The Sarvato is perched on a rooftop in the heart of City Palace with panoramic views of the Chandra Mahal. How rare to find a restaurant with a view as magnificent as the menu... A collaboration between His Highness Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur and restauranteur Abhishek Honawar (also co-founder of my long-time love The Johri). The tasting menu is a journey through Rajasthan's rich culinary heritage re-imagined with innovation. Run, don’t walk to make a reservation.

The Sarvato, The City Palace, Gangori Bazaar, J.D.A. Market, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

I've been wanting to try 1932 Trevi since it opened, hearing from friends all about its sensational courtyard alfresco dining as well as its bold interiors. The vibe is lively with locals. The Italian and Indian menus are ambitious but really sing and harmonise together well. The jackfruit korma tacos and hazelnut and chocolate mud pie were particularly of note.

1932 Trevi, Santha Bagh, Kalyan Path, Rambagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

I fell head over heels for this new boutique hotel in the Old City. For me, Padmaa is a fairytale haveli of mint greens, blush pinks and sensational rooftop views.

More than just an undeniable aesthetic delight, the location is excellent, the food innovative and the team exceptional - especially Yudi Singh - Operations Manager at Padmaa.

Padmaa Jaipur, 782, Churukon Ka Rasta, Chaura Rasta, Modikhana, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

This 300-year-old haveli was recently renovated and it shows - a jewel box of serenity and beautiful design in the heart of Amer. Surya Haveli has an unbeatable view of Amer Palace, particularly at sunset. The 6 bedrooms are decorated with bespoke wallpaper and custom-made furniture. It's also available for private hire so would be perfect for large families or groups.

Surya Haveli, Gandhi Chowk, behind SBI Bank, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

Niravi is new a boutique hotel and a real oasis. Its tranquil gardens, filled with birdsong, feel like Tangier meets Jaipur. I only had time to visit for breakfast with my daughter but we can't wait to return this summer. Rooms are an aesthetic delight - murals, scallops and block prints - but it's the service that captured my heart. The team have that rare talent of knowing exactly what you want before you have even realised it yourself.

Niravi, 2, Peelwa Garden, Moti Doongri Rd, Anand Puri, Bees Dukan, Adarsh Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

An enlightening artistic workshop with Rajasthan Studio and Master Artist Padma Shri Syed Shakir Ali. With every Rajasthan Studio experience, I gain a deeper appreciation for the history, precision, and beauty of these heritage crafts.
Miniature painting was brought to India by the Mughals. This particular style - Rajasthani miniature - developed over 400 years ago. The name doesn’t come from the size of the canvas but from the fine details, many visible only through a magnifying glass.

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The 11th-century stone walls of Jaigarh Fort now showcase sculptures by 16 artists from India and beyond - a sight to behold. That juxtaposition of contemporary and historical culture is one I feel is increasingly intrinsic to Jaipur.

It’s the first time I’ve seen my children so captivated by art - whether by its sheer scale or the stories unfolding within frescoed rooms. Doorways frame each sculpture, drawing the eye deeper.

This part of the fort was once an ammunition store, left unused for 120 years. Now, it’s thrilling to see it reborn in such a dynamic new guise.

Curated by Peter Nagy and co presented by Saat Saath Arts Foundation and Jaipur Centre For Art. 

Open daily 10am-6pm until October 15th

Vijay Garhi, Jaigarh Fort, Devisinghpura, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

I am often asked where to try block printing - here’s my answer: with Rajasthan Studio and master artisan Raj Kumar Pandey in Sanganer - an area 16km from Jaipur many see as the heartland of the heritage craft. This was my third workshop with six art-loving pupils from Vimukti Sanstha - a non-profit I support. Its schools provide education and career opportunities for under-privileged girls from Jaipur.

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A hidden gem of Rajasthan! Just a few hours' drive from Jaipur, Bhanwar Vilas Art Deco royal palace was built in 1938 by Maharaja Ganesh Pal Deo Bahadur. It remains the home of his descendants today, who now run it as a heritage hotel.

How special to be not only surrounded by the family's exquisite art and antiques but also immersed in the thriving community they have created here at the palace today.

This stay was as inspiring as it was restorative. So much beauty, detail, and history - I’m still taking it all in!

Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Baghi Khana, Karauli, Rajasthan 322241, India

I've travelled across Rajasthan for the last seven years, but I've never been quite so awe-struck. My mind is still alive with the colours and details of its paintwork. Karauli Palace is a revelation.

Located in the heart of Karauli, this 14th-century palace sits just minutes from the Karauli family's current residence and heritage hotel - Bhanwar Vilas Palace.

The meticulous restoration of its frescoes is the most impressive I've seen, led by the royal family’s son, artist Vivasvat Pal Karauli, ensuring its legacy continues.

The paintwork is a celebration of floral pattern - exploring all its possibilities whether with fanciful parakeets settling on petals or the sheer scale of its perfect graphic symmetry.

And there’s more to come - the family has exciting plans for further restoration. I can't wait to watch the creativity unfold.

Karauli City Palace, Chaudhary Para, Karauli, Rajasthan 322255