The Roseate Ganges

Aside from an almost monkish minimalism, there’s nothing here to suggest that you are in Rishikesh, one of the most sacred sites of Hinduism. Indeed, the “private white-sand beach” included among The Roseate’s amenities evokes a much farther-flung (and tropical) destination. But instead of bikini-clad blondes, you get the august grandeur of the Himalayas rising above the strikingly green-blue waters of the Ganges. The views are equally dramatic from the valley-side infinity pool or the terraces of the 16 villas — sleek, compact units appointed with slate-gray walls, fireplaces, and black-marbled bathrooms. At the main restaurant, Chidya Ghar, chef Chetan Singh Rana crafts regional specialties rarely found outside the state of Uttarakhand; you can also arrange to have a private meal on the banks of the Ganges. The spa, too, is excellent, showcasing all-natural Ayurveda treatments alongside a variety of wraps, scrubs, and massages. But what distinguishes The Roseate is that “wellness” extends beyond the spa and infuses every aspect of the experience, from the service to exhilarating hikes, rafting, and, if you’re a Beatles fan, guided visits to the ashram where the Fab Four studied transcendental mediation in 1968. — 91-931/990-3388; roseatehotels.com; doubles from US$190