Like a mirage, the mighty ocher palace rises from the barren landscape of the Aravelli hills. It took more than 15 years to transform the fortress, built in the mid-18th century to guard the road to Udaipur, into one of the subcontinent’s hippest hotels. The interior features a challenging new interpretation of ancient Indian craftsmanship, and since the opening has become a source of inspiration for design enthusiasts. Guests in the 39 huge suites can feel like maharajas whose every wish is practically read from their minds.