Review: Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Why book?

For a slice of Udaipur’s lake life without the city crowds, and the one-with-nature feeling with experiences like yoga under the moon, breakfast by the lake and stargazing with a telescope in your private deck

Set the scene

Imagine savoring breakfast by a lake on the outskirts of Udaipur, far from the throngs that surround the city’s lakes. The sun peeks through the Aravallis sparking gold on the waters. Silence is broken only by the chirping of birds and swaying of palm trees. Laid out on a picnic blanket in front of you is an Enid Blyton-esque breakfast spread of fresh fruits, muesli bowls and flaky croissants. Your butler, clad in a blue block print kurta and bandi, pours you a glass of fresh juice, as you watch geese waddle into the waters. As the name suggests, Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, promises mental souvenirs you’d want to tap into weeks later.

The backstory

The hotel is the first under the Mementos brand launched by the Indian-owned and operated ITC chain. While the group is known to maintain the hallmark culture of service with hotels that provide smooth leisure as well as business trips, Mementos takes things a notch higher. With hotels in exclusive locations and curated experiences, it aims to leave guests with memories of a lifetime. So, if you’re in the mood to gaze at the stars, the staff can set up a telescope in the deck of your room. If relaxation is on your mind, a yoga instructor can conduct a session in the backyard of your suite. The hotel also prides itself on catering to big, fat Indian weddings.

The rooms

The 117 villas and suites start from 500 square feet, and depending on the category come with sit-outs, or private plunge pools and a garden, or both. All rooms offer a view, some overlook the valley, while others the lake. Each of them is sumptuously decorated with gold accents simmered by a muted color palette. Some bathrooms come with Victorian-style bathtubs that sit under sunroofs or the warm glow of a chandelier. For a room that scores a 10/10, pick one of the Aravali Suites nestled in Villa 22. Sitting on the highest point of the hotel at 2,345ft, the villa is easily the best seat in the hotel to watch the sunset. Bring out a pair of binoculars and the Statue of Belief in Nathdwara comes into sight.

Food and drink

Mornings usually begin with a flautist serenading guests at the all-day diner Udai Pavilion, where a hearty breakfast is rolled out, including dishes inspired by the region like kachoris and also from across India such as khandvi, dosa and chole-puri. There’s also a smattering of Asian with dim sums, thukpa and noodles. Come dinner time, the tunes of tabla and sitar recitals follow you at the ITC signature Royal Vega, where your silver thali gleams with recipes from the kitchens of erstwhile maharajas. Since we’re in Rajasthan, Chef Dhaval Ajmera takes his cues from the land and showcases dishes wholesome protein- and carb-rich dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi, a besan preparation—traditional sustenance fare for warriors who went out on campaigns into the Thar. At Kebabs & Kurries, feast on perennial favorites such as galouti kebabs, dal bukhara and nihari. But before you settle in one of these restaurants, sunset drinks are de rigueur by the infinity pool at The Rock Bar.

The neighborhood

The hotel is 50 minutes from the city center, but in that lies its charm. It’s a perfect alternative for those looking to spend time in the countryside away from the thick of the throng yet within easy access from the historic center. Nearly seven years in the making, this 47-acre oasis starkly contrasts the arid Aravallis even in the summer. The air is cooler and the skies clearer without the sparkle of the City of Lakes.

The hotel gets its name from the village of Raya, which it falls under, and Eklingji, an 8th-century temple that pays homage to Lord Shiva and is a 15-minute zip from the property. Devotees of Lord Krishna who travel from around the world to visit the famed 17th-century Shrinathji Temple will find that the hotel, which is a 30-minute drive from Nathdwara, is a convenient base for trips to the temple.

The service

If you’re too lazy to pour yourself a drink, the suites come with a private butler who is always within earshot without being intrusive. Breakfast by the lake, yoga under the stars, bird-watching, nature hikes or even outdoor movies, the staff is happy to arrange all this and more during your stay. “The property is spread across 60 hilltops. Point to the one of your choice, and we can design an experience,” claims general manager Sandipan Bose.

For families

While mothers get a massage at Kaya Kalp, children are pampered at Ollie’s Club with board games and books. For outdoorsy kids, there’s a host of activities like a trampoline, archery and table tennis.

Eco effort

The resort collects rainwater to power its water supply throughout the year and waste water is recycled and reused through a special process for watering the lawn, laundry and washing dishes.

Accessibility

Mementos is built on hills and getting to places could get challenging, however, each area of the resort is wheelchair accessible with ramps near the entrance of restaurants, the spa, the pool area, the business center and the lounge.

Anything left to mention?

Mementos Udaipur also makes for a memorable place for a destination wedding, with venues such as a sprawling lawn on the edge of a hill, a palm-studded forest by the lake and the infinity pool overlooking the Aravalis.