The Leela Palace in Udaipur has added a new set of ultra luxury villas, ‘Arq at Pichola’, for that special category of guests who want utmost privacy, away from prying eyes. Tucked away on the eastern edge of the gardens of The Leela Palace Udaipur, each of the three villas is unique in its offerings, though equally matched in opulence. Aligned with the royal heritage of the city of Udaipur, the exclusive unveiling of Arq at Pichola at The Leela Palace Udaipur was hosted by the young Princess Gauravi Kumari, who is Leela’s newest ‘Icon of India’. Ace fashion designer Rahul Mishra held a representative showcase of his latest Aura collection. Select-guests from the world of showbiz were also present. The film and television industry professionals, as well as fashion models, such as Huma Qureshi, Diana Penty, Karishma Tanna, Lisa Mishra, Namita Alexander, and Shakun Batra marked the event. The evening ended with a lavish sit-down dinner in the magical setting of the gardens by the lake.
The Arq at Pichola villas stand out for the minute attention to detail in creating a beautiful haven for the guest. For the ultimate seclusion from the regulars, the villas have a private entrance. Each of these villas comes with its own swimming pool, jacuzzi, private garden for sit-out, and the facility for a private barbecue. One of the single-unit villas is set at the edge of Lake Pichola. The double-unit villa is most unique and akin to a private bungalow, with its own independent entrance. The two bedrooms suits are separated by the swimming pool; and a third large common living room for family gathering is set at the head of the garden, a few flights up, where one could make all the noise and not disturb the others. The interiors of each villa within Arq is a blend of all the luxurious elements as well as a showcase of Indian heritage and craftsmanship. The stunning broken-glass ‘Thikri’ work mosaic inlay on the walls, brass inlaid wooden floors, and rare lapis stones, the hand-painted designs on the ceiling, the inlay furniture, chandeliers, mirrors, lights. It truly is a ‘Palace within a Palace’.
Designer Rahul Mishra said, “This unveiling was a rare convergence of two worlds where creativity meets refinement. The philosophy behind Arq resonates deeply with my design ethos—it is about crafting experiences that are tailored, intimate, and meaningful.”
Shweta Jain, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Leela Palace & Resorts responded to our queries in depth and shared the details which make Arq at Pichola special.
Q.- The latest villas ‘Arq at Pichola’ in Udaipur are grander as compared to the royal villas at the Leela Palace, Jaipur. Are there plans to upgrade or add the ‘Arq’ versions here?
Shweta Jain – Arq at Pichola was 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 traveler. It will soon have different manifestations across some of our key hotels in the country. Arq at Pichola sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in India. With hyper-personalized services and curated programming, guests can anticipate tailored experiences that elevate their stay along the pristine Lake Pichola.
Q.-What additional services can a guest at ‘Arq’ expect besides the ones for the high-end Maharaja Suites or the Royal Villas?
Shweta Jain – At Arq, we craft a luxury experience from the moment you arrive. Every guest experience at Arq at Pichola varies based on the level of personalization that our guests request. From curated city experiences to in-villa private dining, every moment is personalized. From the moment you arrive, a dedicated butler attends to your needs. Your journey to The Leela Palace Udaipur is elevated with curated details—from a gentle, traditional welcome on arrival to a private EV boat lake crossing that introduces the serenity of Lake Pichola. At the villa, enjoy a soothing foot ritual, customized refreshments, and a range of indulgent touches crafted to your tastes, including high tea, signature cocktails, and gourmet selections by a private chef. Throughout your stay, tailored experiences like morning yoga, floating breakfasts, and personalized explorations of Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual landmarks ensure every moment feels uniquely yours, blending the best of Indian heritage with modern sophistication.
Princess Gauravi Kumari, gets her royal ‘Princess’ title from being the daughter of Indian Politician Diya Kumari, and the great granddaughter of Man Singh II, the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jaipur. Here is her response.
Q.- What does being an ‘Icon of India by The Leela’ mean to you?
Gauravi – Having been named as an ‘Icon of India by The Leela’ is an honour as it embodies a celebration of our country’s rich culture and heritage. This distinction allows me to collaborate with The Leela, a brand synonymous with elegance, hospitality, and the essence of Indian luxury. Together, we aim to showcase the soul of India to the world, inviting the global elite to experience the beauty, depth, and grace of our nation through an unparalleled lens of luxury.
The Leela’s commitment to preserving and promoting Indian traditions resonates deeply with my values. This partnership is a unique opportunity to highlight India’s timeless elegance while embracing modern sophistication. By highlighting our cultural narratives, we can create immersive experiences that not only reflect the opulence of Indian heritage but also honour its diverse stories. Through this role, I hope to inspire a greater appreciation for India’s art, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
Q.- As a young modern citizen of a vibrant democracy like India, how do you feel about ‘princess’ title?
Gauravi – I view the title of “princess” as both a privilege and a responsibility. It connects me to a rich lineage and cultural heritage that is deeply woven into the fabric of our society. While the title carries historical significance, it also pushes me to actively engage with contemporary issues. In today’s context, being a princess means championing the values of inclusivity, empowerment, and cultural preservation. It offers a strong platform to elevate voices and stories that celebrate India’s diversity. Through my partnership with The Leela, a brand that epitomizes luxury and Indian heritage, I am excited to merge tradition with modernity. I believe that true luxury goes beyond opulence; it encompasses a deep appreciation for our roots and a commitment to social responsibility.
The Leela Palace Udaipur is ranked the fourth-best hotel in India by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. It ups the quotient with Arq by The Leela — a hyper-personalized “Palace within a Palace,” which offers curated programming tailored to each guest’s desires, from private culinary journeys to artistic immersions.
