Sumptuous rooms, decadent dining and panoramic lake and mountain views – welcome to the Leela Palace Hotel in Udaipur, India. This five-star establishment offers everything you could wish for in a romantic luxury hotel and so much more.

The unparalleled grandeur of the Leela Palace is an ode to the Land of the Mewars, the region of Rajasthan where the hotel is located. Traditional artisanal crafts and exquisite embellishments inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the area adorn the rooms. Scenic views of the city, tranquil Lake Pichola and the Aravalli mountains make for amazing vistas. It is truly one unforgettable romantic stay.

For travel inspiration: India destination guide

The art of the hotel

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Every inch of the Leela Palace hotel is a masterpiece. Inspired by the royal grandeur of India, the hotel is steeped in culture and history. As you stroll amongst hand-carved marble lotuses and silver elephants, the contemporary decor blends seamlessly with traditional architecture. Thekri, a Mewari art form that uses intricately chiseled mirrors on plaster, is the main theme of the palace interiors.

Embroidered fabrics mix throughout with dark wood furniture. Here you can see the Tarkashi work – the art of setting brass wires, strips and motifs in wood to make handcrafted furniture. You can also book (at extra cost) an Art Walk of the Palace, where an expert will reveal the treasures to you and provide fascinating insights into culture and history.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajasthan

The Maharaja Suite

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If you are going all out to rekindle the romance, then why not take the best room at this most romantic luxury hotel? Although it comes with an eye-watering price tag, the Maharaja Suite is worth dreaming of. This royal choice features plush interiors adorned with fine art and artifacts. During your stay you will be waited on hand and foot by your personal butler. Built into the suite, for the discreet comfort of its distinguished guests, is a massage parlor, a spacious plunge pool and sprawling courtyards.

At 3,585-sq.-ft. the vast suite comes with a living room, study, dining area and master bedroom with a separate walk-in wardrobe. The king-size bathtub and jacuzzi as well as the separate shower stall and water closet only add to the feel of luxury.

Related content: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

The Grand Heritage Lake View Room

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Maybe a more realistic option for most luxury travelers, the other rooms and suites at the Leela Palace hotel, while smaller, are no less impressive. Wake up to tranquility in one of this romantic luxury hotel’s Grand Heritage Lake View rooms. Elegant, contemporary interiors are adorned with traditional Rajasthani art and craftwork by local artisans, and exquisitely embroidered fabrics lure you to relax.

Superbly comfortable beds and all the expected amenities of a five-star hotel combine for a romantic luxury getaway. Rooms with a balcony offer panoramic romantic views of the lake and mountains. This is the perfect spot to sip champagne and relive years, stories and moments gone by.

Related content: The personal touch: our top 5 curated luxury travel experiences for 2023

Exquisite dining

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Offering the best in Indian fine dining, the hotel’s Sheesh Mahal restaurant showcases the most exotic and exquisite flavors. The perfect luxury hotel for Valentine’s Day, dine in the warm open-air, overlooking the lake and under a glittering night sky. Using recipes mastered in royal kitchens, Sheesh Mahal mirrors the traditional essence of the kitchens of India. Along with contemporary nuances, the local flavors are elevated to their authentic best. Under the glow of candles, the restaurant invites you to enjoy the nostalgia and romance of a bygone era.

The Library Bar

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The perfect date venue, drop into the Library Bar to sip a romantic cocktail or fine champagne. Choose from time-refined cognacs, single malts and vintage wines. Choose the bar to spend one-on-one time together whilst enjoying the wood paneling, fireplaces, fine art, books and collectible artifacts that adorn the walls. Sink into one of the comfortable couches and pick from the finest selections of whiskies and liquors from around the world. Or step out into the courtyard to enjoy Rajasthani folk music and dance performances every evening.

A sublime location

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The Leela Palace hotel makes the most of its lakeside location, with sublime views across the waters of Lake Pichola and panoramic views of the rolling Aravalli Mountain ranges. Despite this tranquil locale, the hotel is in the city center so the sights of Udaipur are within close reach, making this a perfect destination and hotel for your honeymoon. The spectacular City Palace, the floating Lake Palace and the Indo-Aryan Jagdish Temple are all romantic spots to visit.

Related content: From off-grid trips to nostalgic getaways: the top luxury holiday destinations for 2023

The Spa

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A serene getaway to wellness and relaxation, the Leela Palace Hotel spa is worthy as a destination in itself. This tented spa complex features eight luxury tents, with a yoga and meditation tent, as well as therapy suites with private pools. Here clients are offered a holistic experience to recharge the body, mind and soul.

Guests of the spa can also enjoy a Temple ritual. This takes place daily at Lord Shiva’s 16th-century Omkareshwar temple in the Palace Garden. If you are looking for the best luxury hotel for couples then, with this amazing spa, the Leela Palace is the perfect location to relax together.

Related content: Expert selected: the 4 best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

If you are looking for an extra special travel experience, whether to rekindle the romance or just treat yourselves then India is a fantastic destination. Stay in this romantic luxury hotel and many more worldwide on our limited-edition guided journeys.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. And this Sunday, January 22nd, we’re looking forward to ushering in the new year. Whether you were born in the year of rabbit, you’re embracing Chinese New Year’s traditions, or simply looking for a fresh start to 2023, join us in celebrating the year of the rabbit.   

@woutvanacker

The Chinese zodiac 

How does the Chinese zodiac work? This ancient zodiac assigns each person an animal based on the year they were born. The 12 animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal is linked to certain characteristics, much like the western zodiac. The animals also rotate each year. So, 2022 was the year of the tiger, 2024 will be the year of the dragon, and the symbol of 2023 is the rabbit.   

@pablomp

Year of the rabbit  

According to the Chinese zodiac, if your birth year falls in the year of the rabbit (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, and 1927), you’re gentle, kind, a seeker of tranquility and have a grounded outlook on life. Rabbits are also said to be quick and skillful. Considering those aspects of their personality, we also dug into what’s to come for rabbits in 2023. 

@eastonmok

What rabbits can expect in 2023   

Some astrologists say rabbits should be prepared for adversity and ready to face challenges head on. 2023 may not be a smooth year, but because the sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture, 2023 is also predicted to be a year of hope. Rabbits, while you may face the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in 2023, you can ride out the storms with your upbeat attitude. Perhaps a trip to one of our calm destinations will keep the positive energy going. 

Another outlook for rabbits 

However, other astrologists predict that 2023 will be a lucky year for rabbits with success in all areas and a time when they will come into their own. After commitment and dedication, they can expect advancements, achievements as a result of their efforts, and may see a boost in their career. Rabbits’ sharp financial sense also makes 2023 a good year to take a financial risk. In general, the year of the rabbit is an auspicious year for risk-takers. 

@sharonmccutcheon

In terms of relationships, this is the time for rabbits to follow their heart to start new romantic relationships as well as a year when they can expect existing relationships to deepen and achieve more harmony. It’s also a good year for rabbits to get married or have children. Similarly, because the rabbit is a symbol of fertility, 2023 is also a good year to start a new business or creative endeavor. Rabbits’ flexibility puts them in a good position to try anything unfamiliar. Rabbits should also focus their energy on their health and maintaining a balanced lifestyle for this year of healing. In summary, rabbits, this is the time you will see the results of your efforts. 

@ninjason

Welcome Chinese New Year 

No matter your sign, you can adopt the Chinese New Year traditions to ring in the new year. The Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is a time to say “goodbye” to the past year and welcome in the luck and prosperity of a new year. So, it’s no surprise that a common practice leading up to the new year is cleaning. By sweeping away the past and eliminating any old bad luck, you’re ushering in a fresh start and good luck. But be sure to finish your cleaning by new year’s day, as that’s a day of celebration and enjoyment. 

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Celebrate New Year

Now that your space is tidy, put up decorations. Fresh flowers and cumquats are said to bring prosperity. And because red is the Chinese color of wealth and good fortune, you’ll find red lanterns decorating many homes and shops that celebrate Chinese New Year. Gifts of money – crisp, clean bills only – are also given in red envelopes. To celebrate, families and friends join to offer sacrifices to ancestors and feast on a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. If you happen to be near a Chinese New Year festival, enjoy a performance of the dragon and lion dances. 

@yuweishaw

Festive foods 

One of the easiest and most fun ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year is feasting on festive foods. Long noodles, or longevity noodles, are a popular dish symbolic of living a long life. Spring rolls and dumplings are also eaten for good fortune. If your mouth isn’t watering from these Chinese dishes yet and you’re still dreaming of your next trip to Asia, check out some of Asia’s best food towns. 

@charlesdeluvio

Still thinking about how to welcome 2023? These are other New Year’s Celebrations around the world. 

What is Kobe beef? You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite restaurant, or perhaps even tried it. If you’re planning your next adventure, you may have the opportunity to try Kobe’s finest on our Majestic Japan journey. Let’s take a look at the mystery and myths behind this luxury meat and how it has become a sought-after feature of fine dining. 

Related content: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Kobe Beef, defined 

Kobe beef is an exceptionally marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef from a particular type of cattle breed born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Cows that produce Kobe beef are from the Tajima cattle strain of the Japanese Black breed. How is Kobe beef raised? To qualify, the cattle must be between the ages of 28 to 60 months, as well as born, raised and slaughtered in Hyogo Prefecture.  

Kobe beef must also have a Meat Quality Score between four and five. Other specific requirements include the pure lineage of the Tajima cow, weight requirements and the “Japanese Chrysanthemum” seal officially certifying it. Because of these guidelines, only 3,000–5,000 head of cattle meet these restrictions each year. 

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Look, taste and texture 

Now that we know just how unique this beef is, let’s get to the good stuff: the taste. Kobe beef’s distinctive marbling is what makes it so desirable. In fact, it always has a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or more. The high marbling also means that Kobe beef is fatty, similar to purebred Angus. This fatty marbling creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is enhanced when you thinly slice it to prepare Japanese dishes such as shabu shabu. 

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Wagyu beef  

You may have heard the term “Wagyu” associated with Kobe. Wagyu means “Japanese beef.” (“Wa” refers to something Japanese while “gyu” means beef). The classification of Wagyu beef includes only four breeds of purebred cattle including Kuroge (Japanese Black), Akage (Japanese Brown), Nihon Tankaku (Japanese Shorthorn), and Mukaku (Japanese Polled). This classification was established in 1944. Wagyu, like Kobe, is also a highly marbled and tender beef. 

Kobe beef vs Wagyu beef       

“What is the difference between Kobe and Wagyu?” you might be wondering. Among the four cattle breeds of Wagyu beef, Taijima cows — that we learned earlier produce Kobe beef — are a type of Japanese Black cattle. So, all Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle, but not all Wagyu beef is Kobe. As a comparison, the Kobe beef classification is a little like the classification for Champagne among sparkling wine. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. But only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be classified as Champagne. 

Wagyu beef look, taste and texture   

Similar to the specific type of beef from Kobe, Wagyu is also rich, tender and fatty. People often describe it as having a smooth or buttery flavor. Because the fat coats your tongue on the first bite or two, the flavor diminishes as you eat more. That’s why Wagyu beef usually comes in small portions, often of three to four ounces. 

American Kobe beef 

Now that we looked at the difference between Kobe and Wagyu, you maybe be wondering what that fatty, succulent cut was that you had in the United States labeled “American Kobe,” “domestic Wagyu,” or “Kobe-style.” If you guessed that these aren’t pure Kobe, you’re probably correct. Cows outside of Japan aren’t regulated the way Japanese Wagyu is, so it’s rare to find authentic Kobe products outside of Japan. Even though some Wagyu cattle breeds have been brought to the United States and produce the same rich flavor, it is rare that it is pure Kobe or sometimes even Wagyu. Several restaurants have been called out for labeling beef from Kobe on their menus when it was in fact simply Wagyu. 

Myths about Kobe

When speaking of the highly prized beef, some say that the cows are massaged to help redistribute the fat. Some farmers do massage their cows, but it is usually to warm their muscles during a cold winter. Some use massage to relieve stress for cows who do not roam free. But because the Wagyu — and thus Kobe breed – of cows are a working breed, they typically roam freely. 

Destination Japan 

Should you find your mouth watering for this rich, marbled meat, or simply want to explore the country that produces it, we invite you to join us on our Majestic Japan journey. Not only will you enjoy a range of fine Japanese cuisine, but sample some of the nation’s other famed specialty, sake.    

What authentic cuisine do you want to try in Japan?