Surajkund Faridabad, India
Opened
2009
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
TajAravalli stepwell resort
Tiered architecture channels the cooling geometry of a traditional baori, built for unhurried days just outside Delhi.
What it’s good at
Notable
Ayurvedic rituals like Vishrama alongside thermal saunas and steam at J Wellness Circle.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The edifice deliberately recalls the quintessentially Indian baori, an embellished stepwell structure built to capitalize on seasonal water cycles.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
The wooded Aravalli ridge sits right outside, and the fourteenth-century ruins of Tughlaqabad Fort are a short drive away.
The rooms
Blonde parquet floors keep rooms quiet, and private balconies look out toward the wooded Aravalli Hills.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Curtained cabanas and yellow umbrellas line the outdoor infinity pool, which reflects the tiered resort facade at night.
The spa
Linen curtains enclose private treatment beds at J Wellness Circle, and the thermal floor holds saunas and ice fountains.
At the table
Buffets at Oasis look out over the central courtyard, and cocktails pour beneath the timber-beamed ceiling at Easy Bar.
How it began
The property opened in 2009 as The Claridges, taking architectural cues from the nearby tenth-century reservoir before joining Taj.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.