The recently opened Raffles Jaipur is a majestic retreat that brings the brand’s renowned service, elegance, and glamour to one of India’s most vibrant destinations. Located a short drive away from the main attractions of the fabled ‘Pink City’ and encircled by the ancient Aravalli Hills, the new Raffles Jaipur is a modern-day re-creation of a palace.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to Raffles Jaipur, the brand’s second property in India,” says Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. “At Raffles, we look for world-renowned destinations rich with history, beauty, and culture, which is what led us to grow our presence in Rajasthan – whose ancient heritage of forts and palaces continues to inspire and capture the imagination of international travellers.”
Hand-carved from pure white marble, Raffles Jaipur showcases the finest in Rajasthani craftsmanship. Each element within the reimagined palace retreat has been exquisitely handcrafted by skilled artisans, blending the age-old traditions and techniques of Mughal and Rajputana architecture.
The hotel features 50 guestrooms and suites, each unique in layout and décor, and all appointed with an expansive balcony offering an outdoor soaking tub or plunge pool. Intricate details grace every corner of the hotel’s accommodations, including painted corniced ceilings, golden murals, furniture featuring camel bone inlay, locally sourced artefacts, and carpets woven in Jaipur.
Raffles Jaipur has been designed to invite guests to connect with the local culture at every corner. Upon arrival, a Shikar tent evokes memories of Royal Mughal expeditions, and the hand-carved sandstone columns in the hotel’s courtyard, each carved from different eras of Rajasthani architecture, give a peek into the region’s glorious past.
Opulent Mughal furnishing and patterned marble floors adorn a spacious grand hall, from which a hidden, mirrored door guides guests to a light-filled atrium, reminiscent of the design of women’s quarters of the Mughal court. As guests explore the different spaces, the hotel’s signature scent of neroli, orange blossom, and saffron fills the air.
Raffles Jaipur also features the brand’s renowned Butler Service, with dedicated butlers ready to meet guests’ every need, from curating bespoke experiences to providing heartfelt care. Unique to Raffles Jaipur, butlers will provide guests with curated healing rituals traditional to Rajasthani culture, including botanical-infused bathing, health elixirs made from local spices, and specially developed plant-based ointments.
Raffles Jaipur is also set to become a culinary destination, with dining experiences that offer a modern interpretation of local gastronomy. Inspired by the primarily plant-based culinary tradition of the Zenana, or women’s quarters of the Mughal court, the dishes at Arkaa, the hotel’s speciality restaurant, celebrate the essence of the North Indian region using local ingredients sourced from nearby micro-farms.
Libations served at the hotel’s Writers Bar feature freshly ground spices and herbs sourced from the hotel’s garden. The signature offering is the Jaipur Sling, a localised take on the famed Singapore Sling created at Raffles Singapore in 1915. The Jaipur Sling features orange liqueur, local herbal liqueur once used by royalty, pineapple juice, lime & bitters and Indian dry gin. The resulting pink hue honours the City of Jaipur while showcasing the flavour notes of the sherbets of the grand palaces of Rajasthan.
Safir
Traditional afternoon tea is served in Safir, bringing guests on a journey that celebrates diverse flavours through original creations. With stunning views of the rolling Aravalli Hills, the hotel’s rooftop bar Sehara serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on Italian specialities.
Guests can also enjoy a serene 620 square-metre spa featuring indulgent treatment rooms and mineral pools, in addition to a state-of-the-art fitness studio. A rooftop pool offers an opportunity to relax against a backdrop of stunning city vistas.
Continuing in the traditional legacy of the queen’s palace of the Mughal court, Raffles Jaipur will treat guests to a rich calendar of events and experiences with a focus on the local heritage and culture. This includes exclusive dining experiences, masterclasses with local artisans, and private concerts. Later this year, the hotel will unveil an Artisan Trail, where participants can connect with skilled local artisans and creators, exploring their crafts and stories.
“Every element of Raffles Jaipur has been thoughtfully considered, from the architecture and design to the culinary offerings and wellness experiences,” says Binny Sebastian, General Manager of Raffles Jaipur. “We hope to inspire our guests to immerse themselves in the local Rajasthani culture, while inviting locals to experience their home through a lens that is distinct to Raffles.”
Raffles Jaipur also lends itself well to visitors wanting to continue their journey further into Rajasthan, with Raffles Udaipur located just an hour away via domestic flights. Having recently opened in 2021 alongside the serenity and wildlife of Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur offers curated wellness and nature programmes onsite, while still being within easy reach of ‘City of the Lakes’ main attractions.
