These Fashion Designers Have Been to Jaipur More Than a Dozen Times—Here’s Where They Stay, Shop, and Eat

For Sachin and Babi Ahluwalia, Jaipur is less of a destination and more of a living, breathing mood board—a sensory pilgrimage where heritage craftsmanship meets a modern, high-octane aesthetic. The couple has traveled to Jaipur more than 12 times, and each visit reveals something new and exciting. “For us, Rajasthan is an easy getaway because the hospitality is unparalleled,” Babi said. “Everything there speaks to us: the hospitality, the people, the culture, and the flavors. It’s high stimulus, wonderful, and intensely spirited.”

The NYC-based design duo—Sachin from Mumbai, and Babi from New Delhi—behind the eponymous label have an uncanny gift of translating Indian artisanal soul into head-turning eveningwear, all rooted in standout prints and construction. Their creative process is famously tactile. Case in point: They pick flowers from their own gardens, place them on a desk at the atelier, and photograph them to create prints. “We are so close to the process, and that’s why it works,” Babi said. To keep that creative alchemy potent, they frequently return to the Pink City.

Here, Sachin and Babi’s personal itinerary to Jaipur, featuring all of the spots that keep them inspired.

Where Sachin & Babi Stay

A great hotel can set the tone for an entire trip. Sachin and Babi favor intimate, beautifully considered properties over sprawling resorts, where the experience feels more like staying in a private residence than checking into a hotel.

The Johri Hotel

Hidden within the vibrant pulse of Johri Bazaar, The Johri is the pick for high-stimulus boutique luxury. A meticulously restored 200-year-old property, this “Lal Haveli” (Red Manor) has just six suites. “With only one or two rooms per floor, it’s remarkably intimate despite being right in the city center,” Babi said.

The design is a love letter to Rajasthan’s wilderness, featuring hand-painted murals and a jewel-toned palette that feels both storied and modern. The kitchen pays homage to the neighborhood’s heritage with Michelin-recognized vegetarian fare. Unlike Jaipur’s sprawling, gated estates, The Johri offers a walkable urbane vibe for the sophisticated traveler who wants to be in it. As Babi puts it: “You just put your kicks on and venture out. It’s safe, it’s central, and it’s picturesque.”

SUJÁN Sher Bagh

“This is the pinnacle of the experiential hotel,” Babi said of SUJÁN Sher Bagh, located in the center of Ranthambore National Park, just over three hours from the city. “If you want to immerse yourself in a safari and watch the Bengal Tigers and local wildlife, there is truly nothing like it.” The experience is defined by an intimate scale, catering to just 24 guests with a dedicated staff of 120. “You walk out of your tent and five people are there to anticipate your every need, whether it’s booking your next drive or arranging a trip to the vegetable gardens on the Jeep or a yoga session,” Babi said.

Where Sachin & Babi Shop

In Jaipur, shopping is as much about discovering the craftsmanship as it is about what you bring home. From hand-block-printed textiles to heirloom-worthy gemstones, Sachin and Babi know exactly where to find pieces worth making room for in your suitcase.

Anokhi

“Jaipur is a treasure trove for textiles, and Anokhi is the ultimate destination for that heritage-rich lifestyle,” Babi said. This boutique is a sprawling celebration of the art of block printing, offering everything from breezy womenswear and sharp menswear to children’s pieces. “Think pajamas and kaftans that are perfect for the high-altitude heat,” she added.

While the shop is a must-visit for its signature prints, Babi also keeps an eye out for a more edited find. “There is so much to pick up in terms of homewares and cottons, but I personally prefer the outposts that offer a slightly more modern silhouette—it’s about finding those pieces that feel storied but fresh for a global wardrobe.”

Rasa Jaipur

For a curated, contemporary take on Rajasthan’s textile heritage, Babi points T+L readers towards Rasa Jaipur. “They have this cute little outfit—it reminds me of our traditional Angarkhas—but reimagined in block prints and beautiful linens,” she said. Known for a more sophisticated aesthetic, Rasa is a must for elevated homewares, from minimalist linens to patterned tableware that feels right at home in a modern New York apartment.

Tholia’s Kuber

Located in the heart of Jaipur, Tholia’s Kuber is where the design duo hunts for heirloom-quality gemstones and intricate settings. “It’s a fantastic family jeweler,” Babi said. “Known for its impeccable quality and fair, transparent pricing, it bridges the gap between ancient Rajasthani tradition and glamour.”

Amrapali

While Jaipur is famous for its hidden workshops, Amrapali remains a global powerhouse. “Everyone wants to go to Gem Palace and it is truly an amazing jewel box of a shop and one should visit if time permits,” Babi said. Specializing in everything from silver to rare, vibrant gemstones, it’s a jewelry haven for the collector who wants variety and Jaipur’s signature artisanal touch.

Where Sachin & Babi Eat

Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere. Sachin and Babi’s restaurant picks range from an impossibly chic, indigo-blue cocktail spot to a candlelit dining room fit for royalty, with exceptional North Indian cooking in the mix.

Bar Palladio

No trip to the Pink City is complete without a stop at Bar Palladio, an Italian-inspired restaurant and lounge housed within Narain Niwas Palace Hotel. “It’s gorgeous,” Babi said of the electric, indigo-drenched interiors designed by Marie-Anne Oudejans. This spot is where Jaipur’s creative set gathers for Negronis under block-printed floral canopies. It is opulent and undeniably one of the chicest spots in the city.

1135 AD

For those seeking a taste of Rajasthan’s storied royal heritage, 1135 AD offers true “experiential dining.” Perched high within the golden walls of the Amber Fort, the restaurant specializes in traditional, non-vegetarian Rajasthani fare. Think silver thalis and slow-braised meats served in a candlelit setting of carved marble and gold-leaf ceilings. It is high-drama dining that captures the regal soul of the city.

Peshawri (ITC Group)

When the craving for precision and consistency hits, Peshawri is the definitive choice. Part of the legendary ITC group, this outpost is celebrated for its world-class kebabs and skewered meats. “The cooking here is high-caliber—braised, charred, and incredibly consistent,” Babi said. It’s a robust dining experience where the slow-cooked Dal Bukhara and the melt-in-your-mouth tandoori specialties remain the gold standard for North Indian soul food.

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