A Royal Retreat Unfolds Inside The Opulent Hallways Of Raffles Jaipur
Raffles Jaipur, the luxury hospitality brand’s newest venture, is an intimate and indulgent escape inspired by Rajasthan’s royalty.
A new feather in the Accor hat, Raffles Jaipur hints at a boutique and intimate experience. Sharing a boundary with the Fairmont Jaipur, this stunning new property overlooks the Aravalli hills and gives guests a peek into the birds and flora of the Nahargarh Biological Park. Draped with opulence and crafted with traditional Rajasthani motifs, it is a rendition of a zenana mahal. Rich with details like handcrafted decor objects, traditional lamps, rich marble structures, and endless corridors connecting the palace hotel, it breathes new life into the hospitality of Jaipur.
Known for its legacy of restoration and legendary luxurious hospitality, the Raffles brand comes through in this new venture. From the signature rose scent permeating the air to the overall layout, the emphasis lies on a boutique and private experience. The stunning architecture and design paired with their legendary butler service make the experience of Raffles Jaipur an indulgent escape from the heavily programmed typical five-star experience. Here each guest– with a little help from their private butler– can craft their own unique experience.
Getting There
Raffles Udaipur is an hour from the main Jaipur city, the property is located close to Amber Fort. Accessible by airways and roadways international and domestic guests can fly into the airport and request transfers. If you are already in the region, for example, New Delhi, guests can drive down or request a pick-up.
An Ode To The Charm of Zenana Designs
Historically ‘zenana’ means a woman’s quarters or private space. Deriving from traditions and cultures that restricted women’s movements to private and more exclusive spaces, separate from public life. While the practice itself provokes debate, this unique socio-cultural practice created interesting and rich designs for space and architecture. From looking at ways to increase light, and improve visual access to the world outside while remaining private, the ‘zenana’ served as a luxurious space for princesses, queens and their coterie. Inspired by this style, architect Robert Clive designed the Jaipur rendition of Raffles to reflect the qualities of a ‘zenana’ mahal. A feminine contrast to the Fairmont, this property is rich with hues of mustard, ochre, shades of orange, gold and blue, lots of reflective surfaces and a clever balance of natural light with private corridors.
Boasting 31 rooms with 19 suites and several layout variations, each room is an extension of the theme. Complete with traditional designs and enchanting furniture, each suite is an oasis of calm. The spacious and silver-toned bathroom with his/her sinks, an outdoor bathtub or pool– all suites come with a water body attached. A contradiction to a city filled with the most scenic wedding destinations, Raffles Jaipur attempts to move away from the commercial and lean into a more boutique and intimate experience for lovers, friends and close-knit groups looking for decadent hideaway vacations.
Progressive Indian Dining That Marries Local Traditions With Contemporary Cuisines
Embracing progressive Indian dining, the hotel comprises two restaurants and two lounge spaces. ‘Arkaa’ located beside the Atrium offers a blend of local flavours meeting global gastronomy while ‘Sehara,’ the rooftop bar and restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. From richly flavoured ‘paani puri’ selections to creative takes on Indian street food and local Rajasthan cuisine, the menu has a refreshing selection of vegetarian and meat-forward options. Meanwhile at ‘Sehara,’ one can absorb their thin-crust pizzas, and several glasses of wine– all while soaking up the scenic views.
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Built at every Raffles property, guests would be remiss without the iconic ‘Writer’s Bar.’ Each bar also serves a variation of the signature ‘Singapore Sling.’ At this one, the ‘Jaipur Sling’ reigns supreme. Inspired by local fragrant saffron liquor, the ‘Jaipur Sling’ is a refreshing drink that packs a punch. Meanwhile, their iconic Atrium space which is lined with real California Palms serves a delightful selection of tea and tea-infused cocktails. These palms were brought down alongside a team of professionals who periodically come down to preserve these palms — a true example of how Zenana architecture would work– whimsically decadent and incredibly aesthetic.
Known as the Atrium of the Tea and Champagne Lounge, guests can embark on a tea-inspired tasting journey, of diverse flavours through some original creations in collaboration with the London Tea Exchange. Each cup of tea can be paired with sweet or savoury delights like the ‘Black Tea Smoked Salmon Tart’ and ‘Earl Grey moist cake.’ The menu also includes an array of tea and champagne-based whiskey cocktails inspired by Scottish explorer Major Robert Bruce.
Elevate Your Senses Through Holistic And All-Encompassing Wellness Experiences
The property also includes a spa, a rooftop infinity pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and soon, a hot and cold mineral pool. The spa’s signature treatments include aromatherapy, healing scrubs, hammam treatments, and relaxing massages. To enhance the experience, treatments include a dip in the jacuzzi and an aura cleanse. To make their time at Raffles more holistic, guests can request private yoga sessions on the rooftop or in their fitness centre.
With a team of trained professionals, the Raffles Spa offers a selection of treatments. Before each session, the team takes time to understand areas of concern and explain the aim of the various treatments. Each treatment room is spacious with gentle streams of natural light that enhances the overall experience.
Also read: Dharana At Shillim: A Sanctuary Where Mind, Body, And Spirit Meld
Final Thoughts
Raffles Jaipur is a bold new step in boutique hospitality. Their focus lies on unique, curated and intimate experiences. Deliberately designed for seclusion, the hotel is perfect for those looking to take a break from the outside world and the daily grind. Their butler service makes customisation and curating experiences seamless. It is the ideal place to slow down, unwind and rejuvenate your senses.
DP Loves
#The Infinity Pool promises stunning views of the flora and fauna of the neighbouring Biological Park.
#A tea-tasting session of the custom Raffles Tea selection at Safir Atrium Tea & Champagne Lounge is the perfect way to spend an afternoon admiring the California Palms that line the space.
#The Jaipur Sling, an adaptation of the signature cocktail served at every Raffles property, is a refreshing concoction blending fresh juices and local liqueur.
#The Raffles Spa experience is a perfect addition to your getaway. Each experience includes an optional (but recommended) dip in the Jacuzzi, steam to open up your pores, and a good aura cleanse at the end of the session.
#All of the suites come with a body of water on the balcony with views of verdant scenery but the suites with the swimming pools are idyllic.
