Exclusive Desert Stay in Rajasthan, India

Suitable for – all age groups

Approximate cost – Rs. 8,000 to 13,000 per night

Highlights:

Great property in the middle of dunes
Cottages are luxurious and comfortable
Hospitality is top notch
Food is good
Host of activities to choose from
Star gazing at its best (excellent glamping experience)

Points to Note:

No Wifi
The place is in the middle of No where – You can enjoy the property and its offerings

About the Property:

Set amidst an ocean of dunes, a top a 100 ft high Sand dune in the wilderness of the Thar desert, Dera Dune is a sanctuary of the Self.

Its location is exactly where it was always destined to be. Purposeful and mysterious like the Egyptian pyramids, over an ocean of pure golden sand.

You will marvel at the design of the retreat – awash in earthen shades, an architectural dexterity that marries Rajasthani regality with the rural quintessence of Dhanis. Its 360 degree vista unfolds a canvas of night skies that entice an astronomer’s delight.

In the desert, every evening, the sun bids adieu leaving behind a bouquer of colours and hues unlike any other. Simaltenosuly, as the sky turns dark, constellations wheel in, millions of silver pinpoints in the sky.

Far from the haze of urban skyline, our galaxy, the milky way arches above – truly an exclusive stay.

Rooms:

Dera Dune Retreat has 18 stylishly appointed cottages decorated in royal Rajasthan style with best in class linen and 24 hour hold-cold running water. The cottages are designed with modern amenities, fully equipped bathrooms, air-conditioning and heating facilities. Hot water bottles are kept under the bed to keep the linen warm and cosy.

While having all the modern amenities, each cottage is designed in the local architectural style to resemble ‘dhanis’ or tribal huts.

The bathrooms are spacious, airy and are fitted with an air-conditioner as well.

There is a private patio adjoining each cottage, which lets you experience many seasons and colours in the span of a day. You can enjoy the sky changing colours with panoramic views of the desert while sipping your tea in the morning, reading a book in the evenings or stare into the brilliance of a star spangled night sky

Amenities:

Swimming pool – Enjoy a dip in the pool in the hot afternoons to cool down and relax as to enjoy the swimming pool.

Mini library – They have a small library for you to enjoy reading while you relax in the desert

Board games – They have some board games to keep you engaged.

Volleyball – You can take a few shots at sand Volleyball

Things to do:

Village visit – Visit houses in the vicinity of the Retreat, which specialise in making woollen rugs of camel hair and hand-knotted carpets have geometric motifs and formal designs.

Camel Safari – No desert stay is complete without a Camel safari. Enjoy the ride as the camel wanders through the dunes.

Desert drives – Be mesmerised by the magnificence of the desert and the way the light illuminates the dunes on morning or late afternoon desert drives

Demoiselle sighting – Khichan, a nearby village not well known in the traditional tourism circuit but very popular among the 30000 Demoiselle Cranes who for the last 200 years have been migrating here from Mongolia between September and March. They can be sighted everywhere.

Dune walk – Explore the lodge surroundings on foot and walk in the footsteps of desert-adapted wildlife. Enjoy a dune walk with our expert guides, one which is completely private and tranquil.

Cultural show – The troubadours mesmerise you with their melodies, singing about love, war, passion and devotion, anything encapsulated in life and its rhythm is potentially a note for them to string a song with. Enjoy these majestic performances.

Star Gazing – Far away from the night lights and pollution that engulfs urban landscapes, The Retreat offers a stargazing experience that is unforgettable.

Excursions – They organize various excursions for guests, especially the visit to some local mud houses, the salt pans and the visit to Keechan bird sanctuary.

Food:

A large, cheerful area bustling with activity and courteous service, the dining cottage is located at the center of the property. The dining hall has an embroidered cloth ceiling, giving it the look of a medieval tent, which adds to the charm and romance.

It can seat up to 40 people at one time and offers a selection of Indian, continental and local delicacies cooked by expert chefs to finger licking perfection.

Bar – A circular room with large windows overlooking the eerie beauty of the undulating desert. Located at the North Western edge of the property, the well stocked bar provides stunning views of the sunset, even as you relax with a drink.

On request, the Bar can also be arranged on the Sundeck or by the Pool for those who prefer outdoors

With truism in mind, the gourmets of Western Rajasthan developed a unique cuisine of their own that bypassed the handicap of the desert being mostly devoid of vegetation. By using dried local vegetables, various grains, meats and pickles, they come up with a menu, which is perhaps one of the richest in India.

Food is top top notch in every sense. The wholesomeness of dishes and the freshness of the local vegetables do total justice to the saying, “the way to one’s heart is the stomach.”