62Isea& iIAUTUMN 2009 exotic settings

villalife AUTUMN 2009I sea& iI63 THE FORTRESS, MAHESHWAR, MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA WHERE WILL YOU FIND IT? Above the banks of the sacred Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh at the heart of India. WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Glamour, grandeur and mysticism. This magnificent property has one suite, seven superior bedrooms, four standard bedrooms and two royal tents comprising six twins, six doubles, a suite and a single room, each with en suite facilities. The entire property is available for exclusive hire. WHO LOVES IT? Those with a penchant for history and culture. The ramparts of this remarkable Indian fortress hail back to the 16th century and it once belonged to one of the country's most From regal Indian grandeur to palatial Moroccan charm to scorching Mexican style. when you next think villas, think exotic By Kate Rigby celebrated female rulers - Ahilya Bai Holkar. A beautiful example of Maratha architecture, the property ( sleeping 24) graces the banks of a sacred river. WHY WILL YOU KEEP COMING BACK? The Fortress still echoes with 18th century royal splendour. There are temples in the grounds, a vast pool and private tropical gardens. You can go all colonial and take afternoon tea on the deck of a boat ( the tea leaves hail from a Darjeeling plantation, while coffee from Coorg is specially roasted for the estate), indulge in a massage, or take a leisurely lunch in the cool courtyard. Gourmet food - much of it from the property's organic farm - is plentiful and delicious. HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT MORE? At www. uniquehomestays. com ?