Lebua Resort, Jaipur

Lebua Resort, formerly Devi Ratn, like its sister establishment, Devi Garh in Udaipur, is reached via a drive through villages and a desert landscape. One can mistake the hotel for a mirage - it is so unexpected, so beautiful and other-worldly. The architecture is brilliant! The cheerful and respectful greeting by the staff at the porte cochere augured well for what was to follow. Stepping into the reception hall, we felt immediately relaxed being in this most serene space. Where to look first? At the beautifully crafted carved jali (screen) walls, the soaring, curved jali ceiling, the subtle light play on the Jaipur pink and red patterned floor embeded with glitter? We knew then and there, that we had chosen something quite exceptional. When we were informed that, as we were to stay five days, we would be upgraded to a deluxe suite, we were so pleased. Having pored over the website photos of this hotel, we felt that we knew every room. To be upgraded to the blue sapphire suite was a surprising thrill. The calm and quietness enveloped us as we walked to our suite. The gardens were a delight, and the buildings were even more impressive that the photos we had seen. We were in Jaipur for business. After spending all day in Jaipur's pink city, it was just wonderful to escape the noise, the frantic hustle and bustle of the city to this oasis of calm and beauty. It is like balm for the soul to come back to this beautiful place,to the song of birds and the hush of the countryside, where your every whim can be catered for and the professional staff are just that - extremely professional. Much contemporary architecture and design means, too often, soulless, sterile spaces. Not so here. The brilliant design of buildings, gardens and rooms, the beautiful palette of colours, the rich fabrics, the wonderful local stone buildings and floors create something beautifully unique. As a designer, I appreciated the design details of this place and its gardens. Lebua resort's design references the Jaipur Observatory, ancient Jaipur with its Jali screens set into the walls to provide shade and privacy, and the Red Fort. The rooms and suites are inspired by gemstones and their cutting. Gemstone trading and cutting are historical occupations which provides work for over 50,000 people in the Johari Bazaar in the Pink City. Our suite. the size of a two bedroom, Sydney, Australia apartment, was complete with jacussi! The wifi internet connection was appreciated, as were other modern accoutrements. To ensure a wonderful night's rest, there is a menu for pillows! The main outlook of the surrounding gardens lent a further sense of calm. The suite had a roof garden reached by a marble staircase. The lighting was very subtle. If you wish to read in bed without disturbing your partner, as I did, then be sure to pack your book light. Breakfast on the terrace of the restaurant was excellent. The chef served the BEST scrambled eggs that I have ever eaten. Every dietary requirement can be accommodated. You only have to mention it to the staff. Dinner is a delight as the chef here is very talented and the wait staff so attentive. The dining room with its gold coffered ceilings is a truly beautiful space. If you wish, you can have a romantic dinner outside, surrounded by a pool of water with candles and rose petals floating on it . The bar is that overused word - AMAZING. From its domed ceiling, plush carpet, bespoke seating, underlit tables, good selection of drinks, great music, to the outside terrace with its fine water mist in the warm night air, this bar is exceptional. If you want to keep a secret, do not stand in the middle of the room to speak, as you voice will carry to every part of this chic space. Over the years of travel in Rajasthan I have not enjoyed the puppet show as much as I did here at Lebau. Over the top review? Certainly not. If you want to have a great holiday, then here is the place. You can ride camels and trek to the local temple, ride a horse and watch the sun go down, or you can swim in the very special pool, party in function rooms or have a wedding or conference. The wonderfully capable staff under Vipul Bhargave will provide an experience to remember. We will go back.