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SUJAN The Serai

SUJAN The Serai

Tented Camps
Rajasthan, India

Quietly nestled in the middle of the Thar Desert, an hour east of the UNESCO heritage city of Jaisalmer is The Serai, a luxurious desert camp and spa. A member of Relais and Chateaux, The Serai offers exceptional service and exquisite dining experiences.

With 21 canvas tented suites and an excellent spa, this is a wonderfully romantic setting and perfect for those looking for a peaceful hideaway off the beaten track.

Why we like The Serai

Private dining by the poolside under an inky dark sky peppered with stars, the peace and solitude of the Thar desert surrounds you.

Facilities

This romantic desert camp and spa has 21 luxurious canvas tents, offering three styles of accommodation. Six of the tents have private walled gardens with heated plunge pools. In addition, there is an exclusive ‘Royal Tent’ with its own pool, spa lounge and dining tents, all inside a private walled garden. There is an award-winning spa situated within a walled garden and a large heated swimming pool. The Serai’s organic herb and vegetable garden are used to create delicious meals. Guests are welcome to explore the farm and participate in cooking sessions with the team. The staff are impeccable and treat every guest like royalty.

Activities

Although in the middle of the Thar Desert, there is plenty to keep you busy when not exploring the sandstone walls of Jaisalmer fort.

Camelback safari through the desert at sundown
Champagne picnic in the dunes with incredible views at sunset
Bush dinners accompanied by ancient songs from local Sufi and folk musicians
Dine al fresco under a canopy of stars surrounded by lanterns
Indulge in various spa treatments

Endorsements

“One of those out of this world experiences that are very rare” – Vogue

“The overall effect is something out of a dream: romantic and completely magical” – Conde Nast Traveller

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer, India

The Serai, India

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Oberoi Udaivilas £££££

India
City

Conceived in the royal tradition of the palaces of Mewar, the resort oozes grandeur and majesty. Echoing corridors, domes covered in gold leaf, hand-painted murals, pavilions, arches and fountains, all come together to recreate a bygone age of royal living.

RAAS Devigarh £££££

India

RAAS Devigarh is no ordinary palace hotel. Chic and elegant, it blends modern with 15th-century originality. It stands amongst wheat fields deep in the Aravalli hills, 30 minutes drive from Udaipur. Interiors are clean and contemporary with daring splashes of colour. Spend time at the heated pool and indulge in the bespoke spa programmes. The views from the fort are spectacular and many an hour can be spent over an excellent meal sourced locally from the chefs garden.

Rambagh Palace £££££

India

Once you’ve checked into the Rambagh, head for the shade of the white marble verandahs and order a mint sprigged iced-tea. Sitting there, you will see the Suvarna Mahal restaurant; the Ballroom; the Neel Mahal and the Polo Room – all splendid reminders of a time gone by. Needless to say, the Rambagh is fit for a king. Built in 1835, the hotel is managed by the Taj Hotel Group, but ownership of the property is retained by the family. There is an indoor swimming pool built of stone and marble and a spa offering massages. Croquet, tennis and squash can all be played during your stay.

SUJAN Jawai £££££

India
Tented Camps

SUJAN Jawai offers a luxury camping experience in Rajasthan, located in an area renowned for its leopard population. The camp consists of eight luxury tents, one Family Tented Suite and one Royal Tented Suite, each with space and privacy, in a remote setting ensuring peace and tranquillity. The tents ooze understated elegance and offer ensuite bathrooms with rain shower and contemporary furniture with a splash of scarlet inspired by the Rabari. Each tent has its own private veranda with views of the dramatic wilderness around.

Samode Haveli £££££

India
Forts and Palaces

The townhouse of the Samode family lies at the heart of Jaipur. It is a real find with fabulous frescoes and large gardens allowing you to forget that you are in one of the city’s busiest streets. As with Samode Palace, the bedrooms are scattered around the rambling building and are superbly decorated. The huge swimming pool is one of Jaipur’s finest and is a draw in itself.

Oberoi Amarvilas £££££

India
City

Oberoi Amarvilas is situated just 650 yards from the Taj Mahal. This is the closest hotel to the Taj and has the best views. They need to be seen to be believed. We don’t really need to say anymore. This is the place to be if your only reason to visit Agra is to marvel at the astonishing site that is the Taj Mahal.

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