If you loved Bar Palladio‘s signature blue and bold floral prints in Jaipur, get ready for another dazzling experience! Polo Palladio Jaipur has just opened (on March 18th, 2024) inside the prestigious Rajasthan Polo Club. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible, a dramatic and colorful space that reflects the lively atmosphere of Jaipur.
Polo Palladio is a private club within the Rajasthan Polo Club, open only to existing members with social memberships (yearly). The design goes all out with rich colors like sunshine yellow and deep emerald green, plus lots of hand-painted charm. It’s a place for those who appreciate luxury and the finer things in life.
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Names behind the creation
The design of Polo Palladio is a stunning example of layering colors to weave a story deeply rooted in tradition yet is modern. The mastermind behind Jaipur’s “Palladio” experiences, Barbara Miolini, teamed up with her design partner, Marie-Anne Oudejans, to bring this space to life. The space reflects the artistic vision of both Miolini and Oudejans, capturing the innovative spirit of Jaipur’s creative class, and influenced by the involvement of the city’s young ruler, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh.
Polo runs deep in this family! The Rajasthan Polo Club, where Polo Palladio is located, was founded in 1914 by Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh’s “Pacho’s” great-grandfather. Pacho himself is a skilled polo player who started young in 2015. The club’s ceiling reflects this passion with hand-painted portraits of his horses, even named!, polo trophies that look real (trompe l’oeil!), and polo mallets. It’s clear that Pacho, Polo, and the club’s history were major influences on the design.
Architecture and design
The moment you enter, you are greeted with a bold and beautiful interior. The space is a celebration of strong, masculine colors: sunshine yellow, emerald green, and deep maroon. This color combo isn’t shy – it’s everywhere you look, from the striped and chevron patterns on the walls to the dramatic painted ceilings. Even the floor is a masterpiece of intricate black, white, and ochre marble tiles laid in a checkerboard pattern. The furniture follows suit, with vibrant green and yellow striped sofas and cushions featuring Polo Palladio’s signature Mughal flower design. Even the dinnerware gets the treatment, decorated with a fancy scalloped pattern in yellow and gold.
The club’s colors are a clever nod to its surroundings. Since it’s located in Jaipur’s Central Park, they went with a lush forest green, a classic club color that reflects a traditional feel. Addition of a vibrant sunshine yellow perfectly captures the spirit of Rajasthan, the “Land of the Sun,” and complements the yellow blossoms that explode on the park’s trees in spring. It’s a design that celebrates both heritage and the local environment.
The walls of Polo Palladio are decked out in luxurious wood paneling, but that’s not all. Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, known for her intricate details, has added stunning hand-painted murals overflowing with vibrant flowers and leaves. From sunny yellow acacia trees to swaying palm fronds, banana leaves, and fragrant frangipani, these murals bring the outdoors in. They’ve considered every visual detail, from the cute scalloped edges on the tables to the embroidered linens – everything adds to the club’s over-the-top, maximalist charm.
Highlights
Polo Palladio stands out completely from the fancy private clubs in India. Unlike others that cling to a stuffy, colonial past with old furniture and faded photos, Polo Palladio embraces Jaipur’s rich heritage with a twist. It’s a celebration of the city’s history, elegance, playfulness, glamor, and royal legacy – all wrapped up in a luxuriously bold and modern design. This unique aesthetic sets Polo Palladio apart and makes it a truly special place.
Polo Palladio offers more than just stunning decor – it’s a trip through history! Each of its four stylishly furnished rooms (two dining rooms, a lounge, and a private dining room with a view of both the garden and the polo field) houses a curated collection of memorabilia. This collection celebrates the 100-year legacy of the Rajasthan Polo Club. You’ll find gleaming silver trophies and cups, fascinating old photos, and even an impressive oil portrait of H.H. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, unearthed from the Royal Family’s archives. The collection also includes letters from Buckingham Palace and the Queen herself, alongside vintage polo mallets – a treasure trove for any polo enthusiast! There’s also an oil painting of H.H. Sawai Bhawani Singh and even snapshots of Princess Diana!
Things to do
Explore and appreciate the historical memorabilia at Polo Palladio. Each piece echoes the club’s rich history, making it an explicit celebration of Jaipur’s polo tradition. It’s like a museum brought to life, but even more engaging and exciting. You can practically feel the history come alive as you explore the collection.
Polo Palladio isn’t just about the beautiful design – it’s a place to tantalize your taste buds too! Members can enjoy a world-class dining experience at its esteemed restaurant. The menu offers a global adventure with dishes inspired by polo itself, ranging from classic club favorites to exotic Persian delicacies. The bar complements the cuisine perfectly, featuring classic cocktails, an extensive wine list, and signature creations with unique Persian flavors like saffron and cardamom.
