Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Raas is stunning, successfully fusing stylish contemporary design with traditional, restored palace architecture. The 39 rooms of this hotel (7 of which are suites) all provide a high level of comfort and sophistication and have been decorated with great attention to detail in a modern, understated style but yet one which draws heavily on traditional techniques and materials. This is best exemplified by the use of pink Jodhpur sandstone features in all rooms used for wall panelling, bed headboards and impressive balcony shutters (which also have energy-saving eco-credentials)

Despite Raas’s central location in a bustling city, the hotel offers an oasis of calm and feels remarkably quiet once you enter its ramparts. All of the hotel buildings overlook a serene and spacious courtyard with a beautiful pool area. An area that becomes magical at night when illuminated by small candles.

The central location however, gives guests a great opportunity to step out and explore the labyrinth of lanes and markets that form the walled city and make Jodhpur a truly special place to be. The location at the foot of the fort is also great for those wishing to climb up to explore the fort and look down on the blue city.

For those not feeling energetic to explore by foot Raas has acquired a fleet of customised blue auto-rickshaws to ferry guests around town and to charmingly deliver guests to the hotel - a very enjoyable way to arrive and a great way orientate ones self!

The owners of Raas have created something truly unique in Jodhpur if not the whole of India. The result of which is a property that certainly gives Umaid Bhawan Palace a run for its money in terms of wow factor and also in terms of offering an alternative palace experience in the perhaps the best preserved, largest and most complete urban noble residence in the whole of Rajasthan.

Accommodation

Raas offers 32 rooms, 7 Suites (35 rooms have views of the Mehrangarh Fort, the remaining 4 have private gardens overlooking the old, restored buildings. Rooms are highly comfortable and have been decorated with great attention to detail in a modern, understated style drawing heavily on traditional techniques and materials.

Childcare

Raas accepts children of all ages and interconnecting rooms are available for families. No extra beds are permitted in the rooms. Babysitting is available at an extra cost. The hotel also provides board games and painting materials.

Facilities

Facilities at the hotel include two restaurants (one covered, one al fresco) serving Indian and Continental food, a bar, a heated swimming pool and a spa featuring three massage rooms and a sauna.

Activities

Activities in and around the hotel include swimming in the hotel's stunning pool, golf at one of the most famous golf courses in India and cultural tours of historic Jodhpur and the surrounding area. Visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, Jain temple of Osiyan, the hill-top Umaid Bhawan Palace, the Sadar Market to buy spices, sweets, silver and handicrafts or go on a village safari to see how the local Bishnoi live. Others include the Mandore gardens and the Kumbhalgarh Fort.

When to travel

Location and directions

Jodhpur, India

The northeastern corner quarter of the walled city of Jodhpur.

How to get there

9 hour International flight from London followed by a domestic flight. Jodpur has daily flights to and from Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. The airport is a 20-minute drive.