Founder Diaries: A week in Jaipur

From riding horses through the country side to design-dream hotels and rugs that stole her heart, Fridah’s founder Rachel just returned from India - and we’ve now got all the goss.

PART ONE: THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Q1. India can feel like a big, beautiful mystery - how did you even start planning your trip? Any unexpected resources or tips you uncovered?

This is so true, I think we can feel like we’ve travelled places we haven’t been or at least think we know what we’re in for because of how much we can access on instagram or tiktok. I could give you recommendations of where to eat in Milan without having gone myself but India to me has been this enigma that holds it’s mystery and felt so…foreign. I don’t know that I could have unlocked it’s magic without travelling under the covering of The School. The School is led by Megan Morton and has become like the worlds best mini travel agency for women like us who love nice things but are also hungry to get amongst it and I’ve never experienced a more perfect balance of both. She has decades worth of friendships, stories and hot takes everywhere she goes but when you see India in particular through Megans eyes you can’t unsee it. I now understand why once you’ve been on one trip with The School you just line them all up on your bucket list.

So I guess my tip is - don’t be afraid of group travel. In fact in India I think it’s the only way. Be open minded and make a choice to leave behind the contiki tour thinking of gap years that may haunt you. It was the first time ever I made zero decisions on my itinerary (something I would pride myself on being good at) and it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Q2. What was your first “wow” moment after landing?

The warm hazy light as I stepped out at Bangalore and eating Masala Dosa at the airport outpost of the iconic Central Tiffin Room. Crispy ghee dosa with coconut chutney. I want one right now. 

Q3. If Fridah were a city in India, which one would it be - and why?

Hopefully Jaipur. Energetic, old and new, emerging, beautiful, generous.

PART TWO: DESIGN & INSPIRATION

Q4. What moment or place completely caught you off guard with inspiration - something you didn’t see coming?

Jaipur Rugs. At every level. I cried whilst in their HQ hearing the story and big picture philosophy and values of the company. Then was wowed in their stores at the design and details and genius. And cherry on top was visiting one of the villages where rugs get woven - and not just because of the stunning craft of it but seeing the health of a community who have been given the tools and opportunity to have a sustainable and meaningful way to make a living.

 

PART THREE: HOTEL ENVY

Q5. Okay, that hotel you stayed at? Total dream. Who’s behind it, what’s the vibe, and what made it unforgettable?

Villa Palladio! Actually a dream come true (watch this for some context). I knew it well but only on a visual level I didn’t know much of the story.

It only opened in 2022 but went kind of viral in the hotel and design world because it just isn’t like anything you’ve seen. It’s two women behind it Barbara Miolini & Marie-Anna Oudejans (Swiss Italian & Danish expats respectively who call India home), the same duo that started the iconic Bar Palladio. Everything is completely too much but leaves you dazzled and wanting more.

It’s the colour drenching that first hits you but as your senses adjust and you get a certain level of immunity to the red that is all around you you start to notice all these actually quite serene and beautiful details.

The simple yet alluring pool area with large cushioned gazebo and the red fans whirring and incense burning. The perfect tea at breakfast and the immaculate block printed pants and white shirts the staff have on in the morning. The staff have literal costume changes it’s amazing. A fountain with rose petals. A randomly wonderful gift shop that opens on request (there is only 8 rooms after all) and plays no music so feels more like a museum. A deep drawer in your room with a kettle, ground coffee, tea and perfect cup & saucer. 

My favourite time at VP was the morning as the sun was rising and you have that holiday/travel feeling hit you like WOW I really am somewhere so far from home…I LOVE that feeling.

Q6. “The hotel felt like…” (finish this sentence)

A Wes Anderson movie set. That’s so basic and I’m sure the design nerds don’t love that as a description but it is what it is. 

This adventure is TBC...

Check back next week where we will continue with Part 2; shopping hauls, home decor, and Rachels favourite meal of the trip. 

Story Notes