Vivanta Surajkund, NCR

A few miles south of New Delhi and just west of its namesake 10th-century reservoir, Vivanta Surajkund, NCR has quickly established itself as a welcome alternative to the expanding finance-tech nexus that lies just over the horizon. It’s far enough from the city to have earned its country-resort pedigree, an advantage its proprietors intend to preserve; by the same token, Vivanta’s relatively youthful brand freshens up what might otherwise have lapsed into some pretty sedate territory.

The edifice deliberately recalls the quintessentially Indian baori, an embellished stepwell structure built to capitalize on seasonal water cycles. A baori’s secondary purpose — as a social “cool” spot offering leisurely relief from the midday sun — matters more in this context, abstractly captured by the Taj’s tiered, leafy façade, especially when a cheery glow sets in come sundown. Luxe-chic rooms promote breezy relaxation with a clean, open layout, buoyantly blending warm tones with modest splashes of primary color. Blonde parquet flooring comes insulated to ensure quiet, uninterrupted sleep, while private balconies allow you to properly appreciate the morning sun over a steaming mug of your choice — and in the distance, the verdant Aravalli Hills that make this a desirable retreat in the first place.

Staff are glad to guide you there on a series of excursions: 14th-century fort tours, Islamic architecture exploration, and terra-cotta craft sessions barely scratch the surface. If blown glass is your thing, an on-site “art lounge” should scratch the itch. There’s also a gratifying array of dining options; Oasis forms a solid foundation with all-day global plates, though you won’t want to miss Paranda’s Punjabi specialties and Haryana comfort plates. Signature cocktails can be had against a handful of aesthetically perfect backdrops — on the roof, in a glass-lined lounge, in appreciation of the landscaped courtyard, or, who are we kidding, in the outdoor infinity pool. And in case you rekindle an appetite for more cosmopolitan distractions, the bright lights and big city are just up the road.