India, Jaipur - The Oberoi Rajvilas

The Oberoi Rajvailas lies just outside the city in an oasis of 13 hectares (32 acres) of gardens, pools and fountains, and was designed to reflect the legendary lifestyle of the Rajput princes. Build along the lines of a traditional fort, it has decorated arches, colonnades, pillars, reflective pools, cool interiors and tented canopies with block prints and hand-embroidered fabrics. The hotel's guest list boasts many famous names - modern-day mogul Bill Clinton was so impressed with his stay here that he came back for a second visit.

Foreigners are not allowed to marry in India unless they are residents of the country. Consequently blessings at Oberoi Rajvilas are purely ceremonial, and couples must be legally married in their own country beforehand. The wedding blessing is highly memorable and moving, nonetheless, as it is based on the traditional Hindu marriage ceremony and is conducted by a Hindu pandit (priest). The Oberoi Rajvilas organize wedding blessing ceremonies for small parties, usually of not more than 12 to 15 guests. The service it offers both exclusive and flexible: the basic wedding blessing package, which can be modified includes three night's accommodation, breakfast served in the room each day, a romantic dinner for two overlooking the 255-year-old Shiva temple accompanied by traditional Indian music and a bottle of French Champagne, and a daily one-hour spa treatment either together or separately.

There are just three private villas at the hotel, offering the most heavenly accommodation for honeymooners. Each has a private swimming pool that is heated during November to January. a bedroom with a king size four-poster bed, a dressing room with walk-in closet, and a personal bar and DVD and CD players for romantic music. The en suite marble bathroom has a double vanity counter, sunken bath and separate shower overlooking a private walled garden. Villas also have a separate living room, a pantry and an outdoor dining pavilion overlooking the pool. Alternatively, couples can choose to stay in one of the hotel's 14 luxury tented rooms with Burma teak floors, Edwardian-style claw-foot bathtubs and simple but sumptuous embroidered internal canopies. Air conditioning and room service make this the most pampered form of camping around. In the evening the hotel team gets together to create an mood of romance in the room, with dimmed lights, perfume filing the air, instrumental music adding to the feeling of intimacy, and the sunken marble bathtub surrounded by candles.

Althouhg newlyweds will be happy to relax at the hotel, it would be a crime not to explore Rajasthan. The very best way to see the Rajasthani countryside is on horseback, which can be arranged by the Oberoi Rajvilas. For a more traditional trek through the countryside, newlyweds may also opt for a memorable elephant safari, followed by an intimate picnic below Naila Fort. Amber Fort, just a short drive from Jaipur, is a sight to behold. Couples can ride on elephant back up to the fort with its mirrored palaces and stunning mountain views. Those who come to Jaipur around Easter can enjoy the annual Elephant Fair, with its majestic procession of elephants, camels and horses, elephant polo matches and the famous elephant race. There is even an often-hilarious tug-of-war between elephants and men.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO
November is the ideal month, as the weather is pleasant and it is believed by the Indians to be an auspicious time for weddings.

CEREMONIES
Blessing only by a Hindu pandit (priest); couples must marry legally at home beforehand.

PRE-WEDDING RESIDENCY
None.