A Quiet Island Escape At Raffles Udaipur: Where Stillness Is the Ultimate Luxury

From the moment I landed at the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur for my stay at Raffles Udaipur, I could feel the air change — not just literally, with the shift in AQI (I am from Delhi, need I say more?), but in my own attitude. A perpetually clenched jaw finally unclenched, shoulders dropped and I felt the tension I’d been carrying in my body begin to ease.

I was greeted by the smiling face of my personal butler for my stay, Zian and the chauffeur who gave me a brief about everything that I saw on my way to Raffles Udaipur, set on the majestic Udai Sagar Lake. As I made my way to the lakeshore of the property sprawled over 21 acres, with rooms at both lakeshore and the private island, it started feeling like the start of a musical symphony.

My walk to the boat that would take me to the Raffles island property began with a sarangi player leading the way playing “Padharo Mhare Des” on his instrument and setting the mood for my stay that will be one that I’ll never forget (nor would I want to).

Once inside the wooden boat, the symphony (and the instrument) changed to a flute with Raffles’ resident flute player serenading me with songs straight out of my millennial playlist, making the scenic journey on the Udai Sagar lake, even more enchanting.

A Welcome That Will Make You Feel Like Royalty

At the entrance of the grand Raffles Udaipur lobby, which is called the ‘Grand Room’, I was showered with rose petals and welcomed by the warm and courteous staff who made me feel right at home (and also triggered a bit of my imposter syndrome but that’s a ‘me’ problem).

After welcome drinks, I was led to my room by Zian, who made sure my stay went as smoothly as possible. My stay at the Raffles Oasis Suite (with a plunge pool) was the perfect build up to the symphonic stay. The sound of music was replaced by the sound of nature and also much needed quiet. I stepped out to the balcony and I was greeted with a sense of absolute calm and serenity, with only the sound of water from the plunge pool, the lake in the distance and the chirping birds serving as my companions.

Also Read: Top 5 Luxury Hotels And Resorts Near Delhi NCR, Perfect For Escaping The City’s Poor AQI

Raffles Udaipur And The Luxury Of Time

Spending more than three decades of my life in a city like Delhi, the quiet I experienced at the property was strange but welcome. No horns honking, no random fights for a parking spot, no unexplained noises that you have accepted as white noise in your day-to-day in order to sustain.

This stay was the elixir that I needed to feel alive again, to look inside and slow down. After checking in and just revel at the beauty I was surrounded by, I had a scrumptious breakfast at Sawai, one of the multiple restaurants serving fresh and delectable meals 24×7 (selected menu), with many ingredients farmed right there at the property that employs multiple gardeners and horticulturists from the nearby villages. The move promotes local employment as well as respects the ecology that the staff treat as their own.

After breakfast and a tour around the property witnessing the immaculate gardens, lawns and architecture, it was time for my masterclass with a master chef at Sawai. I learned how to make the authentic Matera Hara Pyaz, a modern take on a classic Rajasthani curry made out of watermelon pieces and green onions.

Tranquil Sunsets And The ‘Udaipur Sling’

After the filling lunch, I had to lie down for a nap and prepare for the next experience, which was high tea at the Sunset Belvedere point.

I am not the most spiritual person but witnessing one of the most beautiful sunsets of my life from the point, I only had gratitude for the universe and every individual who made it possible for me to witness a luxury that most of us miss in our everyday rush. The tea was paired with conversations with Virender, an ambitious young man working with the hospitality team, who very eloquently explained how Raffles has become the next big luxury wedding destination over the last few years, about the local folklore and more.

The tea was followed by witnessing the Udai Sagar Aarti from the Verandah sitting quietly and watching the lake change colour.

After the tea, I retired to my room and spent some time sitting at the cabana near the plunge pool and stayed with my thoughts a little longer, a practice that seems quite lost in my life. The effort to fill the silences with noise becoming perpetual.

It was time for dinner now at ‘The Long Bar’. As soon as I arrived I had The Udaipur Sling waiting for me. A signature drink that is characteristic to Raffles properties around the world. Fresh and tangy, it was a perfect palatte cleanser before I enjoyed my pan-asian meal with the Thai Green Curry and Veg Dimsums being the standouts.

I fell asleep quickly, with gratitute for the day that was and excitement for what was to come.

A Softer Kind Of Grandeur

The next day began with a yoga session at the Cerulean Court, exactly what I needed to feel refreshed and rejuvenated and served as a good reminder for the need to maintain a balance between work and wellness.

After enjoying the breakfast and the views, I was headed to the Lakeshore property to try the food at The Trellis Room. The food was flavourful but the restaurants on the island property like Sawai, The Long Bar, Patisserie and The Dining Room in general are a notch above.

I went on a small tour of the Udaipur city, and returned to the property to enjoy the cultural performances at the Verandah that are performed everyday by local artists and provide a chance to the travellers to look up from their screens, something we all need to do a lot more.

The night ended with enjoying a traditional Rajasthani Thali at Sawai which included more dishes than I was expecting (or could stomach) but gave me a taste of the princely state in a plate.

A little spicy for my metropolitan trained taste buds, the food was delicious and satiating, to the body and the soul.

A Stay That Asked Me to Slow Down: A Sweet Farewell

The third and final day was when I experienced the Raffles Spa, the staff being extremely courteous and thorough, asked me my concerns and offered me the service that was best suited for my needs. The only downside being I needed to be at the airport in less than two hours, so the anxiety that left my body, quickly found its way back. I think it was my body’s way to remind myself how to get back into the hustle mode and how the slow-mode, sadly, had to turn off.

After a quick snack at ‘Patisserie’, I left for the airport but not before the kind team and my amazing butler Zian, surprised me with trinkets and handwritten notes that I will cherish always.

And with that, I bid farewell to Raffles Udaipur, with a bagful of memories, a heartful of love and gratitude and renewed zest for slow-living whenever possible. My symphony reached its cresendo and it was time to take the final bow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Raffles Udaipur located and how do you reach it?
Raffles Udaipur is located on a private island on Udai Sagar Lake and is reached via a short chauffeured drive from the airport followed by a private boat transfer.

What makes Raffles Udaipur different from other luxury resorts in Rajasthan?

Raffles Udaipur offers a private island setting that prioritises stillness, space and slow travel over spectacle.

Is Raffles Udaipur worth the stay for a luxury vacation?
Yes — for travellers seeking quiet luxury, thoughtful service and a true pause from routine, Raffles Udaipur delivers an experience rooted in calm rather than excess.