Hotel Irada

Among the vineyards and grazing cattle of rural Maharashtra, a French château rises rather unexpectedly, complete with a 35 metre tower, sweeping staircases and ornamental lions. It was built for Vijay Mallya, the flamboyant Indian tycoon behind Kingfisher beer and airlines, who reportedly fancied a taste of Bordeaux in his own backyard. Naturally, he included a private helipad. The local cows, according to legend, were less impressed. Today, Hotel Irada has entered a splendid new chapter. Design studio The Humming Tree has transformed the estate into an intimate retreat of just 32 rooms, where European grandeur meets contemporary Indian design. Beautifully crafted wooden wall panels rise behind generous beds, while burgundy accents, sculptural furniture, chandeliers and treasures from Parisian flea markets give the interiors the character of a sophisticated collector's residence. The generous proportions and rich textures make lingering in your room a rather attractive proposition. Outside, lush greenery frames the elegant swimming pool, where burgundy parasols and cream coloured colonnades provide a particularly photogenic setting for a leisurely afternoon. The original Four Seasons winery still operates across the 66 acre estate, inviting guests to explore its barrel cellar and discover Indian wines during guided tastings. Rosso serves Italian cuisine, while the spa offers a wellness programme managed by the renowned Ananda in the Himalayas. Two hours from Pune, Irada is a destination worth taking your time over. Choose a Vineyard Suite for its distinctive interiors and generous outdoor sitting area overlooking the vines. What began as one man's extravagant European fantasy has matured into a wonderfully individual expression of Indian luxury.