In-Depth Review of Oberoi Udaivilas in Rajasthan, India - AFAR
"Set on more than 50 acres along Lake Pichola in central Udaipur, this celebrated luxury retreat (opened in 2002) evokes centuries-old Mewari palaces with tiled open-air corridors, stone pavilions, arched entryways, fountains and 37 domes — including an 18-carat gold-leaf lobby dome and a candle room dome encrusted with 175,000 Thikri mirrors. Landscaped by Bill Bensley, the manicured gardens and ponds host resident peacocks and offer views of City Palace, Taj Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Accommodation includes 87 rooms and multiple suites with handcrafted furniture, natural fabrics and bright Rajasthani accents; more than 60 rooms have cushioned bay seats and many premier rooms open directly to semi-private pools, while suites (including the Kohinoor Suite) boast private pools, infinity-edge pools, fireplaces and carved marble screens. Dining is centered on two outlets — Suryamahal (international) and Udaimahal (Rajasthani/North Indian) — with nightly live Rajasthani music, inventive, customizable menus from head chef Alok Anand (for example, adding pine nuts to a water-chestnut dish), and options for private dinners. Service is notably warm and ceremonial, from floral welcome rituals and turbans/keepsakes to highly attentive staff who assist with city arrangements; the property suits couples and multigenerational groups and offers sunset boat rides, couples’ massages and private-flute-accompanied dinners. Practical features include wheelchair-accessible ramps and an accessible room, plus sustainability measures such as a 1 MW solar plant supplying roughly 60% of electricity, wastewater treatment for garden irrigation, and a plan to eliminate single-use plastic bottles." - Sarika Bansal
