Wilderness Camp

Luxury tents pitched deep in the Thar desert an hour from Jodphur: this is escapism at its very best

The charming Singh family, whose ancestral home is Rohet Garh, are also hosts of this luxurious camp 18km away. Six Swiss cottage-style tents sit behind sandstone ramparts, deep in the remote Thar Desert. With stunning sunrises, mesmerising sunsets and starry night skies, life in this wilderness is spectacularly elemental - and utterly silent but for the wildlife.

But don't imagine that this is some kind of ascetic retreat. The 6 tents are rather luxurious - more like mini-marquees really - with huge comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, smart furniture and gorgeous rugs that wouldn't be out of place in a Rajasthani palace. Beside a sundowner deck, there are attractive living and dining areas made from traditional thatch and plaster and adorned with scarlet cushions, along with candles for evenings. As for excursions, the horse, jeep and camel safaris into the desert and tribal areas are fabulous. This is the ideal place for those who've seen the obvious Rajasthani sights and want to experience the magic of the desert.

Highs

• It's truly peaceful - a rare delight in bustling Rajasthan!
• The comfortable and spacious tents are stylish yet true to their setting
• It's very good value considering the all-inclusive nature
• There's wonderful riding: the Rohet family's Marwari horses are said to be the best in Rajasthan, and you gallop through glorious scenery
• The welcoming staff provide excellent service
• It's a good alternative to the Jaisalmer desert, if you're pushed for time

Lows

• Don't expect a swimming pool, air conditioning or other hotel-type facilities (although there is electricity and hot water)
• Although the setting is very romantic, the overall vibe is quite communal - you might feel anti-social if you didn't mingle
• The wildlife provides early morning wake-up calls - bring earplugs!
• Compared to other hotels in Rajasthan the food was disappointing