A Global Stamp of Approval
The World's 50 Best organisation is a highly respected authority in the culinary and travel worlds, known for its annual rankings of restaurants and bars. Its hotel list, compiled from the votes of over 800 anonymous global experts, is a definitive guide
to the planet's most exceptional hospitality experiences. Making its debut on the 51-100 extended list, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur has been ranked at number 98. It is joined by Jaipur’s boutique hotel, The Johri, which secured the 94th spot. This recognition places both properties among the global elite, celebrating their commitment to unparalleled service and a uniquely Indian sense of luxury.
The Crown Jewel of Lake Pichola
While both hotels are worthy of celebration, The Oberoi Udaivilas captures a particular kind of fantasy. Opened in 2002 on 30 acres of the former hunting grounds of the Maharana of Udaipur, the property was designed to feel as though it has graced the banks of Lake Pichola for centuries. Its grand architecture is a deliberate homage to the Mewari palaces that dot the region, featuring a breathtaking layout of interconnecting domes, sunlit courtyards, and tranquil reflection pools. The hotel's silhouette, with its grand archways and cupolas, feels like a natural extension of Udaipur's historic skyline, offering stunning views of the City Palace and Jagmandir across the water.
Arriving in a Different Era
The experience of The Oberoi Udaivilas begins before you even step inside. Many guests arrive via a private boat across Lake Pichola, a short but dramatic journey that sets the tone for the palatial escape to come. The property itself unfolds like a storybook. Gleaming marble walkways, cascading fountains, and intricate details like hand-carved screens and mirror mosaic work ('thekri') create an atmosphere of timeless romance. This dedication to craftsmanship was a core part of the hotel's construction, which employed hundreds of local artisans to revive traditional decorative arts. The interiors are just as impressive, from the dome painted with 18-carat gold leaf to the 87 lavishly appointed rooms and suites that offer garden views or direct access to semi-private pools.
More Than Just a Stay
Luxury at Udaivilas is not just about opulent surroundings; it is about curated experiences and heartfelt service. The hotel offers everything from private boat tours and cultural performances to personalised spa therapies in a dedicated wellness wing that is a sanctuary in itself. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, the Kohinoor Suite is a residence fit for royalty, complete with a private pool, gold-domed ceilings, and dedicated dining and living rooms. It is this seamless blend of architectural grandeur, modern comfort, and the signature warmth of Oberoi hospitality that makes a stay here so unforgettable, transforming a simple vacation into a deep dive into Rajasthani heritage.
Jaipur's Gem: The Johri
Sharing the limelight is The Johri, a five-suite boutique hotel in Jaipur that ranked at number 94. Housed in a restored 19th-century haveli within the city's famous jewellery market, The Johri offers a more intimate but equally luxurious experience. Each suite is named after a gemstone and decorated in a corresponding jewel-toned palette, creating a chic and blissful retreat. Its inclusion alongside the grandeur of Udaivilas highlights the wonderful diversity of India's luxury hotel scene, from sprawling modern palaces to lovingly restored heritage properties.
