Perched on a rocky spur of the Aravalli Hills above the village of Delwara, the eighteenth-century Devgarh Fort was a minor Rajput stronghold long before it became one of India's most quietly radical hotel conversions. RAAS Devigarh, which opened in 1999 after a decade-long restoration led by the Delhi-based practice Alchemy, made a deliberate and then-controversial choice: rather than restore the palace to a facsimile of its Mewar-period interiors, the design team stripped every room back to white marble and let the architecture carry the history. The exteriors remain faithful to their origins — tiered chhatris, carved stone brackets, arched jharokha windows framing Aravalli ridge lines — while the 39 suites inside pursue a cool, almost ascetic minimalism that placed the property well ahead of its time. The interiors visible in the images confirm that restraint. Beds sit on low polished marble plinths; walls are finished in flat white lime plaster punctuated by geometric tile panels in indigo and grey; teak shutters fold back from arched stone window surrounds to frame mountain views in place of any decorative gesture. The bar, by contrast, commits fully to the original architecture — a double-height hall of carved sandstone arcades lit by industrial brass globe pendants and dressed with leather club sofas and ikat-covered chairs. The restaurant extends onto an open terrace where chartreuse upholstered dining chairs against Makrana marble floors keep the contemporary register consistent, the Aravallis dissolving into haze beyond.

No travel notes provided yet.

Much more than just a place to stay, RAAS Devigarh sets a template for next-generation India. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills under an hour away from Udaipur, the 18th-century palace is an outstanding heritage property which looks to the future. Responsibly updated, eco-minded, and environmentally conscious, it smoothly meets the needs of the modern traveller, whilst remaining a stunning testament to the beauty, charm, and magic of old-world Rajputana. Holding a commanding position with views out across the valley and the village of Delwara, Devigarh showcases an array of decorative styles and tranquil landscaped gardens. Minimalist interiors are polished and comfortable and beautifully juxtapose the ancient, ornate backdrop. Enter a world of Marwari horse murals, mirrored ante-chambers, courtyards, arches, turrets, swings, marble bowls of flowers and, come night, a thousand candles and stars.