Rajasthan romance
From bewitching sunsets to a hot tub on a palace tower, Jane Knight selects ten dreamy hotels in this enchanting corner of historic India
THERE are many romantic destinations in the world but none can hold a candle to majestic Rajasthan, a land of epic vistas, magical forts and stunning pink sunsets – and packed with an array of charming boutique hotels guaranteed to satisfy.
Here we explore the very finest the area has to offer.
RAAS CHHATRASAGAR, NIMAJ
Romance rating: Rural retreats don’t get much more breathtaking than this, sitting on an ancient dam and hilltop overlooking a lake 70 miles from Jodhpur. The place has just had a spectacular revamp by RAAS hotels. Relax in the pool and spa, then snuggle up in one of the 20 ‘tents’ that come complete with teak furniture, air conditioning and heating.
Don’t miss: Sunrise over the lake. Head off with a naturalist for walks around the area and to local villages, then return to feasts with those sublime lake views. B&B doubles from €408 (raashotels.com)
28 KOTHI, JAIPUR
Romance rating: This bijou property in Jaipur has rooms named after local gemstones. Stay in elegant, pared-back Sapcome phire with its deep blue furniture, or pale Moonstone with its free-standing bath. You won’t be short of Instagram fodder here.
Don’t miss: Candlelit dinner in the lush gardens – the vegetarian organic food is exquisite. Take a tuk-tuk into Jaipur; the hotel manager will hook you up with the best galleries and boutiques. B&B doubles from €95 (28kothi.com)
DEEPPURA GARH, SIKAR
Romance rating: Ramble hand in hand around secret gardens, manicured courtyards and along roof terraces at this sprawling 200-yearold fort. A couple of hours northwest of Jaipur, this hotel opened last year after extensive work. View original frescoes on the walls, then wallow in the 18-metre pool.
Don’t miss: The painted havelis (traditional townhouses) this area of Shekhawati is famous for. On your return, retreat to one of ten individually styled whitewashed bedrooms. Doubles from €380, full-board (deeppura.com)
AMAN-I-KHAS, NEAR RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK
Romance rating: The ten Mughalinspired pavilions at Aman-i-Khas extend to 1,160 square feet each. Amid the reams of cream canvas you’ll find an enormous day bed (plus a king-size one for sleeping), twin writing desks and a bath. Outside, there are squishy sofas for snuggling around the campfire. You’ll need deep pockets.
Don’t miss: A thrilling tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park, once the Maharajah of Jaipur’s hunting ground. Tents for two from €1,195, all-inclusive (aman.com)
TREE OF LIFE, NEAR JAIPUR
Romance rating: Massage beds for couples and outdoor sunken tubs
as standard in the gardens of each of the 13 spacious villas here, 30 minutes from Jaipur. Some villas have private pools, and there’s a communal infinity pool. Yes, there’s a restaurant but why go when you can sit in bathrobes in your private garden and order dinner à deux?
Don’t miss: After a jaunt to the Pink City with its Amber Fort, order the Aravalli bath with rose petals, bubbles and essential oils. B&B doubles from €105 (treeofliferesorts.com)
MIHIR GARH, NEAR JODHPUR
Romance rating: You’ll get a truly exotic experience in this desert fort 40 miles south of Jodhpur with just nine enormous suites. Each has its own terrace with a private plunge pool or hot tub, from which you can admire the desert views shared by the hotel’s lovely infinity pool. Wander courtyards with hidden niches and indulge in a gourmet dinner under the stars.
Don’t miss: A horseback adventure through this rural wilderness (there’s a spa to soothe aching muscles), followed by a bush dinner. Doubles for two from €535 a night, full-board (houseofrohet.com)
THE ROHET HOUSE, JODHPUR
Romance rating:
You won’t find a more romantic urban pool, with its adjoining pillared veranda, floaty white curtains and green rattan furniture. It’s a modern take on traditional Rajasthani decor, with chandelier-lit bathrooms, Krishna motifs and intricate rugs. Have tête-à-têtes over meals prepared using royal recipes before holing up in one of the many nooks and crannies.
Don’t miss: A sunset zipwire tour which takes in Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort from above. B&B doubles from €230 (mrandmrssmith.com)
BHAINSRORGARH FORT, NEAR KOTA
Romance rating: Could there be a more perfect place for whispering sweet nothings to each other over dinner than the roof terrace at this 18th Century fort overlooking the Chambal River? Some 150 miles north-east of Udaipur, Bhainsrorgarh is a charmingly ramshackle affair with a labyrinth of turrets and terraces. There are plenty of cushioned alcoves and lounges to relax in. Don’t miss: A picnic lunch on an island after rowing on the river. B&B doubles from €192 (corinthian travel. co.uk)
SUJAN THE SERAI, THAR DESERT
Romance rating: It’s easy to imagine you’re reliving the days of the Raj in these 21 tents, all served by a butler, but with the added benefit of mod cons. Some tents also have their own plunge pool, perfect for a candlelit dip on the 100-acre site.
Don’t miss: A sunset camel safari on the dunes. Or set out for a secret venue under the desert sky for a bush dinner. B&B doubles from €700 (i-escape.com)
CHANOUD GARH, CHANOUD
Romance rating: Almost midway between Jodhpur and Udaipur, Chanoud Garh has ten suites with vaulted ceilings, painted walls and historical artefacts. Feast on homecooked Rajasthani cuisine in enclosed overhanging balconies or on the rooftop terrace, then relax on the colonnaded veranda.
Don’t miss: The sunset trip to the bird-filled salt plains. Doubles from €277, full-board (wayfairertravel.com)
All prices are for two people staying one night. For more details of Rajasthani boutique hotels, see Mahout (mahoutuk.com).