What are today’s discerning and eclectic travellers looking for when choosing their next destination? Finesse, luxury, an exotic feel? In the case of Villa Palladio Jaipur, a dreamy boutique hotel in India that recreates the palace of a maharaja, the above elements are more than self-evident. Set amidst lush gardens, the nine-room villa was modeled on the 19th century concept of the “Grand Hotel”, with Italian-Swiss-born businesswoman Barbara Miolini, quoted: “My aim was to create a sense of excitement, surprise and mystery as I wanted to share my personal vision of hospitality with the world.” Curated by Dutch designer Marie-Anne Oudejans, the red hues, floral and geometric motifs create a feast for the senses along with the scent of roses, jasmine and other flowers with the melodic chorus of fountains and birdsong. Nestled at the foot of two hills beside Lake Kanota, a 20-minute drive from Jaipur, Villa Palladio’s three-acre estate is an idyllic and tranquil setting. Part of the property’s charm was the existing building before it was renovated, a typical Rajasthani haveli built in the 1980s, a mansion that harks back to the Mughal Empire.

Photos Courtesy of Atul Pratap Chauhan