“She
inclined her head graciously, permitting the paparazzi to photograph her” - A feeling
when you enter a picturesque place – Narendra Bhawan .
The
literal meaning of Narendra is ‘ The King ‘ and Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner is
indeed one of the finest boutique hotels and a promising leader of indulgence
in royal yet modern era. This intrinsically decorated grand
residence of Late Maharaja Narendra Singh ji of Bikaner is a gateway to witness the rich
culture and hospitality of Rajasthan. A pleasure to the eyes, joy to the heart
and elixir to the mind, this place is a perfect blend of royal era merged with
modern facilities and lavish interiors. On
my visit to this hotel in February 2017, I was mesmerized by the beauty and
breadth of the place. From the foyer to the lobby, courtyard, rooms and
terrace, the view was just magnificent . The hotel has marvellous collection of
vintage.
At the entrance of the hotel, one
perceives that the hotel is a palatial house of a king and the interiors would
match the exteriors but the moment I took my first step in, I found how
beautifully the style of a king and his possessions are showcased to make one
feel and witness a royal yet modern look. This reminds me of Barnaba
Fornasetti, who has showcased priceless possessions of his father Piero
Fornasetti in his own house (L' Oasis De Fornasetti -Milan) giving a soul to every
object sensing the presence of the master everywhere.
Narendra Bhawan doesn’t have a conventional
reception area. An array of beautifully
placed porcelain vases at the entrance gives a gracious welcome to the guests. Judiciously used spaces in fond memories and remembrance of Late Maharaja make history in motion. The veranda on
the entrance gives one a 360 degree view of the interest of the Late Maharaja
from books to artefacts to fabric to music. As one steps in, the rectangular
shaped lobby gives a spectacular view of the breadth giving a desire to experience
more. Living corners and spaces in the lobby are decorated in a manner that the
past looks more contemporary as if one is still living in the era bygone. A grand baby piano painted blood red was the
apple of my eye. With Edith Piaf’s classic ‘Non Je Ne Regrette Rien’ hand
painted on it as a tribute to one of Narendra Singh Ji’s favourite songs reliving
the timeless appeal of French Music. It is truly said that red is the color of
love and as one nears the red color piano, one falls in love, fingers
playing the music of love. The place is
not recreating history but it is making the history ‘Alive’. The
beauty of varied color fabrics in silk pattern is flamboyantly showcased on the
walls in framing styles.
The
unique work showcased in the interior decoration of the hotel is an exemplary
example of prowess of the hotel designer and hotel management. The interiors
of the hotel gives an illusion of an optical maze which invigorate and indulge
your senses and challenge your mind as you experience uniqueness created in
every space, how spaces would flow into each other beautifully. The space
not only gives a visual appeal but also makes them functionally operational . There are comfortable sitting arrangements at
every place possible. When different texture of fabric drapes various
walls across the hotel, whether in the rooms and verandas, the thought that a
beauty is draped in soft and lustrous silk strikes the mind. Every
small detail present catches the attention of eye. Presence of interest and
passion of the Late Maharaja is ubiquitous in form of photographs, paintings
and other artifacts. Every nook has a story to tell, blending tradition with
modernity.
The
subtle colors of the restaurant P & C ,Pearls & Chiffons makes one feel
as if submerged in the royal era dining queen style in bone China crockery. The
subtle colors and graceful decor of the restaurant enhances ones intimacy with
the place and gives the restaurant a unique identity. Fine gota patti work
flowers spread all over the dining table gives look of crystal sparkling in the restaurant where one can nibble best cuisine.
Cafe Mad Hatter offers the best baked sweet food with blend of taste and
flavour.
Every
room talks about an era relived and comes with history retold. The rooms are a
celebration to colours coated with vivid color pallets, handpicked in specific
themes paying royal tribute to the Late Maharaja. Every room designed in an
unconventional style, gives a concept of space with uniqueness and an
experience to cherish forever. From high elaborate engraved ceilings, sliding wooden
windows, cloth framed folding wall mounted TV cabinets, sliding closet, hanging
lamps, crystal cut mirror design side tables, cloth draped wall near study
tables, floor finished in yellow and white marble terrazzo, Portuguese
porcelain tiles as found in old Goan houses all embracing royal era under one roof. Even
the rooms reflect the lifestyle of the Late Maharaja and every object has a
soul sensing presence of the master. The exuberance of the ‘Prince’ rooms,
showcase the vibrant young days of the erstwhile emperor. The ‘Regimental’ room
takes one back to his military aura and his leadership elegance. The ‘Republic’
and ‘India’ suites are based on post Independence era when the Maharaja reclaimed
his coveted title. This article will be incomplete if the bathrooms
are not described. The bathrooms of Narendra Bhawan make smart use of
space. The neatly done bathrooms have console sinks, white-black light blue
combination tiles outlined with royal Italian marble matching the grace of the
rooms.
Terrace
of Narendra Bhawan is yet another jewel in the royal crown. It is a beautifully
lit open air area for imagination with Moroccon style ambiance. It is a place
of grace, peace and tranquillity making one senses come alive. View of the roof
top swimming pool with a glimpse of Bikaner city at the backdrop, the clear
starry night putting its mirror image on pool water makes it a perfect place to
unwind in the evening breeze with barbecue.
Diwali
Chowk – the central courtyard gives a beautiful view from all angles and floors
of the hotel. Intricately designed fine jaalis with glass work adorns the
courtyard, highlighting the Rajasthani haveli architecture style. Comfortable
sitting arena is created around the corridor area on all floors giving a
magnificent view of the courtyard. The beam of sunlight peeping throw the fine
jaalis in the corridors creates a kaleidoscopic pattern in the morning hours. Simplicity
is also creativity, the blue cut glasses framed in between the jaalis adds to
the beauty of the jaali design.
Narendra
Bhawan is surely a testament to the dream of the MRS group to recreate a
destination by offering curated experiences that are unique to Bikaner .
Shaheen Hasan
Jodhpur
