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FEW PLACES ON EARTH HAVE the extraordinary
power that Devi Garh does to remove you completely from the here
and now, and transport you into a dream state, an alternative reality
where everything is exotic and different, strangely calming. Set
in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, you are certain to enter a fantasy,
a window into the past, or perhaps a time machine into a timeless
present.
Words cannot express the sensation. This isolated
resort set in one of three main passes approaching the valley of
Udaipur has been constructed in a restored 18th-century palace and
fort, presiding over the village of Delwara. True to the architectural
style of the region, the resorts centres around five courtyards,
peaceful yet intriguing, which combine a fusion of modern and classical
motifs rendered in traditional materials. There are even some lower-priced
luxury tents at the base of the ancient walls, for the heartier
traveller. In the hours before sunrise you can hear the chanting
from the Hindu temple below. Later in the day the call to prayer
from the local mosque echoes through the valley. Fairytale views
surround all ramparts of the fortification. Sunset, seen from the
breathtaking swimming pool terrace, summons magical visions. Goodbye
modernity.
Devi Garh’s extreme staff-to-guest ratio and a truly
welcoming team guarantees a high-grade service experience. There
is not much to sightsee in the area, mostly 12th- and 14th-century
Jain temples, and scenic landscapes. Local quarries are the source
for the signature milk white and deep green marble, available in
immense slabs and carved form from local vendors, of which there
are a multitude.
But this resort is best used as a complete getaway
from the acceleration of modern life, an opportunity for relaxation
and rejuvenation. A stress-free oasis. Spacious rooms and baths,
comfortable furnishings, a complete health spa and a fine kitchen
add to the equation.
If you can, book the excellent Dr Muthu for a private
yoga class on the terrace at daybreak; he is also a skilled Ayurvedic
physician. Take your dinner in a private dining room on one of the
upper floors, with a thousand small mirrors on walls and ceiling
reflecting the candlelight. Every suite on the modern wing fronting
a long courtyard has its own terrace, perfect for room service,
lounging, or passing a leisurely afternoon immersed in a favorite
book.
Don’t go rushing around Devi Garh—there’s no
place to rush to. There are no trendy little restaurants, discotheques,
jewellery stores or loud music. There’s only a nice little gift
shop by the front gate, but you haven’t come for shopping. You’re
here to stop time, to rest and reflect and that is truly enough.
Highly recommended. •
Devi Garh
Delwara, N.H. 8, Near Eklingji, Nathdwara
District Rajsamand, Rajasthan 313202
India
Telephone 91 2953 289-211
Fax 91 2953 289-357
www.deviresorts.com
Stanley Moss is travel editor of Lucire.
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True to the architectural style of the region,
the resorts centres around five courtyards, peaceful yet intriguing,
which combine a fusion of modern and classical motifs rendered in
traditional materials
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Time travel Devi Garh takes you out of the hustle of modern life.
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