Umaid Bhawan Palace

With hotel staff that goes the extra mile to help you celebrate any occasion, don’t be shy in letting them know! With little notice, they can organise a romantic dinner, serenaded by local musicians, at the highest point of the hotel (and of Jodhpur!) which will take your breath away.

Wardrums, flutes, trumpets, dancers, singers and champagne – brace yourself for the most royal welcome you’re ever likely to receive. Cleverly designed, the over-the-top welcome is meant to disconnect you from life outside the palace walls and to immediately immerse you into a carefully curated royal experience.

Designed by HV Lanchester, the famous British architect, the palace boasts of lavish baroque interiors of red sandstone pillars, marble floors, intricately carved walls and even several of the erstwhile king’s hunting trophies. From the white marble squash court to the meticulously twirled 5-inch moustache of the lift operator, the opulence and attention to detail is staggering.

The palace is also home to an interesting wood panelled bar and library that was once kept cool by pouring tons of ice into hollow cavities within the walls. On the walls itself are several skillfully taxidermied leopard and tiger heads. If a Bond villain ever needed to plan global domination while stroking a white cat, this would be a pretty good spot to do it.

To save the best for last, right beneath the main dome is the subterranean oval pool flanked by a Taj signature spa – undoubtedly one of the best in the world. The must-try signature therapies include a full body scrub using locally sourced ingredients, a bath of raw milk and rose petals, and the traditional practice of Indian Cupping for treating long-term chronic ailments. The spa therapist welcomes you with an old Indian saying “Athithi Devo Bhava” that loosely translates to, ‘A Guest is like a God’ which perfectly sums up the entire Umaid Bhawan experience.