Dubai’s resort-like mansion with 36 rooms built during Covid-19 can host 200 people

Dubai: “This is like a slice of Incredible India transported into the UAE,” I tell Vinod and Suvarna Jadhav as I enter their beautifully understated sand-coloured 40,000 sq. ft. mansion in Dubai Hills Estate.

“It’s like walking into a tranquil spa after a tough week,” I add—and I mean every word. But did we tell you that this "humble home" has 36 rooms spread over 40,000 square feet for a modest family of five.

“We wanted to build a contextual desert home in Dubai,” says pharma business tycoon Vinod Jadhav.

“Interestingly, the sun movement is similar to India, but here it’s a desert. So we used Vastu Shastra—an ancient architectural science—to make sure the positive energy of the sun comes in, and the harsh heat stays out.”

When I mention the staggering Dh250 million market value of the home, Vinod -- a portrait of humility - smiles: “The real challenge was—how do you build a humble home at 40,000 square feet?”

The self-made millionaire -- the son of a teacher and now running a multi-million dirham pharma company Sava group -- managed to pull the gold-free paradise off with soft palettes, natural textures, and zero ostentation.

“We decided to use very earthy colours, very plain palettes, natural materials… That has really made the house subdued from what we typically see as ‘Dubai bling’.”

Instead of flash, the home is filled with thoughtful details—like Jaipur-inspired steps, stone sourced from their hometown in Pune, and intricate Indian art.

Set across three sprawling levels, this sand-toned stunner doesn’t just flaunt its riches - it lets you exhale. Cleverly punctuated by breezy courtyards, the mansion lets light and air flirt their way through every corner while keeping Dubai’s blistering sun firmly in check.

Step through the grand entrance — flanked by towering, textured walls — and you know you’re not in your average marble-and-mirror show. On one side, a sleek home office wrapped in dark wood and Jaipur Rugs spells serious business. On the other, a relaxed family lounge softens the tone with effortless charm.

As you wander deeper, the layout unfolds like a well-directed scene: the private kitchen and tucked-away nooks gently give way to the more formal spaces, all wrapped around a show-stopping central courtyard. It’s thoughtful, fluid, and unapologetically rooted in Indian sensibility.

“Yes, you’ll see a lot of Indian art in the house,” says Vinod. “But we like it simple and minimalistic.”

Even the swimming pool, which looks like it’s straight out of a luxury resort, is steeped in cultural inspiration.

“We looked to Morocco and Mexico. The pool is designed like Hamam. The stone is Jaipur. The entrance, with that 80-foot wall, is inspired by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.”

Perhaps the most astounding fact? This entire home was built during the pandemic.

“We started in December 2020. Approvals were all online. We had Zoom calls with authorities. It was incredible.”

As serene as it feels, this is a home built to celebrate.

“We have Diwali parties. A big Ganesh festival—five full days like in Maharashtra. Sometimes up to 200 people,” says Vinod.

When asked whether there were any disagreements between the couple Vinod and Suvarna over the design, he’s clear: “We don’t interfere with our architect’s job. We tell him what we want—how many rooms, where—but we don’t say, ‘do this wall like that’. That’s his space.”

It’s an important takeaway: “Don’t teach a doctor how to do surgery,” Vinod adds. “Just like that, don’t teach an architect how to design.”

There’s even a philosophical angle to their vision of space.

“One of our design briefs was not to intersect private and public areas. We wanted our children to have their own world—and we didn’t want guests to enter those zones. So even if the kids are around, you won’t see toys or mess.”

The house, though stately and serene, isn’t afraid of a little fun. “Yes, we have a fun corner. Yes, the children have pool parties. They enjoy their space, and we enjoy ours.”

And when I ask which part of the house was the toughest to design, Vinod surprises me: “The master bathroom. With such a large space, how do you make it feel like an integrated unit? Our architect really delivered on that.”

They even imported five ancient olive trees from Spain.

“One of them is over a thousand years old,” he tells me. “That’s the feeling we wanted—you should come home and feel like you’re in a resort, winding down.”

Mission accomplished.