February 1, 2018

The last great palace to be built before India’s Independence, a stay at Umaid Bhawan is reason enough to visit Jodhpur in India. (Visiting the city’s striking Mehrangarh Fort and discovering the beautiful colours of India’s blue city is a bonus!) Repeatedly voted the world’s best hotel, a stay at this grand palace hotel is likely to be an experience you will never forget. Considered and contemporary, this ultra-luxurious hotel reflects the art deco styling and colours of its era. India’s youngest palace is elegant, with service that’s unsurpassed. Impressive hotel grounds feature perfectly manicured lawns, cascading bougainvillea and roaming peacocks. Beside the pool, expect picnic hampers of snacks, cool drinks and magazines (plus ice cream cones and sparkling wine if you desire); on the tennis court there’s a staff member ready to play and another to collect balls; and inside the palace there is an army of butlers waiting with a smile to serve. You will leave feeling like royalty.

We invite you to stay at this incredible hotel with us. Located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India’s blue city, a three-night stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace is a highlight of our upcoming India In Style small group tour.

Here are some of our highlights from a recent stay at Umaid Bhawan Palace, in no particular order.

#1 A true royal welcome

Traditional Rajasthan horns and drums play as rose petals float from the terrace above you and you ascend the plush red-carpeted stairs. A fragrant flower garland is placed around your neck as you are welcomed and escorted to the hotel’s main foyer. Need more? Forget your usual hotel welcome drink – sip perfectly chilled sparkling wine under the palace’s domed roof on arrival. Linger and marvel at the incredible roof top.

#2 A Palace Like No Other

The authentic art deco styling and colours in India’s youngest palace. Completed in 1935, Umaid Bhawan was the last of the great palaces to be built before India’s independence subsumed Rajasthan’s princely states into the new Republic. Every aspect of the palace is considered and reflects the contemporary art deco aesthetic of the day. To this day, royalty still live in part of the palace.

#3 Signature Cocktail

The Jodhpur Chilli Martini – not only is there the storied yet sophisticated Trophy Bar in which to end the day, but there’s also a signature hotel cocktail to indulge in. Don’t miss this martini with just the perfect amount of chilli. The bar also sells cigars if you are inclined. Only guests staying at the hotel can drink here – more bragging rights for you upon your return home after your group tour in India. A traditional martini with an infusion of chilli, the Maharaja of Jodhpur himself has been served this unique drink, the Jodhpur Chilli Martinit.  Let us shout you a Jodhpur Martini on day 11 of our upcoming small group tour India In Style.

#4 Beautiful Gardens

We adored the impressive hotel grounds – perfectly manicured, cascading bougainvillea, wide lawns, tennis court, pool and roaming peacocks – breathtaking at dusk. Be sure to make time to explore, stroll and linger in the grounds of Umaid Bhawan Palace.

#5 Poolside Treats

The picnic basket delivered to your poolside lounge by one of the army of pool attendants (special mention to Chandan) as you cool off in the afternoon – complete with savoury snacks, chilled fresh fruits, cool towels, cold water, newspapers and magazines. Ice cream in waffle cones and sparkling wine drifts around at suitably short intervals.

#6 Memorable Dining

Private dining, special events, terrace venues, sunset views and incredible menus. Need we say more? This is the place to enjoy memorable dining.  The final evening of our India In Style tour will also feature a gala dinner in Jodhpur. Day 12 of the tour also includes a massage at the hotel’s spa.

Experience all that Umaid Bhawan Palace has to offer on Remarkable East’s India In Style Tour – a once-in-a-lifetime tour. Stay in India’s most remarkable luxury accommodation – grand palaces and heritage hotels – and see the country’s most memorable and significant sights. Discover an India you will never forget. This 13-day small group tour of India departs in September 2018 and is limited to 12 passengers. Stay at Umaid Bhawan on tour.