Nestled in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Villa Palladio Jaipur stands as a haven of repose and luxury, offering guests a remarkable amalgam of opulence, comfort, and exceptional hospitality. Inspired by the work of Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who looked towards the proportions and practices of history in crafting his visions, Villa Palladio Jaipur, much like its namesake, seeks to embody the timeless elegance and rich cultural heritage of Jaipur & Venice; a vibrant conversation of architectural grandeur, intricacy & colour.
Located about 15 km East of central Jaipur, you will find Villa Palladio in the midst of Sumel Doongri and Kanota Lake. A feast for the senses, the nine-room property was built by the late Thakur Abhay Singh of Kanota in the 1980s and was originally a typical Rajasthani haveli until it was turned into this mesmerising hotel. The boutique hotel is the fourth outing by entrepreneur Barbara Miolini, her first three being Bar Palladio; an expansive blue space that has now achieved cult status amongst the who’s who in the creative world. She followed it with Cafe Palladio and Bar Palladio Delicatessen. With an Indian, Wes Anderson meets Alice in Wonderland vibe, Miolini alongside Marie Anne Oudejans brings her signature whimsically maximalist style with Villa Palladio. A striking White property from the outside, Villa Palladio is dipped in varying hues of Red that runs across the property.
Similar to typical Rajasthani havelis, the property’s focus is more on its internal features rather than capturing external vistas. In order to achieve this, the grounds have been meticulously landscaped resembling a Mughal garden, featuring precise geometries and lively central fountains filled with rose petal-infused water. Along the walls, jasmine trees flourish, while neatly arranged quadrants are filled with blooming rose bushes. Instead of engaging with the outside world, this nine-room property stands as an independent entity—a whimsical miniature castle adorned with turrets and intricately carved marble trellises, all nestled within three acres of land. The rooms themselves overlook the inner grounds, which have been artfully designed to reflect the Indo-Persian rectilinear layout found in the heavenly gardens of Islamic theology.
The hand-painted motifs take influence from Mughal, Moorish, and Italian styles to the multifoil arches that pay homage to Rajasthani architecture and evoke the design of Bar Palladio, a unique and imaginative aesthetic are formed. This aesthetic captivates, thrills, and surprises, yet manages to maintain a delicate balance, never overwhelming the senses. A capacious space, Villa Palladio weaves magic with its interiors, from its Scarlet striped corridors that lead to the rooms, each of which exhibits a theatrical exuberance. Each room is an intricately curated hand-painted enchantment with its canopied beds and marble floors; it is like living in a painting. The crowning glory, the Torre Belvedere rooms, seamlessly combine an eccentric octagonal layout with luxurious comfort.
Start your day off in a delightful manner by partaking in breakfast at a table gracefully set within the remarkably picturesque covered balcony of the main building. Here, you’ll notice the ubiquitous presence of the colour red, as seen throughout the property, but in this enchanting space, it takes on a lighter and less intense quality. For breakfast, you’ll be treated to a continental spread. As you savour your meal in this idyllic setting, the combination of the pleasant surroundings and the flavoursome offerings will surely invigorate your senses and set the tone for a wonderful day ahead.
When it comes to lunch, the culinary experience shifts towards a wholesome and uncomplicated approach, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Italian cuisine. The menu showcases a variety of nourishing dishes crafted with quality ingredients, ensuring a satisfyingly simple meal.
As the day transitions into the evening, you have the pleasure of selecting from a diverse range of dining options for dinner. However, a particularly intriguing choice lies in embracing the essence of Rajasthan by ordering a thali which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and culinary heritage, discovering the true essence of Rajasthan through its authentic flavours and traditional cooking techniques.
With its architectural brilliance and rich history woven into every nook and corner, the space captivates guests every step of the way. Providing an unparalleled level of luxury, Villa Palladio is a sanctuary which brings together sumptuousness and history at its best. Guests are treated to unmatched hospitality that reflects the warmth and grace of Rajasthani traditions. The attentive and friendly staff ensures that every need is met with utmost care and attention to detail.
The space embodies the perfect union of architectural splendour, cultural richness, and luxurious comfort. Hotel Villa Palladio offers a truly exceptional and unforgettable stay for discerning travellers seeking a unique blend of luxury and cultural exploration in the heart of Jaipur. This is a personal project for Miolini who always wanted to open a hotel of her own. She stumbled upon this property and found it fit as a way of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and getting a feeling of home. “I wanted to showcase what Italian living actually feels like; it is easy going & care-free, it is decadent and it comes from the heart. That is the true essence of Villa Palladio and a reflection of my own way of living” says Miolini.
An alchemy of exclusivity, storytelling, wonderous red and a feeling of home, the property has been modelled on the 19th-century concept of a ‘grand hotel’ and it is definitely the epitome of the same.
