Experience the Height of Luxury in India

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan – for wellness & relaxation

A celebration of Udaipur’s beautiful palaces, lakes, and gardens, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures the essence of Rajasthan’s regal charm and splendour. Overlooking the majestic City Palace on one side and lush Aravali hills on the other, the opulent spa resort is situated on the banks of the famous Lake Pichola.

Built on a sprawling estate adorned with verdant gardens and a collection of pools and fountains, Udaivilas features grand pavilions and domes connected by vast courtyards and corridors. Reflecting traditional Mewari heritage, the interiors are decorated with beautiful frescoes, mirror mosaics, traditional antiquities, and elegant furnishings. My favourite rooms to stay in are those that open onto a semi-private swimming pool, as well as the suites with a private pool. Besides exquisite service, the resort is renowned for its sumptuous spa overlooking the lake where you can indulge in a wide range of Eastern and Western massages and therapies for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. There is also a resident Yoga instructor if you are interested in private Yoga and meditation sessions.

Aside from relaxation, there are plenty of alternative ways to fill your day, from taking a cooking lesson with one of the chefs to henna painting, learning about Rajasthan’s unique tradition of miniature painting from the professional artists at the Mewar School of Art, or joining a Thekri workshop – a unique opportunity to watch master craftsmen at work. 

Sujan Jawai Camp, rural Rajasthan – for adventures in the wild

Imagine a small, uber-luxury camp set in the heart of rural Rajasthan within an incredible landscape of craggy granite formations, caves, scrub, and winding sand riverbeds; a hidden gem surrounded by an untouched wilderness where leopards roam wild and free. This is Sujan Jawai Camp, a one-of-a-kind exclusive luxury camping experience in India with a perfect combination of subtle opulence and copious adventure.

It is without a doubt one of my favourite locations and camps in the country. Designed with canvas, stainless steel, and leather accoutrements, each of the ten tented suites at Jawai enjoys a private deck that looks out upon unobstructed views of the dramatic wilderness around. An inviting Dining Tent and a scattering of discreetly located areas to unwind in form part of the encampment while the Spa Tent nestles in the lap of seclusion nearby.

Located between the celebrated historic towns of Jodhpur and Udaipur, Jawai’s setting makes for an entirely different experience from the rest of Rajasthan. The area makes for easy access to the airy citadels of Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is an ideal base for thrilling and authentic outdoor adventures including hiking and cycling, horseback riding and exploring ancient temple trails.

Or, why not go for a wander with the charismatic Rabari herdsmen for a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture? Track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you. There are also opportunities to head out on a 4×4 jeep safari in search of leopards, learn about the camp’s conservation and community projects, and indulge in incredible culinary and wellness experiences.

Amanbagh, near Jaipur, Rajasthan – for cultural immersion

Set in a sublime location offering unique and immersive cultural encounters, Amanbagh is an oasis of serenity and well-being. This regal garden estate is ideal if you’re looking for a remote and off-the-beaten-track sanctuary.

One of my favourite features of the resort is that the restaurant has no fixed timings for dining. The food is served 24/7 and you can just walk in whenever you are hungry! Accommodation is a mix of suites built in a traditional haveli style using Jaipur’s typical pink sandstone and pavilions with two magnificent swimming pools by the central courtyard.

The real charm of Amanbagh lies in its spellbinding surroundings where you can immerse yourself in incredible experiences including a visit to nearby villages, bike excursions, hiking, visits to the ancient town of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh Fort, as well as a range of fascinating private dining experiences on and off-site.

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, South India – for a royal journey back in time

Located in the historic city of Hyderabad in South India, Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of India’s finest luxury heritage hotels. Home to magnificent monuments such as Charminar, Qutb Shahi Tombs, and the Golconda Fort, Hyderabad is one of the most important centres for art, literature, architecture, and food across the Deccan Plateau.

 The Nizams of Hyderabad were renowned for their extravagant and opulent lifestyle and tastes, and the city went through a period of immense growth and transformation, both culturally and economically, during their 224-year reign between 1724 and 1948. The Nizams were counted amongst the wealthiest people in the world and in fact, Asaf Jah VII was ranked the fifth wealthiest person in the history of the world at the peak of his reign.

Falaknuma Palace, the Nizam’s former residence, has been brought back to its original glory by the iconic Taj Hotels under the careful guidance of Princess Ezra, wife of the eighth Nizam. Set over 32 acres, this stunning hotel is a living museum featuring 60 exquisite rooms and suites, including the Grand Presidential Suite, which comprises former private chambers of the royal family and state guests.

Interiors are adorned with Venetian chandeliers, elegant furnishings, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountains, priceless artefacts including sketches, murals and a world-class collection of crystals, and Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam. One of my favourite spaces within the palace is the library, which is modelled after the famed library at Windsor Castle and contains rare manuscripts, books, and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran.

Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace, Hampi

Paying tribute to the architecture of the 14th-century Vijayanagara empire, Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace provides a luxurious base for visiting the World Heritage-listed Hampi ruins. From the Hindu-style arches and teardrop-shaped balustrades to the rough granite flooring and polished dark wood furniture, Kamalapura is palatial in every sense. Designed like a fortress, the palace occupies a massive 1,72,000 square feet. The stage is set at the entrance with its long stone driveway, airy courtyards and elegantly dressed staff who usher you inside. Accommodation is in a combination of lavish Palace Suites and Private Pool Villas. Blending historical elegance and modern luxury, the bedrooms feature plush bedding and expansive bathtubs or private Jacuzzis. Dining takes place in one of two restaurants or on the terrace for a more intimate experience. 

There are plenty of ways to engage with the various aspects of history, mythology and architecture here. Experience a spectacular light and sound show amidst the magnificent ruins of Hampi or enjoy stunning birds-eye views from a hot air balloon. Listen to historians as they bring the history of the Vijayanagara Empire to life or go bird-watching through the scrub jungle with a knowledgeable naturalist. After a day exploring the sights of Hampi, reward yourself with a visit to the palace’s Ayurveda Spa or dive into the stunning infinity pool which overlooks the boulder-strewn landscape.