Desert Rose
THE WESTIN PUSHKAR RESORT & SPA, RAJASTHAN
Dunes, dust, long days and longer daydreams, if these are the notes of your desert song, the new Westin Pushkar is a wild card entry. Hemmed by the mango groves and swathes of fragrant rose farms, this is the greenest version of the Aravallis, this side of the Thar. Located a mere dust storm away from the spiritual towns of Pushkar and Ajmer, the hotel is an oasis of intimate nooks that breathe in light and space.
Pleasures of plenty Just short of an all-suite hotel, this property has only 18 rooms to 80 suites and villas, of which 44 villas and suites are sumptuously staffed with private pools, both indoor and outdoor. Dining and entertainment options offer a variety of casual and gourmet experiences with Seasonal Tastes, the signature all-day dining venue leading the roost. The fairly comprehensive menu includes, Indian, regional, oriental and continental options but we highly recommend the regional cuisine, especially Rajasthani, which is superlative. Eat well is a Westin dictum, and is followed with minimum fuss, clean flavours, innovative pairings and fresh ingredients—herbs and veggies are sourced from their very own farms bordering the property. Food is a spectator sport in most five star restaurants, but here, it is participatory, if you’re game. Enjoy chef excursions to the farm to source ingredients, or get behind their two-storey bar, Mix, with the mixologist to stir up bespoke concoctions. Their rooftop lounge Panorama offers the best views of the surrounding hills,
resort and pool; it is perfect to capture the cloudless desert sky, especially if you’re nocturnal. Feast on the stars but do save space for the best from the barbie with grills, wraps and imaginative cocktails to lift the spirits on bracing desert nights. For less fuss, Splash, the poolside bar, is perfect for cool beverages and a cooler vibe.
Games people play For families on weekend getaways, there’s enough in store to keep the children imaginatively occupied with the Kids Club and recreation centre that includes pool, board games, table tennis, and even a mini bowling alley that should be operational soon. For cine buffs , there’s a mini theatre that seats 20, which is complimentary; just needs to be booked in advance. The 15-acre property is beautifully manicured with cosy nooks set up for romantic moments or family time within the gardens and open spaces that have been well paved for cycling jaunts as well. For more serious gym rats, there is a well-equipped gym as well as a terraced yoga studio that is in the offing. While the children are away, it’s time to play; bliss the time away at the Heavenly Spa by WestinTM. With six treatment rooms and signature spa treatments from Ayurvedic to oriental and western treatments, sating the soul does not have to include stepping outside the hotel at all. As for spiritual salvation, look no further than the end of the rose bushes.
RESERVATIONS www.starwoodhotels.com
Tel +91 145 277 4400; Rooms upwards of `14,000 per night (taxes extra)