Raffles Hotels & Resorts, is a hospitality chain that has transformed the way individuals vacation. It is luxury, and sophisticated, and promises experiences like no other. One of the standout features of Raffles is the heritage that intertwines with each location and there’s a sense of timelessness in Raffles — a place where guests feel both transported and at home.
A Grand Entry into India
In August 2021, Raffles made its highly anticipated debut in India with Raffles Udaipur, a property that redefined grandeur. Spread across a private island and a manmade lake, the hotel feels more like a regal escape than a traditional resort. Think grand chandeliers, intricately carved interiors, and an ambience that whispers elegance at every turn. But what truly sets Raffles apart from the rest is its unwavering attention to detail. Every experience is crafted to feel intimate, exclusive, and unlike anything else in the world. Whether it’s the legendary butler service, the bespoke culinary journeys or the attention to culture.
But Raffles wasn’t done yet. In 2023, the brand launched Raffles Jaipur, taking a different approach. Instead of a massive palace-like property, Raffles Jaipur is a boutique luxury hotel with only 50 suites, focusing on intimate, high-end experiences. Unlike its palatial counterpart in Udaipur, this new addition brings a boutique charm to the brand’s Indian footprint. It’s smaller, more personal, and gives a fresh take on what high-end hospitality in Jaipur should feel like. From the outside, it looks open and welcoming, but the moment you step in, it feels like a peaceful escape. The architecture is stunning, inspired by Rajasthan’s rich heritage, and the butlers take care of you the second you arrive. Every detail feels special—from à la carte breakfasts, where you're served instead of picking from a buffet to the calming water features in every room. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home, but with all the luxuries you could dream of.
A Cultural Powerhouse in Jaipur
Going a step beyond to make their guests feel more connected to a city, Raffles puts a strong emphasis on culture and heritage. Hence it comes as no surprise that Raffles Hotels and Resorts decided to look beyond weddings in India. The hotel chain emphasises the notion of cultural integration in the nation, and in the recent past, Raffles Jaipur has collaborated with the Jaipur Centre for Art (JCA) to celebrate both traditional and contemporary art forms with an aim to elevate Jaipur’s reputation as a global arts destination. Through this association, Raffles Jaipur curates exclusive artistic experiences for its guests, including privileged access to exhibitions, interactive artist workshops, and bespoke cultural programs hosted by JCA.
Now, Raffles is taking things even further, it’s stepping into the world of polo. Adding to its expansive portfolio of cultural integration, the most recent news is its association with the Sirmour Polo Cup – the first-ever association of Polo with the hospitality group. Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced its sponsorship of the trophy for the prestigious 12-goal Raffles Sirmour Cup, which will be held from 10-16 February 2025 in Jaipur, as part of the season, which runs from 13, January 13 - 30, March 2025.
“The Raffles Sirmour Cup epitomizes the enduring relationship between heritage, elegance, and sportsmanship, all values that align seamlessly with the philosophy of the Raffles brand. Through this partnership, we aim to further enrich the cultural and luxurious experiences that define Rajasthan and its timeless appeal,” said Binny Sebastian, General Manager of Raffles Jaipur.
A Brief History of Polo
When you think of Jaipur, it’s not just the beautiful palaces and forts that catch your eye;,the city has a rich and exciting history with polo, too! Known as the Pink City, Jaipur has always been a favourite spot for polo fans, largely thanks to the royal family’s passion for the sport. They’ve hosted some amazing international tournaments that bring together players from all over the world. Polo has been a source of pride for Rajasthan for a long time, but it faced some challenges in the latter part of the 20th century, causing a decline in the sport. Luckily, HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh has kept the love for polo alive, helping to breathe new life into it and leading the Jaipur Polo Team to numerous victories. One of the standout events is the Sirmour Cup, which takes place in Jaipur during the Winter Polo Season. This tournament honours the princely state of Sirmour and its special connection to the Royal Family of Jaipur. Sawai Man Singh II, one of the most beloved kings of Jaipur, was a talented polo player, and his wife, Gayatri Devi, absolutely adored riding horses.
To celebrate this wonderful legacy, Raffles organized a delightful event where players and royals came together to unveil the cup and share stories about their royal ties to polo. This partnership perfectly reflects the shared values of Raffles Jaipur and the Rajasthan Polo Club.
Unique Experiences At Raffles
The Polo Cup is a delightful blend of luxury, sport, and culture, just like the Raffles brand itself! Guests at the Raffles Sirmour Cup can look forward to a range of wonderful hospitality experiences. From exclusive high teas hosted by Raffles Jaipur and Raffles Udaipur to VIP lounges and carefully curated events, this is sure to be an unforgettable event. Mark your calendars from 1-16 February 2025, as Raffles Jaipur will be hosting an exclusive high-tea experience. Picture yourself enjoying an exquisite culinary journey amidst the beautiful polo grounds! They'll have a fabulous selection of signature teas, artisanal pastries, gourmet treats, and handcrafted cocktails, all served in a stylish setting filled with the charm and elegance that Raffles is known for. This high tea is designed to beautifully complement the excitement of the polo matches, offering a perfect mix of heritage and indulgence.
What really sets Raffles Hotels & Resorts apart is they personalize your stay and pay attention to the little details that make a big difference. Whether it's the outstanding butler service that Raffles is famous for or the unique and tailored experiences offer, you’ll always feel a sense of exclusivity.
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