Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace

Swathed in cream and gold, the Risala restaurant serves up continental and Indian fusion cuisine. If you're after something that's a little Mediterranean, go for Pillars restaurant on the leisurely veranda - complete with lovely views of the city. The Trophy Bar is the place for cocktails on cushy zebra-print chairs. Jiva Grande Spa supplies all the signature treatments you could ask for - from Ayurveda therapies to an Indian foot massage. For a little extra relaxation, you'll find a gorgeous indoor pool with flowers afloat on the surface or enjoy a soak in the large outdoor pool with pinstriped white and yellow loungers.

As you can imagine, Umaid Bhawan has quite the selection of rooms and suites beginning with their grandest offerings - the Maharani and Grand Presidential Suites. With chrome finishes, immaculate murals and an en-suite jacuzzi and steam room - they are luxe. Amenities range from suites with an in-room bar and dining room to honey-toned suites with a private patio and the slightly more modest double rooms. The bathrooms are quite gorgeous and decked out with Molton Brown toiletries. A pillow menu, 24 hour in-room dining and, in some rooms, an exclusive butler are also at your service.

After enjoying a few palace pastimes, the nearby Mehrangarh Fort is a wonder with plenty of history to discover and the neighbouring Chokelao Gardens, which are just beautiful. Just below the fort, you'll find the trails of Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and plenty of birds to spot. Take in the view over quintessential blue roofs before wandering through bustling shopping areas or partaking in some street food classics like mirchi bada (fried chilli). If you're up for meandering a bit further out of town, Balsamand Lake is a lovely place to soak up the sunshine.