Mihirgarh

A gorgeous, 9-suite fantasy fort in the Thar desert with private plunge pools, Royal Picnics and Marwar horse-riding

Finished in October 2009, Mihirgarh ('the Sun's fortress') is the result of a 12-year dream by its Rajput husband-and-wife owners, Sidharth and Rashmi Singh. They wanted to celebrate the rich culture of Western Rajasthan, and take the luxury experience offered by their nearby heritage hotel Rohet Garh to a whole new level. Built largely to their own design, the softly rounded edges of Mihirgarh's crenellated sandstone walls cleverly belie its newness, and the graceful layout, Rajasthani antiques, vivid decorative art and graceful furnishings are beautiful to behold. The 9 suites are bright and spacious, with bold colour themes (brick-red, olive, gold), mirrored open-fire chimneys, ochre-stone bathrooms and little plunge or spa pools on each private verandah.

Riding safaris are the main activity here. Horses are Sidharth's passion - they feature in decorative motifs throughout, and with 2 paddocks and a stables, plus the freedom to ride whenever you want, Mihirgarh is a horse-lover's dream. Especially because there's an infinity pool and on-site Ayurvedic spa to soothe saddle-sore muscles.

Highs

• The utter peace and isolation of the desert setting
• The luxurious furnishings, deliciously soft beds, private verandahs and blissful plunge pools in each suite
• The Jeep safaris to Bishnoi tribal villages, and the opportunity to gallop regal Marwar horses through the wilderness
• The lovely communal areas, which include 3 silk-cushioned lounges, and terraces for sunset viewing or stargazing
• The fact that all your meals and soft drinks, plus the village safari, are included in the price

Lows

• Roof terraces and verandahs are not completely hidden from guests on the lawn, or gardening staff, so look before you leap out of your private pool naked!
• It's in the Thar Desert, so getting to or from Jodhpur requires a 1.5hr-long taxi ride or drive
• If walking in the surrounding desert, beware of snagging your feet/ankles on lots of sharp thorns
• The Singh's tented Wilderness Camp sits 500m away, which belittles the sense of being isolated in the desert
• When fully booked, there might not be enough poolside loungers to go around