Travel + Leisure - India & South Asia
Regal Escape
A posh hotel on the outskirts of the Pink City, Fairmont Jaipur takes you back to a golden era.
FAIRMONT JAIPUR IS A living palace that blends the glories of the destination’s royal past with modern comforts to offer an immersive experience of the Pink City. With architecture inspired by Mughal and Rajput eras, the five-star hotel makes a memorable first impression. Vintage Shekhawati furniture, carved silver antiques, a huge velvet pankha in the lobby, and lavish upholstery lend an equally luxurious aura to the interiors. The Mughals’ patronage of art was legendary, so it’s fitting that the hotel has frescoes in blue, gold, and red that were specially made by local artisans.
Each of the property’s 245 guest rooms is soaked in heritage. Guests can choose from the lavish Fairmont Gold accommodation, a range of Guest Rooms, and expansive Suites that offer opulent furnishings and imposing terraces. The dining experiences further embellish the royalty experience—dine under the stars at the Imperial Terrace, get a table for two at the Fishpond, or have a quiet meal by the Reflective Pool.
If you’re on a family holiday, you can make the most of your stay by availing the Family Moments package. Expect privileges such as a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages, including in-room dining and alcoholic beverages; a complimentary meal at the multi-cuisine restaurant, Zoya; daily events; the option of availing personalised concierge facilities; activities for kids at the kids’ club Tingar, and more. Valid until the end of March 2021, the offer lets you bask in Jaipur’s balmy weather in the company of your loved ones. And if you’re worried about safety and hygiene aspects, the hotel carries Accor’s ALLSAFE label, which goes above and beyond local and international regulatory measures and even comes with a dedicated ALLSAFE officer. Family Moments package from `15,000 plus taxes (T&C apply); fairmont.com
LOCATED IN Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island Maldives is a secluded paradise. Velaa in the local Dhivehi language means ‘turtles’. The resort not only gets its theme from these reptiles that have been flocking to the island to nest for years, but also ensures a safe space for them as part of a conservation plan.
The property offers three dining venues and 47 private villas, houses, and residences. At the moment, however, it is drawing the world’s attention with the Velaa Ballet Week. From February 8 to 14, 2021, the resort will collaborate with some of the biggest ballet stars in the world, hosting unique performances on the beach, under the stars. You can engage in conversations, learn the history of ballet, take a personal ballet stretching class, or enrol your kids in private classes with the masters. The highlight of the week are two world-class performances on February 10 and 12, curated by Julian MacKay and Xander Parish, principal dancers from San Francisco Ballet and Mariinsky Theatre, respectively.
The line-up includes artistes such as Alena Kovaleva from Bolshoi Theatre, Christine Shevchenko from American Ballet Theatre, Laura Fernandez from Stanislavsky Theatre, and Jorge Viladoms from Conservatoire de Lausanne, Switzerland. velaaprivateisland.com