That's because The Raj Palace, a resplendent new holiday spot in Jaipur, is as new as the coming year, even if its origin dates back to 1727
That's because The Raj Palace, a resplendent new holiday spot in Jaipur, is as new as the coming year, even if its origin dates back to 1727u00a0
Royalty's returned. And for good. The Raj Palace, painted a pale plush yellow and surrounded by lush green gardens, is as antique as it gets. And as futuristic, too.
|
|
The place is about royalty at its eco-friendly best |
|
|
The palace has 38 suites, a swimming pool, health club, coffee shop, dining spaces and small museums in every room u00a0pics/amit kumar |
Standing majestically on the Amer Fort road near Zarovar Singh gate, it's missable at first. A word of advice:u00a0 inquire around before you enter the main city.
Spread over five acres of land, the palace has 38 suites, a swimming pool, health club, coffee shop, dining spaces and small museums in every room. History and heritage connoisseurs would love it.
Make your way through two neighbouring neem trees, and enter the main corridor where a giant Ganesha welcomes you.
A little further, an array of antique jewellery pieces and crockery with intricate designs reveal the glorious history of its culture.
There are esclators alright, but you'd prefer to take the stairs the way the maharajas did. Broad shoulders demand a narrow flight.
What fascinates you is the fact that no two rooms here are identical in terms of design. Each floor has a courtyard, and sunlight streams luminously into every room, making our wintry stay wonderful.
Built in 1727 by the ruler of Chomu, the palace was first opened for people in 1997 as a hotel. The revamped resort, however, is heaven.
The owners remain the same, and when the first map is spread out to you, you discover not much has really changed in terms of architecture. 70 per cent of the furniture is original, while the rest has been re-designed, keeping the original in mind.
Expect period paintings and carvings filled with vegetable dyes, the kind that was, centuries back.
The place has been declared one of the best leading luxury heritage hotels in world under the World Travel Awards contest, third time in a row. With restoration that took 12 years and 18 hours of work a day, the title is well deserved.
Spread over 16,000 square feet, the four floor fantasy-land has a luxurious seating lounge, kingsize bedrooms, and a library, too.
It also houses the original throne of the maharaja, and silver furniture to complete the royal decor.
Gold plated bathrooms make it more of an indulgence. A truly noble one.
The Raj Palace
Jorawar Singh Gate , Amber fort Road,
Near Jal Mahal
Jaipur, Rajasthan - 302002
ring: 0141 2634077
price: Rs 18,750 onwards
