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Our Story
A Sanctuary Shaped
by Vision
Tucked quietly into the foothills of the Aravallis, just outside Udaipur, Vihara feels less like a hotel and more like a retreat designed around stillness, art, and nature.
Spread across a landscape where not a single tree was disturbed during development, the boutique property has been created in complete dialogue with its surroundings, allowing ancient rocks, mature trees, and natural textures to shape the experience rather than the other way around.
Vihara features 12 bespoke suites, including Estate Pool Cottages/Suites with private plunge pools and expansive Estate Pool Residences designed for complete privacy and immersion in nature. Every room feels deeply personal, layered with curated art, handcrafted objects, regional materials, and thoughtful details that quietly celebrate Rajasthan’s craftsmanship. Slate tables carved from local stone, sculpted candle holders, bespoke artwork, and earthy textures create interiors that feel calm, tactile, and intentionally understated.
The dream project is brought to life by an association of national award-winning artist Bhupesh Kavadia and his gallerist wife Tanuja Kavadia & prominent entrepreneurs and hoteliers from Udaipur, Punit & Anit Babel. Designed by award-winning artist Bhupesh Kavadia, the design & landscape of the space remains the true focal point. Regional Kota stone flooring, Makrana marble pillars, and red stone walls bring together local materiality with contemporary minimalism. Windows frame the horizon like artwork, corridors are designed to invite natural light and breeze, and several spaces are built around existing trees and rock formations, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. One of the most striking details is the central court, where an ancient rock formation seamlessly merges into the pool, reinforcing the property’s philosophy of coexistence with nature.
Dining at Vihara centres around the award-winning destination dining restaurant, The Lily Court, the property’s destination restaurant serving Mediterranean, Continental, and progressive Indian cuisine through a regional lens. Meals feel slow and intentional, designed to complement the retreat’s overall pace and atmosphere.
The estate also houses Bougainvillaea, an acclaimed contemporary art gallery that hosts rotating works, installations, and artist residencies, making art an integral part of the guest experience rather than just décor.
Experiences at Vihara are deeply rooted in art and nature & cuisine. Guests can explore nature trails, hiking routes, clay modelling workshops, sunset experiences, and curated meals & art gallery tours, all designed to encourage reflection, creativity, and a slower connection with the landscape around them.
Roots of the Retreat
Vihara unfolds as a collection of 12 private villas, thoughtfully immersed in nature. Here, art, quiet design, and privacy come together to create a setting that encourages unhurried rest and a gentle return to oneself.
DISCOVERArt in Every Detail
Shaped under the vision of an internationally acclaimed artist, the property speaks through form and detail. Every structure, artwork, and curve carries a sense of intention, expressing creativity with quiet mindfulness.
DISCOVERImmersion with Intention
Built without disturbing a single tree, Vihara honours the land through a gentle placement of every suite. The ancient flora remains the quiet guide, setting the natural rhythm that flows through the campus.
DISCOVERA Vision with Purpose
Our mission is to shape a quiet sanctuary where the rhythm of routine fades, allowing guests to restore themselves through mindful hospitality, a deep connection with nature, and art that speaks with intention.
Values that Shape Us
We stand for serenity and creative spirit, for living in quiet harmony with nature and offering hospitality that feels instinctive and sincere. It is a way of being that allows guests to slow down, reflect deeply, and return to a sense of well-being that feels both personal and lasting.
Guided by Vision
Founded by internationally acclaimed artists and seasoned hoteliers, Vihara is guided by a shared belief in creativity, refined living, and meaningful connection. Their vision shapes a retreat where art, nature, and calm exist in quiet unity.
People Behind Vihara
Our team gently guides each experience with warmth and attentiveness, ensuring every guest feels seen and nurtured. Here, comfort and ease unfold naturally, allowing moments of quiet reflection and heartfelt connection.
Community in Focus
We walk alongside local artisans, creators, and neighbours, letting our presence nurture the community. Each choice is guided by care and respect, preserving the landscape that shapes the rhythm and soul of Vihara.