Mountbatten Lodge, Ranakpur

Named after Lord Louis Mountbatten, India's last Viceroy, who reputedly camped here, Mountbatten Lodge combines colonial-era style and royal Jodhpur heritage. Owner Reggie Singh, a distant cousin of the Maharaja, has created the property as an intimate retreat comprising one villa and four large suites, set within the Aravalli landscape. Think huge rooms, private plunge pools, open-air living, stylish dinners served by attentive staff, and being utterly pampered.

The lodge's jeeps take you on morning or afternoon leopard safaris through the Aravallis, and in the evening up into the hills for spectacular sundowners served with champagne. Indigenous Marwari horses carry you through the countryside on riding trails, or you can settle into shaded gardens and verandas, chat or lose yourself in a book. The main lodge, which is Mountbatten's beating heart, houses the bar, the book collection, and the billiards table. Reggie's jazz music plays through the evening, setting the mood as relaxation slides into revelry. And, if Reggie himself joins in, the party doesn't end in a hurry!

Some of the signature activities here include the Leopard Trail, which is a must if you are keen to see one of India’s most elusive cats in the wild and will take you the better part of an afternoon. Riding trails to explore the countryside on horseback and pre-booked elephant safaris combined with camping in the wild are some of the recommended adventures, while jeep safaris into the Aravallis to catch the iridescent sunsets are a time to toast your time on earth with chilled sparkling wine. It would surely be a moment to remember, seated right on top of a hill and on the edge, champagne in hand, watching a spectacle that plays out in front of you!

One of the most endearing features of Mountbatten Lodge, which we personally endorse and believe will get you coming back for more, is its element of fun. The main lodge, which is the heart of Mountbatten Lodge, is a hub of social activity as it houses the bar, a careful selection of books, charming artefacts, a billiards table, and plenty of places to just be. This is also where Reggie’s collection of Jazz music plays through the evening, setting the mood for relaxation and revelry. And on those occasions that Reggie joins in... the party doesn’t end in a hurry.