Taj Lake Palace travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Taj Lake Palace, in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, is a gleaming homage to romance and indulgence. This 250-year-old ”pleasure palace of former Maharana Jagat Singh promises luxuries and comforts that, although matched by other hotels around the world, are enhanced by its location. The hotel is surrounded by lake, which itself is circled by mountains and the crowded streets of Udaipur are just two-minute boat ride away stepping onto the 4-acre island transports you into peaceful contentment that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Photo by: Olive Boussard

Each of the 83 rooms is individually designed, with the large suites being especially grand. Particularly arresting is the honeymoon suite, with stained-glass windows dappling the interiors with reds, greens, and yellows, and a love swing hanging from the ceiling. The smaller rooms with the lake’s water in front of them, give a sense of being on a luxury yacht. All the rooms come with the personal 24-hour butler. Photo by: Dee Adams

The hotel also has a small sculpted garden, three fantastic restaurants, a bar, and a luxury spa, so it would be very easy to leave the island. For the more adventurous guests, the old king’s ceremonial barge floats off over the lake each evening offering food, drinks, and traditional music. Romantic boat rides are also available, decorated with lace privacy veil, for those who care to drift over the water leaving all but themselves behind. Photo by: Dee Adams

To make the Taj even more memorable experience, go in low season and book a basic room. Taj has a policy of upgrading guests if better rooms are vacant at the time of the check-in. Photo by: Dee Adams

Location: Rajasthan, India. Photo by: Ashish T