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Cover Focus: Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, India
BACKGROUNDVoted the worldâs most romantic hotel
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BACKGROUND
Voted the world's most romantic hotel. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur as a winter palace'and for his moonlight picnics with the ladies of the court's private chambers. Converted into Udaipur's first luxury hotel in the 1950s and run by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces since 1971. While famous for hosting Queen Elizabeth II, Vivien Leigh and Jacqueline Kennedy; Taj Lake Palace made its global bow after appearing in the James Bond film Octopussy.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Palace is done in white marble, with beautiful courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens. Exotic rooms feature carved arches, paintings, crystal, stained glass, gilt molding, mirrors and inlaid stones of pink and green lotus leaves. A perfect ménage a trois of the exotic, romantic and serene.
LOCATION
Apparently floating on Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace stands on natural foundations that span four acres. Located in the heart of Udaipur and juxtaposed against the stunning City Palace, the hotel can only be accessed by boat.
INSIDE
Sixty-six and 17 suites, including the 161-square-meter Shambhu Prakash presidential suite. Opulent Indian design echoes the 18th century and is elevated by modern comforts. Perfect craftsmanship and high curved arches meet myriad colors in murals, with floral motifs or stained glass as accents. Rooms have stunning views of the lake and the city.
EAT
On offer are fine dining at Neel Kamal and delicious kebabs at Amrit Sagar. Complete bar serves excellent single malts. I fell in love with informal all-day dining at Jharokha, perched on a balcony that overlooks the serene lake. For the romantic, book a table at the Bhairo rooftop restaurant.
TAKE FIVE
The sunset dinner experience on Gangaur'a 150-year-old boat used by the maharanas. A one-of-a-kind experience.
VIEW
While Taj Lake Palace screams romance to the sky, singles can also have a stellar experience. A fantastic place to hide from the world in a palace of pleasure.
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Highlight
Experiencing a luxurious royal retreat while cared for by well-trained palace butlers.
Rooms
66 rooms and 17 suites are lavish and modern, done in 18th-century Indian style
Price
From US$651
Contact
Taj Lake Palace
Post Box No. 5, Udaipur
Rajasthan ' 313001 India
Tel: +91 0294 242 8800
tajhotels.com
' Free wi-fi
' Fine-dining restaurant
' Rooftop restaurant
' Bar
' Spa
' Heritage walk
' Gangaur experience
