Raffles Udaipur, a flagship hotel in the Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio and the brand’s first property in India, has opened on a 21-acre private island set in the middle of the Udai Sagar Lake in the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan.
The property has manicured gardens with views of the surrounding hills, lake and a 400-year-old temple. Arrival is via a 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a boat ride. Guests can enjoy sightings of the greater flamingo, the ibises, painted stork, great egret and pied kingfisher on the way. Further, the influence of the island’s flora and fauna can be seen in the details of the country estate, with the greater flamingo being the most prominent one. The hotel is adorned with a range of flora, ranging from white frangipani and the night-blooming jasmine to spider lilies and the peepal tree that holds great religious significance.
The hotel has 101 rooms, suites and signature suites that interweave western cultural references with Rajasthan’s royal heritage and elements of Mughal architecture. Guestrooms have lake views, balconies, private gardens, plunge pools and an east-west design aesthetic with murals, handcrafted furniture and other crafts by local artisans.
Under Culinary Director Prasad Metrani, Sawai Kitchen, the Indian specialty restaurant, serves "lost recipes" from the region’s royal households, reinvented for modern tastes. Harvest, set to open before the end of the year, offers an interactive farm-to-table dining experience with produce foraged from the estate farm, spotlighting the region’s food traditions. Tip: Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a co-cooking experience at Rasoi, the cookery school. The Raffles Patisserie offers freshly baked breads, classic French desserts and signature Raffles pastries. Guests can dine outdoors while enjoying the views of the lake at the Belvedere Point.
Guests can also hang out at The Writers Bar, while sipping on artisanal and classic cocktails, or opt for a champagne and caviar menu. For the Afternoon High Tea experience, guests will be served savories and desserts, along with specially curated teas from the Kangra hills in Himachal Pradesh and coffees from Southern India, introduced by the Tea Sommelier. The Long Bar, a hallmark of the Raffles brand, offers fine Indian spirits, single malts, local brews from across Rajasthan and the signature Udaipur Sling, the Singapore classic remade with fresh produce from the island and home-made syrups.
The Raffles Spa offers a private escape, with authentic treatments and personalized programs that prioritize emotional and physical well-being. The fitness center is well equipped for an invigorating workout and there is a swimming pool where guests can take a dip while enjoying a sunset.
Raffles Udaipur offers several experiences, from a cruise under the moon, to guided farm tours, astronomy, yoga and meditation. Raffles’ service is delivered by private butlers and tailored to suit individual travelers’ needs.
Deal: Guests can plan their first stay at Raffles Udaipur with a “Royal Escape” featuring Raffles high tea, morning yoga with the in-house master and sunset cocktail hour. Visitors can also enjoy culinary sensations at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The package starts from $600 plus taxes per night and is valid until November 4, 2021.
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