Umaid Bhawan Palace: This Jodhpur property in India is the sixth-largest private residence in the world

Umaid Bhawan Palace

In this year’s Best of the Best 2019 – Asian Edition, we round up the greatest brands, products and experiences in the region. Live like a king at Umaid Bhawan Palace, last of the great royal residences in India

As the world’s sixth-largest private residence, Umaid Bhawan Palace more than lives up to its reputation for phenomenal palatial grandeur. And rightly so, since it remains the principal home of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur and his family. Thanks to Taj Hotels’ sensible restoration of its 65 bedrooms and suites, all featuring the original art deco design and antiques, guests can follow in His Highness’s royal footsteps and gain a fascinating insight into a contemporary regal lifestyle.

For the ultimate royal experience, arrive at the palace in one of the Maharaja’s vintage cars and check into The Maharani Suite; its terrace overlooks 10 hectares of private gardens, Mehrangarh Fort and if you’re in luck, you’ll spot the occasional strutting peacock. An expansive master bedroom decked out in rose pink, black and chrome gives you the space you need, along with a drawing room, dining room and treatment rooms for massages and yoga (prices start from 375,000 Indian rupees / S$7,210).

The bathroom alone is something to behold: carved out of a single piece of pink Italian marble, you’ll find a bathtub, jacuzzi and steam room. It also makes for marvellous fun when you’re trying out the bath menu’s many options, such as the energising Rani Padmawati milk bath.

This was a part of our Best of the Best 2019 – Asian Edition. To view all winners, click here.