Mihir Garh: the most extraordinary hotel in the world

A testament to the architectural traditions of Rajasthan, the Mihir Garh Fort hotel was built over a period of two years. Over 150 local craftsmen worked on the hotel’s construction before it opened in 2009. The majestic structure blends in with the landscape.The hotel perched on a plateau comprises a total of nine luxury suites—each occupying a luxurious 1,700 sq ft—featuring a private plunge pools and fireplaces. The façade takes its inspiration from the artistic heritage of Jodhpur, with its tall mud walls, rounded corners and quaint alcoves.Popularly referred to as The Sun’s Fortress, the hotel, located in the vicinity of Jodhpur, offers guests unparalleled hospitality in the midst of the sprawling Thar desert.Amidst the multitude of heritage forts and palaces in the country, Mihir Garh stands out for its exceptional aesthetics. Representative of the rustic charm of its land, every workman involved in the making of the fort—from start to finish—is a local from the region; the fireplaces within have been created using cow dung and clay; the furniture has been sourced from Jodhpur; and everything from the artwork to the tiny bric-a-brac scattered across the interiors has been specially designed and sourced for the property.Each of the five suites on the ground floor have private courtyards and infinity plunge pools offering stunning views of the desert from the verandahs, and are referred to as Alishaan Suites. The Mihir Suite is ideal for families, and the three Shandaar Suites on the floor above offer private terraces and infinity spa pools.Each of the nine suites come with small plunge or spa pools on each private verandah, offering expansive views of the vast desert beyond.The suites are bright and spacious, with bold and vibrant colour schemes, mirrored open-fire chimneys and ochre-stone bathrooms.The lounge areas have been given a graceful layout, and are bedecked with Rajasthani antiques, beautiful decorative art and vivid fabrics that bring them to life.Social spaces all through the fort include colourful peacock-painted and open-sided lounges, a regal drawing room with a well stocked library, and a sunset-viewing roof terrace with mattressed seating.Catered to by a team of excellently trained local chefs, a bespoke menu is created for every meal in accordance with personal preferences. Guests can also participate in cooking classes with the owner’s motherThe bathrooms have been beautifully designed in sandstone, with curved walls and lots of natural light pouring in through the windows. Blending modern conveniences with traditional fittings, they’re an extension of the fort’s grandeur.All rooms at the hotel have been conceptualised and executed with the utmost attention to detail. Each piece of furniture has been handpicked, the flooring has been created with a special plaster technique known to only one man in Jodhpur, and all furnishings and linen are of the highest quality.The suites on the ground floor are called Alishaan—named after a Marwari Stallion from the Stables—and each of them feature a private courtyard and their very own plunge pool.Aside from revelling in the beauty of the property, riding safaris are the main attraction for guests. With two paddocks, a stable, and the freedom to ride out on horse-back at any given time, Mihir Garh is a dream for equestrians. Wind down in a bubbling hot jacuzzi when you’re done.