Jodhpur lies one hour and 20 minutes by air southwest of Delhi and 45 minutes by air west of Jaipur. Formerly the capital of the kingdom of Marwar, it is surrounded by the stark landscape of the Thar Desert. Nowadays, it is known as the “Blue City” because of the mass of blue houses that encircle the stupendous Mehrangarh Fort. Located atop a 400-foot rocky outcrop, this extraordinary fortress is one of the most majestic in the world. Dating from 1459, its massive walls are up to 120 feet high. The fort’s museum houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical instruments, costumes and furniture.

From the small reception of RAAS, we were led through a narrow passageway that abruptly opened into an idyllic interior garden sensationally backdropped by the fort. I can think of few hotels that have a comparably showstopping view.