Travel + Leisure’s It List — the hospitality world’s most coveted annual seal of approval — has just dropped its 2026 edition. Culled from nearly 250 properties across 40 countries, only 100 make the cut: the best new and renovated hotels on the planet.
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Sariska Lodge, Alwar, Rajasthan, India
Spread acros 15 acres, this lodge, located right beside the Sariska Tiger Reserve, opened in August 2025. With just 11 cottages, it manages to be both spacious and intimate. Guests are welcomed by the owners, Anand Shekhawat and his Japanese wife Rie, who live on the property. Having spent years at the Aman group across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, Anand brings echoes of its ethos to his property. Handwritten notes combined with high-quality accessories (think Hafele kettles and organic toiletries smelling of neroli and ylang ylang) dot the spacious suites, done up in earth tones. Dark wood pillars reclaimed from Rajasthan’s crumbling havelis are reused throughout the property. Guests get a butler – mine was a young super-efficient woman named Sylvia – who becomes a single point of contact throughout the stay. Service is both unobtrusive and thoughtful. One my first night, the staff lit candles all around the swimming pool for an outdoor dinner. On the second night, we had a “bush dinner” with food cooked over an open fire at the edge of the property. Dishes are a mix of Indian and global, with a preponderance of Asian and Italian. The homemade pizzas and salads with vegetables grown on site are delicious. Curated excursions with elements that surprise are part of the experience. You hike up Tehla fort and find breakfast laid out on top. A drive through the neighbouring town ends up in a small home where the women make hand-made carpets. The local cobbler shows you his craft. A visit to a 5th century crumbling temple complex ends with a delightful picnic tea. After these rigors, try an ayurvedic massage at the spa with its striking blue metal door. Safaris into Sariska may yield great sightings of the tiger, leopard, sloth bear or hyena. For birdwatchers like me, there are 50 species of birds, just within and around the property.
Doubles from $250 in season.
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