Detailed Review
Nestled in the Aravali hills of Rajasthan, the 18th century Devi Garh Fort Palace, in the village of Delwara commands one the three main passes into the valley of Udaipur. Sajja Singh, who hailed from the neighboring state of Gujarat, was awarded this strategically significant principality, in recognition of his bravery and loyalty to Maharana Pratap against the Mughal emperor Akbar, at the battle of Haldighati (1576). The actual construction of the fort palace started only in the 1760s, under Raghudev Singh II, with further additions being made to the structure by the rulers who followed. The palace was absorbed into the state of Rajasthan in the 1960s, and was subsequently abandoned.
Devi Garh, is ready for visitors after years of restoration and rebuilding. The Fort Palace was conceived as a place where the past meets the future. This all suite luxury hotel comprising of 39 suites and 8 tents takes on the look of modern India, with an emphasis on design and detail, using local marbles and semi-precious stones. The contemporary design showcased within this spectacular heritage property, complemented by personalized and intimate service, creates a new image for India for the 21st century. Devi Garh is a Heritage Category - at par with Five star Deluxe hotels.
All of the 39 suites at Devi Garh are unique; luxurious and beautiful, yet equipped with the most modern facilities to make a guest feel totally at home. The premium suite, called Devi Garh suite, has a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi, of its own. Each suite is embellished with marble and semi-precious stones, while the public spaces are designed around different metals. Eight tents are also available on request from October to March.
One of the most outstanding features of Devi Garh is its landscapes design being done in a modern and contemporary manner. Using traditional materials and motifs, contemporary designs have been created which embody the confluence between the old and the new. The raw materials used are all local, with white marble used extensively throughout the palace. The two 12 feet high standing blocks of uncut white marble at the entrance are symbolic representations of the stone in its purest form.
Devi Garh like any traditional dwelling revolves around courtyards; five to be precise. Each courtyard blends classical and modern designs to achieve a fusion, which is peaceful yet intriguing. The Kamal Court, is an interesting interpretation of the traditional lotus motif as a black marble water maze.
Press Quotes
"Devi Garh is one of the world's finest hotels." Harpers 04
"Devi Garh seemed extreme in cream in the land of ultimate-pink and fairy lights, yet is actually a sophisticated respite, extraordinarily at ease with the surroundings of an 18th century fort palace in the Aravali hills, on one of the main passes into the Udaipur valley." Tatler 04
Independent Reviews
-
"An 18th-century palace fort, converted into a sophisticated, minimalist luxury hotel with great views over the Aravalli Range."
Crumbling on the outside, luxurious within, this Indain industrialist's dream conversion has won many fans. Large bedrooms spaced around an inner courtyard, plus garden suites and an ayurvedic spa. 45mins north of Udaipur. Best rooms face east.
Hotel Devi Garh
By Mahoot
One of India’s few ‘boutique’ hotels, this glorious 18th century, hilltop fort-palace has been completely restored from ruin and is now a luxurious, all suite ‘palace’ hotel – but one with a difference! The outside of the building is entirely traditional and is the very essence of a true Rajput fort with endless wings, balconies, turrets and towers; whilst clean lines and an almost minimalist approach to the interiors give it a fresh, up to date feel. This concept of entirely modern interior design within the framework of a traditional palace is unique in Rajasthan. The views from the fort are magnificent - out over the village and the Aravalli Hills and it is a large, rambling place with suites in the garden or in the main palace. The emphasis throughout is on white marble whilst colourful semi-precious stones and furnishings give subtle colour themes to the suites. The suites in the palace boast incredible bathrooms – the sort you have hitherto only dreamt about – and the balconies of some suites are so large you could spend the whole day there. One even has its own swimming pool. Throughout the building there are comfortable places to sit and relax in, either in the open air or in a shady nook. Enjoy a drink in the breezy bar over a game of chess, or practice your yoga on the rooftop at dawn. The great joy of this property is the space, and that almost every part of it is restored and there to be used. The glistening white dining room overlooks the pool and there is a good in house wine list, whilst the cuisine is superb, being based on recipes from all over the world. The spa is an excellent place at which to pamper yourself, and the large swimming pool is second to none, with unbeatable views. Immaculate taste is the byword here and it runs throughout the property. You’ll be tempted to stay on for weeks.
© Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved
