Following our staff incentive trip to Sariska, we visited two boutique luxury properties - Anopura Luxury Hideaway, Ramgarh and The Johri, Jaipur - to evaluate their suitability for our clientele.
1. Anopura Luxury Hideaway, Ramgarh, Jaipur
Location & Accessibility
Our drive from Sariska Safari Lodge to Anopura was smooth and comfortable, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes via well-maintained roads.
Nestled amidst nearly 60 acres of countryside with views of the Aravalli Hills, Anopura offers a secluded retreat focused on nature, slow living, and authentic rural experiences. The property comprises only 14 rooms and suites, ensuring exclusivity and privacy.
Arrival Experience
Upon arrival, we were warmly received by the Resort Manager and escorted to our suite by jeep. The suite complex was located approximately two minutes from the reception area, adding to the feeling of privacy and seclusion.
Accommodation
The resort offers a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, as well as larger villa-style accommodations. Some of the larger units feature private living and dining areas, libraries, and private swimming pools.
We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which was spacious, comfortable, and tastefully designed. Large windows on two sides opened onto lush greenery, creating a bright and peaceful atmosphere.
The décor follows a refined farmhouse aesthetic with natural stone flooring, handcrafted furnishings, low seating arrangements, and carefully selected local artefacts. While the accommodation is not ultra-luxury in the conventional sense, it offers a charming and authentic experience that blends exceptionally well with its natural surroundings.
Common Areas & Ambience
A few steps from our suite was a beautiful common swimming pool deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Aravalli Hills.
The property is particularly attractive for nature enthusiasts and bird lovers. Throughout our stay, we could hear and observe numerous bird species, especially peacocks, which are abundant in the area. It is truly a paradise for guests seeking tranquillity and a close connection with nature.
Experiences & Activities
One of the highlights of our stay was an evening excursion through the surrounding countryside. We drove through local villages, visited the dam area and nearby temple surroundings, and gained a genuine insight into rural Rajasthan.
The following morning, we toured the resort's farm area, where guests can interact with hens, goats, cows, turkeys, and other farm animals. This experience would be particularly appealing to families and international guests seeking authentic local experiences.
Dining & Service
The main restaurant and bar were temporarily closed for renovation during our visit. However, the facilities appeared attractive and well-designed, and once completed, should significantly enhance the guest experience.
The food quality during our stay was good, and service standards were attentive, warm, and efficient.
Overall Assessment
The property is particularly suitable as a two-night extension from Jaipur or as part of a Rajasthan itinerary focused on authentic experiences and slow travel.
2. The Johri – Boutique Heritage Hotel, Johri Bazaar, Jaipur
Location
The Johri is a beautifully restored heritage boutique hotel located in the heart of Jaipur's historic Johri Bazaar, just a short walk from Hawa Mahal and the major attractions of the Walled City.
Despite its central location amidst the bustling market, the hotel offers a surprisingly peaceful and intimate atmosphere once inside. The property is set within a restored 19th-century haveli and provides an authentic heritage experience in the old city.
Accommodation
The hotel features a limited number of spacious suites, each individually designed around gemstone-inspired colour themes and decorated with a thoughtful blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary comfort. The restoration work is exceptional and demonstrates how a historic haveli can be successfully transformed into a luxury boutique property.
The suites are large, elegant, and beautifully appointed, making them particularly attractive for discerning travellers looking for character and authenticity rather than a conventional luxury hotel experience.
Design & Atmosphere
The attention to detail throughout the property is remarkable. Antique furnishings, local textiles, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design elements have been combined beautifully to create a unique sense of place. The hotel feels intimate, stylish, and highly personalized.
Restaurant
The Johri's restaurant has developed a strong reputation among both international visitors and Jaipur residents. The restaurant serves refined vegetarian cuisine in an elegant setting and is often fully booked, making advance reservations advisable.
Overall Assessment
The property offers an excellent combination of location, heritage character, personalized service, and boutique luxury.
Conclusion
Both properties offer distinctly different experiences and would appeal to different market segments.
Anopura Luxury Hideaway is ideal for guests seeking nature, rural experiences, privacy, and relaxation in a countryside setting.
The Johri is perfect for travellers wanting an intimate heritage experience in the heart of Jaipur's old city, with easy access to markets, monuments, and local culture.
Prepared by:
Jatinder Taneja
