If you ever took a hole puncher to a blank sheet of paper in school, you’ve basically got a bird’s-eye view of Udaipur—a patchwork of lush green hills punctuated by glimmering blue lakes. And right there, the pièce de résistance among those little “holes” is Lake Pichola, which, I’ve been told, is the calmest of them all. On its shores stands The Leela Palace Udaipur, already an icon of Indian luxury and a go-to for fairytale weddings (hello, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chaddha’s recent bash). But if you thought The Leela had already reached its zenith, think again. They’ve just unveiled Arq at Pichola—a space so private, so refined, it’s practically a secret handshake among the elite.
 

So, where do you go when you’ve already hit the top of the luxury ladder? The Leela’s move is doubling down on luxury but without the noise. Arq is their answer to the question: What if luxury wasn’t about flash, but pure experience? One hour’s flight from Mumbai, and you’re in a world where decisions only revolve around cocktails and whether to swim before or after breakfast.  

Arq is a collection of private villas designed for those who want more than a pretty view—they want privacy, personalization, and just the right amount of decadence. Brass-inlaid wooden floors? Check. Traditional Thikri mirror work? Of course. Enough lapis stone to put your marble countertops to shame? Naturally.  
 

For Princess Gauravi Kumari, who hosted Arq’s unveiling, this wasn’t just another launch event. “Being the Icon of India by The Leela is more than just a title; it’s a way of bringing India’s elegance to the world stage,” she tells us. For her, Arq is where tradition gets a modern makeover. “Arq redefines luxury by blending centuries-old heritage with contemporary experiences. Each element—from the architecture to the service—is about connecting with the rich soul of Udaipur,” she explains. The secret sauce? It’s all in the details. “Guests at Arq aren’t just visiting—they’re living an experience,” Kumari says. “We wanted to create a space that feels timeless yet of the moment, where every corner, every view, feels like a hidden story waiting to be discovered.” 

And stories there are—crafted in both stone and fabric. Enter Rahul Mishra with his ‘Aura’ collection, bringing cosmic vibes to Udaipur’s sleepy shores. “The philosophy behind Arq aligns perfectly with my designs,” Mishra shares. “Both are about the intimate, the meaningful, and the personal.” His Fall 2024 couture pieces, inspired by cosmic flows and mythological tales, feel rather perfect given the environment. “In a way, Arq is like a living, breathing extension of my collection,” Mishra reflects. “Each piece of furniture, each wall, tells a story, much like the embroideries in my garments.” 
 

And if you’re wondering about the synergy—yes, it’s there. Rahul’s intricate embroidery techniques, using everything from achromatic threads to welded metal structures, mirror the craftsmanship found at Arq. Both spaces and garments are painstakingly crafted to evoke a sense of timeless luxury. “When guests walk through Arq, I want them to feel the same energy that I pour into my designs—a sense of wonder, a connection to something larger than life,” Mishra adds. 

Now, let’s get real—what’s on the agenda at Arq? What do you actually do here? That’s the beauty of it: whatever you want. Arq isn’t about flaunting its opulence. Quite the opposite. Instead, it’s about dialling it down and turning the experience inward. Picture this—a private electric boat to glide you over Lake Pichola if you’re feeling nautical. A floating breakfast by your plunge pool if that’s your style. Sunset yoga on the terrace? Sure. Feeling social? Join the evening cocktail hour where mixologists whip up signature drinks while you chat with like-minded luxury enthusiasts, with the spicy Leela Picante that somehow tastes better with the pink skies as your backdrop. 

Shweta Jain, The Leela’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, has her finger on the pulse of what today’s jet-setters crave. “Today’s luxury travellers aren’t just looking for plush cushions and crystal chandeliers—they want meaning, stories, and connections,” she notes. That’s why Arq goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about the little touches that matter. Jain says, “From the moment guests arrive, we ensure each detail is customised. The foot rituals, the private poolside dinners—everything is designed to create a memory, not just a moment.” 
 

Arq isn’t just a one-off experiment. The Leela plans to roll out similar ultra-luxe experiences at its other properties in India, pushing the boundaries of what luxury hospitality can be. This is more than just a trendy pop-up—it’s a long-term commitment to redefining how luxury travel is getting defined. Rahul Mishra sums it up: “Just like how a couture collection evolves, so does the concept of luxury. It’s not about the price tag but the story behind every detail.” Because at the end of the day, that’s the secret sauce: creating something so personal, that it doesn’t feel like a hotel at all.