Suryagarh

Surrounded by the stark beauty of the Thar desert, yet within easy reach of the ancient city of Jaisalmer, Suryagarh is perfect for a classic Rajasthan vacation. Though a relatively young hotel, it has been beautifully built from yellow sandstone in a traditional Rajasthani style, giving it the atmosphere of a perfectly preserved Maharajah’s palace.

Rooms and suites at Suryagarh are traditional and luxurious in style, with antique dark wood furnishings, high ceilings and traditional Indian rugs and fabrics on the tiled floors. The opulent Jaisalmer Suite features ornate arches with windows overlooking the Thar Desert, and a beautiful carved sandstone four-poster bed; there’s also a private terrace with your own pool overlooking the desert. The Signature Suite is more modern in its design, with dark wood polished floors and tastefully patterned wallpaper, but retains elements of the hotel’s traditional style with high arches and intricately carved wooden decorations. The standalone Havelis, arranged around beautiful courtyards, offer ultimate privacy.

Traditional Rajputana cuisine is served up at the hotel’s speciality Indian dining room, the Legend of Marwad, where the skilful chefs use ancient recipes and techniques to produce distinctive, flavourful dishes. At all-day dining room Nosh, classic Indian cuisine is served alongside international favourites, and if you’re thirsty after a day’s desert adventuring, head to Draksh for a choice of wines and spirits from across the world. Chaat Chai, meanwhile, serves up a range of Indian chai alongside chaat, traditional savoury snacks.

Suryagarh has a range of facilities to make sure that your stay in the desert is as enjoyable as possible, and as active or relaxing – or both – as you want it to be. At the Akhara fitness centre, you can work up a sweat with the state-of-the-art weights and cardio equipment, or practise yoga, and you can seek refuge from the desert sun and cool off in the beautiful indoor pool. At Rait, the hotel’s spa, a range of treatments are available based on ancient Indian wellness traditions, and the Taash cards and billiards room is the place to go for traditional relaxation in a refined setting.

Suryagarh is a gateway to the ancient Golden City of Jaisalmer and the desolate expanse of the Thar Desert. Guided tours are available of nearby sites associated with the Silk Road between the 16^th and 18^th centuries, such as the Khaba Fort and the ghost town of Kuldhara, which prospered until being suddenly and mysteriously deserted in the early 19^th century. The bustling Jaisalmer Fort, a living museum which continues to comprise the centre of town, is a must-visit, and out in the desert, camel safaris are a great way to explore the sand dunes, little villages and ancient ruins. Back at the hotel, Sivanada yoga classes are on offer, as are meditation and Buddhist chanting sessions.