In the Middle of Nowhere
Room Type: Shandar Suite
Stay: 2 Nights
Arrival
Located approximately 1 hour outside Jodhpur, the hotel has been built to resemble a fortress and overlooks the Thar desert so a very special place, perfect for couples, beautiful huge rooms and complete and utter silence apart from peacocks. At night all you see are stars, there are no lights in the distance whichever way you look.
We and another family were the only guests.
Room
The Shandar Suites are upstairs, all the suites have different layouts and are beautifully furnished with local furniture, fabrics and ornaments. Ours was beautifully with a large living and dining area, massive bedroom with the most comfortable bed and a en suite bathroom with separate shower, sink, toilet and moulded bathtub all with views over the desert. From the bedroom doors lead out on to a large terrace with sun beds and a jacuzzi in the turret, not the easiest thing to get into but great views from it.
Size: 158 sqm
Mihir Garh Room Facilities
- Toiletries
- Tea and Coffee making facilities
- Bottled water
- Hangers
- Safe
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Hairdryer
- Satellite TV
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Balcony view overlooking the gardens with the pool at the end
Dining
There is only one restaurant which has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the pool and the desert.
Breakfast was good and the evening meals were as well but I did not enjoy them as much as Jon.
Service
Very good although one member of staff was over attentive which became annoying.
Amenities
Swimming Pool
Spa - usual treatments
Excursions
The hotel offers a number of local experiences and I had requested the Royal Picnic but unfortunately this was not available. Instead we were offered a ride through the desert but only for experienced riders. Jon had to pass much to his relief but I was allowed to go.
Very excited I was driven back to Rohan, the village where the owners have another hotel and the stables. Whilst trying to get into the saddle it was at this point that I realised I was not a teenager again….sheer willpower propelled me up without having to request a shove.
Great I think as we start walking through the village out towards the desert, body slipped back in time and this will be fun. We start to trot, bones start to protest….panic…canter will be better….canter…dear god what was I thinking…gallop….holy shit, please go back to trotting.
About an hour of absolute agony with a grin on my face (or was it a grimace) we returned, at this point I am wondering how I could dismount without collapsing and making a fool of myself. I just managed to stay on my feet and hobble back to the jeep without assistance but the bumpy ride back was not pleasant and I spent the next few days feeling 90 years old and taking not strong enough medication.
Other excursions were a Village Safari which includes a visit to a local farm which was interesting to see how the family were living although it does show the huge difference in lifestyles, I hope they get paid for it!
We then went onto the main village to drink opium with the village elders, unfortunately not enough given to negate the back pain! You are also driven through the desert to see local wildlife, Jon was pleased to spot something dead being eaten by vultures, lovely!
Other Excursions include the Royal Picnic which is set up in a ornate tent by a lake, Birdwatching excursions, Culinary workshops, Shikar Dinner in the desert and the Equestrian Program with sunrise, sunset rides or overnight or longer in a luxury mobile camp.
The stables breed Marwari horses which are rare and originally from this region of Rajasthan, we were told that Madonna flew in just to ride them.
Conclusion
Absolutely loved this place, a wonderful experience (even the horse ride which I would do again), a great hotel to get a few days away from everything. Would return in an instant and stay longer.
Mihir Garh, Jodhpur
Highly recommended, unique place to stay in Rajasthan. Click the logo to visit their website
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