Connect with us

Travel Guides & Articles

Fairmont Udaipur Palace debuts as majestic new landmark in India

Published

on


Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, a luxury brand within Accor, in partnership with Keystone Resorts, has officially opened the Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a stunning architectural marvel nestled in the ancient Aravali Hills of Udaipur. With its stone-carved façade, serene surroundings, and expansive 18-acre estate, the palace-style resort is designed as a haven for modern royalty, blending regal grandeur with immersive cultural and wellness experiences.

Boasting 327 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the palace also features seven unique event venues, eight culinary destinations, and a 12,000 sq. ft. wellness sanctuary, all inspired by Rajasthan’s artistic heritage and natural beauty. Rooted in the traditional architectural style of Mewar’s historic fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble with stepwells, domes, and chhatris that reflect the spirit of Rajasthan.

“The opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace marks a defining moment in Fairmont’s journey in India, a tribute to the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Udaipur, one of India’s most iconic and romantic destinations. Known as the City of Lakes, this destination has long captured the imagination of travellers with its regal heritage, architectural splendour and serene landscape. This new palace reflects Fairmont’s commitment to honouring the spirit of each location we enter, blending global luxury with deep local resonance.  We are proud to bring the Fairmont experience to Udaipur and to be part of the city’s enduring legacy as a jewel in India’s cultural crown,” said Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Raffles and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.

Lobby

Rooted in the distinct architectural style of Mewar’s great fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble, chattris and courtyards, stepwells and terraces as a masterpiece sculpted to celebrate design, culture and the natural flora and fauna of the destination. Guests enter through the grand Raj Dwar, a dramatic fortress gateway flanked by cannons, setting the tone for a grand arrival into the palace.

From the soaring dome and royal chandelier of the Palace Lobby with the enchanting virgin hills in the backdrop and breathtaking valley views to the shaded elegance of Panther Patio, the palace unfurls like a story etched in time, through intricately layered pavilions, gardens, colonnades and terraces that reflect the property’s design ethos that blends the region’s traditional craftmanship with contemporary style. The palace honours the primal forces through its three interconnected wings: Surya Mahal, the Sun Palace, bathed in golden morning light; Chandra Mahal, the Moon Palace, cool and contemplative and Agni Mahal, the Fire Palace, where glowing torch-lined corridors and flickering hearths evoke the power and presence of eternal flame.

With a blend of handcrafted detail with sweeping views of the forested hillsides and sun-drenched courtyards, every space is steeped in comfort, beauty, and contemplative charm, a living tribute to nature, memory, and timeless design. At the heart of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is the majestic leopard, symbolizing resilience, grace, and quiet ambition. Depicted in regal sculptures and works of art, it celebrates the spirit of the wild with silent poise and power. The vibrant world of Rajasthani arts and crafts comes alive through the skilled hands of local artisans from villages supported by Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Every detail is a tribute to India’s living heritage, from embroidered artworks, each a labour of love by village craftsmen, to shimmering deep blue panels lining the corridors and courtyards. These intricately adorned panels showcase Thikri work, a traditional Rajasthani mirror inlay craft, etched with motifs that reflect the region’s natural beauty and royal legacy.

“Our endeavour was never just to build a hotel; it was to craft a world. Udaipur has always been a jewel of India, and with Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we wanted to create a destination within a destination, where every guest feels like a modern Maharaja or Maharani. This palace isn’t just built in stone and marble, but in stories, craftsmanship, and soul. From the hand-carved jharokhas to the grandeur of our architecture, every detail is a tribute to India’s royal heritage and Rajasthan’s timeless artistry. But beyond aesthetics, this project holds deeper meaning. Tourism has always been close to my heart, and Fairmont Udaipur Palace is my way of giving back to the city, to the state, and to the spirit of Indian hospitality. We wanted to give Udaipur that global edge, a world-class hotel where people from around the world come not just to stay, but to celebrate, to unwind, and to feel the true soul of Rajasthan. It’s our homage to heritage, our tribute to tradition, and our promise to India’s future in luxury tourism,” said Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of ROCKWOOD Hotels & Keystone.

Jewel of Udaipur Bedroom
Jewel of Udaipur Living Room

Guests can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with plunge pools, Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views, and an array of suites including the Fairmont Suite, Maharani Suite and the Maharana Suite, each offering elevated privacy, bespoke interiors, and personal outdoor sanctuaries. The palace also features a collection of specialty suites, including the Rajputana Suite, the Regal Mewar Suite, and the showstopping Jewel of Udaipur Suite with pool and terrace. At the pinnacle of luxury are the Royal Maharaja and Royal Maharani Suites, each featuring private pools, expansive terraces and bespoke detailing fit for modern royalty.

Dahaad – The Palace Bar

The palace also presents a refined selection of culinary destinations, each envisioned as an immersive extension of its elemental architecture and cultural soul. Bahaar, the all-day dining venue, offers globally focused, locally sourced soul food, celebrating the comfort of regional Indian flavors alongside global inspirations. Dahaad, an opulent palace bar — named after a powerful roar — echoes the wild symphony of Rajasthan, centered around a thikri sculpture of a leopard, a motif of the region’s folklore. Dastaan is a lounge celebrating the art of storytelling. Its name, meaning narrating stories, sets the tone for thoughtful conversations, surrounded by curated coffee table books, artful sculptures and the warm glow of candles. Sitara, a sunset-facing space perched high above the palace gardens, offers cosmic cocktails and sky gazing rituals reimagined as an experience of taste and time. Zaika pays homage to bold Indian culinary traditions through a deeply layered menu of comfort classics and regional specialties, served with modern finesse. Finally, the Ivory Pool Bar offers a tranquil sunken retreat, surrounded by water and forest, where daylight bites and sundowner sips unfold in breezy rhythm.

Following the debut of the property’s signature restaurants, Celeste, an avant-garde Asian bistro, and The Alchemist, a Mediterranean live-kitchen concept inspired by seasonal produce and nostalgic warmth, will open in the coming months, adding new dimension to the palace’s evolving culinary journey.

With over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor celebration spaces, Fairmont Udaipur Palace is built for occasions that are worthy of being etched in memory. At its heart is Jewel, one of the largest ballrooms, featuring crystal chandeliers, hand-tufted carpets and a sunlit glass façade that opens into panoramic terraces, colonnades with valley views and the ceremonial gardens of Jashn Bagh. Another unique highlight is the palace’s dedicated events pool—a stunning, secluded backdrop for poolside soirées, or sunset cocktails.

Additional event venues include:

The Imperial Ballroom – A glittering Art Deco-inspired venue with mirror-clad walls and elegant detailing, ideal for intimate celebrations and refined soirées.

Mehfil – The ceremonial heart of the palace, lined with over 550 intricately hand-carved marble columns and cascading chhatris, designed as an open-air courtyard for regal gatherings, musical evenings, and traditional performances.

Ivory Pool and Garden– Nestled amidst natural rock formations, this open-air venue is crafted for live performances, rituals, or cultural storytelling under the stars with a dedicated pool and a jacuzzi.

Jashn Bagh and Noor Bagh – Expansive, immaculately landscaped lawns set against the palace façade, perfect for grand weddings, receptions, and royal celebrations.

Chand Baori – A dramatic stepwell replica inspired by Rajasthan’s ancient architectural marvels, serving as a stunning, multi-tiered amphitheater for ceremonies and evening spectacles.

Dialogue Rooms – Seven bespoke meeting and event spaces, designed for executive retreats, strategy sessions, and creative workshops.

Terraces – Infinity, Jungle, Sajjangarh, and Sunset Terraces offer elevated, panoramic settings ideal for private dinners, cocktail hours, and quiet reflection, each with a unique vantage point over the surrounding landscape.

At the Fairmont Spa & Salon and Fairmont Fit Gym, wellness is not a pause from life — it is a return to the natural rhythm of life. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., this sanctuary draws inspiration from the sun’s journey — rising, illuminating, restoring — and invites guests to begin their own cycle of renewal. Treatments here are crafted to enliven the skin, restore tired muscles, and soothe the spirit, blending time-honored traditions with cutting-edge therapies.

Signature massage rituals — rooted in energy meridians, aromatherapy, and natural movement — are designed not only for recovery, but revelation, integrating the use of bespoke oils under the brand.

For recreation beyond the palace, guests can explore Rendezvous — a vibrant activity zone designed to delight guests of all ages, featuring mini golf, pickleball, paddle ball, ziplining, and a dedicated kids’ play area. For those arriving in style, the palace also offers a private helipad, ensuring seamless access and a spectacular arrival that sets the tone for an unforgettable stay.

“At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, our vision was to create more than a hotel,  a living palace that stirs emotion, celebrates culture and offers experiences that linger in memory. Every element has been crafted with intention and care. As we open our doors, our focus is on shaping a destination where luxury is not just seen or felt, but deeply remembered,” said Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace.

 



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Travel Guides & Articles

Discover London Differently: Lufthansa And Sreeleela Redefine Travel | Consumer connect News

Published

on


Lufthansa German Airlines has launched the latest chapter of its signature campaign, Lufthansa Insider, bringing a fresh perspective for 2025. The new edition—Insider Guide 2.0—features acclaimed Indian actress Sreeleela alongside UK creator Anastasia, presenting London not just as a destination, but as an unfolding journey of culture, lifestyle, and discovery. 

With this campaign, Lufthansa once again positions itself as more than an airline. It emerges as a premium travel-lifestyle brand, one that understands the evolving desires of Indian travellers who now seek experiences that go beyond itineraries. 

Add Zee News as a Preferred Source

The airline’s philosophy of “inspiring journeys” shines through in every frame—whether it is savouring flavours in a bustling market, soaking in art along the Thames, or experiencing the thrill of London’s iconic landmarks.

 


Exploring London with a new lens 

The campaign takes viewers along an itinerary that blends the city’s timeless icons with hidden gems. On the Southbank, Sreeleela visits the Young Vic theatre and the Hayward Gallery—spaces that represent London’s artistic heartbeat. Walking through this district, she discovers street performances, riverside cafés, and a cultural rhythm that reflects the city’s diversity. 

A stop at the OXO Tower brings panoramic views of London’s skyline, where modern dining meets creative spirit, setting the perfect backdrop for conversations on culture and connection. 

Food lovers will find resonance in the next chapter of the journey. A visit to Tayyab’s, one of London’s most iconic dining institutions, immerses Sreeleela in the aromas of sizzling kebabs and rich Punjabi flavours. With its vibrant atmosphere and cult following, it reflects the city’s multicultural heartbeat and culinary authenticity. 

From there, Borough Market offers a different flavour of discovery—artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and global tastes that capture London’s diverse character. Its cobbled alleys and Victorian architecture transport visitors to a different era, while the lively buzz of cafés and boutiques adds a modern touch.

These stops underline Lufthansa’s message: that travel is as much about tasting the world as it is about seeing it.

 


Fashion, lifestyle, and iconic landmarks 

The campaign further explores London’s identity through its fashion and lifestyle. At Portobello Market, Sreeleela dives into a treasure trove of vintage fashion, quirky antiques, and vibrant street life—a true reflection of London’s eclectic style. 

In contrast, Sloane Square offers a taste of luxury, with its chic boutiques and designer storefronts that epitomise sophistication. Together, these stops highlight the city’s dual identity: edgy and classic, youthful and refined.

Art takes centre stage once more at the Saatchi Gallery, where contemporary works push boundaries and spark curiosity. Dinner at Azzura adds a culinary flourish to the evening, with a fine-dining experience that blends elegance with innovation.

Even a stop at The Oval Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic cricketing venues, finds a place in the itinerary—symbolising how sport, like travel, unites people across geographies and cultures.

Lufthansa: A brand thatinspires journeys 


What makes Insider Guide 2.0 compelling is the chemistry between Sreeleela and Anastasia. While Anastasia provides local insider knowledge, Sreeleela brings the warmth, charm, and relatability that connect with Indian travellers. Together, they create a narrative that feels authentic and aspirational—a hallmark of Lufthansa’s brand positioning.

Sng Ju Stephanie, Head of Marketing, South Asia, Southeast Asia & Pacific, Lufthansa Group, remarked, “We’re thrilled to present Lufthansa Insider 2.0, an experience-led campaign that embodies our ethos of inspiring journeys. With Sreeleela at the forefront, this initiative showcases Lufthansa as a travel and lifestyle brand that goes beyond flying—celebrating culture, sparking curiosity, and creating lasting memories. Through innovative storytelling and authentic influencer engagement, we invite travellers to rediscover the joy of flying with Lufthansa.”

The campaign reflects Lufthansa’s deep commitment to connecting cultures and elevating travel experiences. By focusing on authenticity, meaningful connections, and premium service, the airline continues to distinguish itself as the preferred choice for discerning Indian travellers. 

More than a destination


For today’s traveller, a flight is no longer just a way to get from one place to another. It marks the beginning of a journey of discovery, where every destination presents opportunities for culture, taste, and connection. 

With Insider Guide 2.0, Lufthansa captures this beautifully—inviting travellers to see London not through a checklist of sights, but through its people, stories, and hidden moments.

By blending luxury with relatability, tradition with modernity, and authenticity with aspiration, Lufthansa proves that it is not just flying passengers across the globe—it is helping them experience the world in all its richness.

With this campaign, the airline sets a new benchmark for what cross-cultural, influencer-driven travel storytelling can achieve.

With Lufthansa, the journey is never just about reaching a destination. It is about living it, feeling it, and carrying a piece of it with you long after the trip ends.

Amin Lakhani, President, Client Solutions, WPP Media South Asia, remarked, “For the latest edition of our Insider 2.0 series, our teams at Mindshare (a WPP Media brand) India and UK came together with one clear goal – delivering an extraordinary campaign for Lufthansa. From mapping the consumer journey to capturing cultural nuances, every step was designed to reflect Lufthansa’s premium travel experience. This collaboration has brought travel, culture, and creator storytelling into perfect harmony, raising the bar for what a cross-border collaboration can achieve for the brand.

 

(This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised.)





Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Guides & Articles

Zanskar: India’s deep, silent gorge where you can hear your own pulse

Published

on


Zanskar: The untamed pulse of Ladakh

High in the Indian Himalaya, Ladakh is renowned for its stark beauty — the cobalt skies, the high mountain passes, the centuries-old monasteries that cling to its cliffs. Yet hidden within its rugged folds lies an even greater marvel: the Zanskar canyon. This is Ladakh stripped to its rawest essence, a gorge so deep and silent that it seems to hold the memory of time itself. Through it runs the Zanskar river, one of the most challenging and extraordinary white-water journeys in the world.

A geological cathedral

Unlike the celebrated high passes and monasteries of Ladakh, the Zanskar canyon remains little spoken of, even among seasoned travellers. Here, the landscape feels almost unearthly: cliffs burn red under the sun, streaked with copper and purple seams, while turquoise waters slice through their base. Waterfalls erupt directly from rock walls, plunging into the river below. The effect is that of a natural cathedral, vast and humbling, where time is measured not by hours but by bends in the river and the slow carving of stone.

A river alive

The Zanskar is no ordinary river. Glacier-fed and wild, it is alive with shifting moods. At times, it compresses into narrow corridors, releasing ferocious Class IV and V rapids that demand grit and precision. At others, it opens to skies so immense they seem to swallow the traveller whole. Many describe it as a living force — breathing, roaring, and singing beneath the sun. To enter its waters is not to conquer but to belong, if only briefly, to something larger than oneself.

More than rapids

An expedition down the Zanskar is as much a cultural journey as it is an adventure. Along its banks, monasteries dating back hundreds of years bear witness to the enduring spirituality of the region. Villages appear as pockets of resilience, their inhabitants living in tune with the seasons, still untouched by the curated experiences of mass tourism. The echoes of prayer wheels mix with the rumble of river and wind, while children wave from cliffside paths, their smiles carrying both curiosity and quiet blessings.

Evenings on the riverbank reveal another dimension of the journey. Camps at 14,000 feet offer the simple luxuries of warm meals, fresh fruit, and star-lit skies. It is in these pauses that the magnitude of the place truly settles: the bustle of the current, the stillness of the body, the reminder that the river demands respect rather than conquest.

A global classic under threat

For the global rafting community, Zanskar holds legendary status. Often called the “Grand Canyon of Asia,” it ranks among the world’s great river expeditions. Yet unlike the American Canyon, Zanskar remains without protection. Development creeps ever closer, with new roads and infrastructure threatening to alter the fragile balance of this landscape. The construction may bring accessibility, but it also risks eroding the ecological and cultural integrity that make the river unique.

Adventure travel pioneer Vaibhav Kala, who has guided expeditions here since the earliest days of river running in India, is unequivocal in his appeal for urgent action:

“As the roads connect remote Zanskar, governance is served. Now, we must preserve one of the grandest natural spectacles in the country, for our future generations; and preserve it with legislated protection, fierce in its ambit, with only responsible tourism allowed within the confines of what must be declared a National Sanctuary.”

A call for preservation

Valerie Pinto, CEO, Weber Shandwick

The Zanskar river expedition is not simply an adrenaline pursuit; it is an immersion into an elemental world of stone, water, and silence. It transforms the way travellers measure life, replacing the rhythm of clocks with the cadence of rapids, camps, and constellations.

But this transformation is possible only if the river is protected. Without decisive measures, one of India’s greatest natural treasures could be compromised beyond repair. The task before us is clear: to secure Zanskar’s future as both a global adventure classic and a national natural heritage monument.

In safeguarding the Zanskar, India would not only protect a spectacular river system but also uphold a legacy — a reminder that some places are too rare, too powerful, and too precious to be left unguarded.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author/authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Guides & Articles

Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey begins in Andamans

Published

on


Port Blair, To develop better tourism policies and world-class infrastructure facilities, the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has started Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an official said.

Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey begins in Andamans

The main objective of the survey is to understand expenditure on domestic tourism along with information on household, visitors’ profile and trip characteristics in relation to domestic overnight trips, required for preparation of Tourism Satellite Account by the Ministry of Tourism .

A senior official at the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism Office said, “The DTES will help us understand better about tourism patterns and expenditure by travellers and their profile. It will also help us understand where we are lacking and what more needs to be done to make this archipelago a world-class tourism destination.”

“The Directorate of Economics & Statistics is participating in this survey along with National Sample Survey Office , Field Operation Division in Port Blair. We would like to urge all the tourism stakeholders to extend their cooperation to enumerators and supervisors during the data collection exercise. We will keep all information confidential,” he said, while adding that the survey will continue till June 2026, but in Andaman and Nicobar Islands it may take some more time due to difficult terrain and remoteness.

While elaborating more on DTES, he said the objective is to collect data on household expenses on domestic travel and tourism activities. Besides, we will also collect information on visitors’ profiles, the kind of trip they are opting for, and the amount they are spending on overnight, same-day leisure trips, on accommodation, local transport, food, and other services.

Once the DTES is done, it will feed all the data to the Tourism Satellite Account , which measures the economic contribution of tourism to a national economy.

In 2024, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded a growth of 120 per cent in domestic travellers and 27 per cent rise in foreign tourist footfall.

Major tourist attractions, such as the National Memorial Cellular Jail and Baratang Limestone Caves at North and Middle Andaman district, experienced higher footfall in 2024.

The number of visitors attending the Sound and Light Show at the National Memorial Cellular Jail saw a substantial rise, with 4,17,944 people witnessing the show in 2024, compared to 2,67,327 in 2023, the IP&T official said.

As per the tourism department, a total of 2,35,061 domestic and 4,461 foreign tourists travelled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2022, while in 2023 the figure went up to 3,23,619 and 9,025 travellers. In 2024, the domestic travellers rose to 7,10,397, while foreign tourists were 11,497.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending