Raffles Hotels opens Raffles Jaipur property

Luxury hotel group Raffles Hotels and Resorts has announced the opening of its second hotel in India, at Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Singapore’s luxury hospitality group Raffles Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Raffles Jaipur, its second property in Rajasthan and in India.

According to a press statement, located a short drive away from the main attractions of the fabled Pink City and encircled by the ancient Aravalli Hills, Raffles Jaipur is a modern-day re-creation of a palace, paying homage to the regal art of living.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome guests to Raffles Jaipur, the brand’s second property in India. 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. We thank Ratan Kant Sharma and our partners at Triton Hotels and Resorts for sharing a likeminded vision and commitment to luxury, helping us bring this extraordinary hotel to life,” says Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.  

The statement adds that hand carved from pure white marble, Raffles Jaipur showcases the finest of 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, says the hotel, that features 50 rooms and suites, each unique in layout and décor, and all appointed with an expansive balcony offering an outdoor soaking tub or plunge pool. 

The statement adds that intricate details grace every corner of the hotel’s accommodations, including painted corniced ceilings, golden murals, furniture featuring camel bone inlay, locally sourced artifacts, and carpets woven in Jaipur.

The hospitality group says that Raffles Jaipur invites clients 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, gives a peek into the 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, says the hotel. 

Raffles Jaipur also features Butler Service, with dedicated butlers ready to meet every need of the customers, 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 specialty restaurant, celebrate the essence of the North Indian region using local ingredients sourced from nearby micro-farms. 

Libations at the hotel’s Writers Bar feature freshly ground spices and herbs sourced from the hotel’s garden, including the Jaipur Sling. This localised take on the famed Singapore Sling, which was created at Raffles Singapore in 1915, features orange liqueur, local herbal liqueur once used by royalty, pineapple juice, lime and bitters and Indian dry gin, a combination that celebrates the pink hue for which Jaipur is known and showcases the flavour notes of the sherbets of the grand palaces of Rajasthan. Traditional afternoon tea is served in Safir, bringing customers on a journey that celebrates diverse flavours through original creations. With stunning views of the rolling Aravalli Hills, rooftop bar Sehara serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on Italian specialties.

The hotel also comes with a 620 sqm spa, while a rooftop pool offers an opportunity to relax against a backdrop of stunning city vistas.
“Every element of Raffles Jaipur has been thoughtfully considered, from the architecture and design to the culinary offerings and wellness experiences. 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,” says Binny Sebastian, General Manager, Raffles Jaipur.

The hotel group says that 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.