An oasis hotel in ‘the Venice of the East’
The first Raffles outpost in India is now open
Love exploring big cities but also covet the peacefulness of more private getaways? Raffles Udaipur, which started welcoming guests in the Indian state of Rajasthan this summer, lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
The palatial hotel, the first Raffles outpost in India, is close to the action in the heart of tropical Udaipur, nicknamed “the Venice of the East,” thanks to its rich culture and history, lively bazaars and glittering lakefronts.
But the hotel is far enough away — on a lush private island on Udai Sagar Lake — to feel like a true oasis. An arrival lounge has been established 20 minutes from Maharana Pratap Airport, where you’ll meet Raffles butlers who will usher you off to the 21-acre property via boat.
Raffles Udaipur is meant to feel like a luxe country estate. The esthetic takes inspiration from Rajasthan’s heritage (the region has been home to many of the nation’s royal families) and traditional Mughal and European Palladian architecture, which can be seen in the use of decorative chhatris (elevated domed structures) and stucco.
Each of the 101 rooms and suites (from $755) boasts views of the lake and the hotel’s private gardens. The six groundfloor Oasis suites also feature plunge pools, while second- and third-floor rooms come with balconies. Raffles worked alongside local artisans in the overall design of the rooms, which include intricate murals that blend Eastern and Western influences, and handcrafted furniture with carved designs.
No expense was spared for the culinary experiences. There’s the vibrant Sawai Kitchen, which specializes in Indian dishes derived from recipes belonging to some of the region’s former royal families, while the chic Raffles Patisserie focuses on delicate French desserts.
Harvest (opening in October) will offer farm-to-table dining by letting guests pick their own produce and spices before the chef crafts a dish from the chosen ingredients. There’s also the cosy Writers Bar, which serves craft cocktails against the backdrop of a floor-to-ceiling library.
When not lounging, guests can head to the spa for Ayurvedic-inspired treatments, wander the on-site farm or go stargazing. There’s plenty of exploring to be done away from the estate, too: Historic temples, serene Badi Lake and Udaipur’s grand City Palace are all nearby.