Jaipur received the Pink City moniker after the city's residents repainted their buildings pink to mark Prince Albert of England's 1883 visit.
One other unique characteristic of Jaipur is the city's layout. Considered to be the only one of its kind in the world, the layout consists of nine, rectangular sections designed to denote regions of the universe.
Jaipur is also home to a myriad of notable attractions such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the Amber Fort Palace.
A mere 14 kilometers from India's modern, major airport is another Jaipur destination of enormous appeal. It is a romantic vestige of 19th century Royalty in the form of a hotel aptly named the Jai Mahal Palace.
What follows is a summary of what travelers may expect to find at the Jai Mahal Palace.
Palace Description
Once the former residence of Jaipur's Prime Minister, this restored 260 year old palace is as close to total cultural submersion as one can get in a hotel.
Known by the locales as the Water Palace, it is surrounded by water, blessed with spectacular scenery and sits on 18 meticulously landscaped acres. Guests are able to access the Jai Mahal Palace by way of an island causeway.
The Jai Mahal Palace boasts 100 guest rooms in all. Many of which are opulent suites clad with golden hued silks, sheer curtains, private balconies, paintings of mythical creatures, marble baths, colonial furnishings and rich, vibrant fabrics colored turquoise and red.
Depending on the type of room selected, overnight accommodations at the Jai Mahal Palace start at 14,000 rupees per night, double occupancy. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and may be made online.
An on-call astrologist, camel buggy rides, vintage car tours and an outdoor chess board with life-sized chess pieces are just a few of the hotel's more unique amenities.
Other more customary amenities include two swimming pools, a pool table, 7 hole putting green, beauty shop, library, health club and the renowned Jiva Spa.
Jiva Spa
If first impressions are truly lasting ones, the Sanskrit greeting of "Namaste" followed by the ritual foot bath of ginger and fennel that greets visitors at the threshold of the hotel's Jiva Spa is sure to linger eternal in one's mind.
With such an unforgettable welcome it is no wonder that the Jiva Spa was designated as "Best Spa Brand" by Luxury Spa Finders in 2009.
Once inside the spa's serene space guests may choose from a wide variety of spa treatments, including ones steeped in Royal Indian heritage.
Ceremonial pre-bath, bathing, coronation and pre-marriage sacraments involving ritualistic anointments and massages are all available for the asking. In addition, there are more mainstream, spa endeavors like participating in yoga stretches and meditation exercises on the spacious lawn.
At the spa natural ingredients like coconut, clay, rice, honey, cream, plantain leaves, saffron, turmeric, jasmine, ginger, curry, limes, spearmint, papaya, cloves, cardamom, orange blossoms and essential oil blends are expertly employed to arouse one's spirit, relax the soul, detox the body and balance the doshas.
Spa treatments of various price and duration may take place in the Javi Spa tent, on the spa lawn or on the Javi Spa Boat.
While on the boat guests may enjoy captivating panoramas of both the lake and the Aravalli Mountains as well as partake of an upper deck soak tub, pool and steam bath.
Leaving nothing to chance, departing the Jiva Spa is just as transcendental as entering it. On the way out guests are encircled with a fragrant garland, anointed with white sandalwood and showered with rice before being allowed to exit.
Dining
Travelers staying at the Jai Mahal may choose from eight superlative, on-site dining options; Cinnamon, The Marble Arch, Giardino, Marigold Bar, The Terrace, The Palace Tea Lounge, The Pool Lounge and the Celebration Table.
Of the eight, only the Marble Arch is open all day, every day. The rest of the seven are operational during select times of the day and year.
With gorgeous views of the Mogul Gardens and artistic plating, the Marble Arch staff takes a decidedly cinematic approach to its international inspired fare. The Celebration Table is similar in concept featuring boundless, gourmet cuisine and ultra plush accouterments.
Unlike the Marble Arch and Celebration Table, Cinnamon adopts a more singular focus. Preferring to specialize in lunchtime fare found throughout Punjab and Moghul, it is open daily from noon until 3:00 pm.
Travelers that crave a premium cigar and a glass of Indian liquor in the early evening would do well to consider stopping by the Marigold Bar. It is open daily from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm.
On the other hand, those that want to relax with an evening drink but would prefer to forgo the cigar may want to consider the open air Terrace Lounge. There one may find Rajasthan folk dancing and family-friendly puppet shows daily until 11:30 pm.
Those who wish to forgo the Indian food may contemplate a meal at the distinctly Italian, al fresco restaurant known as the Giardino or the casual Poolside Lounge.
Both are open during the afternoon and evening hours. The Giardino however is seasonal, opening only during the months of September through June.
Java junkies are also accounted for among the Jai Mahal Palace's restaurant offerings with the Palace Tea Lounge located in the hotel's lobby. It serves an array of coffees and teas daily from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm.
Additional Information
Travelers that wish to garner more information about traveling to India would be wise to log onto the Incredible India tourism website.
Jai Mahal Palace
Jacob Road
Jaipur, Rajasthan 302-006
91-141-2223636-6601111
Sources:
Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, "Jai Mahal Palace Jaipur" TajHotels.com
Every Culture, "Rajput" EveryCulture.com
Incredible India, "Places to Visit - Rajasthan - Jaipur" IncredibleIndia.org
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