Rajasthan
India


The Experience

It's easy to imagine yourself an undercover agent as you are ferried through the waters of Lake Pichola on a wooden barge toward this 250-year-old white marble palace in the heart of Rajasthan. And no wonder: The regal Lake Palace hotel was the chief setting for the famous James Bond film Octopussy. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Sing II upon a four-acre island with the Aravalli Mountains as its backdrop, this splendid icon of Indian royalty features massive windows with lake views, a lily-pond courtyard and traditional Rajasthani decor.

The Rooms

Regular rooms here aren't much different from those of any other luxury hotel, though each does offer a lake view. Luxury Rooms add space and claw-foot tubs, but to truly experience the magic of this hotel, reserve a suite. These are decked out like fantasyland chambers for Indian sovereignty, and each is individually decorated to reflect some aspect of local history. Incredibly spacious (about the size of a large swimming pool), with swings hanging from the ceilings, cushions placed carefully atop tiled floors and colorful Indian linens draped across the windows and beds, some suites still have original moldings as well as sparkling crystal chandeliers and stained-glass windows. Artifacts, engravings and historic paintings adorn the walls; you can even rent Octopussy at the front desk and watch it on the room's DVD player.

The Service

Many staffers are descendants of the monarch who originally built the palace, so they consider it a matter of personal pride that guests feel comfortable here. They are friendly and efficient and will quickly arrange for your personalized yoga instruction or even dinner aboard a candlelit pontoon accompanied by sitar music.

The Highlights

Camel rides, elephant rides and horseback riding can all be arranged by the staff; there is also an outdoor pool, steam room and full-service spa. Five restaurants offer plenty of dining options, though the Indian cuisine at Neel Kamal is excellent. The atmosphere here always seems playful, since no one really leaves the island. But if you're looking for a romantic meal and not a get-to-know-your-neighbor dinner, request that the staff set you up on a terrace overlooking the water, or better yet, on a candlelit pontoon, secluded away in the middle of the lake.

-- Kristan Schiller

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