Devi Ratn, Jaipur

In India, perhaps more than anywhere else, there are modern hotels and then there are historic hotels, and only too seldom do they meet. But if you want a master class on how to combine cutting-edge contemporary aesthetics with deep-seated historical tradition, Devi Ratn, Jaipur is where you’ll get it. You’d be hard pressed to call it traditional — but everywhere this modern structure takes its inspiration from the history and mythology of Rajasthan.

The concept is derived from the Nav Ratn, nine gemstones with astronomical and cosmic significance. And the look of the place, with its palette of gemstone and metallic colors, is derived from the local tradition of gemcraft, and from the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar. The interpretation, however, is an entirely modern one, thanks to architects Pronit and Amish Nath.

All 63 suites are oriented to take in views of the Aravali mountains, and in spite of their technical (and stylistic) sophistication, they’re as comfortable as those in any of India’s traditional palace hotels. It’s the villas, though, that really excel themselves, nearly two thousand square feet of interior space wrapped around a courtyards with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis.

As stimulatingly novel as the look may be, the Devi Ratn experience is reassuringly familiar, at least to luxury veterans. There’s an enormous Elle spa and a jaw-dropping signature restaurant to look after your other senses, and a pretty impressive bar and café as well. All this just on the outskirts of Jaipur — making Devi Ratn a not entirely unreasonable home base for a visit to the legendary Pink City.

How to get there: Devi Ratn, Jaipur is located 21 km from the Jaipur International Airport.