Wonderful lunch at the amazing Raas Devigarh (outside Udaipur)
 

Introduction While staying at the Oberoi Udaivilas, my husband and I ventured with our private guide to the outskirts of Udaipur to see the Eklingji Temple. Afterward, we drove maybe 5-10 min to have lunch at the Raas Devigarh hotel. The hotel blew us away. We were so impressed, we asked for a site tour before our lunch. After a short delay, we were shown the whole of the hotel, a former noble's palace now run by Raas Hotels.The hotel:The view from the hotel garden entrance:The view from the hotel pool deck:Interesting waterworks at entrance:First gate:Second gate:Entry courtyard (this doesn't do it justice):The pool is spectacular and with amazing views (and more steps than some might like!):The jacuzzi has an incredible location and tremendous views:Those views:The restaurant (on 3rd terrace level) and the spa below (showing spa garden), just below the jacuzzi/pool decks: Inside, there was one spectacular space after another. I couldn't keep track, there were so many! Here is a sampling of the many amazing public spaces. The views onto the surrounding town were also amazing:These were the most beautiful vistas in India we saw on our entire trip. Room We only got to see one room, an unsual configuration double if ever I saw one. The rest of the rooms were occupied!You clearly need to have a travel agent who knows these rooms, or rely on the hotel staff to take photos so you get what you want!There also were garden suites on the level below and adjacent to the pool deck--these used to be the stables. These obviously will appeal to those who don't want to climb! Dining Our lunch was superb--and the restaurant here had the best selection of good wines that we found in all of India!The restaurant was also very serene and beautiful...with views to die for. Location Delwara, where the hotel is located, is one of the rare adorable villages that we saw while in India. The pastoral area surrounding the village and hotel are sublime--truly a magical place. You can see down onto the rooftops and streets of Delwara, seeing the daily life going on in the village, all while relaxing in the height of luxury. Service Service for our lunch and for our site tour were very good. It's hard to judge overall hotel service, but my guess is that it is to a pretty high standard! Overall We wouldn't hesitate: on any return to the Udaipur area, this is unquestionably the place where we would stay. The Oberoi Udaivilas is wonderful, and perhaps will be to a higher service standard...but this Raas Devigarh is about as authentic India as you can get at a luxury level in our opinions!

Thank you for all of your India reviews! We are at the Devi Garh now and I have to say we are loving it. It's definitely less polished than Amanbagh and Umaid Bhawan, which we loved on previous trips, but the setting is so stunning that we are very happy. The Indian food is incredible and the wine list is good and reasonably priced. Service is good and everyone seems to be trying very hard. The views are mind blowing in all directions. The hotel is busy with a nice mixed crowd. Everyone seems to be having a good time and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Decent spa too. I would definitely come back. Weather late Feb/early March is sublime. High 80s in the daytime and warm enough to eat outside comfortably at night but no humidity.