The 45-minute ride from Udaipur airport to the resort is peppered with picturesque glimpses of water bodies, lush green hills, and locals on their way to work. Located in a lesser-explored side of the city, Sayaji Resorts & Spa Udaipur welcomes you with an imposing entrance of a natural boulder-like rock that gives way to a water feature wall ahead. As you step out of the car, rose petals are showered from top while folk performers regale you with a local song. Other trappings of an Indian welcome such as a tilak on the forehead, a beaded necklace and the staff warmly greeting you with hands folded in namaste lie ahead. But for me, it was the visual of the manicured lawns, the dome-shaped gazebos, the jharokha-style balconies, against the backdrop of the Aravalli Range that caught my attention. Spending a few days at this recently-opened resort showcased its other design wonders coupled with its impeccable hospitality, culinary offerings, and some memorable experiences planned by the team.
Monsoons, though considered a shoulder season for Udaipur, paints the region in a verdant green hue while the pitter-patter of raindrops induce a romantic charm, and the pleasant weather makes it apt for a short getaway from the city. Sayaji’s location that’s away from the chaos and tourist hub, wins it brownie points, making it a great option for a peaceful staycation.
I learnt from Saba Dhanani, director of marketing, communication and operations at the Sayaji Group, that the resort was given a complete overhaul, with the old building retained as part of the lobby and new structures built from the ground up. Architect Keyur Khorasia of Elemental Studio, was tasked with shaping the resort’s design language, one that showcased Rajasthan’s distinct style through a contemporary lens. “Our vision was to create a seamless blend of modern luxury and traditional Rajasthani elements through a comprehensive architectural and interior design intervention. Our approach emphasised on retaining the state’s cultural essence and vernacular character while elevating the overall guest experience with contemporary comfort and elegance,” he says.
As I enter my spacious room, I notice the familiar charm of Rajasthani influences in the form of Thikri art, Pichwai-inspired paintings, inlay work, traditional motifs and arches, albeit in a subdued form that’s more inviting than imposing. The marble bathroom, the lime-washed walls, and the four-poster seating with a floral wallpaper behind are other delightful touches.
There’s also a balcony that opens out to views of the hills and lawns. “We’ve used architectural elements such as jharokhas, arches, and jaalis to root the design in its cultural context while facilitating ample light and ventilation. The dialogue between traditional craft and contemporary design ensures an exclusive hospitality experience that is vernacular in spirit yet global in comfort,” Khorasia points out.
Walking around the property, I notice the monochromatic palette that extends to the facade of the buildings around. “The overall colour scheme is deliberately kept neutral as one of the key ideas was to give the project a more contemporary character. By using fewer colours, the spaces achieve a sense of calm sophistication and timelessness. The restrained palette also
allows the textures, materials, art, and intricate details in the interiors to shine,” he elaborates.
Currently operating with 47 keys, a spa, pool, restaurant, and outdoor games section, the resort is in expansion mode with more rooms under construction. For hi-tea, we headed to the highest vantage point of the property. Surrounded by misty mountains, we sipped chai and coffee and enjoyed delicacies like kadhi kachori and savoury tarts. But it was an interaction with the resort’s resident horses, Mira and Chetak, that stole the show. Throughout our stay, the culinary team helmed by executive chef Rajendra Singh, outdid themselves, curating multiple course menus for each meal that ranged from oriental, continental to Rajasthani cuisine. These were coupled with live folk performances, soothing jal tarang and even a jazz band duo.
While sightseeing and shopping warrant a visit into the heart of Udaipur, head in the opposite direction, 30 minutes away from the resort, for an escape in nature’s lap. Planned by the Sayaji staff, the experience included tea and snacks by the stream on a temporary wooden platform under the canopy of trees. The gurgling sound of water, the aroma of freshly-made
pakoras, and the convivial setting was the perfect end of a lovely evening outdoors.
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