Review: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

A real-life jewel in Lake Pichola, this eighteenth-century palace is a sweep of courtyards, corridors, and pavilions inlaid with stone, gilt molding, and mirrors (it was originally built as a palace for the prince Maharana Jagat Singh and was completed in 1746). Guests reach the four-acre man-made island in Udaipur via private boat and are taken to rooms with hand-painted motifs, mosaics, silk bolsters, swings, and stained glass. With 65 rooms and 18 suites, set in the middle of the lake, guests rave about rooms with views of the shore, including City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Restaurants at the hotel are open only to guests; opt for wood-fired Rajasthani specialties at Neel Kamal. Formal attire is required at the rooftop Bhairo restaurant, but you'll be rewarded with prime cuts of steak. When you're ready to get off the lake and sight-see, ask the concierge to set you up with a tour of the local lakes and attractions in one of the hotel's vintage cars. Editor's Pick: Gold List 2018