Your travel specialist on: India's legacy of luxury

The most important advice I could give to someone who is planning on traveling to India is to fly on Emirates Airlines, and go thru Dubai. It makes this long journey so much easier if you avoid going thru London, and is a time saver. No other airline has the comfort and service to compare with Emirates and the fantastic entertainment system passes the time away for you. I would not advise going to India on your own, unless you are visiting friends and family. By booking with a travel specialist you can save as much as 40% of the costs since they have it down to a fine art with all their contacts.

The moment you enter any of the magnificent hotels in the Oberoi Group’s collection you feel a sense of belonging. Since 1934 Oberoi Hotels have been synonymous with an authenticity that is firmly rooted in their locations be it India, Dubai, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mauritius or Indonesia. They won the title of the World’s Best Hotel Brand for 2015 and we never have a complaint again their thirty hotels. Our clients are delighted with the extras we are able to get for them such as a free breakfast, room upgrade, early check in (so important with long haul travel ) late check out, and many other amenities which vary with each destination.

I grew up learning all about the beauty and customs of India and its people, since my parents lived there for a few years, with my father being based there with the British Colonial Office. I was at school in England at the time. They spoke the language, and when they returned to England I got used to eating curry dishes and the many spices associated with the country. We always had lots of Indian visitors at home.

Standing less than 2,000 feet from the Taj Mahal, Mughal inspired the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra boasts endless perspectives of the white marble mausoleum. Whether you’re soaking in a flower strewn bath in the spa or toasting champagne atop tasseled pillows in your luxury suite, this mesmerizing tribute to eternal love is always within sight.

Jaipur, renowned for its world class jewelry shopping is home to another gem, the Oberoi Rajvilas, set on 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens that include an 18th century Hindu temple where you can experience yoga meditation, Sanskrit chanting with a Hindu priest or renew your wedding vows in a traditional ceremony.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas in Rajasthan is just a short drive from Ranthambhore National Park, affording you the chance to get up close with Royal Bengal tigers on a jungle safari. Experience sunset with champagne at the observation tower or enjoy private dining for two beside a lantern lit lily pond before returning to your luxury tent.

The Oberoi Udaivilas occupies a magnificent location along the banks of Lake Pichola in the city of Udaipur. Stroll along the hotel’s Mughal inspired domed corridors, interlinked like Udaipur’s canal linked lakes, tour the Venice of the East on a private shikara boat as your guide elucidates the city’s fascinating history, or experience a candlelit lakeside dinner for two, entertained by live, traditional musicians.

Is visiting this vast subcontinent in inimitable luxury and matchless style on your bucket list?

You will receive countless privileges if you let us give you a holiday of a lifetime in India.

Go on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com and enter Offer M.13118 and click search.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.