The splendour of Jaipur architecture at Devi Ratn Hotel
Inspired by the world’s largest sundial, this newly refurbished boutique hotel in Jaipur offers a spatial experience akin to walking into a jewellery box.
By Asih Jenie -
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Jaipur, the capital city of India’s Rajasthan state, is nicknamed the Pink City after the dominant colour of its many castles, heritage buildings and the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century architectural wonder that is the world’s largest stone sundial.
It served as an inspiration for the master plan and architectural shell of Devi Ratn, an 8ha luxury hotel – and the crown jewel of the Indian Hotels Company Limited’s (IHCL) Seleqtions hotel collection.
The plan and architectural shell were completed in 2012 while its interior was recently renovated in 2019 by Mumbai-based hospitality design firm Designers Group.
Devi Ratn takes its name from the Nav Ratn – the nine gems symbolising cosmic energy. This pushed Designers Group to draw inspiration from Jaipur’s world-famous traditional handmade jewellery motifs for the hotel’s interior, creating a spatial experience that is akin to walking into a jewellery box.
The lobby consists of long, triple-height archways with terracotta-pigmented GRC creating a lattice-like effect that gleams like jewels as sunlight streams into the interior decked with plush furniture with Rajasthani motifs and deep solid colours that contrast with the terracotta walls.
The glossy, red chevron-patterned floor was retained from the original building.
Meanwhile, small handcrafted decor like decorative trucks, rickshaws, and elephants lend a whimsical touch to Jaipur arts and crafts.
At the far end of the lobby is a majestic reception area made of marble that appears to float, thanks to clever lighting and a pair of decorative doors inspired by the majestic entrance of an Indian haveli (ornate mansion).
The Devi Ratn has five types of guest rooms, all of which feature a rich, eclectic palette inspired by traditional Rajasthani crafts, including thikri (hand-cut mirror mosaic) walls, terrazzo floors inspired by tie-dye motifs and paisley prints.
These craft techniques were also applied in the guest bathrooms.
These are paired with vintage objects like picture frames and landscape paintings by local artists. Designers Group intersperses all these “busy” finishes with white surfaces so that the looks are opulent yet approachable.
When you get hungry, the hotel’s F&B spots provide visual incentives for dining in. Vyom serves Indian and Italian food beneath 18 curving pillars.
The Mandala bar sets your cocktails on neon-lit tables while you’re blown away by the thikri ceiling.
The poolside Jal cafe does finger food and refreshing drinks as you take in the surrounding view.
Photography courtesy of Designers Group.