Accor has announced two majestic hotels in India - Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur.

The properties were revealed earlier in the presence of Accor chairman, Sébastien Bazin, and owner, Ratankant Sharma.

Accor hopes both hotels will deliver a palatial experience in an extraordinary setting.

With 13 properties across 11 countries, each Raffles hotel represents a carefully curated experience.

Since joining the Accor network in 2015, the brand has undergone a renaissance, with a strong pipeline that will see the portfolio double in the next few years.

India’s state of Rajasthan is unique for its rich heritage and tradition and is famous for its spectacular palaces and forts, which makes it the perfect setting to continue the Raffles legend.

Jaipur forms part of the culturally rich tourist circuit known as the Golden Triangle, which comprises New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur; while Udaipur is a natural extension of this given its proximity to Jaipur.

Commenting on the deal, Bazin said: “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.

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

Raffles Udaipur will be located in the historic Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in India.

The hotel is set on a 21-acre private island in the midst of Udai Sagar Lake, one of the five prominent lakes of Udaipur.

The 101 lake-facing rooms are surrounded by spectacular hill scenery with views of the 400-year-old temple in the background.

At the same time, Raffles Jaipur is being built at Kukas in the city of Jaipur as a set of secluded private residences and courtyards adjacent to the larger hotel complex that presently houses the Fairmont Jaipur.

The hotel is anticipated to commence operations in 2022 and is located close to key tourist destinations in Jaipur including the Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal palace.

Sharma added: “Bringing the Raffles brand, which is synonymous with excellence, taste and luxury, to India is a perfect fit for our vision to lead both Udaipur and Jaipur, the historic cities of Rajasthan, into their next chapter while keeping their historic values and ties.

“The opening of Raffles Udaipur and Raffles Jaipur is a key moment in our strategic growth in India and represents a new era of highly differentiated ultra-luxury experiences for Udaipur’s and Jaipur’s residents and visitors.”