India's Newest Palace Hotel Opens in Udaipur

Renowned architect Bill Bensley and interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes have created a modern palace recalling the grandeur of Udaipur's historic past. Huge domes crown the roof of The Leela as overhanging wood balconies, or jharokhas, adorn the walls and lofty corbel arches decorate the doors. Guests enter a grand courtyard with flowering trees and fragrant landscaped gardens. Mosaics of peacocks and the Tree of Life embellish the interior walls. A long dramatic pool borders the lake. Inside The Leela, shimmering light reflects off the thikri, the traditional Mewari mosaics of mirrors, enhancing the "palace" ambiance. In this fairy-tale setting guests will feel like royalty.

The luxury boutique hotel has three restaurants, a lounge and bar and the 10,000-square-foot Spa at The Leela by ESPA. Guest rooms – all with views of Lake Pichola – measure an average of 580 square feet. The design is contemporary with traditional elements of Rajasthani artistry. Exquisite fabrics are embroidered with regally-inspired designs and carved wood furniture has mother of pearl inlays and brass tarkashi work. Decorative ornaments include: hand-crafted white marble lotus flowers, carved silver elephants and vibrant paintings of puppets from Rajasthan folk tales. The eight elegant suites measure between 968 to 1184 square feet. The opulent Maharaja Suite, an impressive 3,552 square feet, has its own dining room and study, a private pool, a Jacuzzi and its own massage room.

Open 24 hours a day, The Dining Room, under the guidance of Executive Chef Karim Hassene from France, offers an extensive menu of dishes prepared with fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables from The Leela's organic garden. The sommelier chooses wines from the walk-in wine cellar. When Sheesh Mahal, the palace's rooftop restaurant, opens at the end of the summer, guests will dine under the stars on recipes from the royal kitchens of India. Guests can also opt to lunch at the pool or take a proper afternoon tea on The Verandah.

Debuting in late August, The Spa at The Leela by ESPA will offer all the traditional treatments as well as Ayurvedic therapies in its 14 treatment rooms, including spa "tents" set amidst the palace’s gardens. Steam rooms, a Jacuzzi and a fitness center with personal trainers form part of the spa, as do daily yoga classes.

"Our first palace hotel in Rajasthan is truly a 'Jewel by the Lake.' The designers have captured the grandeur of Udaipur's architectural heritage and romantic past," explains Captain C. P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. "And our philosophy about service is based on ancient India scriptures: Atithi Devo Bhava, the 'Guest is God,'" says Chairman Nair.

The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur will have its grand opening in October. Right now through September 30, the hotel is offering an inaugural package for two nights, three days starting at about $650 (31,500 Indian rupees) for two persons which includes a welcome drink and fruit basket upon arrival, daily buffet breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers in a luxury car and room tax. The price is $570 (27,000 Indian rupees) for single occupancy. For further information, please visit www.theleela.com.