When you think of luxury, do you think of India?
Well you need to!
Late last year, we moved to India for 6 months. We decided to start of our stay in India with a bit of luxury.
Having travelled in India in many different ways i.e. as a backpacker, in B&B’s, all category star hotels, it was time to treat ourselves.
We spent 6 nights in 3 Palaces. We were totally blown away.
India knows how to do luxury too well!
While we stayed in India, we also visited a couple of other palaces.
From my own personal experience, here are my five bucket list luxury palaces in India
#5 – The Oberoi Raj Vilas, Jaipur
I stayed here a couple of months ago, and it blew me away.
Firstly, the service is 2nd to none. The lovely general manager, greets every guest personally at breakfast. I was very impressed.
I was not used to my own personal butler. That was a treat. When he brought my bags in, he asked if I wanted my bags unpacked and clothes hung up. I did declined. It was only a night stay, but thanks for asking!
The room was heavenly.
This was the doorway to my room!
My gorgeous bed!
The food is amazing. The outdoor restaurant is stunning. Every detail is looked after.
The most special part for me, apart from my spa treatment, was the morning puja (prayer) at their 280 year old temple. The priest is the 5th generation in his lineage looking after this temple.
Many of our clients have this palace on their bucket list. Made famous, in James Bond, Octopussy.
The Lake Palace was built between 1743 and 1746 under the direction of the Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, Rajasthan as a winter palace. It was initially called Jagniwas or Jan Niwas after its founder.
Taj Lake Palace has been called the most romantic hotel in the world.
Situated on Lake Pichola, it is breath taking to look at.
The highlight for us was the check in. Taking the boat from the wharf to the hotel, I felt like a princess.
The rose petals falling on you when you enter the hotel – magic.
We recommend a lake view room. I loved sitting on my day bed, looking out onto the water, and the historic sights along the lake.
Morning yoga on the roof top is an experience. What a view!
We have a special Taj Hotels offer for travel up till 30 September, 2016.
If you’re open to other options in Udaipur, Leela Palace is another beautiful option.
Situated on Lake Pichola, most of the rooms offer views of the Lake and the beautiful Lake Palace.
We recommend a Lake view balcony room.
And if you’re after some extra indulgence, visit their spa which has been rated one of the best in the world.
This hotel, would have to one of the most famous iconic buildings of Mumbai.
We were lucky to spend a couple of nights at The Taj Mahal Palace.
We had our own butler which again, was fantastic.
Every detail was catered for. For example, our laundry was delivered like a a beautiful gift to ready to unwrap.
A small gift in our room. on our departure.
I had a broken heel, and the butler organised a carpenter (?) to fix my shoe! A solution to every problem.
The restaurants were beautiful. Food was again a highlight.
#1 Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
There is something special about this place that will hold a special place in my heart (as well as my husbands!)
Where do we begin?
Let’s start with the check in.
Rose petals as we enter the palace. We are shown into the main the lobby area which is just spectacular!
Glass of champagne, and then the show begins.
Beautiful Rajasthani dancers enter, and perform for us, with live music featuring tabla players.
I took a short video, finishing off with my teary husband, Nick in awe. Watch it here.
The Palace is home to the current royal family and they reside in a sectioned off area of the palace.
I would describe our experience as one where we felt like we were staying with family.
Staff were excellent, attentive and friendly. Food was heavenly, and our room was beautiful.
The hotel has been awarded #1 Hotel in the world by Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Awards, 2016.
This was the best hotel experience ever for us!
There are of course many other gorgeous palaces and resorts to stay at in India. This my top 5.
Would you like to experience staying at some of these hotels?
We have a special offer at the moment….Take our Luxury India Palaces Tour
For AUD$3,999 per person (twin) if you travel before 30 September, 2016.
Package includes:
8 Nights / 9 Days staying at The Imperial in Delhi, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur & Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai.
Daily breakfast + 1 lunch in Delhi
Private guides in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mumbai.
Domestic airfare from Udaipur – Mumbai
private vehicle with driver
+ much more!
Tell us your favourite India Palaces or which one you would love to stay at in the comments below!
Reena xx
4 Comments On Five bucket list luxury palaces in India
oh my goodness, reena! these all sound lovely, and i can imagine feeling like a princess while staying at any of them. you mentioned being greeted with rose petals as you arrived a couple of times – does this have some special significance in india? it’s such a delightful practice, so peaceful and beautiful. i was also surprised to read that you were actually in the home of the current royal family – what a treat! how do the prices of these hotels compare to other 5-star accommodations?
p.s. loved your husband’s face in the video too! 🙂
Pam
First of all, these pictures…WOW! And having your own butler at the Taj Mahal Palace sounds incredible! Each of these sounds amazing and it sounds like any of them or the entire tour would be a great option for someone thinking of a trip to India.
Oh Reena!!! Your post, the photos, the food, the personal butler, the shoe carpenter…I have never traveled to India…your list of palaces have enthralled. Your husband, Nick, so moved with the dancers, oh it all looks like paradise on earth. I loved your last hotel if I had to pick my top one, but honestly, I think you did it best, move to India for 6 months and stay in luxury…heaven.