Wildflower Hall: An Oberoi Resort in the Himalayas

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by cedar forests and snowcapped mountain ranges, Wildflower Hall was the former residence of Lord Kitchener, a commander of the British army. Though the original structure burned down in 1993, it has been faithfully reproduced (though on a grander scale) down to its many fairy tale–like balconies and turrets. Kitchener’s adventurous spirit can still be felt: guests can raft on the surging Sutlej River, hike through oak forests dotted with colonial-era cottages, and ride on horseback through apple orchards and local villages. Two new Spa Pavilions offer more than 20 ways to loosen up, including the three- hour Spirit of Ayurveda package, an adventure in itself.