The new Raj         (Global Venues - India)

  The Marwar Hall at Umaid Bhawan Palace

India's tourist board must have a pretty easy time of selling the country's virtues.  Indian culture's British imprint, palatable politics (vis-à-vis China) and realistic eye on becoming the world's biggest economic power all add to the draw. In the wake of this ambition India's hospitality industry sets international benchmarks, royally entertaining clients who want that much more.

Sat Bal spoke to Natural Mystic South Asia, an Indian company which prides itself on organising lavish events for the stars and corporates. We asked Natural Mystic's directors Asheesh Malaney and Nikhilendra Singh to come up with three venues that would meet a discerning overseas client's demand for a) a luxury product launch b) an A-list party and                c) cut-above corporate incentive event.(23 Sept'08)

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, Rajasthan -
   Luxury Product Launch choice 

As the Western world winces at the spectre of market crashes and economic malaise over in the not-too-Far East, India's global aspirations continue with gusto. Leading the  charge is the mighty Tata Group which recently added Corus, Land Rover and Jaguar to its corporate shopping list. Tata's extensive wing also covers the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces group which features the splendour of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This month, the Palace took the honour of being the only Indian hotel ito feature in the "Romantic Retreats" category of the Condé Nast Traveller Awards.

Natural Mystic says: "This venue is perfect for a luxury brand launch since the Palace and the Jodhpur Royal Family epitomise class and luxury. The Palace was built by the Jodhpur Maharaja during the great depression and was the largest residence in the world until it was converted (in part) into a luxury hotel. Built in golden yellow sandstone, it is an art deco wonder.

"We organised the Vogue Magazine, India launch here a few months ago but the site would also work very well with a car launch too since the grounds are very conducive to driving. Also any car would look appealing with the imposing palace as a backdrop. Moreover the grounds and stunning banquet halls, interiors allow for various reception  and after parties."

Venue vitals...             

Marwar Hall

Area – 3,268 sq ft

Celing Height – 31 ft

Theatre style – 300 guests

Classroom layout – 110 guests

U-shape layout – 80 guest

Banquet seating – 350 guests
Cocktail – 350 guests
Buffet – 350 guests
Single table – 8 guest

   Below Balcony at the Presidential Suite                                                                 

Smoking Room

Area – 950 sq ft
Height – 20 ft
Convention layout – 50 guests
Class room layout – 30 guests
U-shape layout – 22 guests
Banquet seating – 40 guests
Cocktail – 40 guests
Buffet – 40 guests
Single table – 8 guests

Chamber of Princes                     Below Presidential room's Maharaja Suite

Area – 950 sq ft
Height – 20 ft
Convention – 45 guests
U-shape – 25 guests
Single table – 8 guests

General Accommodation
Standard rooms and luxury suites

Modern business centre with internet

Dining - Traditional  Indian Rooftop restaurant                                                                                             Bespoke safaris around Jaipur and Rajasthan

2. The Meherangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan -
   Party Venue choice

Natural Mystic says: "The Fort is a superb location for large, glamorous parties. It was here that we did one of Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar's wedding parties. The venue was built over 500 years ago and hangs spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur.

"As the name suggest this was originally a fortified city.

"For the party organiser this offers several open air and intricately stone carved closed air rooms and venues that make for one hell of a party."

Pictured Liz Hurley and family with  Natural Mystic's Nikhilendra Singh at the Fort

3. Devi Garh Fort, near Udaipur, Rajasthan -
   Corporate Incentive choice

Natural Mystic says: "Devi Garh's location in the Aravali hills is spectacular as is its heritage as an 18th century palace. This scenic area is one of the three main routes into the valley of Udaipur. Many years of refurbishment and restoration have gone into Devi Garh and we recommend boutique, luxury hotel as ideal a blue chip company incentive retreat for senior management.


"Delegates marvel at the natural backdrop of hills and greenery.

"Inside is everything guests would require from a  luxury hotel that features 39 suites finished in  semi-precious stones.

"The conference space, spa and a host of outdoor activities coupled with a great pool make for optimum business-pleasure."

Venue vitals...

Meeting Facilities

Silver Lounge

Area 1,150 sq ft
Capacity10- 40 guests


Darbar Lounge

Area 1,150 sq ft
2-24 guests

Halls have inbuilt Speakers and air conditioning

  





Event & Leisure Facilities

                                                                               
                                                                          Janana Courtyard:
                                                  Area 2,622 sq ft  
10- 40 guests

Durbar Courtyard:
Area  935 sq feet
10- 40 guests

Hawa Gokhra:    
Area  84 sq feet
2-4 guest

Sheesh Mahal: 
Area 130 sq feet
2-4 guests

Also:

Restaurant Terrace 
Serena Spa
Pool area
Reception lawn
arden suite lawn
Entrance Lawn

Related screenings  _______________________________

Atlantis,Palm - Dubai       One&Only launch party- S.Africa  

                          




RK  _________________________________________