Palace intrigue

A part of the Tata group, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces is a global chain of luxury hotels and resorts. Apart from providing luxury hospitality, Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces also offers various kinds of bespoke services to its patrons. We asked them to tell us about two of their most lavish recent bespoke projects. This is what they had to say.

Uber proposal 1

Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The Taj Lake Palace, with its fairy tale setting, is a favoured destination for the most special occasions such as anniversaries. And guests have gone to great lengths to ensure their proposals are memorable and unique.

One such request was made from an exmilitary man who wanted to propose to his girlfriend on one of the terraces right at sunset with fireworks signalled by a hand gesture. He wanted all of this to be captured from a camera hidden on an adjoining terrace.

The Taj staff had several dry runs internally on this, right from involving the photographer, to timing the sunset and the length of the fireworks. Several of the management teams were involved, and of course she said ‘‘yes”.

Uber proposal 2

Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hederabad

Another unique bespoke service was the Valentine’s Day proposal for an astounding amount of R10 lakh. Customized invitations were delivered by the palace butler. He fixed appointments for the couple at Canali and Burberry to design and suggest attire for the evening. Chefs visited them to discuss the menu. A customized diamond ring was designed for the woman. Jaguars were sent for transportation.

The Mashal, a unique dining venue, was created for the evening overlooking the 400-year-old city of Hyderabad. The couple was offered a bottle of Dom Perignon Rose, and a professional photographer captured the moments for the album which was gifted to them on departure. The next day, a champagne breakfast was served and the couple rode out in a horse carriage till the clock tower and on a Jaguar thereafter.

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