Having opened its doors on August 2, 2021, India’s first Raffles hotel, Raffles Udaipur, is now inviting guests
August 9, 2021: An expansive property, the new Raffles Udaipur offers a fresh perspective to the city of Udaipur from a 21-acre private island set in the middle of the Udai Sagar lake. Set away from the hectic city, it is a reminder of a magnificent country estate, with beautifully maintained ornamental gardens and panoramic views of the hills surrounding it, the siren lake and a 400-year-old temple. The arrival to the property is an immersive experience within itself, as you take a 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a tranquil boat ride with the natural spectacle of migratory birds.
With 101 luxurious rooms, suites and signature suites that elegantly intertwine Rajasthan’s royal heritage with western cultural references and elements of Mughal architecture, the rooms have splendid views of the lake, private gardens, plunge pools, balconies and an east-west design aesthetic with handcrafted furniture, murals and crafts by local artisans.
Also deemed as a culinary aficionado’s paradise, Raffles Udaipur has been under the expert guidance of culinary director Prasad Metrani and has fresh, new flavours on offer to relish every day. The Indian speciality restaurant, Sawai Kitchen, serves lost recipes from the region’s royal households, which have been reinvented for modern tastes. Set to open in October, Harvest offers a unique, interactive farm-to-table dining experience with produce sourced from the estate farm, putting a spotlight on the region’s food traditions. Aside from this, culinary enthusiasts can also enjoy a co-cooking experience at the cookery school, Rasoi. Offering freshly baked breads, classic French desserts, signature Raffles pastries and more is the Raffles Patisserie. And also on offer are mindfully curated alfresco dining experiences, drawing inspiration from the five elements, i.e., earth, water, fire, air and space.
For guests seeking a more discrete and sophisticated experience, there is the Writers Bar, where they can indulge in artisanal and classic cocktails, a Champagne and caviar menu over intimate conversations or an interesting book. The iconic Long Bar, which is a hallmark of the Raffles brand, has been designed with European wood and leather, engraved by local artisans, and is a stark contrast from the Writers Bar. It serves fine Indian spirits, single malts, local brews from across Rajasthan, and the signature Udaipur Sling, which is a remake of the Singapore classic with fresh produce from the island and home-made syrups.
Aside from the plenty dining services on offer, the island location also serves as a memorable setting for special celebrations and events with a 9,000 sq ft Grand Ballroom, which also includes a pre-function area, multiple outdoor gathering areas and an on-site temple.
As is characteristic with every Raffles hotel around the world, Raffles Udaipur is reflective of the cultural and natural heritage of its location, and offers memorable experiences such as a celestial cruise under the moon, guided farm tours, astronomy, yoga and meditation. And delivering Raffles’ legendary service are private butlers who ensure that every stay is thoughtfully tailored to every travellers’ individual needs.
Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations for India and South Asia, Accor spoke of the growth potential of the strategic Indian market, and how it is an exciting time to present the iconic Raffles brand with a rich cultural heritage, a regal past and the grand architecture of Udaipur.
An exclusive Royal Escape package has been made available for guests, with which they can plan their first stay at Raffles Udaipur. Featuring morning yoga with the in-house master, sunset cocktail hour and the Raffles high tea, this experience also comes with the opportunity to upgrade to the next category of room, subject to availability with a relaxed check-out time of 1600 hours. This inaugural package is valid for stays between August 2 and September 30, 2021, and it is attractively priced at INR 45,000 plus taxes per night.
For further details, the hotel can be emailed at [email protected] or called at +91 294 2779000.
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