As I look back at my time spent at the magnificent Raffles in Udaipur, there's a sense of immediately wanting to go back, and that's when one can tell that you had an exceptional time. Truth be told, there's so much I want to share (and brag) about my stay at this oasis built on a 21-acre private island but a single session of recounting my experience wouldn't do justice, so I will stick to keeping it as short and sweet as I can.
Raffles Udaipur is the first Raffles property in India that stands in the middle of the Udai Sagar lake, cut-off from the city with only quaint waters and the Aravalli hills adorned with lush greenery in sight. This uninterrupted 360 degree view of serenity with no manmade structure in sight is something you cannot help but be innately grateful for, specially when you are exposed to honking traffic and bright laptop screens everyday.
As you sail through the lake water on an electric boat to reach the heart of the island (which is Raffles)— the breeze, the chirping of the birds (fun fact: the island is home to over thirty bird species) and the stunning architecture of the property instantly sets the tone for what you are in for.
The exteriors in muted tones of grey are inspired by the English countryside, but the vastness of it does remind you that you are in Rajasthan where palaces have always followed the 'go big or go home' concept. As you enter the lobby, smiling faces greet you with 'khamma ghani' while you recover from what an absolute beauty the interiors are. Large columns, walls with hand-painted murals extending up till the ceiling and a set of two marbled staircases are the focal point of the space. It feels like you are inside a colonial mansion with traces of Rajasthani elements peeking here and there. Looking back, I was completely invested in not only living like royalty, but also playing my desi Bridgeton dreams — I was going to be Kate Sharma.
My sanctuary at Raffles Udaipur was their Manor Suite which true to its name, felt like a royal guest room with opulence embedded in every detail. It had a cosy living space, powder room, bedroom with a royal arched bed ,a bathroom so stunning (and bougie) that I still dream about it, and a private balcony with a captivating view of the lake in the distance. The suites on the floor below have their own private plunge pools in case that's something you fancy.
Oh, and just to add to all the fanciness— each room has a designated butler too! Even before you step foot onto the property, the butler and their team has your itinerary planned for you, so you know exactly where to be and what to do to live your life to the fullest while you are at this home away from home. The team goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is as comfortable and luxurious as it can get. From personalised chocolates waiting in your room, to handwritten welcome (and goodbye) notes along with the best recommendations for both in and out of the property, they don't leave any stone unturned. Also, since the property is huge, with 101 rooms, scenic gardens, gorgeous fountains and different architectural nooks in every corner, you can easily get lost in the beauty here (which I honestly didn't mind) but lucky for you, your butler chaperons you wherever you go (always around you better never in sight), which only made my princess treatment feel even more authentic.
My pinch-me experience from the stay has to be the high-tea at the Belvedere point where you sit and dig into a spread of bit-sized food delights and take in the stunning view of the sun setting over the Udai Sagar Lake. The quaintness of your surroundings makes everything feel slow and so in-the-moment that you lose track of time sitting there. The food was exceptionally nice with a mix of patisserie and Indian goodies like boondhi ladoo and kachoris made fresh with the organic produce grown within the premises.
For F&B, Raffles Udaipur doesn't play and has everything nestled under their roof with the iconic Writer's Bar housing around 300,000 books, while also serving elevated cocktails; the Long Bar at your service for delicious tapas, great cocktails including their city specific creation named the Udaipur Sling and a beautiful outdoor balcony seating; the Dining Room with its alfresco seating where you can dig into a hearty breakfast along with enjoying scrumptious offerings from their Sawai Kitchen, Rasoi and Raffles Patisserie kitchens. Another dining experience not to be skipped is the meal the team plans for you in the lawns with live Rajasthani folk music setting the mood for a memorable night under the stars.
The Raffles Spa spread over 12,000 square feet is a tranquil wellness sanctuary within the oasis where you can expect a blend of ayurveda-inspired healing practices and contemporary wellness treatments to help you unwind. You are required to fill a thorough questionnaire on the basis of which the staff recommends a treatment for you. I went in for a full body massage and you best believe I felt like I was rebirthed because the experience was magical for my body, soul and mind. Post the treatment, they offer you some green tea and dry fruits, pack you in a super soft robe and parcel you back to you room for getting the most sound sleep you will get in your life.
Of course they have a stunning swimming pool too for you to take a dip in and wash your worries away. But you can also head to the fitness centre to burn off those laal maas calories, or try your hand at a game of archery, or give zip-lining a go, or even segway your way through the enchanting gardens. Phew! And if you wish to explore the City Of Lakes, the butlers team will not only arrange everything for you, but also give share the best of recommendations.
Recollection of every single moment makes me what to go back. I can't point out if it is the Rajputana khatirdari, the level of luxury Raffles Udaipur offers, the extremely warm staff that makes you feel at home, the attention to detail for everything that they do, or the majestic views.
Approximate Tariff Per Night: INR 50,000
