Hotel Rawla Narlai, Narlai Rajasthan

A former hunting lodge of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Rawla Narlai is a kaleidoscopic delight. Located in the small village of Narlai close to Ranakpur, between Jodhpur and Udaipur, it's well worth the detour. The 16th-century baori or step-well is perfect heaven lit up with hundreds of candles on an evening. You'll feel like Bonnie Tyler in Total Eclipse of the Heart. Better leave the ballads to Bonnie though, or the equally as talented local jogi, who will serenade you with traditional folk songs through dinner. The plush interiors of JBar on the other hand, are the perfect spot to enjoy a pre or post dinner G&T. For keen riders, Rawla Narlai offers particularly good hacks through the Aravalli hills, on the back of the Rajasthani thoroughbred, Marwari horses. Its 32 rooms are individually decorated, with the ones in the older wings maintaining as many original features as possible. Whilst the Heritage Rooms provide the most colourful stay with stained-glass windows and painted frescoes, the Jharoka Rooms and Narlai Suite provide more modern and sprawling accommodation, with private balconies looking out across the enveloping countryside. A simply magical and authentically regal Rajasthani escape.