé Nast Traveller has previously highlighted the privileged Taj Mahal views from the property, including from its Kohinoor Suite.
Where: Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001