A few days post Diwali when Delhi started to look like it was covered in a thick blanket of smog and everyone around me was heaving and complaining of stinging eyes and breathlessness- the government issued warnings. Schools were closed and the streets were empty and while Delhi started to look like a ghost town – I left for Jaipur.

Rajasthan has always occupied a special place in my heart because I spent 8 years of my life in boarding school in the state.  I was invited to visit the Royal Heritage Haveli, a former hunting lodge for an experiential for two nights. I was thrilled at the possibility of being able to bask in the sunlight, hop across to the spice markets and enjoy an evening by a fire and eat some delicious traditional food.

The Royal Heritage Haveli is one of the three 18th Century Hunting Lodges for the Jaipur Royal family for Buck and wild boar mainly.  Mr and Mrs Smith (here) have recently partnered up with this gorgeous boutique hotel. Unlike other hotels that have over 100 rooms, this space has 15 princely suites, each one being different in terms of layout, interiors, size or aesthetics.

The attention to detail is absolutely remarkable and each room has a different theme and the walls have been hand-painted with natural dyes. Some of the restoration work is apparent around the property but if you go up to the roof  you can see the ruins to see how far this place has come and how this place has transformed.

The Royal Heritage Haveli has quite a story and if you ask either Shambhavi or her family– they will sit you down with a hot toddy or a nice cuppa and explain it to you. Originally surrounded by a 3000 acre forest area but now civilisation has crept in 20 kms closer. The “Jagir” was inherited by Udham Kumari of Bikaneri descent who married Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, who resided there upto 1954. Traces of their times are evident throughout the property in terms of photographs of Polo playing or the times of the World War. Both Mrs Angelique Singh and Mr Pradip Singh painstakingly restored this property and brought it to fruition over a ten year period. Allow them to tell you more about it when you book with them or visit them for a meal.

Every room is absolutely stunning with cosmetics and amenities from Kama Ayurveda. The bed is super comfortable and there is plenty of natural light to keep you warm even in the winter. The suites are private and have their own balcony so you can sit out and have a few drinks or wrap yourself up and read a book. Each suite is different from the next and you have to allow the hosts to give you a grand tour to show you everything that has gone into to creating this space. With arches, murals, paintings, blue pottery and vintage fittings– you get the regal old world charm in modern day settings.

The attention to detail is absolutely noteworthy and Shambhavi’s mother Mrs Angelique Singh looks after the interiors and the furnishings. Shambhavi’s father takes care of everything else including guest relations, hosting and participating in trade fairs all over the world. His current labour of love is a vegetable garden that he is cultivating with plans to expand into a greenhouse to ensure organic and premium produce. Shivangani handles a brand called ‘Kesya’ that specialises in men’s accessories but she contributes very readily to the hotel with all the content for the website and the graphic design and creatives.

Both daughters are extremely entrepreneurial and look after their labour of love- Mehrab- the bar that is highly sought after by Jaipur residents and expats for a couple of drinks in the evening.

The Restaurant Kigelia Court (named after a 200 year old African tree which is sharing its shadows and foliage in the terrace is open all day. You can ask the chef to whip you anything you fancy or have a look at their menu for a smattering of traditional Rajasthani, continental or tikkas. Our typical North and South Indian cuisines are also made on prior request. I loved the grilled fish, laal maas and the chicken salad.

Baradari, on the other hand, is famous for its candle-lit dinners by the local and celebrities along with the residing guests.

The in-house bakery churns out fresh bread, desserts and oven-fresh cookies.Breakfast is a buffet with south indian specialties, eggs any way you like them, poriddge or oatmeal, a selection of fruits and coffee or tea. You can choose to eat outside your room, outside in the patio or in the dining room. I was delighted to have gluten free toast with my eggs every morning as I sat out at Kigelia Court. It was a great opportunity for me to catch up on my reading or speak to fellow travelers about their experience in jaipur.

The Frangipani Spa, albeit small, offers Swedish,Balinese,Kerala and Ayurvedic therapy options. Their ‘Ubtan polish’ is quite famous because it is a ritual that the royals would often indulge in to exfoliate leaving behind radiant, even toned, baby soft skin. The spa opens out to the swimming pool – if you wish to swim a few laps and a courtyard if you want to read a book and grab a pot of home brewed mint or ginger tea.

This place has unparalleled hospitality and offers both a peek into the royal world as well as the charm of being at home. You can choose to spend your day by yourself or you could (like I did) spend the day interacting with guests and spending the evening with the family listening to their stories.

Verdict- the property is absolutely stunning and the Kigelia tree makes for a spectacular backdrop at dinner- adorned with fairy lights. The staff is well versed with all dietary requirements and allergies since they have a steady influx of foreign guests so you don’t have to worry about straying from your diet here. The rooms are very comfortable and absolutely private so you can choose to mingle with guests or enjoy your solitude. The property is safe for solo and female travelers and you don’t have to worry about commuting to and from the hotel because the front desk will organise  a chauffeur driven car at your disposal. If you like dogs – – this is perfect because they have two german shepherds that come in the day and basset hounds that stay at the property. The spa is small but an intimate space for your TLC. I highly recommend the ‘ubtan polish’ which is like an Ayurvedic scrub that exfoliates, promotes cell renewal and fights cellulite as well.

Special thanks to Shambhavi Singh and her family for organising this little getaway and for inviting me into her space. I absolutely cannot wait to be back.

Perfect for young couples with kids, solo travelers and those of you who want a taste of Jaipur far away from the madding crowds. Go for the ubtan scrub and polish and order the grilled fish and pakodas with tea in the evening. Until next time…

Quick Notes:
Royal Heritage Haveli
Khatipura Tiraha
Jaipur-Rajasthan-302012
https://royalheritagehaveli.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/royalheritagehaveli/?hl=en

Photo credits- Dhruv Sethi-https://www.instagram.com/dhruvsethi7/?hl=en

Shoot photo credits- Sana Chowdhary-https://www.instagram.com/sana.chow/?hl=en

Hair and Make up- Tangerine Salon- https://www.instagram.com/tangerinetheboutiquesalon/?hl=en

Featured Image Courtesy- Dhruv Sethi