India
Umroi
Wrapped in velvet hills and silver mist, Umroi in Meghalaya is an unexpected stage for luxury travel and attractions seekers. Begin at Ri Kynjai Resort on the shores of Umiam Lake, where glass-fronted suites open onto private decks, cedar-scented air, and evening skies streaked with violet. Order slow-cooked Khasi cuisine, then drift into the spa for a hot-stone ritual using local herbs. For a quieter escape, choose the boutique villas of Aerodene or the elegant cottages near Umroi Cantonment, where fireplaces, handcrafted cane furniture, and curated libraries turn rainy afternoons into indulgent retreats. Arrange a chauffeur-driven car to explore nearby attractions: the panoramic Umiam Lake Viewpoint, the orchid-draped trails of Mawphlang Sacred Grove, and the manicured greens of Shillong Golf Course. Helicopter charters from Shillong Airport make Umroi a stylish gateway to Cherrapunji and Dawki. Sail a private boat on the glass-clear Umngot River, then return to sunset cocktails by the lake. Ask your concierge for curated experiences—traditional Khasi music under the stars, guided market walks in Shillong for handwoven shawls, or a farm-to-table dinner in a misty village homestay upgraded with luxe comforts. Umroi’s charm lies in contrast: monsoon clouds brushing pine forests, birdsong at dawn outside a marble bathroom, and candlelit dinners above rippling water. For travelers who want exclusivity without losing the soul of the hills, this quiet corner of Meghalaya feels like a private, cloud-level sanctuary.