WHAT TO SEE & DO IN MUMBAI AND JAIPUR
For Naina Shah, director of Aditiany, the famed embroidery business that her mother started, working with family has always been the norm. Growing up, she developed a keen eye for aesthetics by accompanying her mother on every business trip, traveling from their home in New York to Mumbai, London, Milan, and Paris. As they met with prospective clients, she learned the nuanced styles of fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Celine and discovered how Aditiany could produce beautiful work for its diverse clientele while complimenting each label’s unique brand aesthetic.
Naina’s latest venture, styling the interiors of Jaipur’s most buzzed about boutique hotel, The Johri, is also a family affair… it just so happens to be owned by her husband and her close friend. The hotel’s five suites, restaurant, and cocktail bar showcase Shah’s deft hand – presenting India’s rich history through carefully curated textiles and furniture commissioned by local Rajasthani artisans. The whimsical suites are all luxuriously expansive and uniquely modeled after individual gemstones (a nod to the jewelers’ bazaar in which it sits). Naina is now in the midst of creating The Johri’s soon-to-launch line of lifestyle products, which will include everything from bathrobes and toweling to bedding and crockery.
Here she shares a smattering of places she loves in India, from favorite shops and restaurants to historic hotels and hangouts. “My list is a bit all over the map,” Naina explains, “but that’s usually how I spend my time in India, so I guess it’s appropriate!”
“I always begin and end my trips in Bombay, which is a good transition point into India and where I have spent most of my time. I grew up coming to Bombay every year to visit my family. I also met my husband there and have lived there for both short and long stretches over the last decade. Most of my time is spent in Colaba which is the older historical part of the city with lots of beautiful heritage buildings and a mix of indo-saracenic and art deco architecture.”
“The Table is a farm-to-table, California inspired restaurant. I’ve loved coming here since they opened. The food is fresh and consistent and the atmosphere is always upbeat.”
“When I’m homesick for New York and need a health fix I come to Sequel for salads and smoothies. It’s really nice to finally have a very healthy option in the city and it’s a nice break from Indian food.”
“The Royal Bombay Yacht Club is one of the old members clubs that are a big part of local Bombay culture. A beautiful, very old-school clubhouse on the sea in Bombay – it’s a great place for drinks and classic Indian club snacks like chili cheese toast and egg sandwiches in a charming old world setting.”
“Americano is a great spot for drinks and Italian comfort food like pizzas and delicious pasta - opened by a good friend of mine. This is a fun night out in Bombay with a great bar scene and great cocktails.”
“Raw Mango is my favorite Indian designer. The store itself is beautiful and across the street from the iconic Taj Palace. The store is filled with stunning traditional Indian saris and outfits. I worked with Sanjay Garg, the designer, on my wedding outfits and am a huge fan of his design philosophy and aesthetic.”
“Andraab sells the very best pashminas from Kashmir. I always come back from my trips to India with at least a few new additions from here. Mubashir, the owner, is one of the nicest people I know and has done such a tremendous job working with Kashmiri artisans to create truly beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. They recently opened a beautiful store in the Taj Palace in Bombay but I have been frequenting their Jaipur locations for years.”
“Trishna is a classic Bombay institution. The butter pepper garlic crab is one of those insanely addictive, decadent dishes that you dream about having for years.”
“The second city where I spend the most time while in India is Jaipur, mostly because I’m on the ground working on the design of The Johri.”
“My husband Abhishek, our friend Siddharth, and I are very proud of our latest venture The Johri: a new boutique hotel tucked away in Jaipur’s Johri Bazaar (Jewelers Market). There is nothing else like it in Jaipur – it’s a truly unique experience in India.”
“28 Kothi is the first boutique hotel opened by Abhishek and Siddharth – this is where I am staying and eating if not at The Johri. I love starting my days with the delicious breakfast spread in the serene and sunny garden."
“I somehow end up spending hours upon hours sitting in the gorgeous pink room on the second floor of the Gem Palace on every trip to Jaipur. One can really lose track of time while playing dress up in the most stunning jewels you’ve ever seen, drinking cup after cup of the best coffee in town, and chatting and laughing with the Kasliwal brothers. It’s also very difficult to leave empty handed!”
“The Polo Bar at the Rambagh Palace is my favorite way to while away an evening in Jaipur, sipping martinis and eating traditional Rajasthani bar snacks in a corner of this relaxed and intimate hotel bar.”
“Bar Palladio is designed by our good friend Marie-Anne Oudejans. It’s probably the most beautiful bar in the world and a second home in Jaipur. It’s where you can go on any odd night and bump into whoever is in the city at the time. Always a great mix of people and a stunning atmosphere, especially in the winters when you can curl up on a lounge bed by the individual bonfires.”
“Idli is one of my favorite places to shop in Jaipur for beautiful cotton dresses with whimsical prints. The designer, Thierry Journo, is so talented. I love his work.”
“Ahilya Fort in Maheshwar is a magical experience on the banks of the Narmada river. The hotel was founded by my dear friend Yeshwant’s family. They have restored their historic family fort and created a gorgeous boutique hotel in the most tranquil and beautiful setting. There is a spiritual energy here that is amazing and I try to visit as often as I can.”
“Elsewhere… is the most serene spot, steps away from the sea in Goa, serving delicious Goan fare. A truly relaxing and special break from the hustle of India.”