There are places that linger in the imagination long before you ever step through their gates. For me, Villa Palladio, on the outskirts of Jaipur, was one of those places. It had been sitting on my bucket list for a few years, quietly calling me back to Rajasthan. And finally, this year, I made it happen.
The journey itself set the tone. From Delhi, it’s an easy four-hour drive along mostly smooth highways, with the occasional detour through roadworks and construction. Roadside food marts—clean, modern, and well-kept—offered coffee, chai, or cool drinks, along with spotless western toilets made a quick stop on the way easy and non-confronting. Leaving the highway behind, the road turned bumpy and dusty, winding through villages, farmland, cows ambling freely, red tractors rattling past, and women in brilliant saris carrying water pots or baskets of fresh produce. It felt quintessentially Rajasthani—humble, raw, and beautiful. And just as I thought this stretch was unremarkable, we passed the local tip, piles of rubbish everywhere, small fires burning and people litter picking, we smelt it before we saw it.
Then, as if by magic, a small bridge appeared, arching over a serene, manmade lake. The water was still, trees reflecting perfectly, birdlife abundant. Across the water sat an old white haveli with grand gates, just like an oasis. The moment we arrived, smiling staff welcomed us, and when the gates closed behind, it felt like stepping into another world.
Inside, Villa Palladio is lush, creative, and utterly enchanting. A classic car sat proudly in the driveway, horses grazed in stables, and staff—dressed in Italian designer uniforms that change three times a day—glided effortlessly between spaces. With only nine rooms and far more staff than guests, the atmosphere felt both intimate and indulgent.
Before even reaching our room, we were handed fresh flowers and the most magical rosewater and lime drink, a cooling welcome in the Jaipur heat. Our room, when revealed, was nothing short of breathtaking. If you love pink and red, Italian style, and artistic flair, this place is heaven. From the crisp cotton sheets to the handwritten welcome note and delicate petit fours waiting on arrival, every detail whispered care. The bathroom, clad in red-and-white marble, gleamed with soft towels and Ayurvedic amenities. A coffee machine for Italian espresso sat alongside a kettle for Indian chai—little touches that made mornings easy.
That afternoon, the pool beckoned. A designer’s dream of turquoise water, plush sun loungers, white umbrellas, and a cabana shaded for quiet reading. Fellow travellers gathered poolside, and it was as if Villa Palladio had curated our company as carefully as its interiors. A pair of Canadian flight attendants, a Spanish fashion designer, and two American creatives—our conversations flowed with stories of India, fabric shopping, cocktail bars, and the best curries in Jaipur. Between laughter, someone quipped this felt like something out of White Lotus—and we half-joked, hoping no one would meet a dramatic fate that evening.
As the sun sank, we explored the property: a yoga studio, library, boutique, kitchen garden, bar, and dining spaces. Dinner here is not casual—you want to dress for it. We started with gins and tonic and warm rosemary focaccia sprinkled with local sea salt. Then came handmade pasta, soft as pillows, tossed with herbs from the garden, followed by tiramisu that melted with every bite. The meal was intimate, lively, and endlessly photogenic—no wonder Villa Palladio is one of the most Instagrammed hotels in India. Back in our room, turn-down service awaited: crisp sheets, fresh towels, and delicate handmade chocolates. Sleep came easily.
Morning brought one of my favourite rituals: walking at sunrise. Beyond the gates, the village slowly stirred awake—red tractors crossing the bridge, stray dogs padding alongside us, workers heading to fields, women balancing water pots, and children playing before the heat set in. We stumbled upon a group of men working in a makeshift factory, stirring a giant pot over flames. Curious, we stopped, and though we had no shared language, smiles and Google Translate bridged the gap. They proudly offered us their sweet creation, a Rajasthani delicacy called Soan Papi, soft and light as fairy floss with a vanilla undertone and laced with pistachios. I’m not usually a fan of Indian sweets, but this was extraordinary—and their pride made it unforgettable.
Back at the villa, breakfast awaited on the first-floor terrace. With views over the courtyards, we lingered over homemade breads, fresh fruit, biscuits, and vegetable omelets made to order. Iced lattes refreshed us after our walk, and we soaked in the last moments of this haven.
Background Information about Villa Palladio
Some of Villa Palladio’s magic lies in its past. The core building was an existing Rajasthani haveli—originally a manor built in the 1980s by the late Thakur Abhay Singh of Kanota—complete with turrets, courtyards, scalloped arches and fort-like walls. When Italian-Swiss entrepreneur Barbara Miolini, who had long dreamt of transforming Jaipur’s visual opulence into a full overnight experience, discovered the property on the outskirts of Jaipur ( near Lake Kanota), she saw not just a house but potential—nature, history, and architecture already doing much of the work. She teamed up with interior designer Marie-Anne Oudejans to reimagine and renovate, bringing in Italian flair, local craftsmanship, lush gardens, water features, and vibrant colour palettes.
After about two to three years of planning, renovations, and even navigating the disruptions of Covid lockdowns, Villa Palladio officially opened its doors in September 2022. Since then, it has existed as a nine-room boutique retreat set across roughly three acres, offering an escape from the bustle of Jaipur but still close enough for easy access.
For me Villa Palladio did not disappoint. It was everything I had imagined—dreamlike, bold, indulgent, and unforgettable. The kind of place that stays with you long after you leave. I cannot wait to return.