Gwalior, celebrated for its storied past, set the stage for our second RR experience. Set against this backdrop, Robb Report India hosted Palace Privé, the second chapter of its #RRExperience at the Jai Vilas Palace where Maharani Priyadarshini Raje and Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman Scindia, the erstwhile royal family of Gwalior, graciously welcomed a select few for an unforgettable experience.
Held on April 8 and 9, the exclusive invite-only gathering brought together a select group of guests for an immersive celebration of heritage and royal hospitality, with a close lens on the storied legacy of Madhya Pradesh and India.
Thoughtfully assembled by Priyadarshini Raje Scindia and the palace concierge, the curated 24-experience offered a rare and personal glimpse into the cultural legacy of the region, unfolding within one of India’s most celebrated royal homes.
The key partners at this one-of-a-kind soiree were Macallan (official experience partner), Bentley (official luxury partner), Vedica (official hydration partner), Matsya (official lifestyle partner), and PC Totuka (official fine jewellery partner).
The event brought together a constellation of distinguished guests spanning different realms including film, food, design, and culture. Among them were actor and philanthropist Dia Mirza and husband Vaibhav Rekhi, actor Aditi Rao Hydari and husband Siddharth, actor Sayani Gupta and actor Puja Gupta Talukdar, alongside Indian film producer Guneet Monga and husband Sunny Kapoor, and author Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi.
The design and fashion world was represented by husband-wife duo Falguni Shane Peacock, Rahul Mishra and wife Divya Mishra, Raghvendra Rathore and Kavita Rathore, Monica Shah, and Gautam Seth and Prateik Jain of Klove Studio. The evening also drew an interesting group from the F&B and Hospitality world including restaurateurs Zorawar and Dildeep Kalra, Panchali Mahendra, food critic Rashmi Uday Singh, and Jimmy Patel. Adding a regal touch to the gathering were Yeshwant Rao Holkar and Princess Krishna Kumari of Panna.
On day 1, guests were given a grand welcome at the Jai Vilas Palace before being led to the historic Durbar Hall for a tour that set the tone of the evening. Post the tour, guests moved to the Jungle Bar and were treated with a soulful performance by Nayab Midha.
Later, guided by Heena Riat, Brand Ambassador of The Macallan, guests were welcomed at the Jungle Bar with the Macallan 12 and 18 served as cocktails and neat pours. Riat then led a toast with the Macallan 18 before guests moved to dinner. Post this, the guests moved to dinner, which was also the heart of the Palace Privé. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the palace, the dinner featured a curated menu inspired by recipes passed down through generations of the Scindia family, reflecting their culinary traditions. As the meal drew to close, Riat returned with the Macallan 25 at the Jungle Bar, bringing the evening to a fitting end.
On the morning of April 9, the experience moved beyond the palace interiors with a Crafters’ Brunch that shone a light on the region’s rich artisanal traditions. Lac bangle makers, chanderi weavers, and carpet artisans were invited to present the work, giving the guests an opportunity to touch, feel, and engage directly with the living crafts of Madhya Pradesh.
By bringing together cultural narratives and artisanal excellence, the experience reflected Robb Report India's ongoing commitment to curating meaningful luxury experiences.