Shri Joraver Vilas Santrampur A Royal Palace Turned Heritage Hotel

Tucked away in the Aravalli hills on the banks of the Suki River, Shri Joraver Vilas Santrampur in India’s West Coast state of Gujarat is a royal palace that might have been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Still owned by the Santrampur royal family, Joraver Vilas Palace has opened its doors and currently offers guests the chance to travel back in time and live like the Maharajas and Maharanis of old. Built in 1926, when Art Deco was at the height of fashion, Santrampur Joraver Vilas has stayed true to the aesthetic and offers five gloriously decorated rooms that echo the old colonial style. The exquisite decor is a carefully thought-out blend of original architecture, antique furnishings and modern luxury. Santrampur Palace Hotel is conscientiously cared for by Maharani Mandakini and Maharaja Paranjayaditya who both ensure that all guests are greeted with the warmest of Gujarati welcomes. The Maharani also makes sure that the authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati cuisine served in the Kapchi Room, with its vibrant colored glass walls, or the Neem Chawk, a courtyard on the shores of the lake, is made from the freshest seasonal ingredients and served to the individual taste of each guest.

Each of the five suites at Joraver Palace has its own unique style and the immaculate gardens offer a feeling of peace and tranquility far from the chaos of the outside world. Although the Santrampur Palace Hotel might feel delightfully remote, the ancient town of Santrampur offers up a range of sites to visit and enjoy including temples dating back to the 11th and 14th centuries. Jump in the palace’s 1970s vintage jeep for a jungle safari or ask about a boat ride on the lake through the floating lotus blooms to the Kadana Dam.

---

Colonial Elegance and Modern Comfort Await at Joraver Vilas Palace

There are five suites to choose from at Joraver Vilas Palace, each with its own inviting and impeccably styled colonial interior. The modern amenities add contemporary comfort without sacrificing any of the original old-world charm. Each suite is a spacious 55 sqm and comfortably accommodates two guests with room for an extra bed/cot if required. Tiled en-suite bathrooms have English fittings, a bathtub, and a walk-in shower. Each room in this premium villa in Ahmedabad has air-conditioning to stay cool during the summer months and can be fitted with heaters during the cooler months. The Garden Suite overlooks the palace grounds and has a large, shared balcony, as does the Art Deco Suite. The former has a king-sized double bed, whereas the latter has the option of a queen-size or twin bed. The Joraver Vilas Palace Lake Suite has a fabulous view across the water and comes with a king-sized bed. The Maharana Suite also has a partial view over the lake and a king-sized bed. The Courtyard Suite comes with a twin bed and opens onto the Neem Chawk and the shores of the lake beyond. The tables of the Neem Chawk are served with a menu influenced by the dishes of neighboring Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

An exotic blend of traditional flavors and rustic fare, the kitchen at Santrampur Joraver Vilas is happy to serve comfort food alongside gastronomic delicacies fit for a Gujarati royal feast. A particular favourite and Joraver Palace kitchen specialty is meethi murghi, a chicken dish spiced up with whole red chilies, saffron, milk, and dried fruits. Other dishes to get the taste buds tingling include vegetarian-friendly gulab rabdi, churma, rice kheer, and spicy garlic chutney. Meat lovers will enjoy a range of mutton, chicken, and fish dishes created under the ever-watchful eye of Maharani Mandakini.

---

---

---

The Guest is God at Shri Joraver Villas Ahmedabad

The mantra at Shri Joraver villas Ahmedabad is ‘atithi devo bhavo’ which means ‘the guest is god’ and the hospitality certainly lives up to the sacred message. When the royal palace was commissioned by Saheb Shri Joraver Singh in the 1920s, it was meant to provide an escape from life at the royal court. Joraver Palace is once again offering a getaway for guests who want peace and tranquility away from life in the real world. Although anyone would be forgiven for simply wanting to relax in the gardens and colonial surroundings of Shri Joraver Vilas Santrampur there are plenty of things to see and do during a stay here. A boat trip can be easily arranged on the lake to take in the tranquil waters and surrounding countryside while enjoying high tea. A walk around the temples can offer fascinating cultural insights and the nearby town of Sant has the Hawa Mahal and Raj Mahal to enjoy.

Jump in a 4×4 for an exhilarating adventure through the Matoran Forest Reserve or opt for a more leisurely drive up to the Kadana Dam in a vintage vehicle for some incredible photo opportunities. Ask the friendly staff at Santrampur Joraver Vilas about borrowing a bicycle for the day. This is the perfect way to see the surrounding area at your own pace and on roads that are never too demanding. Bird enthusiasts are invited to join a guided tour and learn all about the native species and their habitats. Tours are also available for those who prefer a more immersive cultural experience and will allow you to share in the day-to-day lives of friendly locals in the nearby villages. Or why not opt for a day by the Joraver Palace pool admiring the gardens and the lake and relaxing in the open-air jacuzzi with a delicious drink before heading to the massage area or back to the comfort of your room for a rejuvenating rubdown? Contact the Secret Retreats concierge team today and start planning your holiday itinerary to India, crafted by the Asia Experts, Secret Retreats.

---