Secret gardens, ornamental pools, charming courtyards, and several very nice places to rest one’s head await guests at Deeppura Garh, once the Rajasthani home of the Maharaja Rao Raja Kalyan Singh, the last ruler of Sikar. The once derelict estate has been magically restored by Italian jeweler Maria Grazia Baldan, who is now in charge of operations along with the charming Philippe de Villegas, formerly an honorary Belgian consul to Marrakech. The overall effect is akin to Hercule Poirot meets Nicky Haslam, and the design represents a contemporary fusion of Rajasthan, Italy, and a dash of Morocco. During the day, take a dip in the large swimming pool, but remember, even in India it gets chilly at night. No matter—there’s a quite cozy fireplace, too. The food, which draws from Italian and Indian cuisines, is uniformly excellent, and the staff are eager to create a perfect house party. It’s ideal for an unforgettable birthday celebration, or even a relaxing excursion from nearby Jaipur. —Victoria Mather
Deeppura Garh is available for bookings through Greaves India