RAAS Devigarh, Udaipur

RAAS Devigarh occupies an 18th-century palace whose conversion to an all-suite luxury resort propels the traditional Mawar aesthetics to the 21st Century.

In India, 18th-century palace hotels seem to be a dime a dozen, but very few are quite like RAAS Devigarh. Here, the contrast between the faded majesty of the exterior and the sparkling modernity of the interiors is striking.

Luxury palace hotel

The hotel pays homage to the classic décor, but the interiors are in a swanky luxury category, with a chic design that rhymes with modern travelers’ taste. Some of the visual impact rests on novel contrasts, such as when looking out from the all-white marble-floored fantasy suites through traditional jharoka windows over the rugged Rajasthani countryside.

The color palette is as simple as can be. Still, marble is a few levels up from the white-painted gypsum walls of an average boutique hotel room — to say nothing of malachite, lapis lazuli, and mother of pearl used in the RAAS interiors. After all, RAAS Devigarh is first and foremost a modern palace, with all the extravagant trappings of a top luxury hotel. There’s an Ayurvedic spa, offering everything from massages and beauty treatments to yoga, a fully-equipped gym, and a heated swimming pool. The restaurant blends Indian traditions with European cuisines, with an extensive wine cellar.

Review with contributions from Tablet Hotels.

in our opinion

What we love

• Amazing restoration of a traditional royal palace with beautiful details and materials, including marble and semi-precious stones. The result is beautiful and inspiring
• Confident minimalist design that draws from the heritage style
• The experience of the exquisite interiors are complemented by personalized service
• The hotel's serene setting that includes scattered courtyards and gardens—that, and the spectacular views
• Sublime spa. It offers a range of well-being massages and other pampering treatments in a luxurious setting
• Candlelit dining experience: few things beat dining with a view of the mountain peaks lit by the moon
• Nice location, at a comfortable distance from Udaipur, well situated for trips to the scenic ancient city and tours of the Jain temples in the surrounding countryside

What you should know

• The hotel is located some 30 to 45 minutes from Udaipur and its airport
• The hotel offers many activities: kite flying, camel and horse rides, jeep safari, trekking and walks, bicycle rides, star gazing and croquet
• Young children stay free of charge (up to twelve years old)

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