This Intimate Property Should Totally Be Your Next Getaway Destination

As I landed in Udaipur (it was my first time there), I couldn’t wait to see what all that The City of Lakes had to offer. As I was looking out of the window on my way from the airport to the hotel, I couldn't help but notice that the architecture of Udaipur has a certain regal, old world charm to it. Of course the architecture of the palaces in Udaipur is a sight to behold, but what I realised is that even the most mundane or modernised properties in Udaipur seemed to still retain the old-world charm. This was refreshing, and a stark contrast for me, having come from Delhi.

The Leela Palace in Udaipur is nestled amidst the waters of Lake Pichola, which means that the hotel is essentially like an island of sorts. This also means that the only way to get to the hotel is through a boat. Being surrounded by the waters always makes me feel gratitude, contentment and hope. Here though, I was feeling hungry (it felt like a long flight). It was not all hunger though—watching the sunset while in the middle of a water body is more beautiful than it sounds. The sound of the waves, the ombré in the sky and the birds coming to sit on the edge of the boat is also all as pretty as it sounds. That feeling can easily be on the list of the most calming things ever.

As we reached The Leela Palace in Udaipur, we were welcomed with a flower shower before heading off to our rooms. That evening, The Leela Palacehosted a beautiful evening (more on that later) for the unveiling of ‘Arq at Pichola’ by The Leela. The word ‘arq’ in Hindi symbolises the purest distillation. Arq at Pichola by The Leela or “a palace within a palace” is essentially a set of villas tailor-made for those who seek great food, unseen marvels, and profound connections. It is a dedicated, hyper-personalized space with curated services tailored to each guest's desires, offering what goes beyond traditional luxury. The architecture of the place mirrors the rich Indian heritage that Udaipur is known for. Every villa features a huge space with great attention to detail.

Shweta Jain, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at The Leela Palaces, explained, “Arq at Pichola is not merely a luxury escape; it is a palace within a palace meticulously designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNI) seeking an unparalleled level of privacy, luxury, and hyper-personalized service.”

The best thing about Arq at Pichola—at least for me—is how intimate and private it is. It's a huge space dedicated to just a couple of villas. At the risk of revealing the fact that I can go on for days without talking to a soul, this place was paradise for me. If, like me, your idea of a perfect holiday involves an intimate space, serenity, chilling by the water, having great food and not having a care in the world, then Arq at Pichola by The Leela will be your jam. Dear couples, this is exactly what you need if you’re hoping to spend some quality time together, away from the hustle bustle of the city.

The Leela Palace Udaipur hosted an intimate evening later that day to celebrate Arq at Pichola. To add to the beauty of the evening, Rahul Mishra showcased at the villas of Arq at Pichola, some pieces from his collection  ‘Aura’ which he showcased at the Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. Everyone got to see up close and admire the beautiful works of art that are Rahul Mishra creations.

On showcasing his collection ‘Aura’ at Arq at Pichola, Rahul Mishra told us, “Showcasing the ‘Aura’ collection at The Leela Palace Udaipur’s Arq at Pichola was an incredibly special experience. The grandeur of the palace, paired with the refined luxury that Arq at Pichola embodies, provided the perfect backdrop for this collection, which is deeply rooted in personalization and craftsmanship. The unveiling felt like a beautiful convergence of two worlds—fashion and hospitality—where every detail is designed to create intimate, meaningful experiences. The setting elevated the essence of ‘Aura,’ allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the artistry and intention behind each piece.”

The evening also saw Princess Gauravi Kumari being formally welcomed by The Leela into her new role as the Icon of India by The Leela. “Being named The Icon of India by The Leela is truly an honour.” Princess Gauravi Kumari told us. “It represents more than just a personal recognition—it reflects a celebration of India’s deep cultural heritage. We’re collectively showcasing the soul of India to the world, while inviting the global elite to experience the beauty, richness, and grace of our country through the lens of unparalleled luxury.” she added.

The evening involved great food, wonderful conversations and lots of inspiration.

So—lovers of intimate getaways, you might want to consider making this place your next travel destination!