Romantic Getaways: India's Niftiest Love Nests by Devanshi Mody
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Udaivilas
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The prerogative of the readers of ultra-exclusive international publications, these world-class love-inducing abodes are set to seduce all you aspiring Romeos and Juliets...
Fateh Garh: Castle in the Air
Scale the heights of passion at the hottest new addition to Udaipur’s skyline, which is quite literally a fairytale castle in the air. It was created, one would think, for marriages made in heaven, and naturally Fateh Garh opened to a glam wedding party.
Of course, following a week of revelry, the wedding never happened. No, not because the bride decided to abscond with the eligible young prince Dushyant Singh (who manages the place), but because the groom, who arrived on elephant accompanied by horses, demanded a BMW minutes before the wedding ceremony. The bride’s family blessed the hallowed precincts of the hotel (which had divinely intervened to avert a disastrous alliance), and proceeded to demolish the food during the “wedding” reception - much to the bewilderment of the royal owners.
Of course, Dushyant Singh reveals he knew that the wedding party - however devastated - wouldn’t spare the food. Things were more auspicious for big-shot Bollywood director JP Dutta, who ditched the Lake Palace to check into Fateh Garh. He recently shot a film about princes and polo here, whilst his wife fell in love with the hotel.
Devi Garh Hotel: Suites for My Sweet
Has been called “heart-breakingly beautiful,” but there are no broken hearts for those who languish in the sunken marble baths at the all-suite Devi Garh Hotel. Every day is Valentine’s Day at this converted fort, with its inspired private romantic dinners in various wondrous locations. Opt for the mesmerizing, lamp-lit sheesh mahal, adorned with an abundance of roses.
Chef Kailash does the finest food in all Rajasthan, including tongue-titillating kebabs, to-die-for thalis and pani puri with pani served in swank shot glasses, whilst the manager Manish’s mischievous humour adds spice to the piquant sauces. The gorgeous sweet meats are a revelation - if you didn’t like gulab jamoon before, you’ll love them here.
Udai Billas Palace Hotel: Romancing the Stone
“Here’s where my forefather came to chill with his girlfriends…” the Yuvraj of Dungarpur reveals of this lake-edge regal pavilion, conceived as the ultimate pleasure palace. From the spectacularly carved black and white stone courtyard - with its mind-blowingly intricate depictions of apsaras, dancing girls and frisky fountains - there was once direct access to the maharaja’s personal chambers, which are now the hotel’s Sheesh Mahal suite.
Udai Bilas Palace Hotel has hosted seven international fashion shoots and was in the film Who Promises Love?, and the secret janana was recently converted into a stunning al fresco dining area. Contemporary black and white pebbled walls fuse seamlessly with an ancient rock temple and enclose a marble fountain, forming a dining table where rose petals dance temptingly on gurgling water. Check into their soon-to-launch peacock and lotus suite, and be promised love!
Ajit Bhavan: The Bond Connection
Fashion moghul and Jodhpur Maharaja’s cousin Raghuvendar Singh Rathore exhibits decorative flair with these racy designer suites. His latest examples of princely panache add further whah-whah-whoom to this heritage hotel - think super sexy new suites with funky gadgets: very James Bond.
The inspiration is ‘royal harem in the millennium’ – we’re not sure if the Bond Girls come with compliments of the house. The hotel’s just-launched bar, a cocktail of cool and kitsch, mayn’t be for shaken-not-stirred Martinis but promises the headiest romances, whilst the alluring restaurant Dhani serves a right royal feast – including a Rajput thali like the one Jodha presents Akbar in the Aishwarya Rai-starring Bollywood film Jodha-Akbar. The hotel’s only drawback, the boys protest, is that the very lovely front office manager Shalini is married, ruining many a romantic ambition.
Taj Umaid Bhavan: Love in a Cold Climate
This palace can feel cold and colossal, just like “Ice King” general manager Sanjay Umashankar’s legendary breeziness. Should the chilly reception give you shivers, dip into the new Jiva Spa’s heated indoor Zodiac pool. If paddling in the maharaja’s erstwhile private bath is cold comfort, sizzle in the Maharani Suite’s Jacuzzi and after nights of naughty nocturnal escapades, or rejuvenate at the in-suite spa.
The suites are very pink. But gentlemen love the terrace, which spectacularly frames the Meherangarh Fort that looms yonder in splendid solitude. Can’t bag a suite? The Pillars restaurant offers the same view over superb breakfasts, whilst the deliciously charming royal staff of Bapji (AKA Maharaja Gaj Singh II) bustle to serve you cold coffee in a silver tea pot – naugh-tea, naugh-tea...
Chhatra Sagar: Dam or be Damned
Head here, those who live on love and fresh air - arrive at dusk and succumb to the seductions of a myriad of lamps. Emerge from your luxury tent at dawn - lo before you is the most astonishing of settings, as your tent terrace teeters tantalisingly on a rural dam. This is great for bird-watching (not just the 200-odd winged exotica, but also the pretty village damsels).
Desi Indiana-Jones-style owner Harsh Singh warns against flying off to over-hyped Pushkar nearby, which can be a damning misadventure. Instead, sit by the dam, get yourself the best cold coffee ever and chill, just chill. Unless you’re feeling hot, hot, hot!
Narlai: A Step Ahead
Raghuvendar Sigh Rathore’s designer touch is exemplified further at this holiday retreat ensconced in delightfully chic gardens. This classy cupid’s domain is fabled for its unique stepwell dinners: bullock carts convey guests to the historic site, once reserved for regal galas, where, under star-spangled skies and serenades from a local musician, they sup before a stepwell ablaze with a million flickering lamps. For a tres romantic supper, hire out the magical venue in private. As for the rooms, they’re rather miniscule; all the better for a tight squeeze…
Singh Sagar: Frolic at the Fort
This exquisite 4-suite fort is a dream, with a pool that looks placidly over paddy fields. You won’t feel like leaving the rooms, which are vibrant with ethnic paraphernalia, but do wake up for fab breakfasts on the Wuthering Heights-esque windy terrace.
There’s no Heathcliff-like wildly romantic hero here - instead, you have an ex-Lieutenant Colonel in command. Eccentric, endearing and quite a “character,” his tales of chivalry will ignite flames in those feeling uninspired.
Mool Sagar: Desert Dalliance
The Royal Jodhpur Camp is set in lavishly landscaped gardens, incorporating a 250-year-old structure resembling a mini golden-hued Taj Mahal. Expect service fit for a Maharaja, as the staff are from Baapji’s royal retinue. If you’re very, very nice they might even organise a romantic supper in the secret underground stepwell, where the Maharaja and Maharani would come to escape the Jaisalmer desert heat and play in private.
Shahpura Bagh: Shh…
This colonnaded, quietly romantic venue set on a farm has lured the likes of lofty British lords before. Love birds will no doubt flock to canoodle by the comely new pool, whilst surrounding lush lettuce beds must surely encourage tossing the salad on the ample four-poster beds. But, your royal hosts Sat and Maya Singh are so entertaining, you’ll find yourself confabulating with them until obscene hours. No time to get up to any hanky panky here - alas, Love’s Labour Lost…
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