Luxury Rajasthan

Pass through Mughal style architecture; under the gold domed roof, past elephants, water bodies and into the refreshing ambience of the Bellevue Restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Naturally lit through large windows, sparkling with spotlights and bespoke glass panels, Bellevue is furnished with long sofa seating and intimate tables upholstered in vibrant turquoise leather. Vintage black and white photographs of Agra's Mughal monuments adorn the walls, while dark sandstone and white marble tile the floors. It is well know that the Mughal emperors were patrons of lavish food. Akbar had very extravagant food habits, Aurangzeb preferred vegetarian cuisine, Babur's kitchen displayed central Asian influences, while Humayun preferred Iranian flavours.

Nestled behind carved wooden door panels, waiting to be discovered, Esphahan is punctuated with Mughal style sandstone and marble stacked pillars; a demure, softly lit Indian speciality restaurant, subtly adorned with hand painted wall frescoes and tasteful Mughal inspired designs. Candles glow upon intimate table arrangements and a traditional musician plays soft, live music upon the stage. The fine dining menu features recipes passed down from the Mughal emperors' kitchens and inspired by their adventures on the Northern frontiers: perfectly marinated kebabs, slow-cooked to enhance subtle flavours, with spices specially blended to suit individual guests' palates, rich Mughal curries and soft Indian flat breads, handmade by the tandoori chefs and served piping hot on traditional, burnished metal plates.

Located on the ground floor of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, The Lounge is a charming space to visit in the early morning, afternoon or late at night. Guests can enjoy picture-perfect moments as they bear witness to the play of light and shadows upon the Taj Mahal at different times of the day, without leaving the comfort of the hotel. The lounge is brightly lit from above by a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from a Mughal style, gold domed ceiling, and is filled with natural light that flows in through large windows that frame the Taj Mahal view. The interior is tastefully decorated with handpicked brass figurines that sit upon ornate gold fretwork shelves, and is bright with sparkling mirrors and vibrant turquoise washed wood.

The Oberoi Amarvilas is home to the only bar in Agra that has uninterrupted Taj Mahal views. From the large windows that naturally light this relaxing space, guests can see the world famous tribute to eternal love in its full splendour. For those interested in an alternate aspect, behind The Bar is an oil canvas depicting the layout of the Taj Mahal. The comprehensive bar menu includes classic Martinis, single malts, American whisky, gins, rums, tequilas, cognacs, champagne cocktails, classic cocktails, Oberoi signature cocktails and mocktails, Oberoi signature iced teas and speciality coffees, all served to perfection from noon until midnight.

Surya Mahal is a Sanskrit name meaning: Sun Palace. Appropriately named, the luxury dining restaurant at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur is bright with natural light that flows in through wall to wall windows. By night, the natural stone courtyard shimmers beneath the phosphorescent moon and the main hall glitters as if filled with stars, under the light of the crystal chandelier. The menu, unmatched by other luxury hotels in Jaipur, includes Western, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, as well as Indian classics. Offering a specially curated wellness menu. Should guests have any extra dietary preferences or requests for a special occasion, the chef will be happy to prepare something that meets their requirements.

From the soft sandstone floors, to the splendid indoor and outdoor fireplaces, ornate Mughal arches and columns, Raj Mahal restaurant at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur emanates grandeur. The menu here is equally exquisite, featuring unusual dishes from the remote corners of India, sometimes deconstructed and reinvented by the extraordinary chefs, Raj Mahal promises a culinary experience unmatched by other restaurants in Jaipur. Dinner tables are set with white linen and red roses inside the main hall, undercover alongside the restaurant and in the courtyard, which is open from late October to March.

Rajwada Library Bar at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur is dominated by a white Italian marble fireplace with fitted leather corner stools. Dark wooden dressers laden with leather bound classics, rich suede ottoman and black leather chairs sit on its dramatic Burmese teak floor. Guests may sip on a glass of wine, classic cocktail or single malt, challenge a friend to a game of chess, backgammon, or take part in the bi-weekly interactive history session under the noble gaze of ancient Maharajas captured in lithographs on the walls. Step inside Rajwada Library Bar at The Oberoi Rajvilas for a cultural experience unique amongst luxury hotels in Jaipur.

Suryamahal restaurant at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is a daytime dining space, crowned with a sky blue, cloud brushed dome and tiled with an elaborate, Mewar inspired floor design. Tables are nestled in interconnecting domes, affording guests views of the hotel's spectacular landscaped gardens, City Palace and Lake Pichola. The adjoining, al fresco dining space: Chandni, offers stunning views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola. Dotted with canopied tables, at night it is candlelit and filled with the melodious sound of live, traditional music. The menu spans classical Western and Indian cuisine. The chefs would be happy to recommend something to suit the guests' palates.

Opposite Suryamahal and joined by a naturally lit corridor, Udaimahal restaurant at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is an evening dining space adorned with a star spotted, night sky painted gold leaf ceiling. Spread across interconnecting domes, intimate tables are softly candlelit and traditional musicians perform live on a white marble stage. The menu features Indian cuisine, rare dishes and reinvented classics guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palates. The restaurant offers a specially curated Royal Cuisines of India menu. Unique amongst restaurants in Udaipur, the lavish feast would have befitted the grandest of Mughal Emperor's dining halls.

The Bar at The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is spread across an almost labyrinthine layout of interconnecting domes, naturally lit during the daytime and sparkling under glass lamps at night. An intricate geometric pattern of green and white marble, sandstone and black granite ornaments the floor, while the antique finish bar is framed by an intricate Mewar arch. Luxurious seating arrangements offering uninterrupted views of the lake and gardens provide a sumptuous space for guests to savour a gin, a martini, a margarita, an alcoholic coffee or a frozen cocktail.