Luxury Escapes: Rajasthan's Finest Experiences

Welcome to the opulent world of Rajasthan, where luxury meets heritage in a symphony of extravagance. A journey through this majestic land, where every corner unveils regal palaces, grand forts, and exquisite cultural experiences is incomplete without luxury stays. From lavish palace hotels offering royal treatment to exclusive desert camps under the star-studded sky, Rajasthan offers a plethora of indulgent options for the discerning traveller.

Live the 'Royale' Life

RAAS Hotel's portfolio now includes the erstwhile private residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II in the heart of Jaipur, built in 1821, where once were hosted the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh (as were Lord and Lady Mountbatten). Among the several talking points in the hotel, are the sprawling gardens, an original marble staircase, fabulous chandeliers and mirrored ceilings. There are 13 exquisite rooms and suites. Interiors replete with royal motifs and old art alongside eclectic elements from the inner sanctum of the City Palace, the family's current residence. (Palace rooms starts from INR 45,000). More details here

Wholesome Wellness

At Six Senses Integrated Wellness, discover a comprehensive approach to well-being tailored to your individual needs. Nestled within Fort Barwara's Zanana Mahal, the Six Senses Spa offers a transformative wellness experience merging Eastern healing traditions with modern Western influences. Guests can choose from rejuvenating yoga sessions and meditation in the tranquil meditation temple to immersive Ayurvedic treatments and innovative bio-hacking equipment. From mindful eating to restful sleep, every aspect of your experience is designed to promote wellness and vitality. Amidst a backdrop of lush medicinal herb gardens and serene relaxation areas, visitors discover holistic harmony, leaving rejuvenated and refreshed. (Packages start at INR 21000 per person) Find out more here

Wedding of Dreams

What if you could experience your wedding all over again and make it prettier with absolutely no stress? If that's a tempting thought, you might want to consider allowing Jaipur's Oberoi Raj Vilas to woo you with extravagant hospitality over an evening, revisiting your special day through 'Renewal of Vows' experience. It begins with special spa therapies for the couple, ceremonial mehendi and hairstyling for the lady, and a horse-drawn carriage to convey you both in royal fashion to a traditional Hindu ceremony at a gorgeously flower-adorned, nearly-three-century old Shiva temple in the tranquil gardens of this regal resort. End the magical celebration with a romantic poolside dinner to the accompaniment of Indian music. (Full day, INR 1 lakh plus taxes).

Leopard Spotting in Jawai

The SUJÁN Jawai represents the very best of luxury in the wilderness. The camp is open from September to June, and is an easy three-hour drive out of Udaipur or Jodhpur. The landscape in this part of the Aravali hills is wild and remote, the ageless home to resplendently turbaned Rabari herdsmen who venerate leopards as sacred guardians. The dam nearby attracts avian species, including flamingos, and JLC's naturalist guides acquaint you with the region's other wildlife as well. The luxury is unstinted with tent-suites sumptuously outfitted, the stunning drama and sophistication of the interiors designed to captivate the seasoned traveller. (Tented suits start at INR 100,000 for doubles inclusive of meals and safaris, Suites start at 190,000 per night for two).

Our Tip: Monsoon season prices are lower, although it is not a bad time to visit this rather dry region.

In the Lap of Luxury

Designed by Gautam Bhatia and Navin Gupta, Devi Garh, yet another RAAS property in Udaipur, is housed in an 18th-century Delwara palace, home to royalty till the mid-20th century. There are 16 expansive Palace Suites (60sqm), which have interiors worked with semi-precious stones and marble inlay work, and there's one enormous Devi Garh Suite (111sqm), which comes with a private sun deck and jacuzzi. Together they form the super-exclusive Presidential Complex with the best views in a hotel that's built around fantastic vantages, and between them they share a pool crafted from magnificent black marble. (Palace Suite INR 26,000 per night for doubles, Devi Garh Suite INR 100,000 plus taxes and fees.)

Wild Luxury in Ranthambhore

Few wilderness experiences are as luxurious as a stay at the Aman-i-Khas in Ranthambhore. Designed just like travelling colonial caravans of yore, and situated next door to the tiger-rich forest of Ranthambhore, it has grand tents that have been put up right in nature's lap, where you could wake up to the mesmerising sight of peacocks gaily prancing about. A sophisticated charm abounds Aman-i-Khas, making it the perfect luxury retreat. With 10 luxurious Mughal pavillion tents, be sure to feel pampered with in-house wellness and gourmet offerings. These intimate tented camp offers incomparable privacy and daily safaris seeking out the reserve’s wildlife. Find out more here