A Modern Oasis in Jaipur

Rajasthan plays a significant role in my life. A part of my family is settled in Ajmer and Jaipur so many a vacations saw my father pack our small family of four in our car for a quick road trip across these cities. I have vivid, pleasant memories of cold winter nights spent listening to Rajasthani folk music, watching the peacocks dance, or wolfing down an elaborate spread at the colourful local weddings. So, it was much more than the excitement of a short vacation I felt when I booked a trip to Jaipur for myself and my husband. I hadn’t been to Rajasthan in almost a decade, and wanted to see how one of my favourite cities has changed. And I got an answer at the beautiful and modern boutique hotel, 28 Kothi.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Centrally located in Jaipur’s Civil Lines, 28 Kothi offers the perfect location for exploring the historic sites and bustling markets of Jaipur. It’s away from the city traffic, yet a quick drive away from most of its key landmarks. Tucked away in the quiet and beautiful heart of the city, the doors of 28 Kothi open to reveal a private oasis, complete with a lush garden, lounging terraces, covered veranda and outdoor courtyard. All this, even before you get to your room!

PERFECT GETAWAY

My husband had been to Jaipur on several busy and grueling shoots in the past, and could not understand my fascination for the city. I wanted him to see the pink city through my eyes, and the moment we walked into our gorgeous getaway, I knew that Jaipur will forever change in his eyes. The vibe that welcomes you to 28 Kothi is intimate and relaxing, making it the perfect place both for a family trip or a romantic escape.

Built by French architect Georges Floret, the Kothi was originally set up by Gem Palace’s MunnuKasliwal for his guests from across the world. In its modern avatar, it is run by his son, SiddharthKasliwal, in partnership with restaurateur Abhishek Honawar. Jaipur-based Lebanese designer NurKaoukji is responsible for its contemporary, elegant and luxurious interiors, infused with a unique character that comes from custom designed and local made furniture, pops of jewel colours, and overall gorgeousness. Its pared down simplicity is a welcome departure from the usual, highly-decorated, overdone style of many Rajasthani hotels.

A PRIVATE OASIS

28 Kothi has two master suites (Moonstone and Sapphire), two deluxe rooms (Spinel and Topaz) and one single room-all extremely spacious and soaked in natural light.You really feel as though you are in a home not a hotel, which is the core idea of this establishment. I had chosen the master suite Moonstone as our home away from home, and even though the photographs gave an indication of what to expect, we were stunned by its beauty. The suite is massive, and easy on the eye with its soothing white walls and palm stencils. The tiniest details enhance the super-luxe experience, without being in-your-face about it. The suite features two large windows with garden views, a seating area, a king size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a massive bathtub for a long, relaxing soak.

The beauty of 28 Kothi isn’t just confined to its interiors. Guests have ample incentives to spend time outside at the sweet, lush garden and sun-drenched terraces throughout. In the evenings, the terraces are lit by torches and candles. The property also has a lounging room, and reading corners, in addition to a stunning library adorned with the most hypnotic, striking statement wallpaper.

INDULGE YOUR SENSES

Even though our suite was beautiful enough for us to have lounged there throughout our stay, we were delighted to know that 28 Kothi indeed takes its business of indulging your senses very seriously. You can choose to join in one of their daily yoga sessions, enjoy a rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, or catch up on some reading in the stunning library. I am sorry if I keep going on and on about this small library. You have to see it to believe it! There are also Sanskrit classes and cultural workshops you can sign up for. With all-day room service, and an in-house café, there is enough food to go around if you’d rather forego all other activities, and just choose to lounge around in the garden the whole day. I can personally vouch for that last bit, having gotten to Jaipur straight after a hectic month of hard work, meetings, and deadlines. 28 Kothi makes that chaos seem so far away.

FOOD FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL

While on the topic of food, 28 Kothi serves a wholly organic vegetarian menu. It’s focused on farm-to-table meals, with a rotating, seasonal menu, that is bound to serve a surprise or two. Having had many a traditional meals at Jaipur during several other trips in the past, it was a delight to see the local produce magically transformed into an innovative dish, easy on the palate even in the scorching summer heat of Jaipur. Apart from our hearty breakfast and indulgent dinner, we even ordered several teas and snacks in our room, when a friend joined us. Barely a day at the property, and we had grown fond of it enough to show it off to our loved ones.

GOOD TO KNOW

28 Kothi is located in Civil Lines – which is centrally located, and hence the perfect place to make your home base while exploring Jaipur.

Pre-book your yoga sessions or in-room Ayurvedic massage for a fully immersive 28 Kothi experience.

While winter and spring are the best times to visit Jaipur, 28 Kothi, with its green surroundings, spacious rooms and air-conditioned and heated rooms is a pleasant escape from the big city din throughout the year.

Full guest house rental is available for up to 12 guests, with 3 days minimum.

This is a great place to visit as a couple, as a family, or even as afirst time traveler to Jaipur if you are looking for an offbeat accommodation that is quite unlike the other cookie-cutter places in the city.

With free Wi-Fi, airport transfers, in-house café, and car service available, 28 Kothi is also a welcome change for a hotel-weary business traveler.