Unbelievable Ram Bagh Retreat: Udaipur's Hidden Paradise Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the raw, unfiltered truth about the Unbelievable Ram Bagh Retreat in Udaipur. Forget those polished travel brochures – this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a review that's less "five-star" and more… "five-star-with-a-side-of-utter-delight-and-a-few-minor-hiccups." Let’s dive in, shall we?
Unbelievable Ram Bagh Retreat: Udaipur's Hidden Paradise – My Completely Honest Take
First off, let's just address the elephant in the room: "Unbelievable" is a bold claim. Did Ram Bagh Retreat live up to it? Well… almost. More on that later.
Accessibility:
Okay, so I need to be straight with you. I didn't personally check every single detail for accessibility. My legs work just fine, thankfully. But, based on my observations, and their website, it looks pretty good on the surface. They have a lift so that hits a big one! And the elevator. And, and, and, they have rooms designed with facilities for disabled guests. So, give them a point for making an effort!
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Let's Be Real, That's a BIG Deal Right Now:
COVID times, am I right? So, this is where Ram Bagh gets MAJOR brownie points. Like, give-them-an-award brownie points. Their anti-viral cleaning products are definitely there. Their staff takes it SERIOUSLY. Daily, the daily disinfection in common areas is a fact. You can also ask for room sanitization opt-out available. Their professional-grade sanitizing services, sterilizing equipment is evident. Staff trained in safety protocol. They have hand sanitizers everywhere you turn. And I loved the individually-wrapped food options, the safe dining setup, and the sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter is, well, mostly, adhered to. They have the doctor/nurse on call, and they keep a first aid kit handy. So, yeah, they've got this seriously covered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where Things Get Really Interesting
Oh, the food! This is where Ram Bagh both shone and… glimmered a little less brightly.
- Restaurants: They have a few restaurants, and I did try them all (research, people, research!).
- Asian Breakfast: This was my daily morning ritual. The dosas were decent (not grandma-level, but hey, I'm in a hotel!), but the Asian cuisine in restaurant was a revelation.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Buffet? YES! Food coma central, but in a good way. I went back for seconds (and thirds… no judgment!).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: This is a must-have, and they deliver.
- Poolside Bar: Yes, YES! This is where you’ll find me. Cocktails in the sun? Sign me up.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Crucial when you're nursing a late-night craving for… well, anything. The menu is surprisingly extensive.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: I’m not veggie, but I appreciate the option. The reviews were good, so it's great for travelers.
- Western Cuisine in restaurant: Fine. Nothing mind-blowing, but solid.
- Snack bar: Perfect for a quick bite by the pool.
- Happy Hour: This is the deal! Get there early, the drinks – and the atmosphere – are excellent.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Bottle of water were there for a traveler's needs.
The Imperfection – and the Charm – of the Service:
The staff are lovely, truly. They try hard. The issue? Sometimes things get lost in translation. Like the time I ordered a "virgin Mojito" and ended up with a suspiciously green, non-alcoholic (thankfully!) concoction that tasted vaguely of… dish soap. But you know what? It was charming. It was an adventure. And the waiter’s face when I made the face, was priceless. So, yeah, there were a few small service blips (like waiting a while for that second coffee), but honestly? They add to the character. Don't expect absolute perfection, expect beautiful people, and expect to smile.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Dive In, I Dare You
- Fitness Center: I may have looked at the gym. From a safe distance.
- Gym/fitness: But I'm happy to say, it's there!
- Pool with View/Swimming Pool [outdoor]: This is the star of the show. Honestly, the pool is stunning. The view is ridiculous. I spent a LOT of time here, just floating and staring at the city. Pure bliss.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: They have a full spa. I'll be honest, I usually avoid hotel spas. But I hear that the massage is excellent.
- The Shrine: Okay, this is weird, and I liked it. It's just a really nice, peaceful spot for quiet contemplation!
- The Terrace: Absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset. You can take a cup of tea, or a cocktail, and just chill.
Services and Conveniences – The Basics (and Some Surprises):
- Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Air conditioning, Daily housekeeping, Elevator. This is all pretty great!
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't bring any kids, but the hotel definitely welcomes them.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events. Business travelers seem to be well-catered for.
Rooms – My Own Personal Fortress of Comfort:
Okay, let’s talk rooms. I requested a non-smoking room (thank goodness, as being in the middle of Udaipur, I wanted a smoke-free area). I like to work out of my room now and again, which is why I liked the in-room safe box options and the laptop workspace, the Internet access – wireless, and the Internet access – LAN, as well as the internet.
My room? It had:
- Air conditioning (essential!).
- Alarm clock (thank you, because my battery dies).
- Bathrobes (luxury!).
- Bathtub (good for a long soak after a day of exploring).
- Blackout curtains (bliss!).
- Coffee/tea maker (YES!).
- Complimentary tea (always a welcome touch).
- Hair dryer (important!).
- In-room safe box (because safety is paramount!).
- Mini bar (tempting!).
- Non-smoking (yes!).
- Private bathroom (obviously!).
- Refrigerator (helpful for keeping water cold!).
- Satellite/cable channels (rarely used, but nice to have).
- Seating area (good for relaxing with a book).
- Shower (water pressure was great!).
- Slippers (comfy!).
- Smoke detector (safety first!).
- Sofa (nice!).
- Soundproofing (needed, because the city is busy!).
- Telephone (I used it, to order cocktails!).
- Towels (yay!).
- Wake-up service (helpful!).
- Wi-Fi [free] (a necessity!).
- Window that opens (fresh air!).
Additional Thoughts – The Bits They Don't Tell You (and Why They Matter):
- The Location: Fantastic. Close enough to the Old City to be convenient, but removed enough to feel peaceful.
- The Ambiance: Relaxed, friendly, and not at all pretentious. It's got a real "hidden gem" vibe.
- The Value: For what you get (location, facilities, the sheer beauty of the place), it's excellent value.
- The Little Quirks: The slightly wonky Wi-Fi, the occasional delayed service… they add to the charm. Embrace them!
So, Would I Go Back?
Absolutely
**Jakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO 90626 Dan Nuach Residence Awaits!**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Udaipur adventure. Forget perfectly polished itineraries. This is gonna be… well, me. And my travel style is best described as "organized chaos." So, here we go…
The Ram Bagh Retreat: My Udaipur Mishap (and Miraculous Moments)
Day 1: Arrival & Accidental Opulence (and Existential Dread)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Udaipur Airport (or, The Great Sweat-Off): Okay, first off, Rajasthan in May? Not my brightest idea. The heat hit me like a physical wall the second I stepped off the plane. Instantly regretted packing that gorgeous, but suffocating, velvet dress. Seriously considering just living in the airport bathroom with the AC until it cooled down. Found the driver (thank god for pre-booked transfers) and, wow, the drive to the retreat was like a Bollywood movie – cows in the road, vibrant saris, a cacophony of horns… it was overwhelming in the best possible way.
- 15:30 - Check-in at Ram Bagh Retreat: The hotel itself is breathtaking. Seriously. Like, gasp-worthy. But, and here's the truth bomb, the check-in process was… a mess. Took about an hour while I fanned myself with a brochure, fought off the jet lag monster, and started questioning my life choices. Was getting a tad grumpy. But then I saw my room… Holy. Freaking. Cow. Huge balcony overlooking the lily pond. Suddenly, all the bureaucratic nonsense melted away. This was going to be good, I just knew it.
- 17:00 - Tea and Balcony Bliss (followed by a near-disaster involving a gecko): Ordered chai and tried to embrace the peace. It worked… until a gecko the size of my hand decided to join the party. I screamed. Loudly. Almost fell off the balcony. Managed to regain composure (after a few panicked breaths) and told myself (and the gecko) we could co-exist. Still, I'm pretty sure I spent the next hour eyeing every surface for reptilian invaders.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (or, The Curry Conspiracy): Food was… okay. I ordered butter chicken, figuring it was a safe bet. Turns out, I'm not a huge butter chicken fan. Too much butter. It made me feel a bit… greasy. The service, however, was impeccable. The staff are genuinely lovely, and seeing their unwavering smiles made me re-evaluate how I treat people on a daily basis (I'm working on it, I swear).
- 20:30 - Stargazing on the Balcony (followed by a philosophical crisis): The night sky! Unbelievable. So clear, so many stars. Lay on the balcony, staring up, thinking about… well, everything. Life, love, the meaning of it all. Then I realized I was alone, in India, and questioning everything. Cue the dramatic music.
Day 2: City Exploration… and a Near-Death Experience (by Rickshaw)
- 08:00 - Breakfast Buffet (or, Carb-Loading for Adventure): Ate way too many croissants. Basically stuffed my face. Needed fuel for the day!
- 09:00 - City Palace & Pichola Lake (or, Where Instagram Dreams Come True): Hired a rickshaw to explore the city. This is where the near-death experience happened. The traffic! Utter chaos! At one point, I'm pretty sure we missed being squished by a truck by about an inch. But then we arrived at the City Palace. And wow. Jaw-dropping. The architecture, the history, the sheer grandeur… I felt like a legit princess. Wandered around for hours, taking a million photos (of course).
- The Pichola Lake: Just when I thought my senses couldn't take anymore gorgeousness, we took a boat ride on Lake Pichola. The views of the Lake Palace were stunning. I felt a pang of envy for those who get to live that life. I wanted to be there forever. But then I remembered the gecko, and the butter chicken, and the rickshaw, and thought maybe I'd be ok going home.
- 13:00 - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (or, The Spice Revelation): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place recommended by my driver. The food? EXPLOSION OF FLAVOR. So spicy! My face was on fire, I was sweating buckets, but it was the best meal I'd had in ages. I might have shed a tear of joy. Definitely regretting the entire "butter chicken" decision now.
- 15:00 - Shopping in the Old City (or, Lost in a Maze…and Loving It): Got hopelessly lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Old City. But it was amazing! The vibrant colors, the smells of spices, the haggling (I'm terrible at it, but gave it a go!)… I bought a scarf that's probably twice as expensive as it should be, but who cares? It's beautiful. Plus, I got the best Chai tea and some yummy snacks.
- 17:00 - Sunset at Sajjangarh Fort (or, Chasing the Sun): The views from Sajjangarh Fort were, unsurprisingly, epic. Watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. It was the perfect ending to the day.
- 19:00 - Dinner Back at the Hotel (and the gecko's comeback): This time, I tried something new at the restaurant (yay me!). Delicious. And this time, I made sure to check my balcony for the gecko. Maybe we were friends now? Maybe not. I still slept with the lights on.
Day 3: The Fate of a Water Buffalo and Further Contemplation
- 08:00: Breakfast Buffet Again (More croissants, of course): Just like the other day, I had way too many croissants. I was getting so fat and maybe should rethink those daily croissants as a snack.
- 09:00: The Lake Cruise (or, A Water Buffalo's Destiny): The guide was boring. Nothing exciting happened until we went past an old water buffalo. It looked like it was planning on jumping into Lake Pichola. I knew it would not end well. I just knew it. But it didn't and I felt weirdly disappointed. What is wrong with me?
- 11:00: Hotel Relaxation (Or, Trying and failing to Relax): I tried to relax by the pool. But then… I'm a terrible person.
- 13:00: Lunch (or, The Taste of Freedom): I went to a local restaurant. It was fine.
- 15:00: Shopping Again (and, The Haggling Queen): I went to the market. This time, I knew the rules. I tried to haggle. I almost bought a fake purse. But I came home with some bangles, some clothes, and some spices!
- 17:00: Back to my Room (and, The Gecko is Back!): It was. I screamed again. I think my nerves are shot.
- 19:00: Dinner at a Local Restaurant (Or, The End): I found a local restaurant. Ate something new. It was good. And then, I left. Bye bye, India. I love you but I am beat.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Udaipur was…an experience. Not the polished postcard version. More like the real, messy, slightly chaotic version. I fell in love with the city, the vibrancy, the food (mostly), and the people. I got lost. I sweated. I screamed at a gecko. I overate. But I also saw breathtaking beauty, experienced new things, and learned a few things about myself.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. But next time, I'm packing industrial-strength bug spray, learning some basic Hindi (and haggling skills!), and maybe, just maybe, overcoming my fear of geckos. Until then, Udaipur, thanks for the memories. You were a glorious, sweaty, sometimes terrifying, and utterly unforgettable adventure.
Escape to Paradise: Junjungan Serenity Villas & Spa, Bali Awaits
Unbelievable Ram Bagh Retreat: Udaipur's Hidden Paradise... Or Is It? Let's Get Messy!
What even *is* the Ram Bagh Retreat? Sounds fancy...
Is it actually *hidden*? 'Cause I'm not exactly trying to get lost.
Okay, assuming I *find* it... What's the vibe? Is it all perfectly manicured lawns and silent whispers?
The rooms! Spill the tea, are they Insta-worthy?
What is it like living the day-to-day at Ram Bagh?
The food! Is it any good? I'm a foodie, you know.
Is there a pool? I'm a pool person.
Any must-do activities at or near the retreat?
What's the catch? What do I need to know *before* booking?
