The Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur, India
Pichola
Vibe
Private boat transfers glide across Lake Pichola to sprawling courtyards where resident peacocks wander beneath carved stone arches and gold-leaf domes.
“Lakeside Mewari citadel”
Private boat arrivals, rose-petal greetings, and anticipatory butler service cater to every whim across lakeside courtyards.
Thirty-seven hand-painted domes, intricate thekri mirror mosaics, and hand-carved columns finished in traditional ghutai lime plaster.
Sprawling lakeside grounds featuring moat-style infinity pools, complimentary morning yoga, and roaming resident peacocks.
On the western banks of Lake Pichola across from the City Palace, set across expansive private grounds.
“The idea behind Udaivilas is that a custom-built fake-old palace, on the shores of Lake Pichola…”
Rooms
Premier Rooms feature cushioned bay window seats and marble bathrooms that open to private courtyards, with selected terraces stepping directly into a moat pool.
“Across 30 acres of sprawling gardens, landscape architect Bill Bensley has masterfully mirrored the cityscape through secret courtyards, meandering pathways, rippling fountains and reflective pools.”
Wellness
Beneath a domed ceiling and crystal chandelier, the spa offers Ayurvedic therapies and singing bowl sound baths beside a lake-facing swimming pool.
“Epic in scale, seamless in performance, it's glamorous, heavy hitting, and ethereal at the same time, right on the lake and wondrous to behold.”
Backstory
Constructed across the Maharana of Mewar's former hunting grounds, the palace walls were finished in traditional ghutai lime plaster cured over months.
“The celebrated retreat opened its doors in 2002 but looks as though it has been there for centuries.”
Eat & drink
Dine on regional dishes beneath the midnight-blue dome of Udaimahal, or take an open-air table at Chandni for nightly Rajasthani music.
The neighborhood
Positioned along the quiet western banks of Lake Pichola, the grounds look directly across open water toward the City Palace and Jagmandir.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.