‘Rajasthani cuisine is the epicentre of our brand’

To create a hospitality product that promotes local heritage and culture indigenous to Rajasthan and India, Chokhi Dhani Group was conceptualised in 1990. It runs resorts and village fairs across the country and has restaurants in London and Dubai. The luxury resorts in India include Chokhi Dhani Resort in Jaipur, The Palace Hotel and The Desert Camp in Jaisalmer and Chokhi Dhani Resort in Indore.

“Our ethnic resort in Jaipur offers five-star amenities in a traditional ethnic setting. It has royal cottages, luxurious suites, conference halls and outdoor spaces that cater to leisure travellers, MICE and the wedding segment. Each cottage and suite is intricately designed to offer a royal experience to guests. The palace hotel in Jaisalmer is designed keeping the theme of the ‘golden city’ in mind. From heritage cottages to luxury rooms, these resorts are ideal to experience Rajasthan. Bespoke experiences include royal Rajasthani cuisine and cultural and adventurous activities,” shares Mehul Vaswani, Director of Hospitality, Chokhi Dhani Group.

On how the Group is attracting epicureans as culinary tourism has gained traction in the last few years, Vaswani says, “Chokhi Dhani Group spotted the trend quite early. Rajasthani cuisine is the epicentre of our brand. We offer authentic flavours of Rajasthan in a traditional style, making it an epicurean experience. We have been right up there in the list of food destinations in Jaipur, for foreigners and domestic travellers alike. In today’s age of Instagram, our sumptuous food, turban-clad service staff and concept has many takers.”

Sharing his views on how the wedding segment is shaping up for Chokhi Dhani Jaipur post-pandemic, Vaswani shares, “The wedding market has bounced back. If we look at the bookings and queries for October-February wedding season, we see an uptick as compared to the pre-pandemic year. Now that there are no restrictions, the big fat Indian weddings are back. Jaipur is a popular choice for destination weddings and being a themed resort, it has helped us strengthen our position as a wedding resort. We have seen a growing trend of luxury weddings with two-three intimate pre-wedding functions. So, we are witnessing bookings where families book the entire resort for two-three days to host pre-wedding functions and the wedding.” 

He adds that post-pandemic, the trend of booking resorts even for local weddings has emerged too, as hosts prefer guests stay at the resort. “Rajasthan is where many celebs want to get married and Chokhi Dhani Jaipur offers both Royal Rajasthani and modern luxury wedding options,” he says.

Talking about booking trends for winter season, the busiest one in Rajasthan, Vaswani avers, “Since the busiest months of November-February have begun, our resorts are fully booked in advance for family stays and even for weddings. Inbound tourism is also trickling back and along with domestic travel we see foreigners checking in too. We are sold out for busy wedding dates and on most weekends in December and January.”