I stayed in an 18th-century palace in India and left feeling like royalty

I was met with the most lively welcome featuring traditional drums, rose confetti and a refreshing drink, and I found myself staring up at the grandiose palace.

The 18th-century palace, home to the flamboyant Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and the Patiala queens over 300 years ago, is an architectural wonder.

I felt as though I was entering a museum, envisioning the royals coming and going from the extravagant property.

Unlike other historical sites in the region that are roped off, RAN BAAS has been welcoming guests to become part of its history since its transition from palace to heritage hotel in 2021.

We walked past the statement-making white marble grandeur courtyard, with a chic fountain at its center, to another courtyard beyond, where the luxurious suites are located.

I opened the French doors, brushed away the floor-to-ceiling curtains, and marvelled at the breathtaking suite; three expansive arches with a plethora of elegant plunging curtains throughout.

Each of the 35 suites has a unique design, and mine featured gorgeous framing with indigo accents and a beautiful mural above the comfortable queen bed with its black and white stripes.

The astounding suite included a stunning living room space with suede indigo couches and a magnificent en-suite restroom, with matching indigo tiles and black marble floors. On the desk sat the insightful Splendors of Punjab Heritage book. 

Other suites include the Pearl Suite, the Princess Suite, the Presidential Suite, the Junior Suite and the Legacy Suite. Each had one-of-a-kind features such as spectacular miniature paintings, balconies overlooking the property, and extravagantly furnished rooms.

We enjoyed delicious Punjabi food, fresh chai, traditional music, kite-flying, and painting on the beautiful Sunset Terrace, during the hotel's high tea experience, which offered the highest viewpoint of Patiala.

The opulent palace also offers a plethora of lavish experiences, including flavorsome world cuisine from the Neel restaurant and signature cocktails from The Patiala.

The Neel is overseen by Chef Jayonto Ghosh and features delectable dishes such as Bharwan Bhindi and Wadiyan Ki Sabzi, as well as the Mi Ki Kali Dal, all through which Punjabi flavors prevail.

The Patiala bar was inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. He once invited Britain's cricket team to come and play a match. However, he had a humorous plan to make sure his home team secured the win.

The night before, he provided the opposing team's players with whisky, while comically using his "two-finger rule," as he poured 120ml worth of the alcohol for players, by measuring the volume from his pinky finger to his index finger.

The next day, lo and behold, Patiala won and moving forward, the "Patiala Peg" was coined, which the bar fittingly transformed into a refreshing cocktail.

The Patiala, curated by General Manager Mr Deep Mohan Arneja, also features appetizing cocktails such as Scandal Point, Gulabi Jaam, Memsahib Martini, and Siyappa.

Deep explained what he believes sets RAN BAAS: The Palace apart from other hotels: "The best thing about this place is it's a natural palace, and it has got a lot of history. You can make hotels look like this but it will not have the history, so the history sets it apart."

On top of enjoying the mouthwatering meals and drinks from both establishments, I had the pleasure of savoring a deeply relaxing massage at the Aura Spa, which offered its signature Aura Massage, Balinese Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage.

The spa also included contemporary massages such as the Classical Swedish Massage, Aroma Therapy, Shahi Rose Arora, Traditional Scalp Massage, Back Massage, and Foot Massage.

It also featured Rice and Oats Scrubs, Traditional Sea Salt Boy Scrubs, Milk and Honey Facials, and Saffron and Almond Facial, as well as a hair salon.

After experiencing a thorough and relaxing massage, I took a long sunset swim in the scenic outside pool, located opposite the gym. 

The serene pool was surrounded by peachy-pink walls, chic lounge chairs and beautiful arches and at one end of the pool, eye-catching arches emphasized the beauty of the palace's rooftop.

I adored my experience at RAN BAAS: The Palace I and would definitely go back. I would highly recommend  that future visitors travel to this part of India during the cooler months – from October to March.

A one-hour flight away from Chandigarh is The Park New Delhi, located conveniently in the heart of the city, with temples, street markets and restaurants close by. 

The state-of-the-art hotel offers sweeping views of the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar, right from your modern, chic room.

The hotel's shape itself is a bold statement, with its curved wall in a half-circle formation.

My room was beautifully designed with peach-colored textured walls, matching suede seating, an elegant Queen-sized bed and gold accents throughout, which provided both comfort and elegance after a long day exploring the city.

The modern hotel also featured the Aura Spa, complete with massage and signature beauty treatments, the Aura Fitness Centre, which has state-of-the-art gym equipment, and, as an added bonus, yoga classes out on The Terrace.

TYDE, which is an ocean-inspired restaurant, is conveniently located downstairs and the exquisite menu was intriguingly displayed in three acts, including Act I: A Break in the Surface; A New Beginning – The Ripple, Act II: A Surge in Spirit: A Becoming – The Crest and Act III: A Gentle Adieu; A Slow Receding – The Ebb.

Act I featured savory signature small plates such as Chutney Paneer Tikka and Kale Masale Ka Bhatti Murgh. Act II included a plethora of options from sandwiches and burgers, to House-Made Pasta & Risotto, Pizza, Bentos and more. Act III featured desserts such as Anjeer Badam Halwa, Fandoghi Lime Crostata, and House-Made Ice Cream.

The elegant space was lavishly decorated with navy blue textured walls and gold beading, miniature mirrors and abstract patterns, sophisticated navy blue suede seats, and geometrical gold furnishings, but it's the menu that makes it a foodie's dream come true.