The Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel review: a Rajasthani Palace fit for royalty and
Udaipur — otherwise known as The City of Lakes, or the Venice of the East — is easily one of the most alluring locations in India 's Rajasthan. The region is rich with royal history, and famed for its opulent palaces and sprawling forts.
Perched within the former hunting grounds of the city's Maharana, The Oberoi Udaivilas is somewhat of a household name, synonymous with no-holds-barred luxury and home-grown Indian hospitality.
Embodying the grandeur of a sprawling Rajasthani palace, with lavish interiors and spoiling service to match (expect to be welcomed with a showering of rose petals, and spoiled with slick, personalised touches throughout your stay), it's no wonder that this lake-side haven has become a magnet for travellers seeking a serene sleepover within the heart of Udaipur.
The Oberoi Udaivilas straddles the banks of Udaipur's tranquil Lake Pichola, nestled at a comfortable distance from the bustle of the city. Framed by 50 acres of rambling gardens, the hotel feels more tropical resort than it does city pad - it's a ten minute drive into the old town (which can be spied from across the lake), 40 minutes to the airport, and an hour flight to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital.
A network of checkered corridors spans out across the palatial complex, leading to domed pavilions and meandering colonnades, all awash in soothing shades of terracotta. Islamic influences native to this particular region of India bleed subtly into the architecture, with each courtyard tiled in perfectly symmetrical patterns and intricate archways poised to face the sun.
A fusion of east-meets-west therapies take centre stage at the serene spa, where a giant chandelier is suspended from the soaring, hand-painted dome. Inside hushed treatment rooms, revitalising therapies range from hot stone massages to Indian sandalwood scrubs that will leave you feeling entirely rejuvenated. There's also a fully kitted gym and an adults-only pool for strewing yourself by. Another pool, which the whole family can splash around in, sits on the opposite end of the estate.
Start your day with a private yoga session before heading out to explore the city. A visit to Udaipur's famed City Palace Museum should be first on the agenda: still the lavish residence of the city's reigning Maharana, and one of Rajasthan's largest palace complexes, you can marvel at detailed mosaics, Rajput weaponry, and architecture that spans multiple cultures and generations.
Next, wander through the leafy gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari — once the stomping grounds of the queen and her ladies — before losing yourself among the textile shops of the old city. Back at The Oberoi Udaivilas, cooking lessons with the chefs, henna painting, and astrology workshops can all be arranged.
For all-day dining, Suryamahal offers a global menu encompassing a mix of Western and Indian classics. Come evening, tuck into traditional Rajasthani fare at Chandni, where you'll feast on the candle-lit terrace while serenaded by live music and dancers, before sinking a tipple at the hotel's colonial-style bar.
At breakfast the next morning, graze from a spread of homemade pastries and tropical fruit, all washed down with piping hot chai. If you're still hungry, the chefs will whip up any dish you fancy, whether that's freshly made dosa or a full fry-up.
Inside, interiors are a tasteful blend of Rajasthani details and colonial accents, from intricately carved four-posters and hand-painted frescoes to bathrooms shimmering in marble and gold. In a signature Oberoi move, Indian sweets and personalised gifts will be waiting for you upon arrival.
