Date: 9^th August 2014

I am back to the place where I belong, my beautiful state of Rajasthan!!!

I have a strong connect with it as it’s my birthplace and I have spent my childhood there. I travel to Rajasthan every few years and re-live my childhood adding new experiences to the memory lane. This time it all started at the beautiful hotel: Fairmont, Jaipur.

Jaipur as you all know is known as the “Pink city of India” and a well-known tourist destination. This is where I was born 🙂

The luxurious hotel is located in the outskirts of the Pink City. Gleaming under the watchful eyes of the Aravalli hills, glittering with history and culture of Rajasthan, the hotel is a living palace that graciously combines the glories of the past with modern day comforts. Every aspect of the hotel, the architecture, the layout, the décor, the hospitality has been inspired by the legends of two of India’s most celebrated rulers – the Mughals and the Rajputs.

 

As soon as we entered the magnificent door of the hotel we passed through the beautiful Char Baagh (four gardens) courtyard: simply serene and peaceful.  The rain drops were making the experience even more tranquil. We were welcomed at the hotel lobby by a beautiful lady who smeared  my forehead with the traditional “tika” as the melodious sound of Santoor (an Indian music instrument) played in the background.

 

 

We were welcomed by the hotel staff at the Fairmont Gold floor. The Fairmont Gold Floor, is an exclusive ‘hotel within a hotel’ which features access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge with personalized service and luxuries such as an intimate lounge area that serves afternoon tea, evening canapés and a wide choice of drinks and beverages.

We were escorted to our room which was again gorgeous; overlooking the hills. I really liked the hand written note kept on the bed, the personalized notes do make a lot of difference and I really appreciate this effort by the staff.

The Mughals were known for their love of beauty and refinement; this is evident in their patronage of art and artisans. With unparalleled wealth at their disposal they encouraged the finest craftsmen to create masterpieces that till date have no match. At Fairmont Jaipur this influence resonates throughout in the form of intricate frescos in hues of blue, gold and red that adorns the walls of the hotel.

After having a conversation with the hotel staff they told me that these were especially created for Fairmont Jaipur by local artisans and craftsmen from Jaipur who painstakingly created these masterpieces that are a contemporary interpretation of Mughal aesthetic. Warm low lighting throughout the hotel gives a welcome and intimate feel as the treasures such as the vintage Shekhawati furniture, carved silver antiques, the large velvet pankha in the lobby and the rich upholstery make you feel like you are a part of an ancient love story.

The Mughals and the Rajputs were impeccable hosts and their feasts were legendary. Taking a cue from the culinary traditions of these great dynasties Fairmont Jaipur offers guests a range of dining experiences that are unique and memorable. The hotel is equipped with Zoya, the all-day dining restaurant, boasts a world cuisine menu with a dedicated section of Rajasthani fare highlighting heritage dishes from the royal households. The restaurant has five distinct dining areas ranging from the luxury tent with hues of blue and silver in the main dining area to the lily pond dining space which is an outdoor setting highlighted by the romance of dining under the stars. We had a great time exploring the Buffet at Zoya with a wide variety of cuisines. My favourite from the menu is Sev ka Paratha: Unique and mouth-watering. The Head Chef and the staff were really nice and they helped us experience the best of Rajasthani cuisine.

 

Serving an unrivalled selection of authentic, high quality teas, Fairmont Jaipur’s lobby lounge Anjum offers a local twist to the long-standing Fairmont tradition of afternoon teas. This informal lounge is host to connoisseurs of beverages hot and cold and is a hub of activity in the hotel. At the regency style library bar, Aza, guests can sample an impressive selection of wines & malt whisky with old world oak display cabinets and bespoke cocktails. This bar is a private and intimate space to enjoy the classics in the company of fine aged spirits. With a mix of high and lounge seating, Fairmont Jaipur’s Cigar Diwan, is a classic smoking room, perfect after dinner space. Home to some of the best Cubans in India, the Cigar Diwan with its heady aroma of refined tobacco mixes is a delight for those who appreciate the fine things in life.

I happened to witness a Dubai based Sindhi wedding and the venue was dazzling even more because of the wedding preparations. The hotel also has a Kids club which is bright, colourful filled with toys, gadgets and games. While you head to gym or spa you can drop your kid there and be rest assured that the staff will look after them very well.

The Fairmont Spa does inspire a sense of peace and tranquility. I tried the Aromatherapy massage and fresh ingredients facial. The highly trained and skilled masseurs work on your muscles reaching and penetrating each stressed layer with therapies such as the Swedish massages, the signature Hot Stone Massage or traditional Thai massage in the special Thai healing room. Each massage is an experience that lasts nearly an hour prefixed or suffixed with some private time in the Sauna or Jacuzzi.

Besides the spa and gym the hotel also offers a multitude of experiences accompanied with host of excursions and unique services for guests. Ranging from hot air ballooning, mountaineering at the Aravalli hills, elephant rides, picnics and a stroll through the nearby village, a guided tour to the city’s most popular attractions, the hotel has a vast list of itineraries planned. The traditional Rajasthani entertainments accompanied by story tellers literally transport guests to an era where kings and queens fell in love and reigned over kingdoms of gems and jewels. Guests can also explore the ancient art of falconry with hands-on lessons led by a trained falconer present at the hotel. Every evening the hotel winds down with a magnificent lighting ceremony signaling the end of the day and the beginning of nocturnal festivities.

Fairmont Jaipur is an experience in privileged elegant living. A luxury hotel that truly encapsulates the essence of the region’s history and culture in its design and architecture, it is a grand contemporary escapade that celebrates the finer things in life.

Great hospitality, superb staff and the serene surroundings makes it a perfect choice to escape from the regular city life. I would like to stop by Fairmont every time I go to Rajasthan.

Website:  http://www.fairmont.com/jaipur/

Phone No.: 01426 420000 Email – jai.reservations@fairmont.com

Wardrobe Sponsor: Satrang by Preeti Chandwani

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