A Design Lover's Guide to Jaipur

Where to stay

• The Johri: This is truly a little slice of paradise nestled in the center of the Johri Bazaar. The hotel is comprised of five spacious (that’s an understatement) suites that are beautifully designed in collaboration with a local textile company I visited during my time here. Each room is uniquely flooded in varying pastel hues, each representing a different gemstone, something Jaipur is known for. The attention to detail is out of this world!

• Rajmahal Palace: This is a stunning 13-room property that is the former home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, before being converted into a hotel in the '70s. The opulent rooms, which are covered in bespoke Mughal inspired wallpapers, along with the cotton-candy-colored exteriors are sure to leave you inspired to redecorate! The staff here goes out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, while wearing the most stunning Sherwani jackets and carnation pink turbans. Be sure to block your afternoon and spend it at their beautiful Art-Deco style pool, which is set in their garden.

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

• Villa Palladio: Villa Palladio is a nine-room crimson and cream palace located 30 minutes outside of Jaipur. We had the honor of having the property all to ourselves for two days, when we celebrated our nuptials. There is truly no place in the world like it with its candy-striped corridors and Mughal-inspired, hand-painted walls. The garden, filled with palm trees and daybeds, leads to a chevron-striped pool house that is the most perfect place to lounge with a cocktail in hand. I highly recommend staying here after your visit to bustling Jaipur — it’s the most magical refuge! I will never finish gushing over our stay here.

• Rambagh Palace: The former hunting lodge and royal residence of the Maharaja, Rambagh Palace's stunning grounds can be wandered alongside the peacocks that share the space. If you’re into astrology, have your palm read by their palm reader while enjoying a cocktail! Astrology plays a huge role in Indian history and present day.

• 28 Kothi: A small and charming guesthouse, 28 Kothi offers five rooms tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood. Perfect for someone who wants traditional Indian design in a more digestible form (no grand murals or floods of color here). It’s also great for anyone looking to enjoy an extended stay in the city. While the property doesn’t have a formal restaurant, they serve up an incredible traditional Indian thali for dinner if you let them know in advance.

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

Where to eat

• Bar Palladio: This is one of the most iconic places to enjoy a cocktail (and a meal) in the city! Designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans (the mastermind behind the design of Villa Palladio), and owned by Barbara Miolini (an Italian businesswoman), the blue and white hues are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Enjoy a drink on one of their canopied sofas on the terrace before heading inside for dinner.

• Polo Palladio: Another vibrantly designed lounge situated on the grounds of Rajasthan Polo Club. The chocolate, forest green and marigold hues are nods to the colors of the horses, grass and sun — all of which are present if you’re lucky enough to attend an official match during your visit!

• The Johri & Sons: This is the first thing you’ll see when you arrive for your stay at The Johri. Drenched in the most perfect shade of bubblegum pink, Johri & Sons serves up incredible Indian classics with a twist. I ate here more times than I can count during the week I spent in Jaipur.

  

  

  

  

What to see

• Jantar Mantar: Home to a series of very accurate astrological instruments and the world's largest sundial. The sunset light reflects beautifully off the butter yellow hues here! India is an astrology hub and families used to use it to determine arranged marriages.

• Hawa Mahal: This 953-windowed wonder à la Wes Anderson is easily one of the most photographed buildings in Jaipur, if not all of India. The Pink City wouldn’t be complete without it! If I plan your trip, I’ll tell you exactly where to go for the best view and the best photos where you can really capture it in all of its grandeur — hint: it’s NOT the place everyone mentions online.

• Panna Meena Ka Kund: Situated not far from Amber Fort is this famous, geometric stepwell. It is truly surreal to experience it in real life after seeing endless photos of it online. Definitely a must-see on any trip to Jaipur!

• Jaipur City Palace: A series of courtyards, gardens and impressively painted rooms, the City Palace is home to five galleries that celebrate Indian art and design. Each room is different from the last, but my personal favorite? Chhavi Niwas. This vibrant room features beautiful blue and white murals that are sure to fill up your camera roll.

If you’ve ever had any interest in visiting India, I hope this gave you a gentle nudge to finally take the plunge. I’d love to help you!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Jaipur page.