Taj Lake Palace

Floating in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in the 18th century as a winter getaway. It was then occupied by a succession of rulers for 200 years before it was transformed into a lavish hotel in 1963. Since then, it has been a magnet for celebrity guests including members of the British royal family. Today, the white marble palace continues to serve as a regal retreat, retaining its air of old-world glamour with vintage car and speedboat transfers—we love a grand entrance—sunset cruises on the lake, manicured courtyards and exquisite suites. No two of the 65 rooms and 18 suites are the same, as they feature unique hand-painted motifs, mosaics and stained glass. Some even have playful touches, like swings lined with Indian silk.