Journey back in time

priviledged living, fine dining

Extravagant luxury runs through Indian history, and it is best symbolized by the use of gold and silver, crystals and precious stones, velvets and silks and brocades. Even today, every little boy who sits behind the bridegroom on a luxuriously decorated horse is dressed like a prince. In the chaos of modern India, the legacy of luxury lives on. During the Vilasa India experience, home will always be a royal residence – an iconic palace, a lavish tent, a princely lodge, a regal plantation or an uber-modern take on luxury. Uncover grand traditions dating back to the Golden Era of the Maharajas when you travel with Vilasa. You may get addicted to opulence, to marbled corridors and gilded arches, to strolling in Mughal gardens, to four-poster beds with brocade canopies, to fine art and finer dining. As a guest of Vilasa, you will always be treated like royalty, perhaps even dine with the royal families.

The gilded life is our inheritance. And it is this heritage we invite you to experience.

EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY

**The Royal Shikar (Hunt)**

One of the legacies of the Raj, amongst many others, is the experience of the Shikar – the hunt. The Royal Hunt was far from ordinary. There were many nights spent in the wilderness, embracing the seclusion and solitude, waiting in the dim moonlight under the stars for your majestic prey. But it wasn't an austere waiting. The regal retinue travelled with the royal party responding to every need and want; the tented accommodation was rich and luxurious, and the royal chefs travelled along to ensure a feast. That dining experience is recreated in the Thar Desert in royal Rajasthan, where the sounds of the desert entertain you and the crackling of the bonfire keep you warm in the winter nights. Enjoy the soft tunes of Rajasthani folk musicians and feast on a traditional Indian barbecue dinner.

A PALACE STAY

There are hundreds of books and movies and artworks about the palaces of India. Nothing is better than the experience of living in them, and being served as if you were to the palace born. These monumental buildings have glorious, ancient histories of kingdoms won and lost. Experience the unimaginable grandeur and an intimate and wondrous hospitality with inimitable service. Stay at a palace built in 1743 on an island in the middle of a lake, where besides the spectacular architecture and interiors, every room has breathtaking views of historical palaces and ancient temples. Dine at elegant restaurants with exquisite cuisines, a privilege offered only to resident guests. Romantic and exotic as the experience is, it gets even better with relaxing spas …on a boat! Former guests have included Lord Curzon, Vivien Leigh, Queen Elizabeth, the Shah of Iran, the King of Nepal and US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy!

In the middle of a Cinnamon Plantation

A different kind of luxury is yours to experience living in a cottage resort in the middle of a lush green cinnamon plantation. Surrounded by serene hills, with the scent of cinnamon in the cool fresh breeze, served by bearers descended from a culture of royal and colonial hospitality, this can be a really charming India experience. Walk, trek, visit the spice plantations and the herb gardens, be with yourself or enjoy a quiet romance – time simply slows down and allows you to enjoy the privilege of nature and the simple, yet fine fare.

testimonials

All six of us just returned back home & are missing India already, all thanks to Vilasa team who made it all happen. The Champagne Tour, the Jharokha Dining experience & the vintage car ride in Udaipur were spectacular! Staying in Lake Palace & going glamping in Ranakpur were the highlight of this trip. Thank you Roman, Manoj & team for your guidance & patience!

- Maria Teresa, Mexico

I extend to you our most profound appreciation for making our trip a memorable one. Particularly, the team of Delhi office, the accommodation & the representatives in Delhi, Jaipur & Agra. Last but not least, my heart-felt thanks to our driver who accompanied us, his professionalism & great humor left a lasting impression on my wife & myself.

- David William, USA

My sincere thanks to the entire Vilasa team. Our trip throughout India was exciting and most of all, comfortable. Cheers to Roman for fitting in the sight-seeing even with our busy schedules. Thank you all.

- Qi Lin, China

No complaints. We had an excellent trip with Vilasa. We were particular about an easy going trip but didn't want it to be boring & Vilasa, like usual, rose to the occasion. Keep it up team.

- Rafael Zaga, Mexico

We did not even need an event planner; the Vilasa team was that thorough & GOOD!! We flew down to India to renew our vows and really wanted to have an intimate ceremony on the beach. The Vilasa team went up & beyond to make our day special & treated us to some 'honeymoon' perks which was so cute!! Our 'babymoon' will also be with you guys. Sending our love

- Mr. & Mrs. Domini

This has been a very special, beautifully crafted trip. There was a wondrous mix of pure luxury and 'authentic' which is what we wanted. Our guides were all excellent; the Representatives were knowledgeable, efficient and charming. Overall this trip has left us with so many magical memories.

- Denys Blakeway

What a happy and fun vacation we had with our family (we're a family of 4 with two teenagers). Planned & executed wonderfully by Ruhani & Manoj. They listened to all the requests we had and made sure the teens are happily occupied as well! The special arrival we received at the airport and the attention to detail really impressed us. So excited for our Maldives trip with you next year!

- Chloe Cauqil, France

Team Vilasa, thank you for curating an epic journey! Ruhani was patient & enthusiastic throughout the planning and ideation stage of my journey. The textiles, the weavers, the designers & her creative vision made this trip better than I anticipated! I came back with much more than my hands could hold. Highly, highly recommend her.

- Liz Meehan, USA

Had a wonderful time in India last month. You were very helpful and efficient in all the planning and booking stages – thank you very much. We were also impressed by the efficiency of Vilasa and their agents on the ground at different stages of the trip; we were always met, and moved on to the next place, on time, and given helpful advice.

- Sonia Hancock

This was our second trip with Vilasa and we were so happy to realise that we are in Zuhaib's & Ruhani's skilled hands. Everything went as planned, as the trip leader of an all women group, safety was of the utmost importance but Ruhani put all our doubts at ease. They have surpassed our expectations once more!

- Natali Maksimenko, Russia

We travelled to India for a week. The pick up from the airport was on time & our driver, Prakash was with us for the entire trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable and his Russian was impeccable! Good job, team!

- Elena Degtiareva, Russia

I love photography and the Vilasa team from Minar Group was kind enough to assist me in my shoots! They recommended places that they thought would yield the best photos and I was surprised. It has been lovely exploring the lesser known side of India, my heartfelt thanks.

- Andrey Dudoladov, Russia

My experience with the Vilasa team has been incredible, especially Manoj. I wanted an experience that was hands-on & quite immersive, and the team delivered! My favourite memories were exploring Jawai with a naturalist & going to Bangla Sahib's kitchen for langar. Thank you!

- Joana Fernandez, Mexico