Devi Garh

Traditional Rajput palace meets contemporary minimalism - an immaculately conceived and luxurious boutique hotel

Like the secret gateway to Narnia, and just as magical, this gloriously shabby 18th-century fort-palace - still imposingly grand with its dusty rampart of domes, turrets and balconies - reveals an inverse interior that's gleaming, sleekly minimalist and quite breathtaking. You're suddenly encased in a modern and airy hotel, coolly carved from white marble and sweeping sheets of glass to create a clean, uncluttered aura that's a rarity in Rajasthan.

Flashes of colour - the walls sparkle with semi-precious inlaid stones and swathes of bright silk are draped over the windows - highlight the elegant suites spread over the 14 floors of Devi Garh. Venture from these exquisite hideaways for an Ayurvedic massage, a splash in the heated green marble pool or supper in the glassed-in pavilion restaurant, with spectacular views over the Aravalli hills to the tiny Delwara village below. This vista of eternal India from one of the country’s most contemporary constructions is an unbeatable combination.

Highs

• The old fort has been exquisitely done up in a unique, contemporary style, fusing traditional and modern
• There's an extensive wine list and superb food
• The bedrooms are amazingly large, with bathrooms to die for
• There's a huge green marble pool and sublime views from all areas of the fort
• Yoga on the roof at dawn receives rave reviews
• The marvellous Ayurvedic spa offers a range of pampering treatments using L'Occitane goodies
• The staff are bewitchingly attentive, ever-ready with a chilled glass of lime soda and a warm smile

Lows

• Some would say it's too far from Udaipur, but we see it as the perfect base for visiting the increasingly large and polluted town
• As this is a bit of a labyrinth, there are many steps to get up and down - but there is a lift