Umaid Bhawan Palace

Sat upon Chittar Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a grand piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, built between 1928 and 1943 as one of the world’s largest private residences and India’s last truly great palace.

Still home to the former Jodhpur royal family, part of the monumental structure has been transformed into a luxurious hotel where butlers await to treat you like a personal guest of the Maharaja.

An immense domed lobby, a space which uses the same fine marble you’ll find at the Taj Mahal, leads to 22 rooms and 42 suites, each a celebration of the palace’s unique art deco style.

Dining at the Umaid Bhawan Palace is similarly resplendent, especially so at Risala with Rajasthani thali offerings that were once reserved for the most prosperous of royalty. Open-air Pillars is a little more leisurely with spectacular views of the city and Mehrangarh Fort. The royal champagne breakfast here is a particularly indulgent way to start the day. The Trophy Bar is a warm setting for cocktails, cigars and light bites while private dining in a range of fairy-tale settings throughout the acres of grounds can be arranged.

After a day exploring the Blue City, return to the palace to unwind in the Jiva Spa, cool off in the sparkling indoor pool, learn more about the building’s heritage on guided walks or perhaps work up a sweat on the tennis and squash courts.