Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur

Welcome to Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur Majestic with spaces and with a design universe all its own, is the Sawai Man Mahal. This heritage-palace pays tribute to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II – an Indian prince, diplomat, army-man and polo player – with expressive architecture, restorative ethics, lush pleasure-gardens, haute-cuisine and immersive experiences.  Open, airy, cocooned, Sawai Man Mahal celebrates the best of Rajputana heritage. In four words, it is Jaipur in a Palace. Its façade is reminiscent of Amer Fort, its hall of 24 pillars mirror those at City Palace, while the grand lobby which predates even the Rambagh Palace, with which it shares its premises, showboats heritage, including the 187-year-old Golden Gate - Rambagh Palace’s original gilded entrance. Delicate thikree work, hand painted murals, the medley of tiles & stones, carefully preserved artifacts, vintage photographs and a subdued but colourful livery marks out this palace as special. Much like its muse.  Tree-lined avenues and lush verdure usher you to a palace, striking in structure and opulent in its details. The paths are lined with delicate white Jaali lamps that complement the introspective walks you might take, in the company of peacocks and bird-calls, as you survey the lay of this enthralling palace. If green acres are the new luxury, Sawai Man Mahal is liberal and imaginative with it. Check in to capacious rooms and private courtyards laced with greenery, royal suites with private plunge pools, free-style bathtubs, hand painted niches, ornate arches and murals. The décor has been handpicked by the royal family, be it the rooms, recreational spaces, the lavish Sabha Niwas conference room; or the aesthetics at the library-themed cocktail lounge - 1835, housing prized malts, conversations, and 200-year-old books for company. The Maharaja was India’s first ambassador to Spain, and this is celebrated at La Mesa and La Terraza, the Palace’s Spanish-themed multi-cuisine restaurant and al-fresco space. Momentous occasions are best celebrated at Maharani Mahal, the gold-accented ballroom that opens into the vast Maharani Bagh lawn. Chandra Mahal, for smaller gatherings, is silver-themed with an air of elegance. The palace-hotel’s outdoor pool and fitness centre vow to rejuvenate while the Jiva Spa at the Rambagh Palace next door, promises an inimitable spa experience. 20 minutes from Jaipur Airport, this immersive palace promises a sterling experience.