Here at Wix Squared, we could not be more excited to introduce our ‘Gems of Rajasthan’ 12 night-itinerary in partnership with creative consultant and India aficionado, Rosanna Falconer, offering clients the chance to experience the highlights of her most beloved region of India.
Having lived in Jaipur with her young family for 6 months over the past year and travelled extensively throughout her career in fashion, Rosanna’s itinerary is ideal for first time visitors to the state of Rajasthan and beyond. With our English-speaking knowledgeable guides on hand to take clients on a culturally immersive journey – Rosanna’s best kept secrets and the jewels of this destination can be truly uncovered.
Rosanna says, “If you have never been to India or indeed Rajasthan you are in the right place. Planning this itinerary has brought me so much joy and I am delighted to now be sharing my favourite places and hotels so others can fall in love with this part of the world. I know that booking with Alex Wix who shares my deep passion for India, means you will have the most special and bespoke experience.” Follow Rosanna’s itinerary on instagram.
The Pink City of Jaipur
The journey starts in Jaipur where guests meet their driver and receive a VIP welcome, before checking-in at their choice of the regal retreat of RAAS Rajmahal Place, (where Rosanna began her honeymoon) or traditional Indian mansion and garden oasis, Samode Haveli.
For those wanting a little more tranquility, there is Villa Palladio just outside of the city, a boutique hotel close to Rosanna’s heart. A fantastical confection of a hotel by founder, Barbara Miolini and creative director, Marie-Anne Oudejans, with food, design and hospitality to delight and surprise around every corner.
Rosanna says, “Villa Palladio is the hotel that I was desperate to visit the moment it opened last year. I packed three red dresses with this in mind! When I eventually did, a photo from that stay ended up on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller India magazine!”
Sightseeing tours in Jaipur with a private guide include access to a royal chamber in the palace with champagne, a visit to Jantar Mantar, a personal shopping experience to all of Rosanna’s best loved jewellery, interiors and fashion stores and a walking or cycling tour of the magnificent Nahargarh Fort.
Jewels of Jaipur
Time in Jaipur also takes in India’s first ethnic jewellery museum, Amrapali Museum, and the buzzing creative hub of Johari Bazaar, where Rosanna’s friend Akshat Ghiya creates masterpieces at Tallin Jewels. There’s even the chance to stop for cocktails at the iconic blue Bar Palladio (pictured above).
We encourage guests to take an early morning walk with their guide to the fragrant Phool Mandi (flower market) before visiting Govind Dev Ji temple in time for the Aarti ceremony. An experience not to be missed, just outside of the city, is Dera Amer, which provides a sanctuary for rescued elephants, as well as a beautiful venue to enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner for two.
Away from it all in Nimaj
Away from the bustling city, we invite guests to unwind for a few days in luxury tents at Chhatra Sagar, where countryside walks, bird watching, and cooking with the chef capture the traditions of local life.
Jodhpur
From the countryside to the Blue City of Jodhpur, travellers can marvel at the jaw-dropping splendour of Umaid Bhawan or enjoy the modern style of Rohet House. We ensure our clients have private access to Mehrangarh Fort after all the tourists have left and are given the opportunity to take a morning heritage walk to local landmarks and on a personal shopping experience to Rosanna’s favourite textile emporium.
Rosanna says, “The Blue City is definitely an adventure for which you will need a guide – the famed blue facades can be hard to locate! You’ll be glad to have Wix Squared’s experts on hand to show you the highlights.”
Rawla Narlai/SUJÁN JAWAI
Next up, we recommend a few nights spent on safari in SUJÁN JAWAI or at Rawla Narlai. Here, there is the chance to witness leopards in their natural habitat, or enjoy a spellbinding traditional Stepwell dinner, amidst a sea of flickering candles, morning mountain climb up Elephant Rock in Narlai and a visit to Ranakpur Jain Temple en route to Udaipur, which completes this part of the adventure.
Rosanna says, “The Stepwell dinner at Rawla Narlai still holds the crown for most romantic dinner I’ve ever experienced. No photo can do justice to the sea of flickering candles as you arrive.”
Floating on water in Udaipur
In Udaipur, the final days can be spent staying at the floating palace of Taj Lake Palace or boutique RAAS Devigarh. We highly recommend taking a boat trip on the famous Lake Pichola and visiting Ganesh Emporium, a magical, family-run department store next to City Palace, which wraps up this gem of an itinerary.
Rosanna remarks, “In Udaipur, it’s tempting just to make like a Bond couple in Octupussy and not stray far from the famous lake, but I urge you to visit Ganesh Emporium, which has the most exciting, eclectic curation of furniture, antiques and textiles I have found.”
Our 12 night ‘Gems of Rajasthan’ itinerary is approximately £5,800 per person, based on 2 people travelling and includes Samode Haveli/Raj Mahal/Villa Palladio, Chhatra Sagar, Rohet House/Umaid Bhawan Palace, Rawla Narlai/SUJÁN JAWAI and Devigarh/Taj Lake Palace. With an English speaking driver, private guides and personal shoppers and access to the places and experiences as recommended by Rosanna.
All of our itineraries are tailored bespoke to meet the needs of our travellers and can include hot air balloon rides as well as extensions into other parts of India, such as Ranthambhore National Park, Amanbagh, Agra, Delhi and further afield.
We look forward to making your trip to Rajasthan extra special.
