Quietly, quietly, for months on end there had been something brewing in the Leela’s portfolio. And then, when all was ready Udaipur woke up one morning to a spanking new embellishment along its iconic Pichola Lake.
The Leela Palace Udaipur has long marked its glittering presence in this city of fairytale palaces and lakes, with its opulent interiors, posh rooms and suites and warm hospitality. Curating an even more imaginative way to serve its guests it has launched Arq at Pichola, a clutch of exclusive uber luxe villas as a one-of-a-kind initiative: a “palace within a palace”.
The flamboyance with which The Leela announced its new offerings on October 14, 2024 was underpinned by getting no less than a personage from a royal lineage to open the Arq. The exclusive launch of Arq at Pichola was hosted by Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur.
Offering stunning views of Lake Pichola from their verdant sanctuary on the eastern edge of the gardens of The Leela Palace Udaipur, the Arq villas are the very arq, essence or epitome, of opulent luxury and regal delights. Accessible through a private entrance, the three super-private villas have in attendance their very own butlers, chefs and a personal mixologist will also set up shop in each villa to summon up late afternoon cocktails.
The villas themselves are remarked for their masterly architecture to use space at its optimum best for customer comfort. The beautifully curated décor of each villa is further enhanced by brass-inlaid wooden floors, intricate Thikri artwork on the walls, and rare lapis stones, the hand-painted gilded designs on the ceiling, the mother-of-pearl inlay furniture, chandeliers and mirrors.
Experiences at the Arq at Pichola have been artfully designed through its hyper-personalised programme, where the heart of the matter is consideration of each guest. It’s not enough that the Arq’s guests have a wonderful on-site stay— the all-expansive agenda takes into its embrace exquisite culinary journeys, to artistic and cultural excursions in the city.
All through their stay the Arq’s discerning clients can enjoy tailored experiences like morning yoga, floating breakfasts, and personalized explorations of Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual landmarks ensure every moment feels uniquely theirs, blending the best of Indian heritage with modern sophistication.
The luxury of space finds voice in each of the Arq villas. The outdoor temperature-controlled pool with a jacuzzi, is teamed with loungers with umbrellas, al-fresco dining, and two generous day beds facing Lake Pichola.
Varija— The Lake Villa, spanning an area of 360 sq.m features a lovely lake-facing bedroom with a king-sized bed, super luxurious bathrooms, a spacious living area with an outdoor deck and the private temperature-controlled pool and jacuzzi. A dedicated Palace Service associate can curate an itinerary for a cultural or historic immersion of the city.
Utpala— The Lake Villa with Private Deck, spread over 480 sq. m. features a living area which opens onto an outdoor deck, and a private, temperature-controlled pool and jacuzzi. Your dedicated Palace Service associate can curate tailored experiences, whether a cultural or historical immersion in the city, a leisurely floating champagne breakfast, refined high tea by the poolside, or a bespoke mixology experience or a milestone dinner at your private deck.
Kumuda —The Family Villa, spread over 803 sq. m. features two bespoke bedrooms overlooking the central courtyard and larger private temperature-controlled pool and jacuzzi. The spacious living area with its outdoor deck overlooks the private temperature-controlled pool. The Palace Service associate will orchestrate personalized moments, from private mixology or BBQ experiences by the pool to hosting milestone celebrations. These villas offer an exclusive retreat, thoughtfully designed to elevate every occasion.
The wonderful ambience, the quality of personalised attention and the superb amenities and services orchestrate The Arq experience in the most memorable way. From the very start— when you arrive on one of hotel’s private E-boats, accompanied by a personal butler— to the moment you land and are showered with fragrant rose petals, quaff a glass of champagne from your butler, and receive a soothing foot ritual in your villa, it is but a taste of things to come in this ultra luxurious haven of peace and privacy.
For activities outside the villas, each Arq guest will be offered a curated safari experience according to their interests – these include:
- Cultural Heritage Safari – Pottery & Ceramic work, Block Painting, Pichwai Paintings
- Religious Safari – Eklingji Temple, Nathdwara Temple, Saas Bahu Temple, Jagdish Temple
The Arq at Pichola holds the promise of palatial accommodations. That’s true. But what it seeks to stand out for is its thoughtfully curated services, for each guest to enjoy a truly individually immersive experience in every which way.
The Arq at Pichola is the first in a series of spaces that are testament to the Leela’s thought leadership when it comes to the desires of the new age luxury traveller. It will soon have different manifestations across some of its key hotels across the country in The Leela’s portfolio.