When I first stood gawking at the magnificent gate, camera in hand and mouth wide open, little did I know I was standing dwarfed by the same façade that was an eternal part of an award-winning TV show I’ve been a huge fan of… “Balika Vadhu”.
Jaisalmer – the city of wind-swept sand dunes, warm and dreamy sunsets and star-studded skies, is quiet at peace sitting in the heart of the formidable Thar desert. Its majestic forts, ornate havelis and traditional houses all look regally gilded, built from the indigenous gold-honey hued sandstone. This is how Jaisalmer is designated as ‘The Golden City’, where people’s hearts exude a golden warmth, just like their houses.
Fort Rajwada carries this legacy forward with utmost pride. Just 20 minutes drive from Jaisalmer Airport, this colossal hotel leaves you awestruck with its regal opulence, every nook and corner demanding your attention. Brace yourself to experience the love, warmth, hospitality and majestic grandeur like never before in this beautiful oasis of tranquility.
Take a stroll around the property and you’ll get an insight of how much pain, efforts, love and attention to the minutest detail has gone into making it a visual treat. The sitting area is so huge, it looks like a mini airport. The floor-to-ceiling mural at the reception is splendid. Walls painted in light pastels reflect the sunlight that keeps streaming in from all sides. It’s fascinating to learn that the elegant balconies made of sand-stone carved in intricate latticed work are centuries old and originally belonged to the Mughals. There’s artwork, carvings and paintings everywhere and all of them are a handiwork of the local artisans.
While the check-in formalities were being completed, I waddled around only to return all bemused and wondering, will three days be enough to explore? What I actually meant was Jaisalmer and the hotel. Will three days be enough to explore both of them together?
Fort Rajwada is an ideal stay option both for leisure and business travelers with an array of rooms in Deluxe, Suites and Mahal categories. Sounds like an ode to Rajasthan royalty, doesn’t it? Deluxe Room is good enough for a couple. More than good. It’s super huge.
All rooms are splendidly furbished with modern amenities and still exude the old-world charm.
After a tiring day of soaking in the sights Jaisalmer has to offer, sink into the cosy, plump bed for a night of sound sleep. Wake up to the tranquil, lazy morning you crave but almost never get in the city.
Try to peel yourself off the bed, and if you do succeed, hop down the stairs to kick-start your day with scrumptious breakfast that awaits at the Roopal Restaurant, the kitchen of which also whips up an excellent contemporary and local regional cuisine. The Laal Maas here is something you shouldn’t miss. They spice it up as per the tolerance levels of your tongue and tummy.
Before you head for breakfast or after you’ve had your fill, I really suggest, toss away your flip-flops and take a stroll barefoot on the lush green and perfectly manicured grounds, bathing in the early morning sun.
With superhuge sunflowers smiling in their utmost glory, abundant rays of morning sun and artsy objects scattered around, you have plenty of opportunities to click Instaworthy photos that won’t even need a filter.
Imagine posing like a royalty in one of these.
The terrace offers kaleidoscope views of the panoramic cityscape. 
Stretch your legs in one of these gazebos and allow the desert wind to be flirty or just pose for pictures cuz you wont be in a hurry to make your way down.
Roopal Restaurant adjacent is Sonal, which is a fine dining restaurant. With its luxurious interiors and imperial decor, it makes your dining experience at par with royalty.
While away your time at the Pattu Bar with drinks and a platter of authentic Mughlai and continental snacks. If nothing, just plonk down on their cushiony chairs with a cup of coffee and just soak in the vibe of the place.
Service in all of the three restaurants is exceptional. Friendly, polite, eager to serve and with their trademark smile and simplicity. We got a new friend in Bhavani Singh who regaled us with anecdotes about Jaisalmer, its erstwhile kings and the Indian Army. The conversations kept spilling over three days. Speaking to people like him who’re so passionate about their belonging, you realize how deeply engraved are the scars of the battles that were fought through centuries and how the current generations still live with them.
There’s also the Rooftop Sunset Bar that provides a perfect setting for a romantic candlelit dinner under the starlit desert skies.
The hotel can also arrange a Pool-side barbeque while you surrender yourself to being serenaded by the local artists who put up a mesmerizing show of their craft and having you totally glued to your seats.
You only get the real feel of the desert when you actually spend some time with it. Like spending a night in a desert camp, bashing the dunes in a 4X4, going for a long ride on a camel, enjoying folk dances hunkered down under the starlit skies and gorging on some lipsmacking food.
Save the best for the last. So, here’s all about the service. It’s the people that make this spectacular hotel a place you want to live in for as much time as you can. Bhavani Singh in the restaurant, Hansraj in housekeeping and Roop Singh who chauffeured us… unforgettable, all of them. Speaking to Roop Singh, I realized the value of every 100 bucks a driver earns as tips.
Lastly, there’s Vaibhav, Manager and the star of Fort Rajwada. Any recruiters reading this will surely be tempted to poach him. hehe. Smart, capable, pleasant, patient, amicable and deeply passionate about everything Jaisalmer, despite not actually being the product of the city. He comes with vast experience having worked with some of the prestigious hotels across India. He gave us a feeling that we weren’t just guests but a part of their family. He planned our trip with the same passion he would have planned his own and altered it many many times as per our needs without a frown. Had it not been for Vaibhav, it would have been just another holiday.
Considering how humble and modest they are, I’m sure they’ll attribute their success to us, their amazing guests; but it’s actually them who make the place worth living…even if it is for just 2 days.
For bookings and other details hit:
http://www.fortrajwada.com/
Service is extraordinary, whether it’s the reception, the housekeeping or the cheerful kitchen team. It was incredibly kind of them to pack us some yummy mayonnaisey sandwiches at 7 in the morning for our journey back to the airport.
That picture never really left me. The longing to be there followed and kept following until I cajoled my dear husband to celebrate our anniversary in Goa. And, he instantly agreed. That’s very rare of him. May be the universe-to-your-rescue funda worked or something 😉
A good 50 minutes drive from Panjim airport later, we arrive at our destination. The car halts right at the steps and down comes Feni, tottering and sashaying, along with the rest of her family; a twig in her mouth, her style of welcoming her guests.
Arco Iris means ‘Rainbow’ in Spanish. Which is why the colour of the five rooms – Indigo, Orange, Violet, Yellow and Blue. We stayed in the Yellow Room.
Unobstructed sublime views of the lush greens come rushing in through the large wood-paneled windows.
The lobby of yore, primordial courtyard, mighty high ceilings, four poster beds, rocking chairs, antique furniture take you through the time warp to an era gone by.
Bennita, the lady of the house runs the show along with her better half, Ganesh. She’s warm, friendly, kind and very very helpful. One email before our check-in and she had everything organised… the room, pickup, two-wheeler… She’s more than happy to share her Goan anecdotes and enlighten you with stuff to do, places to eat, thus make your stay a memorable one.
The wishing well; you wish you never grew up…
Amidst all that holiday-spa and pampering, if you ever decide to peel your slothful self out, there are hoards of activities to indulge you.
Stone’s throw away is the Zuari river. You’ll most certainly spot the kingfishers in their beautiful, bright plumage. Amble along the banks or take a cruise when the skies are painted with sunset hues that reflect off the shimmering waters.
Benaulim, Colva and other beaches are a short ride away and offer a platter full of beach activities.
Peace cocoons as you stretch yourself on the porch. You are involuntarily drifted into a lull as soft music wafts from the speakers attached above your window.
And them…
This isn’t a foodie destination, mind you. So expect basic yet delectable home-style veg and non-veg meals. It’s a buffet of crispy fried fish, egg curry, chicken curry, veggies, rice, chapattis, and salad. Wash these down with a glass of ice-cold Chaas (buttermilk). Finally, end your meal with yummy hot Gajar or Dudhi Halwa. Breakfast, too, is a traditional affair with poha, upma, puri bhaji, egg bhurji and steaming hot tea.
It’s equipped with all the modern amenities – large LED TV, DVD player, split A/C, tea/coffee maker and a bottle cooler fridge, are all at your service. What really deserves a mention is the bathroom. It’s huge, never-seen-before spacious with a glass shower area and a twin tub.
A private sit-out…
The pristine lake is captivating. Its placid waters shimmering with rays of the dissipating sun look perfect against the backdrop of rolling green hills. No one has ventured out here. Not a soul. Silence is palpable. All of these lend a perfect aura to satiate us suburbanites craving for a piece of tranquility. Just when you realize, you haven’t had enough of this serene panorama, it’s time to head back before it turns dark. Dark here means 6.15.
There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too. Swings, see-saw, slides and merry-go-round , all will keep your tiny ones pretty occupied. There is also a small ground for team sports like cricket, badminton, Volleyball and other groupies.
Lali along with her pups leads your way as you take a morning stroll.
Wonder how many monsoons this big guy has seen. Takes me back to the summer vacations spent in my native, Malvan, when my granny would take us kids to collect mangoes, cashews and tamarind.
Tudor Retreat is in Khopoli, a quaint little town perched in the lap of the Sahyadris. I’d been to this place years ago. Things haven’t changed much, except for the additional couple of cottages. Maitre D, Mrs. Khan, a septuagenarian toughie runs the show. From booking to checkout, she manages everything. Woah!
Intersecting the limpid waters to one side and hills abutting the other, this place is crazily elusive and awefully quiet. Silence is palpable, punctuated by the frequent chirps of egrets or just the rustling of dry weathered leaves.
Who needs entertainment when you have sunbathing snakes and gorgeous kingfishers for company. Look at this guy, sticking his head out and about to writhe in. He so righteously has all the lake to himself.
There’s one more right outside the room and a fence away from the lake. I could swing for hours, unperturbed, with no company – books, laptop, cell or humans… all by myself… Sorry Oniel, not even you 😛
Gorge on the ghee soaked chapatis, lip-smacking spicy chicken, steamed rice, daal and gajar halwa for lunch.
How about some crispy Pakodas and piping hot coffee…by the lake…watching the sun go down…
End your day with yummy chicken biryani and fish curry for dinner.
Garden: Keep your little ones occupied in the manicured lawn dotted with swings, slides and see-saws.
Take a walk within the property hemmed by the beautiful bougainvilleas or just lounge by the lake… you have the time of the world to get lost in each other’s company.
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