1. Tree House Resort, Jaipur

A tree top cottage on a keekar tree at Tree House Resort

Only of its kind in Rajasthan, The Tree House Resort is the one among the four largest tree house resorts in world. Overlooking the Syari Valley, it offers some of the best views of the Aravalli ranges through its cottages called as ‘nests’, which rest upon the keekar trees. These nests are a perfect blend of modernity supported by the natural-air-conditioned accommodation, Wi-Fi, mini bar, coffee makers, plasma TVs, and unparalleled hospitality.

Tree branches inside the rooms of the suite at The Tree House Resort

What’s special: The nests named after the local birds, the Aviary Spa, nature bazaar, jungle safaris, Archery sessions, outdoor gyms, outdoor movies
Must do: Take a stroll around the property, indulge in the archery sessions
Suggested suite: The Private Suite; for the private patios and gardens with bathtubs on the tree top

2.The Ranvas, Nagaur

The glorious havelis of Ranvas look mesmerising at night

Ranvas means the residence of Queen and The Ranvas in Nagaur stands true to its name with 10 refurbished havelis of 18th century. Located inside the magnanimous Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur, these havelis — the then residences of the 16 Queens of the Maharaja Bakhat Singh, have been meticulously revived into royal suites that guarantee regal residence and royal hospitality.

With numerous fountains, vivid fresco paintings, geometrically symmetric gardens and peacocks cooing almost everywhere, The Ranvas is a treat to the soul. To state facts, the exclusive heritage stay has 27 rooms in total, a swimming pool and two royal restaurants.

What’s special: The royal connection, living inside a fort, presidential gardens, private terraces
Must do: Stay at the hotel when it celebrates the annual World Sufi Festival, museum tours
Suggested suite: Royal Suite, for the best of the regality and chivalry

3. Lakshman Sagar, Pali, Jodhpur

Cottages of Lakshman Sagar are spread over 32 acres of the hills

32 acres of a 200 year old history — The Lakshman Sagar is a meticulous heritage home in Jodhpur. Built by the then Thakur of Raipur, the Lakshman Sagar reeks of Rajputana culture and traditions. This heritage property has retained endless detailing and nuances of a hunting lodge that it originally was. The former design had separate quarters — Zanana for women and Mardana for men, while the present version transformed them into suites with private baithaks and mahfil.

A bedroom in the Lakshman Sagar decorated with ethnic draperies

What’s special: The ancient stone walled rooms, activities like liquor tasting, goat herding, nature walks, horse trailing, and star gazing.
Must do: Take a dip into the single rock cut swimming pool, dine at the common grand hall
Suggested suite: Superior room, for the lake view and private dining

4. Raas Devigarh, Udaipur

Brightly-lit Raas Devigarh hotel from outside

It can’t get more magical than this. Rampant domes, balconies, turrets colorful semi precious stones in the walls – the restored Devigarh Palace is a gleaming metaphor of Udaipur regality. The RAAS group acquired the 18th century palace to transform it into 14 floors of elegant suites complemented by green marble pools, glassed-in pavilion restaurants, and spectacular views of the Aravalis in front and Delwara village below.

A private balcony in the deluxe suite of the Raas Devigarh

What’s special: Beautiful large bedrooms, royal bathrooms, the green marble pool, yoga classes, spa
Must do: Yoga on terrace during the dawn hours
Suggested suite: Aravali Suite for the bests of the royal luxury

5. Oasis in the Desert, Jodhpur

A folk performance set up at the Oasis in the Desert

Magical– there is no other word to picturise this place. Located in the middle of the Thar, this resort-cum-camp boasts of impeccable hospitality and glamping. It is also known that the members of the staff here set up a romantic dinner for two as the sun goes down — fancy this with the soothing desert wind and moonlit sky shimmering with stars.

6. The Farm, Jaipur

The eclectic interiors of The Farm are maintained by recycled products

Avante garde designs, inherited sense of hospitality, and an aura that has been inspired from personal travel experiences — the Farm is a modern luxury homestay located on the outskirts of Jaipur. The Farm has five individually styled rooms and two luxury suites with private pools and eclectic interiors.

“We are artists who use scrap as a primary medium to design space and objects” – these words are brought to life in every corner with experimental ideation, playfulness and creativity.

A bedroom at The Farm decorated with antiques and photographs

What’s special: The relaxed yet playful atmosphere; classes of yoga, painting, and cookery; homegrown and homemade food, customized gifts during the stay at hotel
Must do: Indulge in spa, find inspiration in hotel’s creative art collection that also has some of the best photographs by Raghu Rai

7. Mihir Garh House, near Jodhpur

A bird’s eye view of the Mihir Garh House near Jodhpur

Mihir Garh House is actually a fort – built in 2009. The Rajput husband-wife owners of this grand fort cum hotel planned it at the sacred sand dunes of Mali Nathji ka Dhora, which is dedicated to the warrior god of Mewar. The hotel has been designed and built entirely according to the taste of the couple. The breathtaking views of the sunset at the san dunes, vivid decorative art forms, graceful furnishings, ochre-stone bathrooms, mirrored open fire chimneys, private verandahs with pools — a Rajasthani stay can not be fancied beyond this.

The sitting area by the infinity pool at the Mihir Garh House

What’s special: Private verandas with pools, intricate art installations, open air jacuzzis, private terraces
Must do: Indulge in horse safaris – the place is a horse lover’s paradise; shikar dinner
Suggested suite: Shandaar Suites, with private terraces and infinity spa pools.

8. Thar Vilas, Jaisalmer

The grand Thar Vilas is a majestic hotel in the heart of the desert in Rajasthan

Thar Vilas is actually one word for all the royalty, grandeur and history that Jaisalmer has. The property is actually a majestic oasis amidst the sand dunes of Jaisalmer. The rooms are designed with the help of fine replicas of contemporary furniture, western designs, Rajasthani traditions and royal elegance. The hotel does not boast of history, but the verdant green lawns surrounding the large swimming pool, restaurants serving the Rajasthani traditions on a plate and the curation of folk performances make it stand grand amidst the other heritage hotels in Rajasthan.

A cultural folk performance at the Thar Vilas

What’s special: The modern amenities – both Indian and Western, special barbecue restaurant, Kairali Ayurvedic massage
Must do: Walk through the Kuldhara Village, camel safari to the Sam Sand dunes, dine at the in-house restaurant for their gala dinner
Suggested suite: Double suite for spacious accommodation, and mesmerising views of the splendid Thar

9. The Water House Resort

An artificial waterfall at the Water House Resort

A private balcony at the Water House resort

What’s special: The marine life, omnipresent water-themed installations, yoga classes, nature walks
Must do: Nature walks, water tours,
Suggested suite: Over water suites for spacious rooms and privacy.

10. Citadel in the Thar, Jaisalmer

Breakfast on the terrace with a peacock at Citadel in the Thar

Hope, the picture says it all to you. Apart from everything else, this resort is said to have stone villas with infinity pools overlooking Thar. Also, they boast of an art spa with 5 treatment rooms, steam, sauna and jacuzzis

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10 Exclusive Stays In Rajasthan