Where to Shop in India—From the Fashion World’s Go-To Textile Guru Inline
Photo: Joanna Williams1/8This supremely chic new bar and restaurant, Bar Palladio Jaipur, is located on the grounds of Hotel Narain Niwas Palace, the elegant spot I stayed at in Jaipur. It is run by Barbara Miolini, an Italian expat who, with the help of her friend Marie-Anne Oudejans (of Tocca), created a space that pays tribute to both Indian and Italian heritage with bright blue walls, Mughal flower murals, and a menu that includes both pasta and samosas.
Photo: Joanna Williams2/8I wanted to spend all day sitting beneath this stunning mural while having delicious orange blossom and pistachio pancakes and masala chai at Bar Palladio Jaipur. Complete decadence!
Photo: Joanna Williams3/8I fell madly in love with the Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. My husband and I spent four nights in its heritage suite, which was decorated with painted murals and portraits of maharajas that we marveled at from an antique canopy four-poster bed. I especially loved having a masala chai in the late afternoon while admiring the peacocks roaming the grounds, and browsing the tiny souvenir and antiques shop located just outside of my room, where I found some old black-and-white photographs of maharanis.
Photo: Joanna Williams4/8My favorite shopping experience was at Gallery 29 Sunder Nagar, where I purchased artwork and admired this vintage embroidered patchwork vest from Gujarat. India meets Africa meets Missoni!
Photo: Joanna Williams5/8I could have spent all day marveling at the opulence of the Mehrangarh Fort, where I spotted this beautifully decaying mural. As much of a tourist destination as this is, it’s hard not to be taken aback by its grand presence and breathtaking collectsion of Indian art and artifacts.
Photo: Joanna Williams6/8One of the best hotels in India, RAAS, exceeded all my Jodhpur expectations! From the heated lap pool to the majestic view of the Mehrangarh Fort, every moment here was magical and I was in tears when I left. I especially loved listening to the city’s call to prayer every morning, once while having an invigorating body scrub at the luxurious spa.
Photo: Joanna Williams7/8Another grand hotel in Jaipur, Samode Haveli is where we spent time enjoying dinner and having cocktails by the pool. The dining room, which is exquisitely decorated, is where I enjoyed the most divine rose petal ice cream—quite possibly the best thing I have ever tasted!
Photo: Joanna Williams8/8It’s hard to beat the pool at Samode Haveli, surrounded by lush nature and wildlife. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can wind down and take a break from the chaotic, bustling city of Jaipur.
