Tag Archives: remote

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.

Thalatta Seaside Hotel, Greece

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Evia is the second largest island in Greece but is often overlooked as most tourists favour the smaller, more developed destinations. Just a two hour drive from Athens, Evia is more popular with the Greeks, as a quiet escape from busy city life on the mainland. Although Evia does not have an airport, it is easily reachable by road, and it is a scenic drive through the island.

Thalatta Seaside Hotel is located on the north-east side of Evia in a small fishing village called Agia Anna. The thoughtfully designed hotel has been open for seven years, but is so well kept that it appears new. The young owner has carefully chosen materials and features that complement the unspoilt natural surroundings. After a short stint in chaotic Athens, I felt my mood instantly calm as I stepped inside the stylish but simple hotel.

On the Greek islands the season most often starts in early May, so we were among the first of the year to be checked in. There are some advantages to picking low season for your Mediterranean holiday, we were lucky to be upgraded to the top Thalatta suite and relished the privacy and the chance to splash about in our very own swimming pool.

Our spacious suite had room enough for a whole family with a separate lower floor that we didn’t even use. The main open plan room was minimalist and comfortably decorated in muted shades of grey and green with plenty of natural light thanks to the floor to ceiling windows. Complementary wifi allowed me to work in the lounge area of the room, which also had a smart sofa and stylish rocking chair. The outdoor spaces included a small balcony overlooking the pool and large decking area which had enough sun loungers for a party of ten. The bathroom was functional with a powerful shower, though I found it quite dark and was disappointed not to find a bathtub.

We were incredibly well looked after during our stay at Thalatta, the staff were genuinely friendly and kindly assisted us with every need or desire. The lovely and knowledgeable Aris drove us around, explaining the local sites and talking to us about the Greek way of life. Dimitri, guest relations manager, is a fun and happy guy, always a pleasure to see and chat to around the property. I was also impressed with mixologist George and the charming Maître d’ who looked after us during mealtimes.

During the summer months there are various restaurant options, although these were limited during our stay in May. We ate breakfast and dinner each day at the main hotel restaurant, Asado. The set menu in the evenings showcased fresh local ingredients and traditional Greek dishes. The food tasted good and it was clear to see that the chef took pride in the plates he was sending out. The meat and fish courses were accompanied with delicious, refreshing local white wine. I will definitely be looking out for Greek wines back in London.

Our gourmet highlight was lunch on the beach at the hotel’s social seafood eatery, Meze. Here, with your feet in the sand, you can sample the freshest fish, grilled to perfection. We were presented with tender octopus and crispy battered calamari. We also tasted a range of vegetarian small dishes, typical Greek salad and moreish handcut chips.

Guests can choose to relax by the pool, or by the sea on the pebble beach. Pick a book from the clever beach library, craftily hidden within the wall. When we tired of sunbathing we took the hotel bicycles out for a ride along the beach and into the quaint nearby village. We also took an afternoon trip with Aris to see some sights on the island. First stop was Drimona Waterfall where we swam in crystal clear waters. Next we saw the 16th century chapel in the Monastery of St David, up the hills and surrounded by goats – it was a mesmerising place to experience. Finally a quick stop in Limni town, a favourite with tourists in summer.

On a cooler evening we visited the boutique Life spa at the hotel. Here the wellness team look after you, tending to all your pampering requirements. We enjoyed a thorough body massage which used different massage techniques to de-stress each muscle in the body, relieving tension and strain. The therapist worked relentlessly on my back and shoulders to knead out the persistent knots, and left my body feeling much more balanced. There is also a gym and hair salon should you need it.

We left Thalatta by boat, setting sail across the tranquil sea to visit the island of Skiathos. The hotel is able to arrange a variety of day trips aboard this stunning sail boat, allowing guests to see another aspect of Greece’s natural beauty.

Thalatta Seaside Hotel (www.Thalattahotel.gr, +30 210 3615844) offers 5 nights in a Superior Sea View Room on a B&B basis from £575, (based on 2 people sharing).