Luxury hotel brand Raffles is moving into India with the opening of Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur.

The AccorHotels-owned hotel group operates 13 properties across 11 countries but hopes its entry into India will ‘signal a new direction’ for the brand.

The two new properties, scheduled to open over the next three years, will sit in key locations within the state of Rajasthan, a region famed for its palaces and forts and popular among affluent travellers.

“It is with immense pride that we announce the arrival of the Raffles brand in India, a hallmark of luxury and sublime service in a country that is famous for delivering luxury at the highest level,” said Accor’s chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin (pictured left). 

“With our strategic partners, we look forward to providing an oasis of calm and charm in two of the most incredible destinations in India.”

Chief operating officer for India and South Asia, Jean-Michel Cassé, added: “Today’s signing of the Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur marks an historic moment for Accor in India and certainly for tourism in India. We are seeing increasing demand for luxury travel in India and are looking forward to expanding Accor’s globally renowned portfolio of luxury brands in this incredible country. The addition of the iconic Raffles brand signals a new era for our group.”

Raffles Udaipur, slated to start welcoming guests by mid-2020, is located on a 21-acre private island next to Udai Sagar Lake, one of five prominent lakes in the region. The 101 lake-facing rooms are surrounded by rugged terrain and a 400-year-old temple, a short 15-20 minutes’ drive from Udaipur Maharana Pratap Airport. 

Raffles Jaipur is expected to follow two years later in 2022 in the town of Kukas. It will comprise a set of private residences and courtyards adjacent to the larger hotel complex currently occupied by the Fairmont Jaipur offering ultimate seclusion.