Ahilya Fort

Ahilya Fort has stayed in the family, and was restored and is still run by Prince Richard Holkar: son of the last Maharajah of Indore, and a descendant of Queen Ahilya, who built the fort 250 years ago. Despite its regal past, it has a relaxed atmosphere and a stunning vantage point over the sacred Narmada River.

Each of Ahilya Fort’s 13 rooms and suites is individually designed, featuring hand-picked antique furniture and artworks. Styles vary, from the traditional, jade and gold Superior Room to the breezy, contemporary Narmada Royal Suite, which has a private sitting room and a balcony overlooking the river.

For an extra-exclusive stay, go for the Arjun Royal Tent, which sits in a private landscaped garden next to the river and features its own plunge pool.

All food is included in your stay at Ahilya Fort. The menu reflects Prince Richard’s interest in cookery and travels across the world, with a mixture of western and Indian cuisine. Breakfast combines western and Indian staples with jams home-made by the prince, while at lunch, European pastas, salads and vegetable dishes are on offer. Dinner is the main event, when a feast of sumptuous specialities from across India is washed down with generous amounts of wine.

When the sun goes down, the terrace is transformed into a fully kitted-out cocktail bar.

Ahilya Fort features a beautiful pool, surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens, where guests can relax and cool off. There’s also a traditional masseur on hand to administer a range of wellness treatments. Well-heeled guests will be pleased to hear that there’s even a tailoring studio.

A walk along the ancient ghats below the fort offers a glimpse into life as it has been lived here for centuries, while the ruins of the ancient city of Mandu lie nearby. Omkareshwar, a prominent Hindu temple devoted to the god Shiva, sits on an island in the river.