I picked Jaipur as the ultimate and only destination – the gorgeous pink city. A perfect balance of history, culture and beauty, without the overwhelming experience of a crowded metropolis. Within Jaipur, I picked Rambagh Palace for the entirety of our lengthy 10-day stay – an oasis in the heart of the city offering a perfect combo of accommodating my contrasting itinerary of sightseeing vs. lazy lounging. I did my research, noted the glowing reputation of the heritage palace and booked…
I’m writing this piece on the JAI-JFK flight to capture memories because I have to conclude: nobody, and I mean NOBODY, does luxury and hospitality like Rambagh and India. Let’s rewind to September 13th: stepping out of the airport into the cozy Jaipur heat and meeting our driver, we were at Rambagh in about 20 minutes, greeted by a team of what we later learned were the top tier experts in providing an unreal guest experience. Showered by rose petals at the entrance and getting a quick tour of the property, I could immediately feel the team’s strong pride in their history. Every little detail of the palace told a story – Matt and I were officially immersed in the heritage world of royal Rajasthani history.
Vikas was the guiding force behind our experience – thoughtful, creative, and effortlessly on top of everything. He’s a major reason Rambagh sits at the top of our “must return” list. Huge thanks to Khateeb and Karan for their attentiveness and kindness, Swati, Anslem, and everyone at Verandah for making our lunches feel like daily rituals, Hardik and the crew at Steam for the back-to-back dinners (yes, the pizza really was that good), and Lakshman, our driver for the trip, for navigating Jaipur like a pro. Every interaction felt personal and seamless. Hospitality isn’t easy – especially when guests come with different expectations and needs – but the people at Rambagh make it look effortless. As they waved goodbye to our car pulling out of the property, Matt and I sat there clutching the mini sandwiches we received for the road and just looked at each other in silence thinking – were these 10 royal days real!? One million percent, Rambagh Palace is our new recurring destination.
Let’s rewind to our night in the Rajmata Gayatri Devi Suite – one of the most special experiences of the entire trip. The suite, once the personal chamber of the queen herself, somehow manages to balance elegance and coziness in a way that feels both grand and personal. From the carved arches to the warm golden lighting, every corner whispered stories of royalty. It was hard not to imagine ourselves as guests of the Maharani – just with slightly more air conditioning and better Wi-Fi.
The property itself is an architectural and botanical masterpiece. Spread across 47 acres of lush greenery, Rambagh is home to wandering peacocks (they feel like little jewel-toned guards of the grounds), Mughal-style gardens, and even a private amphitheater and swimming pool once reserved for the queen. During a private tour of the grounds, we explored the palace’s own herb and vegetable garden – a detail that made every bite at Rambagh feel even more special. Yes, your mint chutney likely traveled fewer steps than you did that day. A living, breathing legacy – rooted in beauty and intention.
Speaking of meals…
We became self-proclaimed culinary experts of Rambagh Palace by day four. We dined at Verandah for daily breakfasts and long, leisurely lunches, Suvarna Mahal for royal Indian fare served under soaring ceilings and Belgian crystal chandeliers, and Steam, a restored Victorian train carriage turned restaurant, where pizza night somehow became a three-day event. And then there’s Polo Bar – now officially my favorite bar in the world. From the interiors to the cocktails (I’m now unsure how to live life without daily Jasmine Martinis and Jodhpur Lancers), it’s the perfect end to a perfect day. One night, our dessert came topped with handpicked rose petals from the palace gardens – it was poetic and delicious.
On this blog, we talk about ethical fashion, brands and trends transforming the industry and we also support Ukraine – quick break to donate $5!
NGO dedicated to strengthening the country’s defense forces through equipment, training, analytics, and veteran support.
