If you are planning to visit Udaipur you must stay at Bujera Fort. It is located in the Aravali hills near Lake Pichola. As soon as you arrive you know that you are in for an absolute treat. I was travelling alone and stayed at Bujera Fort soon after it had reopened following the Covid 19 lockdown. Richard and his team immediately made me feel at home. There were a small number of other guests staying and we quickly got to know each other over drinks and dinner that evening. The fortress was constructed fairly recently but you would imagine that it’s hundreds of years old until you realise that it’s been designed so well to ensure that everything you might want from a modern hotel is there. Richard and Trish have an absolute eye for detail. I spent my first morning simply wandering around and marvelling at the structures and decor which is an eclectic assortment from what must have been years of travel and collecting. I found myself phoning my wife in the UK and asking where I can purchase old artillery shells to make a lamp! The room was very large and the bed was wonderful and comfortable. I decided to use the giant marble bath and found myself so relaxed that I preferred that afternoon to simply lounge at the fortress instead of going out exploring the delights of Udaipur. The food is very tasty with vegetables grown on the fortress farm. Shati and his staff are very attentive. I enjoyed using the swimming pool and lounging in the glorious sunshine and with the place almost entirely to myself it was pure bliss! I was sad to leave and vowed that I would return for a longer trip.

We came to this hotel on the recommendation of friends who had stayed there the previous year. Even though they gave us a glowing report, nothing could prepare us for quite how wonderful this hotel is.

Very sadly we arrived just when the Coronavirus was starting to impact tourism in India, so the hotel was quiet. Although we were very very sorry for the utterly charming owners, we were incredibly lucky to be upgraded to one of the two Master Suites, and were greeted on arrival by a member of staff who was clearly delighted for us that we would be staying in such a beautiful room that they were so obviously, and quite rightly, proud of. Richard, one of the proprietors, has the most exquisite interior design skills and instead of writing here a long string of gushing superlatives, I will attach some photos of the rooms, which are, like the hotel in general, a seamless blend of Indian influences and English country house.

Clearly anyone is delighted to be upgraded, but everything about the hotel was glorious: food was the best we had in India, and most definitely the best desserts. Much as I love Indian food it was fabulous to have the likes of banoffee pie and creme brûlée after an exquisitely cooked India meal, all using fresh produce from the hotel's kitchen garden. The chef is amazing!

Other thoughtful touches were complimentary afternoon tea and biscuits, a fabulous shop selling gorgeous clothing and gifts, and the fact that drinks and canapés are served each evening at a pre-dinner gathering of all the guests hosted by Richard and Trish, so that it really is like a country house party.

I'm sure it is lovely to stay at one of the upmarket hotels lakeside in Udaipur, but Bujera Fort has real soul and peace and tranquility. The personal touch that Richard, Trish and their attentive team give is worth much much more than just being a passing guest in a large hotel chain.