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Romance Refreshed
Published: Volume 18, Issue 2, February, 2010

Romancing the beautiful Aravallis, Oberoi Udaivilas takes you and your partner back to the ancient age of princes and princesses, in all its glory, glamour and silken romance

Relive the rush of a 1000 butterflies fluttering in your soul – a feeling only possible when in love – and whisk your adored one away to the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, set charmingly on Lake Pichola, against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli Hills. Located in a tranquil setting, the Oberoi Udaivilas is conceived as a traditional Indian palace perfect for a romantic rendezvous. Celebrate the ecstasy of love in truly blue-blooded style over 30 sprawling acres of rambling landscape, dreaming by the still, serene waters, walking hand in hand on the cobblestone walkways, stopping by the gentle rippling fountains and finally losing yourself in the verdant gardens.

Spacious and richly appointed guest rooms with private terraces and swimming pools, large marble bathrooms that overlook walled courtyards and restaurants that serve traditional Rajasthani, Indian and international cuisine are only the tip of the luxury iceberg. A magnificent outdoor swimming pool and the lush Oberoi Spa will woo you and your partner in a way that is fit for royalty.

In the main courtyard of the Oberoi Udaivilas, soft green landscaping offsets the black granite and white marble. A luminous white marble lotus seemingly floats on the still waters of a reflection pool. As night falls, the ambience takes on an almost surreal quality with the pale gold façade of the Oberoi Udaivilas shimmering on the dark waters of the lake. The lobby, an arterial space with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, has a central dome resplendent in gold leaf, complemented by a chandelier and a white Thassos marble fountain – perfect for a luxuriant royal welcome.

The reflecting pools and fountains create different ambiences at various times of the day, accentuated by the soothing sound of cascading water. Adjacent to the lobby is a miniature ‘sheesh mahal’ (glass palace). Traditionally in palaces, the Maharajas used at least one of these rooms as a bedroom for their special atmosphere. The ceiling, 25 feet high and 18 feet in diameter, is a reflecting canvas with intricate thekri work otn the dome. Thekri, which is an art form native to the region, uses molten glass blown into circular balls using pipettes. Cool, molten mercury and lead are then into the concave sides of balls and left to cool again. The balls are then broken into pieces, shaped and stuck onto surfaces in different patterns, using a mixture of lime and marble powder as adhesive. Candles placed in the center of the room create a magical world by their mystical, gentle light.

The Oberoi Udaivilas has two restaurants – Suryamahal, the main dining room, and Udaimahal, the Indian restaurant. The dome over Suryamahal recreates the day sky, while that over Udaimahal conjures up the night sky. The vibrancy and richness of Indian and Rajasthani culture are reflected in the blue, green and gold colour scheme. Udaimahal is open only for dinner and serves traditional Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. The special menu has been developed after meticulous research in the traditional royal kitchens of Rajasthan. The courtyard adjoining the restaurants is the perfect setting for a night out under the stars.

From the Kohinoor Suite to the premier rooms, the interiors of the residential chambers are elegantly decorated with handcrafted furniture and hand-knotted carpets. The premier rooms are spread across an area of 600 square feet each, featuring a seating area and balcony. Luxurious white marble bathrooms with Victorian-style bathtubs overlook a private courtyard. The premier lake view rooms have access to a semi-private infinity edge swimming pool off a patio. The Kohinoor Suite features two bedrooms, a living room with working fireplaces and a private pool overlooking the City Palace, Lake Pichola and the Aravalli Hills.

You can rejuvenate your senses in the Oberoi Spa. The dome of the spa represents the day sky to create a fresh, tranquil ambience. Restful private therapy suites and rooms have been designed to provide an environment ideal for rejuvenation and relaxation.

Bagging numerous awards over the years, spread over 30 sprawling acres, this hotel is like a dream-like fairyland. Brimming with old-world charm, Oberoi Udaivilas promises to stall time and envelop you and your beloved in romance and magic.

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