Udaivilas

The Oberoi Udaivilas stands on the banks of Lake Pichola facing Udaipur, with views across the water to the 17th Century palaces of Jagmandir and Jagniwas. Udaivilas took ten years to build.

A fabulous resort hotel set among thirty acres of former hunting grounds, Udaivilas itself is nothing short of palatial. A pristine version of an original Rajasthani Mewari moated palace, Udaivilas incorporates every conceivable modern comfort.

Visual treats include open-air colonnades flanked by 450 hand-carved stone columns. Domes covered in gold leaf. Hand-painted murals, arches and fountains. Landscaped terraces and acres of white marble. A decorative pool of giant marble lotus flowers. And, a treat for all the senses, a superb banyan Tree Spa.

Grand, majestic, in a setting of unrivalled splendour, there is absolutely nothing like it. And In terms of comfort and service, Udaivilas is in a class of its own.

At the first level are sixty-three richly appointed deluxe rooms, all with private walled courtyards, complete with silken parasols, table and chairs. Inlaid furniture, Rajput inspired decoration and marble bathrooms help to create a luxurious haven for our guests.

Nineteen superior deluxe rooms open onto the beautiful semi-private moated pool that meanders past the terraces. From here guests overlook either Lake Pichola or the wildlife sanctuary at the rear of the hotel.

Higher up, the Luxury Suites, Great Mogul, Orloff and Regent, each 1,150 sq ft, have private infinity pools and tented dining pavilions. These suites have an unrivalled view of the City Palace horizon – and a telescope! Here you will enjoy the privilege of private staff – your very own butler.

The jewel in the Udaipur crown is the Kohinoor Suite, 2,650 square feet of palatial comfort. With its fountained courtyards, massive private pool, sitting room with real fireplaces, and master suite with its own wooden sauna it is fit for Royalty.

Udaivilas has two restaurants, Suryamahal and Udaimahal, the speciality Indian Restaurant. Executive Chef Jean Christophe Basseau aims to satisfy every palate with the very best of International and Indian cuisine.

The informal 30s style Suryamahal is open all day. The menu here is a fusion of light Western, Mediterranean and Thai style dishes. Chandni, the courtyard for open air dining, hosts evenings of traditional Indian music and dance.

At Udaimahal, guests dine by candlelight on a rich variety of traditional, Rajasthani and North Indian fare in regal surroundings.

It is also possible to lunch around the main swimming pool or in the Spa Courtyard. Or there’s the option of ordering round the clock from the privacy of your room, suite or private dining pavilion.

More adventurous guests can take a picnic lunch basket onto a private gondola. Or even, most decadent of all, take a party of friends to cocktails or dinner on the Bhagwanti Royal Barge, floating to the islands across Lake Pichola.

You will eat like a Maharana. The Udaivilas chefs trained directly under the few chefs to royalty that exist in Rajasthan today.

The cosy bar offers a fine selection of wines, spirits and cigars.