no alt text

Best places to stay:

Last updated: 02 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Susan d’Arcy

This dazzling 18th-century fort palace in Rajasthan’s soft-focus Aravalli hills is every romantic’s dream of India. The hotel skilfully fuses old-world grace with contemporary minimalism; fairytale turrets, twinkling walls encrusted with gemstones and secret passageways to candlelit courtyards. Add warm jasmine-scented air and it feels more like a movie set than a boutique hotel.

That authenticity informs its approach to wellbeing, embracing the country’s ancient ayurvedic health system with subtle modern touches. Curated treatments can be taken in hidden nooks of the palace as well as pretty spa rooms. You can release the pressure valve, breathing in Himalayan salt in its hand carved chamber, try immersive exercise such as sunrise yoga on the rooftop and opt for delicious personalised meal plans or order G&Ts.

This is me-tox, not detox, so expect plenty of decadent touches such as the vast pool and spectacular al fresco hot tub that links you to this uniquely uplifting landscape.

Don't miss

Go off menu in the spa and ask therapists to recreate an age-old custom, for which you sit on a ‘smoking stool’ while frankincense is burned beneath your chair, followed by a slow, deep massage using handcrafted, organic oils. It sounds underwhelming but is completely unforgettable.

Surrounding area

From the palace’s wide terraces you survey pristine empty landscapes, but you can hear the sound of village business drifting up in the sultry air from pretty Delwara beneath.

The stunning ancient Jain temples are about a 10-minute walk away; Udaipur is an easy hour’s drive on National Highway 8 road, which links Delhi and Mumbai.

Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...

Check pricing & availability on:

Key facilities

Airport transfers: Free on request
Beach: None
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Lake Palace

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India[23 miles]

Built in 1746, this stunning marble palace (and famous Octopussy cult hideout) was the winter palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II of the royal dynasty of Mewar. Mesmerising from the outside, inside it houses a peacock-filled central garden, with fountains, pillared terraces and shady courtyards.

Best for ages: 18+ | £700