Sardar Samand Palace, located in the middle of the countryside but still quite close to Jodhpur ( about 1 h 1/2 by car), is probably the best kept secret of all the heritage hotels in the area ! This former hunting lodge was built completely in Art Deco Style in the 30's for the Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur.
Located in the middle of a huge property, the " lighthouse looking " main building ( where the private appartments of the royal family are located ) towers high above a huge lake cruised by a large variety of birds ( cranes, ducks, flamingos, kingfishers etc... ) There is a nature trail that goes downhill and follows the lake side. If you are a nature lover, Sardar Samand Palace is the perfect retreat for you ! Wildlife still abounds in the form of elusive Indian gazelles and blue cows. And the area is somehow reminiscent of some places in the Australian bush or East Africa. Staying there was, for me, like travelling back in time to some very happy childhood memories.The Art Deco furniture and decoration have been carefully kept and the atmosphere in this place is totally different from what you might expect in other hotels in India.
Here, you can really forget the rest of the World and be happy !
The staff is very helpfull, discreet and nice. They all went out of their way to make my stay one of the most enjoyable experiences ever ! Thank you !