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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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      Fashion Designer Mara Hoffman’s Mexico Travel Diary

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      3 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 6 IMAGES
      In her summer photo diary for Emirates Woman, Mara Hoffman takes us to Mexico – a remarkable destination that resonates with her design codes centered on beauty, spiritualism, environmentalism and humanity.
      Her carefree and energetic approach to exploration permeates through her collections with a sense of utility, fun and ease. Through this, it has led to an exciting partnership with One&Only Resorts, where she has spent an intimate summer holiday with family and friends at the stunning One&Only Mandarina.
      Here, the sustainable fashion designer and wanderlust shares unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments during her summer getaway as well as her favourite local finds and hidden gems.
      Scroll through the diary above to soak up the sights and energetic vibe of One&Only Mandarina in Mexico.
      Beachside Bliss
      “My personal recommendation is always the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of San Francisco or as it is lovingly called by the locals “San Pancho.” It has this wonderful mix of boho-chic surfer town and a place you could see yourself retire.”

      Keep It Local
      “San Pancho has a beautiful beach, plenty of local eateries to please every palate, and some boutiques selling very tasteful and authentic Mexican handicrafts. I absolutely love the shop Huapango.”

      “Sayulita is also great, my favourite shop there is Manyana and a close second would be Anncla, a beautiful boutique. Restaurants to check out in Sayulita would be Sur38 and Zingaro – absolutely exquisite cuisine.”

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by One&Only More

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      Dubai-based Italian jewellery designer’s guide to a La Dolce Vita summer in Capri

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      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      3 hours ago

      A high-profile clientele, A-list celebrity customers and the support of prominent industry insiders propelled fine jewellery label Faraone Mennella into the jewelry spotlight.
      Drawing design inspiration from classical Italian heritage, award-winning designers Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio craft tactile, one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces that have been worn by the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Lopez, and Charlize Theron, to name a few. Now, with the Amedeo’s recent move to Dubai, he is plotting his next steps for the brand.
      Emirates Woman chats with Amedeo Scognamiglio about his beginnings – as well as sharing insider tips and hidden gems and insider tips on how to do Capri like a local.
      When was the point you realized you wanted to have your own label and designing jewelry could be your career?
      I am the 6th generation of a family dynasty devoted to the craftsmanship of cameos and coral in Italy since 1857 so jewelry is in my DNA. But when I moved to NYC in my early 20s, Manhattan’s art and fashion scene of the 90s started to influence my aesthetics, helping me redefine my design vision. The mix of my Italian classic heritage and the NYC pop culture pushed me to dare and reinvent the design codes I absorbed in my father’s workshop. At that point, I felt empowered to not simply keep running a centuries-old family business, but revolutionise that ancient craft making it cool and current.
      Love Lemons 18kt Diamond Earrings Dhs25,155 available at faraonemennella.com
      You split your time between New York, London and Capri then recently moved to Dubai – tell us about this.
      I split my time between NYC and London while enjoying my summer months in Capri which is home to me and to my 2 brands’ flagship stores. After Covid-19, and the tragic loss of Roberto Faraone Mennella my partner and best friend, I felt like I needed to move somewhere where I could start again and not live with the memories. With the help and guidance of my dear Emirati friends, I moved here last year, and I still pinch myself every day how lucky I am. Dubai, to me now what NYC felt in1998: vibrant, energetic, advanced and exciting.
      For those who are new to the brand, what are your hero designs that are driving sales in the Middle East?
      Faraone Mennella’s iconic pieces, even after 20 years now, are the ones first seen on Sex & The City back then. Stella Collection, our first design, is now our signature and iconic quintessentially Faraone Mennella collection. Over the years, and thanks to our long collaboration with Carolina Herrera, the fashion queen of NYC, we specialized in couture and bespoke high jewelry collections we only sell in our own boutiques and to private clients.
      Abracadabra Earrings Dhs24,815 available at thatconceptstore.com
      How did you develop your signature technique?
      Although I am lucky to come from a family tradition and was able to ‘’experiment’’ and learn all the different angles of jewellery making from the very early age of 13 years old. When I design, I think of places, gowns, yachts and parties.. where my ladies will want to wear my jewellery.
      Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio
      Being an independent label, does that limit what you can do?
      The most discerning and sophisticated luxury shoppers are always on the lookout for niche brands offering a product not seen everywhere. Luxury is about dreaming and holding memories of experiences that can’t be replicated. This is what we offer, and the reason why we are able to thrive in a highly competitive market is due to the authenticity and uniqueness we have over the big conglomerates.
      What have been the highlights of your career so far?
      A few memorable ones are: designing the jewelry for Sex & The City (2002); being included in TIME Style & Design’s 100 most influential designers (2007); Fondazione AltaGamma, Best Jewellery Design award (2020); but above and beyond anything, working with Roberto Faraone Mennella for 20 years, to see our dream of the early days in NYC become a globally recognized luxury brand. Now that I am left alone at the helm, my only reason to work is to prepare our brand’s legacy for the future, in honor of Roberto’s life. Now it’s a luxury brand with a higher purpose.
      One thing to look forward to in Capri every summer?
      The annual Faraone Mennella ‘’Viva Capri’’ event! It started in 2012 when we opened. We thought it would only be a party for the official opening, but our clients decided it had to be a yearly reunion. And so every year, the first week of July we celebrate jewellery, summer, and friendship with a truly eventful party with dancing and singing, in the most iconic locations of the island.
      The best way to spend a lazy summer day in Capri…
      Don’t plan, don’t schedule, don’t stress. Enjoy the island, the way the ancient Romans did. La Dolce Vita!
      What’s your top tip for travelling to Capri?
      No need to stress about expensive private transfers from Napoli – enjoy the 50-minute ride with the commercial hydrofoil lines, they are easy, faster, and more comfortable. From Dubai, FlyDubai has direct flights to Naples airport is better than a private jet and makes my life and commute so easy.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by Faraone Manella; Feature Image: Instagram @pinkines @lespetitepestes More