As one of the best Chandigarh hotels on offer, The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury on the edge of the Siswan Forest Range.

Chandigarh, the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, stands out as India’s only planned city, designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s. Known for its orderly grid layout, modernist architecture and green open spaces, the city offers a striking contrast to the chaotic charm typical of many Indian cities.

The Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases monumental structures like the High Court, Secretariat, and Legislative Assembly, all designed with a bold, geometric aesthetic. Complementing its architectural significance is the city’s reputation for cleanliness, wide boulevards and well-maintained gardens.

Amidst this scenic backdrop, the Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort stands out as a luxurious sanctuary, combining the best of Punjab’s heritage with world-class comfort and wellness, for travellers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion in northern India.

Introducing the Oberoi Sukhvilas: a luxury retreat set against the forested foothills of the Himalaya, where refined design meets restorative wellness.

Why are Oberoi hotels so famous in India?

Oberoi Hotels are renowned in India for their exceptional service, elegant design, and consistently high standards of hospitality. Founded in 1934 by Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the brand pioneered luxury hoteliering in India and set benchmarks that other Indian hotel groups later followed.

What distinguishes Oberoi properties is their attention to detail - whether it’s personalised guest experiences, spacious suites with scenic views, or flawless but discreet service. Many of their hotels are set in prime locations, offering views of iconic sites like the Taj Mahal or set amidst serene countryside and heritage-rich regions.

Another reason for their fame is the group's commitment to blending traditional Indian hospitality with world-class amenities. The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, and The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur are often featured on global ‘best hotels’ lists, known for their stunning architecture, heritage-inspired décor, and serene environments.

The group also invests heavily in staff training, ensuring consistently high levels of professionalism across all properties. For travellers seeking a refined and culturally immersive experience without compromising on comfort or service, the Oberoi brand remains a trusted and aspirational choice.

What is the accommodation like at Sukhvilas?

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort takes its name from the Hindi words Sukh, meaning happiness, and Vilas, meaning indulgence. It opened its doors in November 2016 on 8,000 acres of protected forest at the foothills of the outer Himalayas near Chandigarh.

The property draws inspiration from traditional Rajasthani and Punjabi architecture, featuring courtyards, fountains and reflecting pools that echo the region’s heritage. Within two years of opening, it was named one of Time Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” for its Ayurvedic and wellness programmes and its commitment to sustainability.

This Chandigarh hotel and resort offers sixty accommodations across three categories to ensure privacy and exclusivity. Premier Rooms (65 square metres) feature a king‑size bed, walk‑in wardrobe, bay window seating area and a bathroom with private courtyard views. Luxury Villas (139 square metres of interior space) open onto private gardens with a plunge pool and al‑fresco dining pavilion.

The jewel in the crown is the Kohinoor Villa, whose 392 square metres of interior living space include three separate pavilions, a master suite, a twin‑bedroom suite and a grand living‑dining hall, surrounding a private courtyard and pool, all served by a dedicated butler.

In contrast, the 13 forest tents offer an experience under triple‑canopied roofs, with a private pool, temperature control and modern amenities while framing views of the surrounding woodland. All accommodation overlooks either landscaped gardens or the Siswan Forest Range, with in‑room dining, high‑speed internet and round‑the‑clock butler service.

Room interiors at all Oberoi hotels are marked by understated elegance, spacious layouts, and high-quality materials, often incorporating elements like hand-crafted furniture, local textiles and traditional art.

What are the key facilities and features of Sukvilas?

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa offers guests both restoration and discovery within a setting inspired by local traditions. From its thoughtfully designed spaces to its emphasis on holistic well-being, the resort invites visitors to explore every aspect of its environment. Here are the four pillars that shape the ultimate Sukhvilas experience.

Dining

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort has two main restaurants: Kaanan and Anant Mahal. It is a one-stop destination to enjoy multi-cuisine dishes crafted from organic produce sourced from nearby farms. Guests can savour light Ayurvedic preparations alongside familiar international classics. Each plate is presented with care to balance flavour and nutrition, making every meal an experience for both body and mind.

Spa

The resort spa brings ancient healing traditions into modern practice, using herbal oils and blends made on-site. Receive a warm welcome from your personal spa therapist before going through the menu of massage therapies, Ayurveda treatments, hydrotherapy, a steam room, an ultraviolet sauna, a Turkish Hammam and a Roman tepidarium. Large windows with spectacular views of the Siswan Forest and an intimate setting complete the experience.

Pool

Guests can unwind at the property’s stunning infinity pool, which appears to merge seamlessly with the surrounding forest canopy, offering a peaceful and elevated view of nature. Attentive poolside service ensures refreshing drinks and light bites are always within reach, adding to the ease of the experience. For added comfort, a separate heated pool allows guests to enjoy a dip regardless of the season, making it an ideal retreat throughout the year.

Activities

The resort offers a range of activities designed to immerse guests in local culture and nature. From wellness treatments and fine dining to outdoor experiences such as guided forest walks, boat rides and mountain biking, each activity is thoughtfully curated. Guests can also opt for a private helicopter tour of Amritsar, attend cooking classes, or take part in cultural performances and art workshops for deeper insight into the region’s heritage.

Kaanan at The Oberoi Sukhvilas offers a refined dining experience that celebrates Punjab’s rich culinary heritage. The menu features dishes inspired by traditional recipes from Punjab's royal courts and rustic kitchens, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured cooking techniques.

What did we love about our stay at Sukhvilas?

Lincoln Harris, Founder and Managing Director of India Unbound was a guest at Sukhvilas not long after its opening in 2017. Intrigued by the concept of an Oberoi luxury retreat in the foothills of the Himalaya, the focus on wellness was evident.

“Located about 30 minutes from Chandigarh airport, Sukhvilas is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest, making it a perfect retreat from India’s big cities. The resort is establishing itself as a wellness retreat, with an impressive new spa featuring an outdoor yoga deck (facing east, so that your morning Surya Namaskars do actually face the sun), as well as an impressive array of therapies and treatments. There’s also a vitality pool, Turkish hammam and Roman tepidarium, as well as an Ayurvedic doctor and therapies, so there’s really no excuse not to pamper yourself.”

But how about the accommodation itself? True to form, Lincoln opted for the road less travelled.

“As the name suggests, there are high-end villas. However, the resort also includes seven ultra-luxury Royal Forest Tents with private pools set away from the main hotel itself. Don’t be fooled though - it’s not camping, and it’s far beyond glamping. The tents are permanent buildings with a three-layered canopy roof, decorated inside with delightful Indian block printing designs. There are luxurious bathrooms with deep baths, and your own private, temperature-controlled pool outside. The Royal Forest Tents would be an ideal place for a little romance with someone special or to escape from it all for a few days.”

Tried and tested, we recommend opting for one of the Royal Forest Tents with private pools set away from the main hotel precinct at Sukhvilas, particuarly if you like your privacy and wish to be closer to nature.

Beyond the resort, what are some things to do in Chandigarh?

Besides being a complete luxury destination in itself, The Oberoi Sukhvilas is also perfectly placed for exploring Chandigarh, a city known for its thoughtful design, thno-cultural heritage and artistic energy. Designed by Le Corbusier in the 1950s, Chandigarh is one of India’s best-planned cities, offering a clean, green and well-organised urban experience.

Among its highlights is the Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reflects Le Corbusier’s modernist vision through monumental buildings. Visitors can wander through the whimsical Rock Garden, where sculptures made from recycled materials fill winding courtyards, or walk through the beautiful landscape of Pinjore Garden with its Mughal-style terraces and historic pavilions. Sukhna Lake offers a peaceful escape for morning or sunset views, while the city's modern art galleries, cafes and boutiques add a contemporary pulse.

From soaking in its calm to uncovering its cultural layers, Chandigarh offers a fitting contrast to the stillness of Sukhvilas. For a deeper discovery of the region, our Quintessential Punjab itinerary offers a curated journey through its food, heritage and warm hospitality.

Plan your luxury India tour with us at India Unbound

Established in 2007, India Unbound is an award-winning travel company with over two decades of experience designing private journeys across India. We specialise in custom-made itineraries that combine distinctive stays with cultural insight and seamless travel. Looking to add a stay at Sukhvilas to your North India tour? Contact us to begin planning a personalised itinerary that brings together the finest in culture, comfort, and unforgettable experiences.

A Luxury Stay In Punjab With Oberoi At Sukhvilas