Raffles’ debut property in India, Raffles Udaipur, is now finally scheduled to open on 2nd August 2021, after months of delays. Let’s see what Raffles has in store for its first hotel in India.
The property is reminiscent of a magnificent country estate, with beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, serene lake and a 400-year-old temple.
Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations, India and South Asia, Accor Hotels, said:
India is a strategic market with long-term growth potential for Accor and it’s an exciting time for us as we present the iconic Raffles brand to the ‘Venice of the East’. The rich cultural heritage, the regal past, and the grand architecture that gives the city its splendour all contribute to the Raffles Udaipur experience. Discerning travellers will now be able to experience the bespoke and immersive hospitality that is quintessentially Raffles. We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests and allowing them to discover what we have created, a confluence of Raffles’ global ethos and local Indian sensitivities.
Location
Raffles Udaipur stands on a 21-acre private island in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar lake. The property can be accessed via a 20-minute ride from Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport.
Design
Raffles Udaipur has been designed by architect Clive Gray of Bangkok-based firm, Randolph Gray Design. He has used the island’s natural topography plus a storied moodboard of a love story between India and the West as his inspiration. The island is an illustrious blend of European and local architectural styles.
Accommodations
The resort features 101 luxurious rooms and suites that are an ideal blend of modern and local elements & feature either garden or lake views. Some accommodations have a private garden, balcony or a plunge pool.
The decor follows the East-West aesthetic with murals, handcrafted wooden chests and artwork designed by local artisans.
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Dining
The Sawai Kitchen is an Indian speciality restaurant serving the lost recipes from the erstwhile families belonging to the Rajputana kingdom. The heirloom recipes are prepared by carefully coalescing local seasonal produce with traditional cooking techniques into a selection of courses, each belonging to a distinct ‘gharana’.
Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a co-cooking experience at Rasoi, the cookery school.
Raffles Patisserie is a chic styled bistro bustling with aromas. This is an ideal place to enjoy a cup of artisanal coffee with a slice of homemade cake. It serves freshly baked breads, classic French desserts and signature Raffles pastries.
Unwind with bespoke artisanal and classic cocktails and a champagne and caviar menu at The Writers Bar or socialise at the iconic Long Bar, a hallmark of the Raffles brand. A striking floor-to-ceiling library complemented by meticulously curated cocktails – the Writers Bar is a haven for every bibliophile who relishes a private, stimulating time; immersed in the works of great literary luminaries amidst classic architecture. The Long Bar offers fine Indian spirits, single malts, local brews from across Rajasthan and the signature Udaipur Sling – the Singapore classic remade with fresh produce from the island and home-made syrups.
Harvest, which will open in October, offers a unique farm-to-table experience and is an interactive dining experience with ingredients such as ambadi (sour leafy greens), a range of gourds, pumpkins, local greens, fruits, berries and herbs foraged from the onsite farm.
Finally, the Pool Bar serves beverages and light refreshments.
Facilities
The Raffles Spa is a space modelled after the royal zenanas with delicate pastels, mirrors, plenty of natural light and a detailed embroidered canopy. Located in the Zenana Quarters, the suites and treatment rooms encompass a private relaxation area, six therapy rooms and suites, an outdoor leisure pool and a Jacuzzi. The Presidential couple suite features a steam, sauna, jacuzzi and private balcony overlooking the enchanting Udai Sagar Lake.
Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness centre, a hard floored badminton court and multiple jogging paths.
The hotel’s lavish indoor ballroom is the largest in the city, spanning 9,000 square feet with a pre-function area of 3,000 square feet. There are also multiple outdoor gathering areas.
Meanwhile, Accor recently announced the opening of its first Mercure-branded hotel in Greece on the island of Rhodes. The hospitality chain has also announced the signing of SO/ Maldives, its sixth resort in the island paradise.
Featured image by Accor
All the images by Accor
What do you think of Raffles Udaipur, the brand’s debut property in India? Let me know in the comments section below.
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