Twenty minutes outside Jaipur, Rajvilas is a destination unto itself. Marble-and-stone carving and handmade brass doors have created a hotel that's luxurious and blends well with the arid environment. You arrive into a lovely scene: pastel-color buildings, orchards, and fountains. Rajvilas's standard double rooms are spacious and minimalist in concept, but the real standout is the marble-and-glass bathtubs, which look out over private gardens. The separate villas with private pools have been favorites with bigwigs—they're available for a hefty price tag. Luxury tents are also available. Pros: ayurvedic spa treatments have a reputation as some of the most comprehensive available; excellent food; impeccable service: don't be surprised if the staff knows your name when they greet you in the hallways. Cons: expensive; outside Jaipur, so although a great retreat, not ideal if you want to be close to the town.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip