One of the most interesting properties that I have visited in
the recent past is the Serai ( part of the Relais and Chateaux group) which has
21 air conditioned tents set in a hundred acres of scrubby terrain in the heart
of the Thar Desert, a half hour drive from Jaisalmer.
The whole resort is built out of honey coloured sandstone and
pearly white canvas and the Zen- like spaces are furnished with local artifacts
like tall black urns with reeds, camel statues and durries. The furniture is
all collapsible and compact and every piece is packed and put in storage when
the camp closes for the summer.
My swish tent suite with high ceilings and windows with nets had
a Victorian study, throw cushions in brilliant indigo, a huge bed on a stone
platform and a fantasy-in-stone bathroom with two stylish basins and a rain
shower.
I just loved the small
details: brass service buttons to summon your personal butler or housekeeping,
monogrammed paper with camels embossed on it, novels bound in vellum, leather
pouches to hold a torch and a hair dryer, glass stopper decanters with
citronella based products.
The focal
point of the resort is an elevated infinity pool modelled on the lines of a
step well or a baoli with canopied
loungers on all sides
The food at the Serai was an eclectic mix of Western and Indian
specialities. The menus varied with every meal, and offered a wide choice,
ranging from cold soups and salads, to a Wild Mushroom risotto and traditional
Rajasthani dishes. I just loved this Rajasthani Thali.
The staff was in traditional attire - with a multi-coloured saafa or turban and the managers in
Khaki.
The Serai even has a Spa
created by Raison d’Etre, one of the leading Spa companies in the world, housed
in tents of course. My feet were bathed in a sandstone basin of warm water and
in the soft glow of candlelight, skilled hands rubbed me with a ground mixture of tulsi, saffron and honey in a
sesame oil base.
The best experience that I had was my own private sun downer
excursion- a cross country drive on a
desert jeep with a butler and driver, through small villages or dhanis with mud houses, children
waving, men with turbans sitting under trees and camels munching on the ker trees.
At the end of the drive, I had
my private dune, a snack table and a
drink, watching the sun go down!
