Where to stay
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Experience Kashmir, the quintessential honeymoon destination, in quiet seclusion by staying in one of the five Butt’s Clermont houseboats. Moored in a sheltered corner of Dal Lake, the five houseboats offer stunning views of the placid waters and surrounding snow-covered peaks. Set up home in a cosy houseboat built with cedar wood and furnished with carved wooden pieces and Kashmiri objets d’art; then spend a lazy afternoon on the veranda amid spectacular scenery. (http:/ /buttsclermont houseboat.com) Doubles from 5,500
Butt’s clerMont houseBoats srinagar
High up on the Western Ghats at the meeting point of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, this resort provides the perfect escape in the lap of nature. You’ll see abundant greenery on every side, but we suggest you pick a room with a view of the waterfall. It might be far from the pool, but that only means you’ll stay away from loud families. There isn’t all that much to do here, which makes it perfect for spending time getting to know each other. In the evening, while the light is still strong, trek up the hills and enjoy the spectacular sunset as you breathe in the crisp mountain air. (www.wildernestgoa.com) Doubles from 5,500
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Wildernest Goa
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This chic hotel with four tree houses just off Lonavala’s town centre is a boon for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of cities such as Mumbai and Pune. Located in Jambulne, a botanical hotspot, the luxury eco-resort’s 30ft to 45ft high tree houses offer stellar views of clear, star-studded skies and the surrounding 25 acres of forestland. Pack a picnic and go on long walks, or enjoy an alfresco dinner on your machan’s wooden deck. Book the 800sq ft Canopy Machan—its bathroom’s skylight will give you a feeling of bathing outdoors. (www. themachan.com) Doubles from 10,000
the Machan lonavala
A Butt’s Clermont houseboat in Srinagar
74 Condé Nast Traveller June-July 2013
photograph: miChael Turek