I have a special place in my heart for experiences that knit travel with romance. The right stay always makes brings in a magical experience.
My luxury stay at Fateh Collection in Udaipur brought in romance in spades: Swimming in the gleaming infinity pool at Fateh Garh at midnight, under the moonlit, star-studded sky. Dipping into my personal, lotus-lipped, rose-tipped plunge pool on the balcony that skilfully wrapped my room in Khas Mahal. Zipping in the vintage Landrover along the hamlet-lined roads, and in the maverick Mustang 1967 at night. Stretching my limbs lazily after the superb signature massage at Sansha spa. Target shooting with an air rifle on the ramparts of the expansive, regal property…
Fateh Collection certainly spoilt me: It was like flying first class. Once you’ve had the experience, it’s hard to go back to life as you knew it.
Blame the magic. Rajasthan has always held a special place in my heart and experiencing the luxury-adventure dipped stay at Khas Mahal crowned this visit to the desert state in different hues of romance – with nature, thrills, and upscale pampering. Located at an hour’s drive from the humdrum of the main city, Fateh Collection brings in beautiful seclusion, higher up in the Aravalli hills, far from the crowds.
MODERN PALACE
The summer heat makes the earthy landscape shimmy and shine, the bougainvillea blazes in shades of coral and rani pinks – splendid colours reminiscent of royalty – that match the stunning hues of the traditional leheriya sarees on the women in ghunghat singing to welcome me to Khas Mahal: The latest hot footer in the Fateh Collection clutch of luxury stays.
With 18 rooms arranged across two levels in an alluring, intimate setting, this upscale property brings in a cool, central atrium with a shimmying chandelier, and a delicious pool on the terrace. The sumptuous interiors instantly create a swanky complexion. The sizable spread of art – in handpicked antiques, reclaimed haveli doors, and huge statues set the tone for casual luxury in the living area dotted with plush sofas.
At Khas Mahal, the full-length windows bring the outdoors indoors. With picture perfect views of the stunning landscape: arid in the distance, green all around, a glorious forest in the centre, and snowy clouds flitting in slo-mo across the blue skies. There are bobbing trees everywhere, with leaves rustling in the balmy breeze. The busy-ness of Mumbai leaves my mind as I stand quietly, tuning in with the serenity and calm in Khas Mahal.
What makes me feel truly khas (special) is the sight of the inviting, blue plunge pool in my generous balcony, the moment I walk into my large room. Another flex. Braids of natural light spilled into the water in the afternoon, bouncing off the marble in a bright maze as I eased off my plush bed (complete with a sleep menu ruled array of pillows), padding across the cool stone floor to dip into my plunge pool. Its view cleverly trellised into an almost seductive whisper in complete privacy. Full marks.
LUXURY TRIMS
Fateh Collection feels worlds away from the bustle of Udaipur and its flurry of luxe features infusing the entire property win my heart completely. There are unending sophisticated nods. At minute’s drive in a robust jeep up to Fateh Garh arrives the spa. My prized experience at Sensha Spa brings in an expert therapist who works the magic of lotus and rose oils with her hands to ease languor into my limbs. Sipping herbal tea on the recliners in the balcony, I lose myself in the beautiful scenery that unfolds before me, in the atlas of hills and trees. Moments that make my stay here.
The thoughtful, expert curation of the best artisanal experiences under the roof at Fateh Garh bring in the taste of the traditional crafts without risking the sunny markets in the main city. From the staggering, fine detailing of miniature painting (I had a peacock stroked onto my thumb nail in minutes!), to shaping a clay pot on the wheel, to block printing my own bags in brights to wearing specially made lac bangles on my wrists. All while slurping fresh jamun coolers.
The limpid blue of the infinity pool at with its pivoted graceful stone figurines made me make a mental note to coming here for a dip at midnight. (I did, and the experience felt like something stolen from heaven. Silence, cool breeze, the peeping moon and the glimmer of lights faraway in the valley… Simply unforgettable.)
THE X FACTOR
Target shooting brings in a different feeling. The vibe is Wild West meets high luxury. With birds chirping wildly at every successful shot, (in archery and air rifle experience) and the crisp, dry leaves crackling beneath my boots as the sentinel guided me patiently. Follows the wild zipline across the forest expanse. As I whiz across the terrain, I crane my neck to catch a glimpse of the watering hole specially created here for the leopard who often frequents the property at night. Best kept secrets.
The Instagrammable spots abound at Fateh Collection. At the Sky Walk at Fateh Vilas, the colors of the sunset pour into my glass as I settle into the four-poster canopy, suspended in the valley. The sumptuous grazing board, strewn roses, horses from the Kelwa Fateh Stud Farm (dedicated to the revival of the Marwari horse), cantering in the background and the cool breeze compose the magic as the sun begins to dip into the horizon. Brilliant vibe-check.
What added to my experience of feeling like a queen was the chance to take to the wheel in the drives from the Vintage Car Museum at Fateh Vilas. A gorgeous array of classics in running condition, from the Mustang 1967 to Landrover 1949 to Cadillac 1939 and more.
My immersive stay at Fateh Collection makes every moment special. From lantern-lit dinners by the dappled moonlight with the live flautist playing mellow tunes to the warm, attentive yet unobtrusive staff tending to every need and whim, to the spectacular gourmet gospels (jungli maas, ker sangri, gate ki sabzi, daal baati churma, quail and more) to the village trek and local radri tastings, the spontaneous interaction by the members of the royal Kelwa family who thread together the spectacular properties, it is a passion-driven run.
