At the heart of the walled city of Jodhpur, where all is hustle, lies this gorgeous boutique hotel, where all is calm. Yet guests are immersed in the city nonetheless, as pretty much every room and space has been designed to make the most of the views. And what views, with the majestic Mehrangarh fort perched above the city in all its 15th century splendour, and beneath it, a tumble of cube houses of inky blue hues. The hotel pool is just as vivid, in a serene courtyard setting.
The RAAS does a brilliant job of blending old and new, with ancient buildings restored to perfection and contemporary additions immaculately designed to fit right in. Rooms and suites honour the mood of the original Rajput residence, with sophisticated modern touches, every single one is as pleasing to the eye as the vistas from each terrace, garden and window. They’re all rather gorgeous, but the three Heritage suites in the original 18th century Rajput building are something special, and the Stepwell Suite, overlooking a stepwell built centuries ago, is as striking as the scenes from its windows.
Everyone who stays here is charmed by the setting, Tatler, on reviewing the hotel said ‘No contest – this is the most spectacular view from any hotel in India, maybe actually the world.’ The food is fabulous too, with vegetables from the chefs own garden and hand ground spices sourced in Old Delhi. Baradari, offering both local and international dishes, is open all day, Darikhana is open to the elements, with views of the fort all lit up in the evening and candles flickering in the courtyard below. Just as soothing is the spa, which is as lavishly appointed as the luxurious rooms.
