Picture this: you walk into a grand courtyard reminiscent of a maharajah’s abode – complete with tranquil pools of water and immaculately kept lawns – and just as you step through the treshhold into the palace-like structure, you’re showered with rose petals, enveloping you in a sweet fragrance.

That was our grand welcome to The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, a luxury five-star hotel in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan state in India.

Spanning 32 acres, this majestic property features traditional Rajasthani architecture, with sprawling gardens and reflective pools. The style feels familiar, as it draws influences from Mughal designs that we’ve seen on the earlier leg of our trip, in the tombs and palaces of Agra and New Delhi.

We were at the Oberoi for a late afternoon tea, and were quickly led to the Surya Mahal (Sun Palace), the hotel’s fine dining establishment which serves Indian, Western, and Meditteranean cuisine. The restaurant boasts a lovely al fresco area and a shaded pavilion, as well as a raised platform over the central pool, where cultural performances are held.

We enjoyed a variety of sandwiches, cookies, and chocolate with our tea – but the highlight of the evening was the live station where a chef prepared dal bati churma – a local favourite comprising lentil curry, baked wheat balls, and ground wheat cooked with ghee and sugar.

Dressed in a vibrant red saree and headscarf, she expertly heated the wheat balls on a brazier over a charcoal fire, before crushing them in a small container and mixing all the elements together.

The result was a lovely combination of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours, with overlapping textures of soft lentils and crunchy toasted wheat balls. I like the dollop of chilli she added, as it was not too spicy and added just the right amount of kick to the mix. This snack is a specialty in Rajasthan, so be sure to look out for it if you’re travelling to the state.

By the time we were finished with afternoon tea, the sun was already setting and the Surya Mahal was illuminated in a soft, ambient glow – the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.

As for our group, we set off on a quick tour of the hotel grounds. They’re massive, with individual villas and suites spread across the vast gardens.

I thought nothing could have one-upped the rose petal shower at our arrival, but then I saw this…

Live peacocks strutting across the lawn, their plaintive cries piercing the evening air. Potato phone camera doesn’t do them justice, but they are really majestic to look at.

Fun fact: peacocks roost in trees. Despite their heavy appearance, they can fly short distances – and as we stroll through the hotel grounds, we see a couple of the birds swooping up into the branches to settle down for the night.

For those thinking of a night’s stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, there are several room categories to choose from, such as the Premier Room with Private Garden which comes with a four-poster bed and a sunken bath.

There are Private Tent options as well, which feature living spaces set up within canopies for a more ‘outdoor’ feel. The most opulent option is the Kohinoor Villa with Private Pool, which comprises three separate villa buildings. Prices range from around 90,000 INR for the most basic option (around RM4,200 or 1,000USD).

The spa offers a variety of ancient Indian wellness treatments, as well as Oriental and Western-based treatments. Each therapy suite has its own private shower and steam room.

While we did not stay overnight, our visit to The Oberoi Rajvilas offered a glimpse into the luxury and opulence that this resort has to offer. For those who have the means to splurge, a night here would truly be an unforgettable stay – one fit for kings (and queens!)

THE OBEROI RAJVILAS

Babaji Ka Modh, Goner Rd, Jagdish Colony, Prem Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031, India

Website: https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-jaipur-rajvilas-resort/

PS: My visit to The Oberoi Rajvilas was part of a press trip. Views here are my own.

PS2: Read about my visit to The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra here.