The Belgadia Palace
Located at about a 3.5-hour drive from Kolkata is the majestic Belgadia Palace. The erstwhile royal family of Mayurbhanj has transformed a section of their ancestral palace into a boutique hotel which boasts exquisite artworks and antiques exhibiting Odisha’s rich history. The 200-year-old palace features majestic suites, conference spaces, billiards, a theatre room, a rooftop for performances, a gym, a spa and a museum. Guests can watch chhau dance performances, visit handicraft villages, meet dhokra artists or go on bird-watching trails.
SUJÁN The Serai
Reminiscent of the royal caravans of the Rajputs, this boutique hotel comprises 14 well-appointed tented suites and is located amidst a 100-acre private estate. Six of these suites feature private walled-in gardens and dip pools, and the royal tented suite houses a private spa, outdoor pool, and dining and lounge tents. Along with thoughtful service, SUJÁN The Serai—a Relais & Châteaux member—offers several unique guest experiences such as desert treks, bird-watching and stargazing trails, craft workshops, camel safaris, cooking classes, and private musical performances.
The Oberoi Udaivilas
The architecture of The Oberoi Udaivilas pays homage to the traditional Indian palaces in Udaipur. Each 1,150 sq ft luxury suite features a ten-metre outdoor private infinity pool and a tented dining pavilion. The hotel’s Kohinoor Suite has two lavish bedrooms, a living room with working fireplaces, and a private pool overlooking the City Palace, Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills. Guests can dine privately under the intricately carved lakeside dome decorated with a curtain of fresh marigold flowers and lit by candles.
Taj Aravali Resort & Spa
Taj Aravali Resort and Spa has 176 well-appointed rooms, suites and luxury tents spread across a landscape of varying elevations. Although contemporary and convenient, the design philosophy is inspired by Rajasthani architecture and its storied nomadic culture. With sports and fitness facilities—including modern squash, badminton and a gymnasium—, a 34-seater movie theatre, a signature spa and lavish banquet venues, there’s something for every kind of traveller. Guests can choose to dine at the all-day diner Tiri, the specialty pure vegetarian restaurant Javitri, the alfresco grill Ridgeview, and the outstanding bar Odeypore Lounge overlooking the pool and gardens.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace holds a significant spot in Rajasthan’s history alongside being a contemporary landmark of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palm court marble seen at the palace is the same creamy Makrana marble that was used by Shah Jahan in the construction of the Taj Mahal in Argra. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens which are often graced by dancing peacocks and boasts a subterranean pool, the palace hotel offers 70 opulent Art Deco-style rooms and suites. Guests can decompress at the Trophy Bar, sign up for signature treatments at the spa, go on a heritage walk and explore the original architecture of the palace that has been the home of actual Indian royals.
Taj Falaknuma Palace
The former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this palatial retreat has 60 guestrooms and suites, a world-class spa, an Indian fine-dining restaurant, Adaa, and a multi-cuisine eatery, Celeste. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including guided heritage walks, private dining experiences and riding on horse-drawn chariots.
