Tag Archives: Rajasthan

RAAS Jodhpur

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There is something instantly alluring about Jodhpur. Known as ‘the blue city’ because of the numerous azure painted houses, it is a colourful maze of cobbled alleys and stall-lined streets. In this city I can’t imagine staying anywhere other than RAAS Jodhpur, a beautifully authentic, historic property at the foot of the famous Mehrangarh Fort. Here, within the walls of the old city, you will be immersed in the real Rajasthan, woken in the morning by the call to prayer and relaxing after lunch in the shadows of the city’s sites.


RAAS is Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel, opening in 2009 after three years of intensive renovating and building work. The property once belonged to a local noble family before it was taken over by the hotel group. The RAAS owners have kept the four old buildings intact and built three new modern structures which complement the style of the original design. Red sand stone unites the old and new, and adds a comforting warmth to the place. Almost all the rooms offer views of the magnificent Fort, which is equally impressive come day or night.


There are 39 rooms across 4 categories. We were very at home in room 134, a duplex suite with beautiful balcony views. Downstairs, the bedroom and living space was divinely luxurious, decorated in simple pale hues with vintage furniture and minimalist detailing. The marble white bathroom was fresh and indulgent, equipped with a walk-in rain shower and KAMA Ayurvedic toiletries from south India. Upstairs a more decorative living area and decadent bathtub was the perfect place to unwind with a book. Though I loved our room, for a particularly atmospheric stay I would recommend booking one of the heritage suites housed within the original buildings.

I was disappointed to not find many exciting eateries in the city of Jodhpur, so though I wouldn’t usually recommend staying inside the hotel for mealtimes, in this city RAAS’ fine food selection is definitely the best you will find. Enjoy rich and indulgent Indian cuisine or opt for International fare in the hotel’s only restaurant. The company have recently acquired the next door 800 year old step well, a truly magnificent heritage site which took months to clean. Enjoy the daunting views from above whilst devoured an assortment of Indian delicacies in the new Stepwell cafe. I was in great admiration of the chef’s fresh and vibrant creations, from addictively tasty Sev Puri (a Mumbai snack) to Aromatic Aloo Gobi Adraki (cauliflower and potato curry).

After lying by the stunning pool for the afternoon I took the opportunity to try the idyllic Ila spa, the first location for the beauty brand in India. Housed in the sacred historic building the spa feels instantly calm and reflective. The signature RAAS treatment is a brilliant massage which uses different techniques to sooth and rejuvenate the body. My therapist, Sonam, had magical healing hands and used hot stones and Argon oil to release uncomfortable knots and relieve tired muscles. After a day exploring the dusty town of Jodhpur there is nothing more refreshing than a trip to this heavenly spa.

The approachable staff are happy to help organise day trips or tour guides to help you get the most out of this unique destination. Before you leave the hotel don’t forget to take a ride in their very own sky-blue tuk tuk. A knowledgeable guide will take you on a whirlwind 45-minute tour of the city, which is complimentary with your stay.

This romantic hideaway offers a retreat within the chaotic but captivating city of Jodhpur. RAAS celebrate the local heritage of the place whilst offering a luxurious place to escape from it all. With the recent takeover of Devi Garh in Udaipur and plans to open a winter property in the Himalayas, it seems to be just the beginning for the RAAS brand.

More information and book a stay at RAAS Jodhpur here.

House of Rohet, Rajasthan

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The House of Rohet have put the small town of Rohet on the map for travellers wishing to experience rural Rajasthan. Just an hour’s drive from Jodhpur, the destination is accessible but feels remote and calm compared to the frantic cities in North India.

All guests arrive into the main Rohet Garh hotel, a heritage property which has been passed through 14 generations of family and opened as a hotel in 1990. Some of the original 17th century fort remains in tact, while the rest has been sensitively restored or modernised in a complementing style. There are 32 rooms at this boutique hotel, centred around a beautiful courtyard and decorative swimming pool.

For travellers who want to feel a little more immersed in their surroundings, the House of Rohet opened the Wilderness Camp in 2005. These 7 luxury tents are open between October and March offering a unique desert experience. Kitted out with a comfortable bedroom and bathroom, there is every amenity you could need, but no wifi, air conditioning or minibar. Each morning we woke up to the sound of the wild peacocks with the sun slowly rising above the tent. It was beautiful. Meals were served in the central tent; simple breakfasts and vegetarian dinners with an array of traditional Indian curries and breads.

In October 2009, Mihir Garh (Fortress of the Sun) opened, an exclusive boutique luxury option for discerning travellers. This high-end retreat had long been the dream of owner Mr Sidart Singh and his wife. Romantic and atmospheric in equal measure, this palatial property is ornate and indulgent. With an extravagant Indian restaurant and decadent spa, there is no need for guests to ever leave the miraculous Mihir Garh. I loved spending an evening here; admiring the troop of handsome Marwari horses, enjoying the traditional music, and dining al fresco with a glass of refreshing Indian Sula Sauvignon Blanc wine in hand.

One of the most memorable parts of my stay in Rohet was the Village Jeep Safari, which is offered complimentary to guests staying at all three properties. This journey through the local villages gives an insight into the locals’ daily life in rural India. After spotting a group of rare Black bug antelopes and Siberian crane birds, we headed to the Bishnoi and Brahmin tribes to meet the people and learn more about their way of life. It was humbling to meet the gracious Bishnoi family who live by 29 principles without electricity or any modernities. Next we took part in an opium ceremony with the elders at the Brahmin tribe, slurping flavoured water from the leaders hand and watching as they chanted and performed their ritual. It was unlike anything I have ever seen or taken part in before.

Rohet was not a destination before the properties opened, it was just a small sleepy village. Whilst offering travellers the opportunity to experience ‘real Rajasthan’ the House of Rohet are also helping sustain this amazing community, it was an experience I will never forget.

More information and book a stay at one of the House of Rohet hotels here.

The Farm, Jaipur

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Jaipur is the busiest city I visited in India, but The Farm was a perfectly calm accommodation option, just half an hour outside the city. Run by couple Surya and Ritu, this boutique property has just five rooms and two suites (with private dip pools), each is eclectically decorated with artisan trinkets and colourful artwork.

The rooms are located around a central pool, with plenty of outdoor space to soak up the sunshine with a book and enjoy the fresh air. I enjoyed my stay in room 1, a beautiful bedroom with a large comfortable bed, and spacious bathroom with shower and separate bath. Every room has an individual geyser attached to it to offer natural hot water. This eco feature does mean hot water is limited, and unfortunately there wasn’t enough to run a bath.

The food was the highlight of our stay at The Farm. The room tariff includes three meals a day, vibrant home-cooked Indian cuisine with a touch of global inspiration. Extremely fresh and varied dishes were served to us each day, a mix of flavoursome recipes, tailored to our requests and dietary requirements. The on-site organic vegetable garden provides the kitchen with plenty of seasonal produce, which is the focus of most dishes.

Hot coffee was brought to the room each morning, an invigorating wake up. Breakfast was a delight, a series of offerings from tropical fresh fruits, just-squeezed orange juice, Indian pancakes and masala omelettes. My favourite morning meal was an innovative creation of pumpkin rice with pomegranate, onions, peanuts, herbs and spices.

Thanks to the small size of The Farm the staff are able to really concentrate on the few guests who are staying. I found all the staff to be very kind and attentive, always on hand to offer tasty snacks or refreshing drinks and happy to help with any itinerary assistance you might need.

Removed from the hustle and bustle of the Pink City this contemplative retreat is a blissful place to enjoy India’s charm without the stress of the city. When you do wish to experience Jaipur’s old town, the hotel can arrange a taxi or private car tour at very reasonable rates.

More information and book a room at The Farm here.