Fairmont Jaipur: Luxury Redefined

A luxury hotel, Fairmont is inspired and infused with the region’s rich and storied heritage.  The property has been done up with overarching influence of the great Mughal dynasty, and has semblance of a traditional Mughal palace.

You are sure to skip a beat with the liberal use of luscious green spaces and verdant gardens throughout the property.  I was fortunate enough to get the room with a view of the upcoming ‘exclusive spa’ and the rising hill-line of Jaipur. Although it’s not a heritage property but still it is steeped in a rich and privileged heritage, yet is effortlessly modern. Vast and opulent, yet intimate and residential.

The craftsmanship is a confluence of Mughal era’s aesthetic, a distinctive Persian style and, Ottoman and Islamic influences. Detailed, patterned plaster work and delicate ceiling adornments in shades of gold, blue and red as well as traditional artwork are featured.

Mughal architecture is evident throughout the hotel and carried till the castle-like roof-scape.  We were welcomed with a flower shower and nagadas and led through the massive wooden doors of the arched gateway, into the palace courtyard. After the traditional tilak we stepped into the Diwan-i-Aam which was majestic in itself with a storey and a half in height, and rotunda as the centrepiece. The large arched windows throw open views of the terrace and formal palace gardens, which are perfect to enjoy a tea buffet.

Each guestroom features a handcrafted wooden parrot on a swing, a warm reminder of the Mughal affection for nature. The 199 guestrooms are bathed in strong colours like distressed gold and rich turquoise.  Enter through a traditional wooden door into the alley area and a room with Portuguese colonial-inspired four poster beds welcomes you. A low Mughal-style daybed is placed thoughtfully.  The highpoint of the rooms has to be the spacious bathrooms. The striking floors have a complex geometrical pattern of stars.  Each bathroom features a shower cubicle with a stone bench and a huge and at the same time a very indulgent and inviting raised tub.

The Grand Ballroom is adorned with hand-painted decorative ceiling and intricate jail work on the walls. To titillate your taste buds, the hotel features Zoya, an all-day dining buffet restaurant offering international cuisine and Zarin, the Indo Persian restaurant, first of its kind in the country. Other options are AZA, the library bar; Anjum, the lobby lounge; Cigar Diwan, as well as poolside bar, Aasma.

The local sightseeing opportunities while in Jaipur, which is known for its historical landmarks, are Amber and Jaigarh Forts and Jantar Mantar Observatory. Jaipur is also known for its local artisans who specialize in captivating textiles, particularly rich, stamped fabrics, as well as jadau jewellery.