Luxury Group Tours

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 22 June 2025

Is it really possible to enjoy a pool villa stay on a group tour? Or begin your morning with a serene sunrise yoga session, take a leisurely afternoon to unwind, and then step out in the evening to explore a new city? Can we really tickle our taste buds with delicious local cuisine, listen to extraordinary stories from locals, and still have the assurance that we don’t have to sweat the details—because a Veena World Tour Manager is right there by our side, guiding us through some of the most exotic destinations in India and across the world?

With Veena World's newly launched luxury group tours, the answer is a resounding yes. We've reimagined what a group tour can be—offering the indulgence of a luxury holiday with the convenience and safety of a guided group experience.

At Veena World, we take feedback seriously—because every word from our guests helps us build more meaningful holidays. Recently, one letter caught our attention:

"We love the safety and convenience of group travel, but we also want flexibility and free time. It’s like wanting our cake and eating it too!"

Challenge accepted.

Our Guest Connect department constantly gathers these insights and shares them with our product team. We know that every traveller is unique. Some prefer quick getaways packed with must-sees, others want deep explorations of a single place. Then there are our spirited women’s groups and enthusiastic senior travellers who enjoy relaxed sightseeing and evenings full of fun and laughter. And we have tours for each and every type of traveller. But increasingly, we were hearing a different kind of request: “We want to travel... in luxury, the luxury of time, space and premium accommodation.”

That deeply resonated with me. Many guests shared how they prefer to visit one destination at a time, exploring and soaking in the atmosphere. The sentiment was clear: in a world that never stops, our holidays should be the opposite. They should heal, not exhaust.

So we rolled up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps, and crafted something that hadn’t really been done before—Luxury Group Tours. Intimate in size, thoughtfully paced, and rich in experiences, these tours are all about slowing down and savouring each moment. We decided it was time for slow tourism. And that became our mantra.

Let me walk you through what that means, through some of the most inspiring itineraries we've launched.

Kashmir: Tranquility and Thrills Amid Nature's Masterpiece

Kashmir, rightly called "Paradise on Earth," is so much more than just scenic beauty—it's a soulful experience. Imagine waking up to crisp Himalayan air and heading off on a leisurely trek to the Thajiwas Glacier. No rush, no checklist. Just pure, immersive beauty—snow-dusted peaks, pine-laced valleys, and the sound of nothing but birdsong and your own breath.

Back at the hotel in Gulmarg, you unwind with a steaming cup of Kahwa, letting the cinnamon and saffron soothe you as you gaze at mountain vistas from your premium hotel room. Afternoons can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want—with snowmobiling, white-water rafting, and of course, a serene sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake.

Evenings are for long, slow dinners—like the traditional multi-course Kashmiri Wazwan that not only fills your belly but also your heart, because it connects you with the centuries-old culinary soul of the region.

Nepal: Wellness and Cultural Discovery

Nepal is a personal favourite, and perhaps the best example of post-pandemic wellness travel done right. Our guests stay at places like the Sarangkot Hotel, where the highlight is a sunrise yoga session overlooking the Himalayas. The golden light, the stillness of the mountains, the feeling of groundedness—it’s unforgettable.

You then go on to canoe through Chitwan’s gentle waterways, make pottery with local artisans in Tharu villages, and savour local Newari and Thakali meals that are full of flavour and tradition. It’s travel that soothes the senses, not overstimulates them.

Bhutan: A Kingdom of Happiness and Serenity

Bhutan moves at its own pace—and that's exactly what makes it magical. We wanted our itinerary here to reflect that. Guests enjoy riverside picnic lunches, raft gently down the Mo Chu River, and take scenic treks like the one to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery—not as a challenge, but as a mindful journey.

You’ll visit traditional farmhouses, the Living Interactive Museum, and end your evenings with a cultural performance that feels more like a story unfolding than just a show. Bhutan isn’t about ticking things off a list. It’s about presence. And that’s what our guests love the most.

Ladakh: Embracing Simplicity and Natural Wonder

My own treks have taught me just how healing nature can be. That ethos flows through our Ladakh luxury tour. From yoga on the banks of the Indus River to horseback safaris across Nubra Valley, every activity is about reconnecting—with nature, with people, with yourself.

Guests interact with monks in ancient monasteries, walk through heritage villages, and stay in charming, eco-conscious accommodations that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. It's peaceful, profound, and powerfully grounding.

Bali: Cultural Depth Meets Island Serenity

Bali holds a special place in my heart. It’s where spirituality meets scenic luxury. We’ve curated a tour where you don’t just visit Bali—you feel it. Whether you’re crafting a Canang Sari devotional offering, participating in a Melukat purification ritual, or sipping Balinese coffee after a floating breakfast in your private villa—every moment is designed to nourish.

You’ll stay in beautiful pool villas in Ubud and Nusa Lembongan, visit salt-maker villages, attend the Devdan show at Garuda Vishnu Kencana park, and explore Instagram-famous spots like Tanah Barak Cliffs and Wanagiri Hidden Hills—not for the photo, but for the awe they inspire in real life.

Vietnam: A Love Affair with Culture, History, and Coffee

Vietnam is where my love affair with local coffee began. On my first visit, I must have tried every variant—egg coffee, salt coffee, coconut coffee—you name it! And when a friend returned from Vietnam without trying even one, I was heartbroken. That’s when I decided: our guests will never miss out on those experiences.

Our Vietnam luxury tour includes an egg coffee-making class, chats with Vietnam War veterans, lantern-making in Hoi An, and even a chance to have custom clothing tailored. You’ll explore Hanoi in a vintage army jeep, Halong Bay by cruise, and Ho Chi Minh on a motorbike. But never at a frantic pace. Always with time to breathe, pause, and absorb.

Post-pandemic, the need to reconnect with nature, with self, and with slower rhythms has never been greater. That’s why we’ve chosen properties where you can truly relax—whether that’s a poolside afternoon, an impromptu nap on a sunbed, or a quiet dinner under the stars. Our guests love that these tours give them not just memories, but moments to be fully present in.

Evenings are often when the magic happens—guests gather, swap stories, reflect on the day’s highlights. Many have shared how these luxury tours are exactly what they were looking for: travel that isn’t rushed, that offers connection, and that allows time to simply be. And to top it all we have our Veena World Tour manager accompanying the group so that you can travel completely hassle free as you find your tribe of like minded individuals who wish to explore the world in style!

We’re overwhelmed with the love and appreciation we’ve received from our first luxury tour guests—especially those who explored Kashmir with us. Their encouraging feedback has confirmed what we believed all along: there’s a real need for this kind of thoughtful, unhurried travel. Inspired by their words and experiences, we’re excited to expand this segment with even more luxurious journeys across India and the world. So watch this space and do visited Veena World website regularly where newer itineraries will be updated as we discover one exotic location after another.

Because at Veena World, we don’t just plan trips—we create experiences. Experiences that invite you to pause, immerse, and connect.

So come, join us. Let's travel better. Let’s slow down and savour. Let’s truly have our cake—and eat it too.