April 2024

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    2 Jaipur Insiders on navigating all the hot spots and hidden gems in the city

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    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    2 hours ago

    The Pink City of Jaipur is a travel bucket-list worthy destination that enchants and excites. Abundant in colour, beauty, and history, it offers a feast for the eyes.
    Here, Emirates Woman asks two tastemakers to share insider information to get the best city experience Jaipur has to offer, from hidden gems to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
    ANITA DONGREFounder and Chief Creative Officer at Anita Dongre

    A hidden gem: I love spending time at The Colannade overseeing the beautiful lawns at The Rajmahal Palace. With its vibrant wallpapers and candy pink artdeco facade, the 19th-century palace hotel truly celebrates the modern heritage vibe of Jaipur.

    A can’t-miss experience: Next time you are in Jaipur, you must spend a day with the craftswomen of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, learning their arts, culture, and life stories, at Badal Mahal in City Palace Jaipur. The economic empowerment of rural women has incredible positive ripple effects in their families, communities and society as a whole.

    BARBARA MIOLINIFounder of Villa Palladio and Bar Palladio

    A hidden gem: Gyan Museum, located a little outside of the city. This is the private collection of a jewellery family built in honour of their late father. The collection comprises gorgeous miniature paintings (the display of which is genius), stunning objet d’art, and a charming display of decorative hookah spouts. The space is incredible – a brutalist cave reminding one of a cavern of treasure. After a visit to the museum, guests are treated to private viewings of the family’s contemporary collection of outrageous diamonds, sapphires and rubies. As it is located a bit out of the way, not many people know about this incredible place, but it is well worth the trip.

    A can’t-miss experience: A beautiful experience in the city (and located on the way to Villa Palladio) is a visit to Khanoom Jaipur. A labour of love built between Simon Marks, a fabulous artist dedicated to handicraft and lost traditions, and Priyamvadha Golcha, an incredible aesthete and businesswoman looking to pave a new future for craft development in Rajasthan, Khanoom is an incredible and gorgeous ceramics workshop. The collection of tableware is actually stunning, entirely hand painted by a talented cadre of miniature painters. Plus, they often host workshops open to the public.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
    Images: Supplied and Instagram @theroyalfamilyofjaipur More

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      An editor-approved Jaipur guide: From majestic stays to magical heritage sites

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      Jaipur holds an abundance of colour, beauty, and history. From majestic stays to magical heritage sites, revel in the sights and sounds of the charming pink city.
      Scroll through the gallery for an editor-approved travel guide to Jaipur.
      THE STAYS
      VILLA PALLADIO JAIPUR

      Decked in varied hues of red, Villa Palladio Jaipur is a striking structure that marries rococo exuberance with the decadence of the maharajas in a uniquely joyful style, both equally at home in Italy as it is in India. Its painted verandas and scalloped arches open onto lush Mughal gardens of red roses, strict geometries and central water fountains. Canopied beds, embroidered bedsheets, inlaid marble floors and hand-carved marble latticed screens in the nine uniquely decorated rooms and suites further enhance the sense of exquisite craftsmanship (the entirety of VP furnishing was fabricated bespoke in Jaipur). Hidden behind hedges of blossoming hibiscus is a Mughal arched pool house accented with candy striped sunbeds.
      Wellness amenities include a spa offering purifying, nourishing and grounding rituals, a garden-side meditation and yoga room alongside a scarlet library, a boutique stocking holiday essentials and designer threads, as well as a stable of six Marwari horses. From breakfast served on the delicately painted floral balcony, snacks served in the striped Pool House to a lavish lunch and dinner at the charming Garden Verandah overlooking landscaped gardens, dining at Villa Palladio is a feast for the senses. The menu, perfected over several months by the Italian-Swiss owner Barbara Miolini, champions the robust flavors of southern Italy and, of course, a selection of subtly spiced Rajasthani classics.
      For reservations, visit villa-palladio-jaipur.com
      THE JOHRI

      A 19th-century home restoration in the midst of Old Town Jaipur that captures the elegance of a bygone era for a new generation of travellers. Nestled in the heart of Jaipur’s iconic jewellers’ bazaar, The Johri tastefully masters old-world charm featuring a well-curated mix of antique furnitures, textiles and art – a haven of relaxed splendour for design and culture enthusiasts. It houses five spacious suites overlooking a traditional charming inner courtyard named after precious gemstones: Manek, Neelam, Sona, Panna and Moti.
      For reservations, visit thejohrijaipur.com
      TAJ RAMBAGH PALACE

      If only the Rambagh Palace’s old walls could talk, it would tell stories from its royal past. From 1835 until today, it continues to play the role of a gracious host to prominent figures and illustrious guests. Through the years, the palace has retained its splendour, extravagantly decorated with elaborate detailings and lattice-work, sandstone balustrades, cuplos and cenotaphs.
      For reservations, visit tajhotels.com
      LEELA PALACE JAIPUR

      Located in a peaceful area away from the buzz of the city, The Leela Palace Jaipur wows with true Indian luxury. Can’t-miss quintessential experiences include Rajasthani folk dances, expeditions to the elephant village, holistic spa treatments, cycle tours of the sprawling garden and more.
      For reservations, visit theleela.com
      ANOPURA

      Backdropped by the Aravalli mountains, Anopura is a charming stay in Jaipur’s countryside. Nestled in an estate garden and flowering meadows, the property is surrounded with pomegranate and frangipani trees perfect for a slower pace for your holiday. Its serene minimalist interiors takes on modern Jaipur influences, while the corners of Anopura are individually decked with antiques, art and fabrics sourced across Rajasthan.
      For reservations, visit anopura.com
      THE SIGHTS & SPOTS
      A visit to Jaipur is not complete without stepping foot inside majestic historic landmarks such as Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-story extraordinary architectural marvel with a beguiling facade, and The City Palace.

      Built in the 17th Century, The City Palace located in Old Jaipur is home to smaller structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.

      Within The City Palace Museum lies Baradari where royal history meets fine dining – a culinary destination serving contemporary dishes with local flavours.
      Photo: Henry Wilson
      For smaller bites and sips, Bar Palladio is a cool hangout spot located with Narain Niwas Palace Hotel that serves Italian cuisine and beverages. The restaurant and lounge, designed by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, is a maximalist wonderland with wandering peacocks and lush gardens.
      Amrapali Museum is home to rich heritage of Indian handicrafts, decorative crafts and exquisite jewellery. Founded in the 80s by Rajiv Arora and Rajesh Ajmera, the displays pay homage to India’s insurmountable craftsmanship that have shaped India’s jewellery narrative.

      For those looking to bring home a piece of Jaipur, Parampara is a multi-brand concept store with a made-in-India verve – a shopping haven with a kaleidoscopic of local threads with an international flair.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Images: Supplied More

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      How One&Only One Za’abeel brings urban energy and experiences to the city

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      This dual-tower vertical resort masterpiece, a collaboration between acclaimed architects and luxury hospitality leader Kerzner International, stands gleamingly tall at the crossroads of DIFC, World Trade Centre and Downtown Dubai.
      A breathtaking addition to the ever-evolving Dubai skyline, One&Only One Za’abeel’s towering presence sets a spectacular stage for exceptional experiences.

      THE STAY
      Masterminded by Jean-Michel Gathy, the interior touches draw inspiration from the desert landscape, creating a thoughtfully curated ambiance and overall, a cohesive and immersive experience. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by a seamless display of artistry that blends culture and creativity – from the mesmerising geometric masterpiece by American artist Steven Naifeh to an eclectic array of international and regional works.

      One&Only One Za’abeel offers a collection of immaculately designed rooms and suites as well as curated corner suites for business, wellness, and creative pursuits, with exceptional privileges and amenities for discerning travellers amidst the bustling cityscape. The Villa One is a re-imagined signature villa taken to lofty new heights. The 755 square-meter expanse includes two bedrooms, a majlis, an outdoor infinity pool, cinema, gym, and comes with exclusive benefits such as a dedicated host, in-villa personal trainers, spa treatments and private chef access.

      THE DINING
      Dramatically perched between the two towers, The Link is a futuristic boulevard floating 100 metres above the city. The world’s longest cantilever building, this culinary haven gathers immersive gastronomic experiences and the UAE’s longest suspended infinity pool, in one architectural marvel. Expect Michelin-starred French cuisine at La Dame De Pic by Anne-Sophie Pic, contemporary Moorish delights at Qabu by Paco Morales, refined modern Japanese fare at Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda, and more.

      THE WELLNESS
      The first of its kind in Dubai, the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie is where wellness takes centre stage. Dedicated to unlocking longevity and lasting vitality, the pioneering treatments combine the latest in transformative health science, cutting-edge aesthetics, and tailored wellness solutions. This three-storey advanced wellness space combines evidence-based medicine and pioneering aesthetics to deliver ultra-personalised wellness solutions to address the daily stressors of urban living.

      Spread over three floors, The Hub comprises of 29 treatment rooms for wellbeing and clinical therapies; a Movement Studio with state-of-the-art gym facilities; a Longevity Bar; and the region’s first Longevity Index Lounge, which boasts cutting-edge solutions including the Neuro Wave Stimulation – a tech-guided acoustic and vibrational therapy that enables even the busiest of minds to enter a deep state of relaxation.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Images: Supplied More

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      Exclusive: In the office with Reyes Lezcano, GM of L’Artisan Parfumeur

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      2 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 5 IMAGES
      L’Artisan Parfumeur’s General Manager, Reyes Lezcano, takes us inside this botanical fragrance oasis in Dubai Mall.
      How long has the brand been in this space?
      We opened on January 30.
      How does the interior reflect the brand?
      The L’Artisan Parfumeur boutique is a unique place where French heritage, nature and craftsmanship come together. To enter L’Artisan Parfumeur is to experience the legacy of its founder, Jean Laporte: a conversation between tradition and modernity, an ongoing exchange about fragrance and a celebration of the pure beauty of craftsmanship.
      The L’Artisan Parfumeur boutiques displays rare, new, and unique items, inviting discovery, discussion and exchange about raw materials and perfume. Encouraged by the warm atmosphere of the wood that decorates the space, the curiosity of the customers is heightened by the botanical prints on the walls, as they are introduced to the scents and the beautiful raw materials of perfumery. They can also discover the craft techniques used in the workshops of L’Artisan Parfumeur: hot stamping to personalise leather pouches, the delicate engraving of bottles or the experience of carefully crafted gift packaging, thanks to the expertise of the House’s craftsmen.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Photography: Mark Mathew More

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      The ultimate city retreat: Abundant in heritage, soulful style and experiences

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      57 mins ago

      Nestled within a tranquil golden landscape, Bab Al Shams Resort is the ultimate last-minute city getaway retreat abundant in heritage, soulful style and experiences.
      THE STAY

      Bab Al Shams is part of the Rare Finds collection of hospitality addresses which provides guests with a storied and luxurious experience drawn from the distinct heritage of its location. Having undergone a renovation and relaunch last year, this desertscape boasts of decor and overall vibe that incorporates hints of local cultural elements with a contemporary minimalist touch. 115 rooms and suites may sound like a lot, but the vast property has been laid out in a way that you get privacy and peace during your stay – truly a modern oasis of comfort.
      THE DINING

      At daytime, get whisked to the Mediterranean while dining at Zala, where they serve a selection of Turkish and Greek dishes perfect for a leisurely lunch. For sundowners and Pan-Asian cravings, the newly opened rooftop lounge Anwā offers Pan-Asian tapas and excellently crafted cocktails. Come night time, Ninive Bab Al Shams brings an unique Bedouin-inspired dining experience in a vibrant and relaxed atmosphere. Savour Middle Eastern specialties featuring Iranian, Iraqi, Turkish and Moroccan influences.

      THE WELLNESS
      The Spa & Hammam reinforces a holistic approach to wellness offering experiences infused with Arabian healing traditions, drawing and healing from its surrounding dunes to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit using organic and sustainable products from both international and homegrown brands such as Whind, De L’Arta, Bamford and Maison d’Asa.

      The hero experience is the Oriental Hammam where guests tap into the time-honoured practice of sand bathing within decadent quartz and oud, warm black soap, a neroli Rassoul mask combined with an Argan therapeutic massage followed by an Arabian oud facial.
      WHAT TO PACK

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Images: Supplied More