Alila Fort Bishangarh — Rajasthan, India

After nearly a decade in the making, the Alila group’s second property in India has finally opened in Rajasthan’s Aravalli range.
Set atop a granite hillock in a region speckled with havelis, villages and temples and with surrounding 360-degree views of the rolling landscape, the 59-suite hotel is far from the madding crowd, but near enough for excursive strikes to Jaipur’s famed landmarks.
Architects and interior designers Sandeep and Ritu Khandelwal have painstakingly revived, renovated and reconstructed the 230-year old defensive fort with grace, preserving original architectural details such as the intricately arched windows and ornamental latticed jaalis.
In contrast, the internal spaces have been reshaped into clean-lined simple rooms, flecked with local elements from hand painted block fabric to old-style doors and wall frescoes with Thikri mirror work.
For the more adventurous guests, biking, horse-riding, trekking and All-Terrain Vehicles are on offer, but personally, we’re staying put to take in the evocative views from Nazaara, the open-air terrace lounge, where meats are cooked in sandpits and on barbecues and served from the outdoor kitchen.
ADDRESS
Off NH-8 at Manoharpur
Bishangarh Village
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.
-
Watches & Wonders 2025: preview Richemont’s latest innovations, on show at the Geneva watch fair
Discover eight enticing timepieces from the luxury group, showcased this week at the Geneva fair
By Simon Mills Published
-
Masters of midcentury modern design and their creations spotlighted in new book
‘Mid-Century Modern Designers’ is a new book from Phaidon celebrating those who shaped the period and their notable creations, from furniture to objects
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Drafting nine international artists, Gucci’s ‘90 x 90’ project transforms its silk scarf into a creative canvas
Part of Gucci’s ‘The Art of Silk’ initiative, the project sees nine artists riff on the Italian fashion house’s most memorable motifs, from lush depictions of flora and fauna to its signature horsebit
By Jack Moss Published
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy design
There’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeys
Stay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Members’ club Polo Palladio is Jaipur’s hottest stamping ground
Polo Palladio in Jaipur is the reimagined members-only playground of Rajasthan Polo Club, with vibrant interiors by Marie-Anne Oudejans
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
Charlee in Mumbai is a speakeasy immersed in mystery
Charlee in Mumbai’s Bandra West encompasses a clandestine restaurant and bar designed by Kaviar Collaborative
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Telugu Medium Kitchen, in Southern India, is a labour of love
Designed by Sona Reddy Studio, Telugu Medium Kitchen dives deep into the Andhra heritage for food cooked with traditional richness
By Sofia de la Cruz Published
-
Villa One at the One & Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
By Chadner Navarro Published
-
Martim — Wroclaw, Poland
By Daven Wu Last updated
-
Tattersalls Hotel — Armidale, Australia
By Dimity Noble Last updated