Overlooking the Aravalli ranges, Raffles Udaipur is India's first ultra-luxury travel and wedding property. Nestled on the outskirts of the city of lakes in Rajasthan, designed for the well-traveled, luxury-hungry folks, it is spread over a 21-acre private island in the middle of the enchanting Udai Sagar Lake.
Soak in the enchanting 360 degree views of the Aravalli mountains, where the sun rises on one side and sets on the other. A hotel where every room offers a unique one-of a kind view, experience, royalty and luxury.
How to reach
Once you land at the Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, you can take a cab to the Raffles jetty. Know that the only way to enter Raffles is by crossing the Udai Sagar lake. The jetty is located about 9 miles from the airport, and once you reach, there is a luggage screening process. Outside alcohol is strictly not allowed. So beware. You will then be asked to wear a life jacket before you can board your boat and go afloat the lake.
The hotel
Boating through the Udai Sagar lake is nothing short of peace and bliss. The hotel is set on an island that is also known as a birder's paradise. This is South Asia's first Raffles that took over 12 years to build. It is designed to give the feels of an English country estate, albeit nestled in the heart of Rajasthan. The hotel has hosted several Bollywood's icons, fashionistas, the princess and many renowned celebrities.
The island opens to a 101 room lavish hotel, built keeping the Mughal architecture and European panache in mind. The lobby is Gigantic where you will be given a classic Rajasthani welcome with garlands and rose petals. The writers bar awaits for some snacks to much before you check into your rooms.
The rooms
The property boasts 101 rooms and suites that start from 650 sq feet and up. The higher category rooms boast a private garden with a gazebo, a pool and giant living rooms for the king suites.
The rooms are decked with Greek and Roman style murals, paintings, furniture engraved with mother-of-pearl, venetian cut mirrors and shiny chandeliers. The bed's at Raffles were my favorite. I could sleep there for days and still wake up fresh. Our room was on the top-most floor, overlooking the lake towards the east with the hills folding away into distance.
Food & Drink
The hotel has 6 F&B options, the Sawai kitchen will change your perspective of Indian food and spices. The Raffles patisserie is one for the sweet tooths for the range of French desserts they offer are to die for. The writers bar has over 30,000 books on showcase and the long bar a gorgeous sling-cocktail. The concept of the Sawai kitchen is to highlight dishes made by warriors on the battlefield.
The Spa
The spa is spread over 12,000 sq feet offering ayurvedic and aromatherapy sessions for all. The Australian brand "Subtle Energies" boasts a range of cruelty-free, vegan and vegetarian products with well-trained massage therapists on board.
The service
I would return to this property for three reasons - the staff, the service and the views. The thoughtful service across the hotel remains my prime reason and probably stands out the most. Every staff stands by Rajasthan's levels of hospitality. The views and the rooms offer over-the-top comfort, and now I know why they charge the big-bucks.
Sustainability efforts
Raffles has cut-off single-use plastic completely. They also grow their own organic veggies spread in 2 locations on the island. They have made efforts to use battery-run boats to transport their guests along with battery operated golf-cart for internal transport. They also use recyclable paper for their toiletries packaging.
My final say
As the first Raffles in South Asia, the hotel stays bound to what the state has to offer - luxury, royalty and impeccable hospitality. This is a family-friendly hotel nestled in the middle of the royal Aravalli ranges and pristine waters. A stay here will provide boundless luxury and tasteful food. You are in for a fruitful, ultra-luxurious stay with a host of activities, mindful culinary experience making the most of your time.
Have you been to Udaipur before? Heard or experienced Raffles? Write about your experience in the comments below. While in Rajasthan check out these ultra-luxury properties to get a taste of royalty, heritage and culture. If you're planning a trip to Udaipur soon, you simply cannot miss the noteworthy Udaipur City Palace. Get immersed in a chapter of history.
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