Spreading across 50 acres on the western shore of Lake Pichola, where Udaipur's Aravalli hills recede into silver water, a palace complex was built entirely from scratch in 2002 — not converted from an existing royal structure but conceived as a new Mewar palace from the ground up. The Oberoi Udaivilas was designed by the Mumbai-based firm Nimish Patel and Parul Zaveri of Abhikram, who spent years studying the proportional language of Rajput architecture before placing a single stone. Bansi Paharpur sandstone — the same warm amber used in Udaipur's historic City Palace — clads the colonnaded facades, the chattris, the cusped arches and pierced jali screens, in a construction that cost somewhere in the region of $25 million and took three years to complete. The 87 rooms and suites, many with private plunge pools fed by the property's network of channels and reflecting pools, are arranged around a sequence of interconnected courtyards that draws directly from the haveli tradition. Inside, the interiors carry the atmosphere of a Mewar nobleman's private quarters rather than a purpose-built hotel. Dark ebonised four-poster beds sit on floors alternating between Makrana marble and hand-blocked terracotta tilework, layered with Rajasthani dhurries and kilim rugs in saffron and indigo. The dining rotunda, visible in the images, is among the property's most commanding spaces — a scalloped dome framing a trompe-l'oeil sky, its black and white marble floors echoing the graphic pool surrounds outside, where checkerboard stonework steps down toward the lake in a sequence of terraces planted with bougainvillea.

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In a city fabled for its palaces, The Oberoi Udaivilas can take its place with pride. With views over Lake Pichola to the spectacular City Palace, the hotel itself resembles a grand palace. Landscaped gardens and shady courtyards, decorative fountains and reflection pools, cool marble, ornate carving, inlay work and detailed interiors create a marvellous ambience of days gone by. Huge bedchambers with large private terraces, luxury suites with private swimming pools, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, butler service and 24-hour in-room dining make you feel like royalty. The restaurants serve international and Indian cuisine including regional favourites. A gymnasium, two large swimming pools and a luxury spa offering a range of therapies, add to the ambience of total pampering. The facilities are particularly suited to meetings that might benefit from this exotic location. The hotel is equipped with Electric Vehicle charging stations as well.