Raas

Sleek and chic, a rose sandstone haveli which blends old with brand new, and has spectacular Jodhpur Fort views

Raas is the superb restoration creation of Rajput man-about-town Nikhilendra Singh and umpteen architects. Designed to reflect the unique character of Jodhpur, it combines modern blue and rose sandstone blocks with an ancient haveli. Jaali-slashed shutters dapple geometric light across 39 elegant bedrooms and suites and bathrooms, furniture is custom-made rosewood, and all the mod cons are in place.

Sitting in a big sunbowl beneath Jodhpur's 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort, Raas showcases exquisite craftsmanship and gorgeous detail throughout. There's a lovely big turquoise swimming pool with curtained loungers, patchwork lawn-and-paving courtyard garden, waterfall-backed reception and open-sided lounge alcoves. While 4 of the rooms are without Fort views, these are compensated for with their own little walled gardens. There's also a dedicated spa (with sauna and 3 massage rooms), boutique shop and the shady Baradari fine dining restaurant, plus a second restaurant, Darikhana, which has its own street entrance and welcomes non-guests. Add excellent unobtrusive service and a rooftop for romantic dining and you'll not dream of staying anywhere else in Jodhpur.

Highs

• The beautiful play of geometrically-patterned light in rooms and corridors, a modernist take on the dappled rays falling through the jaalis of old havelis
• The 5-star luxuries and chic, metropolitan style, which is still sympathetic to its setting
• The beautiful infinity swimming pool and dedicated spa
• The proximity to, and stunning views of, Jodhpur's deservedly famous Mehrangarh Fort; you're right in the walled city
• Surprisingly affordable for such a knockout creation

Lows

• The salvaged-wood structure curtaining poolside loungers looks a little jerry-built from above
• The trees in the sunbowl garden have yet to reach full height, so you get shade only from table umbrellas or lounger curtains
• You may hear the call to prayer from the local mosque; the hotel provides ear plugs and rooms have laminated glass windows, note that it is very quiet otherwise due to lack of heavy traffic