A four-hour drive from the capital city, The Leela Palace Jaipur stands as a majestic ode to Indian luxury. A few days ago, I found myself amidst the grandeur and opulence of the stunning property, a venue fit for royalty. The occasion? The illustrious #PoloInThePinkCity, a star-studded weekend that blended the regal heritage of Rajasthan with the exhilaration of polo. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts celebrated its second year of sponsoring the exquisite royal sport in India with The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup 2023, in partnership with the Rajasthan Polo Club. We had the opportunity to experience both the excitement of the tournament and the signature hospitality of The Leela.

A GRAND WELCOME

My tryst with royalty began the moment I entered The Leela Palace Jaipur. A grand spectacle of traditional Indian hospitality awaited me. Two majestic elephants stood at the entrance, extending their trunks in a warm welcome. It was an unforgettable moment as I fed these gentle giants, an enchanting experience that was both humbling and awe-inspiring. The traditional welcome ceremony, with a sprinkling of rose petals and a tilak adorning my forehead, made me feel like royalty. The Leela Palace Jaipur had seamlessly woven the regal heritage of the Pink City into every facet of the event, setting the stage for a weekend of unforgettable moments.

PALATIAL PALATES

If you’re a foodie like me, there’s no better place to eat in the city than The Leela Palace Jaipur. Every meal was an experience in itself, and Mohan Mahal, in particular, was a setting unlike any other. Inspired by Sheesh Mahal in Amer Palace, the dinner-only restaurant is decorated with 3.5 lakh hand-cut mirrors that reflect the warm, ambient glow of countless candles. Here, each dish was a burst of exquisite flavors, artfully plated to cater not only to the palate but to the senses. Breakfast and lunch at Sukh Mahal were equally splendid affairs, with a lavish spread of regional and international delights. I also enjoyed the hotel’s Aujasya menu, which is a testament to The Leela’s commitment to sustainable luxury, presenting the freshest produce in an eco-friendly manner.

SADDLE UP

The culmination of this luxurious and culturally rich weekend was the finale of the much-anticipated polo tournament—The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup 2023. The final match was inaugurated with a vibrant Lawazma, a traditional royal procession. To kick off the game in style, Manushi Chhillar, an Icon of India by The Leela, rolled the ceremonial ball. The Leela Polo Team, led by HH Maharaj Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, put up a brave fight against The Achievers, but the latter ultimately bagged the trophy. Reeling from the adrenaline of the game, the members of the audience made their way to the post-match celebrations, where a lavish high-tea spread showcased the best of Aujasya by The Leela.

Polo in the Pink City was everything I’d imagined and more—it was an ode to India’s boundless heritage and a promise that the heart of luxury continues to beat in the royal city of Jaipur.