You might have been familiar with the peacock-blue-coloured restaurant Bar Palladio of Jaipur that defines the aesthetics in a whole new way. Well, this isn’t the end of kingly aesthetics as Jaipur has come up with a new addition – Villa Palladio, a recently opened boutique hotel that brings the same luxurious vibes in a stunning shade of red. Unlike the many royal-turned-hotels in Rajasthan, Villa Palladio offers a more intimate and whimsical experience, making it a hot spot for those seeking a luxurious escape. Here’s all about this luxurious retreat.
Villa Palladio from the past….
Villa Palladio isn’t your typical Jaipur hotel. Located in a peaceful countryside setting, this former royal haveli (mansion) has been transformed into an otherworldly boutique hotel. Spread over 3 hectares, Villa Palladio, once was a residence of the royal family of Kanota. Late Thakur Abhay Singh of Kanota originally built the property in the 1980s. The entire property was constructed using local materials and heritage processes. Imagine a European-style villa splashed in vibrant red with light and airy accents – that’s Villa Palladio today.
To the present Italian-Swiss-inspired Architecture
The very name, Villa Palladio, gives a clue to its architectural style. Inspired by the famous 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, known for his balanced designs, the hotel embodies classical proportions. But this isn’t just a European copy. Created by a dream team of Swiss-Italian Barbara Miolini, artist Vikas Soni, and designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, Villa Palladio is a unique blend of Mughal, Italian, and Indian design elements. Imagine a luxurious retreat that’s both posh and bursting with pink!
Villa Palladio celebrates the best of Rajasthani craftsmanship! From the furniture to the decor, everything is locally sourced, showcasing the talents of painters, embroiderers, and woodworkers. They’ve even brought in a few special touches from Italy, like linens from Lake Como and Venetian patio umbrellas. To top it off, the hotel features pieces from Jaipur’s design stars, like Ecru decor and Gitto block prints.
A sneak peek….
Upon entering, a checkered marble patio and a kota stone fountain with manicured formal garden of yucca, red roses, jasmine, and burgundy frangipani welcomes you.
The main hall features Palladio signature tents, Mughal flower-block printed pillows, and hand-laid scarlet-and-white marble floor inspired by the Vatican. The marble was sourced throughout Rajasthan and was cut on site into the required sizes and placed manually.
Outside the gates, there are blossoms of white marigolds and oleander, while the front garden is designed like a typical Charbagh and is filled with bougainvillea topiaries. Once you pass the chevron striped arches, a crimson fantasy comes to life. Pillars, walls, furniture, and doors are all pulsating with red – a color inspired by cardinals’ robes.
The maximalist central hall is a visual treat. Pink and red double-height ceilings boast large, hanging lamps while daylight plays peek-a-boo through the jali screens. Elsewhere, the walls are hand-painted with a blend of motifs, including palm trees, roosters, and bear crests. Tented daybeds sit atop checkered white-and-red marble flooring.
A candy-striped corridor boasting Venetian wall sconces running along the perimeter leads guests to the rooms, each telling a different story.
Rooms and Suites……
With only nine intimate rooms, immersed in the passionate hues of red, the Villa Palladio prioritizes exclusivity and personalized experiences. The regal property offers Superior Rooms, Torre Belvedere Rooms, and suites. Although, each features bold striking patterns, embroidered bedding, inlaid marble floors, and the Kama Ayurveda services. The walls and alcoves are meticulously crafted with motifs that embody Mughal, Moorish, and Italian aesthetics.
Torre Belvedere
A magnificent queen-sized room that seems straight out of a fairytale. These top-floor havens boast private terraces, allowing you to step outside and breathe in the fragrance of the sprawling rose gardens below. Towering ceilings add to the grandeur, creating an unforgettable ambiance.
Superior Room
The stunning room features a queen-sized bed with an elegant canopy. The walls are a real showstopper, hand-painted with a bold mix of stripes, chevrons, and classic Mughal designs. The luxurious feel continues in the bathroom, where you’ll find plush, hand-woven towels and beautiful, hand-painted laurel garlands decorating the red and white marble floor.
Suite Room
The accommodation boasts luxurious suites with queen beds. It features a unique touch – a large, four-poster bed in red with scalloped edges. There’s even stained glass above the bedroom door! The beds themselves are beautiful, decorated with handcrafted Jaipuri quilts using a traditional block print design. This same luxurious feel extends to the bedsheets, which are embroidered by the hotel’s own artisans. The bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring hand-carved marble dividers separating the shower from the rest of the space, all decorated in shades of red and pink.
Dining space……
The dining hall is designed with the same playful red interiors. The hall is decorated with intricate red and pink murals, a gorgeous al fresco area that opens onto a verdant garden, where lunch and dinner are served. The ceilings portray garlands of pomegranates on a background of red stripes, while the walls are panes of mirrors that reflect the gardens.
On the contrary, the breakfast veranda leans towards an Indian aesthetic with its Mughal floral motifs. The furniture is minimalistic – be it the scalloped-edged wood tables or the latticed cane chairs, all handmade by local craftsmen. It has a more vintage vibe with antique fittings of hand-embroidered Italian linen place mats and napkins.
The menu
At Villa Palladio, the kitchen is the star. Their menu is a love letter to classic Italian cooking, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into delectable dishes. Imagine perfectly prepared, timeless favorites presented in a setting that’s both refined and warm. This is fine dining at its finest.
Other things to do…..
Library
The library is designed with a marble floor, signature scallop coffee tables, an English-style red sofa, and a collection of books wrapped in red paper that matches the theme.
Pool
The pool lies in a grove of red flowers and blooming jasmine, complete with a stunning arched pool house pool house at the garden’s end, shielded behind hibiscus hedges and date palms. Reminiscent of a circus tent with its candy-striped interiors, the space overlooks a black slate laurel-lined pool. There are Italian sun umbrellas and spindly loungers. It feels like an exotic beach club fantasy in the middle of the desert.
Yoga and meditation
There’s a dedicated space for you! The Eremo is a mirrored room with everything you need to find your inner zen,including mats, cushions, and even free weights. The Villa Palladio also has a spa, but be sure to book your treatments in advance to avoid disappointment.
In the end…
In a world obsessed with excess, Villa Palladio offers a delightful escape, focusing on the finer things. It’s more than a hotel; it’s a journey to a bygone era of elegance. Perfect for romantic getaway or a bachelorette, this boutique hotel promises an unforgettable experience for all your senses. If you’re looking to ditch the usual and discover a world of subtle luxury, Villa Palladio Jaipur is your place.
Villa Palladio Jaipur
Location: Nestled between Sumel Doongri and Kanota lake at the foot of the Aravalli Hills lies this beautiful property. It is just a 30-minute drive away from the city.
Address: Abhay Niwas Palace, Jamdoli Chouraha, Jaipur – Rajasthan
Cost: ₹30,680 per night
Contact: +91 141 2969762
Email: [email protected]
