"Arriving by zero-emission boat to a private island on Udai Sagar Lake sets the tone for an opulent, restful stay rooted in regional craft: grand architecture and interiors include 16-foot-tall hand-painted murals, manicured gardens that host about 30 bird species, and a lavish spa, while 101 marble-accented lake-view rooms feature intricate woodwork. Culinary highlights at the main restaurant teach regional heirloom recipes, with dishes such as masaledaar bharwan kachhe tamatar (green tomato in Rajasthani spices) and dhungaar murgh (country chicken cooked with whole spices)." - Jennifer Flowers