The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli ranges and steeped in the romance of the historic region of Mewar, Udaivilâs, The Oberoi Group's newest luxury resort, is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India. Udaipur (City of Sunrise) is the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world and was established around 1567 A.D. Legend has it that the royal Rajput rulers are descended from the Sun God. The golden sun, representing the Sun God, is still the royal insignia of the Maharana of Mewar and a recurring motif in the design of Udaivilâs. The chequered history of Mewar is showcased in the city of Udaipur, which is akin to an oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan. It is a rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, havelis and luxurious gardens, reflecting the varied influences of the intervening centuries. In this tranquil, salubrious setting, Udaivilâs has been conceived as a splendid palace, wonderfully recreating the romance of the past, representing the continuity of the grand traditions of Mewar and yet completely in keeping with the 21st century. The resort is spread over an expanse of 30 acres, and its carefully planned and executed design has evolved as a seamless assimilation of spaces resembling the old palaces. Courtyards and walkways, gently rippling water bodies fountains and reflecting pools, and exquisitely landscaped gardens, sculptures and frescoes, arches and domes, niches and alcoves - the building lends itself to discovery and continual surprise. Embellished by beautiful works of art and craft from in and around the region, Udaivilâs is a vast canvas with an almost lambent quality, changing with the light and seasons and possessed of a sense of timelessness. The resort has speciality restaurants serving fine Indian and international cuisine. One of its special features is a world-class spa and wellness centre offering a wide range of rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. The spa is managed by Banyan Tree, one of Asia's best-regarded spa management companies. Offering the most modern in entertainment and communication facilities, Udaivilâs is the perfect venue for a special celebration, a family holiday, meetings and conferences, or as a weekend retreat. The rich cultural heritage of Udaipur also makes the city a fascinating place to explore and discover at leisure. Udaivilâs continues the grand tradition of The Oberoi Group's luxury resorts, which are intimate and idyllic retreats in fabulous settings. The Oberoi Resort Experience takes guests from secluded beach-facing villas in Indonesia and Mauritius to colonial grandeur in the Himalayas, from the gracious lifestyle of Rajasthani princes to unmatched views of the Taj Mahal from private balconies, from the great pyramids of Giza, to an exclusive tiger-sighting expedition in Ranthambhor.