With its royal roots, a trip to Jaipur is all about the good life and Niraamaya Retreats’ Royal Heritage Haveli lets you experience a slice of the same.
The city of Jaipur always conjures an imagery of heritage and regality. And the city itself has a 400 year old history with architecture to match. Naturally when I had a chance to visit the 150 plus year old Royal Heritage Haveli that has been restored and converted to a boutique resort, I was excited to see the result.
Colour and Culture
Once a former royal hunting lodge, Royal Heritage Haveli By Niraamaya Retreats is nestled in a serene environment amidst expansive lawns and courtyards blooming with flowers. I was given a traditional welcome at the hotel and led to a beautiful reception for a personalized check-in. The décor of the space caught my eye instantly done up in hues of blue with a liberal use of hand block printed upholstery and vintage styled wooden furniture. The Resort Manager Aman Kishor Jha was there to meet me and also led me to my room. The property has only 19 rooms and interestingly all rooms are different in terms of their design and colour scheme. There are four categories of rooms including one Heritage Classic Junior suite the only twin-bed suite that is spread over 18 sq. mts., ten Heritage Superior Suites spread over 30 sq. mts, seven Heritage Premium Royal Suite that extend 60 sq. mts. and one Royal Signature Suite that is spread over a whopping 75 sq. mts. The all-suite property has plush interiors, beautiful hand-painted frescoes as well as Indian royal motifs liberally scattered across the rooms. My room was a delight and felt straight out of a palace setting done in all shades of a favourite colour – mustard. A small living area with a sofa, an extensive bedroom space with a king sized bed, study area and dining space and a spacious bathroom ensured that there was no dearth of feeling roomy here. The décor in all shades of yellow was both pleasing as it was aesthetic.
Culinary Cues
While you are here, you must experience the fine dining experiences and the resort has three food and beverage options including a bar, a coffee shop and a restaurant. My first meal was at Café Samsaara and once again it is the décor that attract you instantly. Done up in shades of pastel blue, the restaurant has distressed white furniture with velvet blue upholstery, colourful floral table mats and new age cutlery that gives it an easy vibe. The food here is largely continental and yet has an interesting take on health and taste. If you prefer the outdoors, which works like a charm at dinner head to the Kigelia Court where you can dine under the cool confines of a beautiful 200-year old Kigelia tree. The cuisine here is primarily Indian and it is recommended that you try the wonderful Rajasthani thaali here. There are also musical performances every night where traditional songs are performed (you can request what you like too) and the lilting notes of music make the meal even more special. For a quiet evening with drinks the in house bar Mehrab is the place to head to. The vintage décor includes glass arches and mirrors and the beverage menu includes an elaborate selection of the finest spirits and signature cocktails as well.
Activity Mix
The best way to explore the resort is to take a walk around the expansive property. A good way to relax is to head to the spa that offers holistic wellness programs. If you are here for a longer stay you can check out the specific packages that suit your need and enroll for the same. A small gym is also on site for the health conscious guests. An activity that I recommend here is the cooking session with the Chef. This is where you can learn a thing or two about how local Rajasthani food is made. Since I am vegetarian, I learnt how to make the Rajasthani Kadi as well as the famed papad Chutney. The Chefs will also teach you a dish you want to learn especially the famed Laal Maas. You are welcome to join the Chef at the station or be content watching the food being cooked as you sip on drinks and munch on small bites. If you prefer a dip in the expansive marble pool or a game of croquet at the Haveli’s foliage fringed lawns you are more than welcome. You can also spend time discovering the princely sport of Polo in a private class, witness training of horses and enjoy polo pony rides all at an extra cost. If you want to do nothing but relax, rejuvenate with healing massages at the Niraamaya Spa whose expert therapists work their way to ensure they give you a taste of healing wellness. The spa offers both international and traditional Ayurvedic massages that are a sure shot way to relax. A small gym and indoor games as well as a herb and vegetable garden is also part of the resort. The venue is also ideal for intimate weddings. As Aman says, “a stay here is unique because of our staff who ensure that they always create a personal touch and ensure that the guests leave with memories to last a lifetime. In fact we do ask our guests if they are coming here to celebrate a special occasion and then go all out to ensure that it is memorable.” And this is exactly how I felt when I was here. A perfect getaway with a custom experience that is sure to make you smile.
Reservations: +91 80 4510 4510 | Email: reservations@niraamaya.in | Website: www.niraamaya.in
Address: Royal Heritage Haveli,Khatipura Tiraya, Khatipura Road, Khatipura, Jaipur, 302012
This story first appeared in Spice Route Feb-19 issue here: