Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Desert Resort You NEED to See!
Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Sahara Desert Resort - Is it Really Unbelievable? (Spoiler Alert: Mostly Yes!)
Okay, so I just got back from Jaisalmer, and lemme tell you, the desert is something. Not just sand and camels (though, plenty of those!), but a whole vibe. And tucked away amidst the dunes, is this resort, that's, well, trying to be the ultimate escape. They call it Sahara Desert Resort. And I'm here to spill the chai (or maybe the lassi!) on whether it lives up to the hype. Prepare for a VERY honest take, folks…
Accessibility & Getting There: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
- Accessibility: This is where things get a little…tricky. Wheelchair accessibility? They say they cater to it. But… think about it. Desert. Sand. I saw a few ramps, sure, but navigating the whole place felt… challenging. The restaurants, thankfully, seemed doable. But the general layout? I'm gonna call it "improving". They tried, bless their hearts.
- Getting There: They offer airport transfers, which I HIGHLY recommend. Jaisalmer is a proper trek, and having someone whisk you away in an air-conditioned car after a long flight is a godsend. Bicycle parking? Yeah, I saw a spot. I saw maybe one bicycle. Maybe. Haha. Car parking is free if you drive, a lifesaver, and they also offer a Valet parking, very convenient.
- Available in all rooms: There is Air conditioning and Complimentary tea and free water!
- Hotel chain: I don't know it if it's a chain but they keep the standard high.
Checking In & Out: The Little Things Matter (And I Did a Double Take!)
- Check-in/out [express]: Nope, it wasn't express for me, not in reality.
- Check-in/out [private]: Actually it was quite smooth, very courteous, and there was a lovely welcome drink.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes, so you definitely feel safe.
- Luggage storage: Yes, all pretty standard, everything you'd expect
- Doorman: Yep, got a doorman, all well behaved and well trained.
- Concierge : Definitely, and the concierge could organise things, really helpful.
- Contactless, I don't remember, maybe there was a slight delay
The Rooms: Cozy, But A Little Dusty (Remember, Desert!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They try to be fancy, with bathrobes and slippers – I appreciate that! My room had a bathtub (score!), and a separate shower. Blackout curtains are a MUST, especially if you want to sleep in (which, let's be honest, I always do!). And the bedding was pretty comfy. They gave free bottled water every day.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes, and it was surprisingly reliable in the room.
- Internet access – LAN: Never used it.
- Free Wi-Fi: Absolutely! This is a huge plus for anyone who, like me, can't quite disconnect completely. I think it was free wifi in all rooms!
- Internet: Yeah, the internet was okay!
- Air conditioning: Essential in the desert heat!
- Mini bar: Standard mini-bar fare - not amazing, but it does the job!
- TV: Well the rooms had the basics but, and I have to say it, the channels were a tad limited and i was glad I had a good book.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, they all looked to be sanitised.
- Daily housekeeping: Definitely. My room was always sparkling clean.
Food & Drink: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes Delicious, Sometimes…Less So!)
This is where things get interesting. The resort offers loads of dining options.
Buffet in restaurant: They offer a Breakfast [buffet], a Lunch buffet and Dinner buffet. The Breakfast was pretty good with a good selection of Asian breakfast options – curries, flatbreads, etc.
A la carte in restaurant: They have Restaurants offering Western cuisine in restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant
Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night cravings!
Poolside bar: I highly recommend the poolside bar!!
Happy hour: Well organized with a good list of drinks.
Coffee shop: Did not notice.
The A la Carte: I ordered something, the Chicken, it was not great.
Vegetarian restaurant: Yes there is a veggie restaurant, and it was super delicious.
Desserts in restaurant: Their desserts were to die for!
And yes, they do have a Snack bar.
Bottle of water: Yes, it was complementary.
Things to Do – Relax, Explore, Repeat (Maybe Skip the Gym?)
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, with stunning views. Perfect for a sunset swim!
- Ways to relax: Massage, body scrubs and wraps were on offer
- Gym/fitness: I had a quick look but, honestly, after a day in the desert… my "fitness" was walking to the bar.
- Spa/sauna: There is a Spa and that was well good.
- Things to do: Camel rides, desert safaris, and cultural experiences…it's all on offer.
Cleanliness & Safety: They Take It Seriously (Which I Appreciated)
They were serious about Cleanliness and safety which is great!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Visible and they knew what they were doing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definite plus.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Cashless payment service: Easier and safe.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know.
- Safety/security feature: You feel safe.
- Security [24-hour]: 24hours, really good.
The "Unbelievable" Factor: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
So, is it unbelievable? Well… not quite. It's good, really good. It's definitely a great escape. The desert setting is magical. The staff, on the whole, are lovely. But there are areas for improvement. The accessibility needs work, and the food can be a bit hit-or-miss. But, for the most part, Sahara Resort delivers a great experience. They are genuinely trying to create something special, and I think they are on their way. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just go in with realistic expectations, and embrace the desert magic!
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because, Well, We Need It!)
- Title: Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Sahara Desert Resort - A Review (Honest!)
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of Sahara Desert Resort in Jaisalmer, India. Find out if it lives up to the hype, from accessibility to food and everything in between!
- Keywords: Jaisalmer, Sahara Desert Resort, India, Desert Resort, Hotel Review, Travel, Rajasthan, Luxury, Spa, Swimming Pool, Wheelchair Accessible, Accessibility, Food, Dining, Best Hotels Jaisalmer.
- URL Slug: jaisalmer-sahara-desert-resort-review
- Category: Travel Reviews; Hotel Reviews; India Travel
- Author: A very honest traveler.
- Date Published: October 26, 2024
- Schema Markup: (Could be added to the blog post)
- Type: Review; Hotel
- Name: Sahara Desert Resort
- Author: (Your Name)
- RatingValue: 4.0 (Based on my overall experience)
- BestRating: 5
- WorstRating: 1
- ReviewCount: 1
- ItemReviewed: Sahara Desert Resort
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is REAL. This is Jaisalmer. This is… well, let’s just say this is going to involve a whole lotta sand in places you didn't expect.
Desert Gateway Resorts Jaisalmer: A Trainwreck of an Adventure (But the Good Kind!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Dust-Up
- Morning (ish - because, jet lag): Landed in Jaisalmer. Or, rather, tried to land. The wind was having a party, and the little prop plane was getting tossed around like a toy. I swear, for a few heart-stopping moments, I thought we were going to land in a sand dune. Finally, we touched down, and the heat hit me like a brick wall. It was enough to make me rethink my life choices (again).
- 10:00 am (or whenever we actually arrived): Check-in at Desert Gateway Resorts. Okay, the resort itself is stunning. Seriously, the architecture is incredible, like something from a fairytale. But… the welcome drink? Lukewarm mango something. Not the best start. Also, the luggage took forever to arrive. I swear, I was about to send out a search party. Where did it go? Well, the bellhop pointed to luggage, which the bellhop helped me with.
- 11:00 am: A Culinary Debacle and a Miracle: Lunch at the resort restaurant. I ordered something called "Rajasthani Thali." Sounds exotic, right? Turns out, I'm not a huge fan of everything covered in ghee. My taste buds are clearly not as adventurous as I'd thought. And oh boy, was it spicy! I was red faced. But, the view! The view from the terrace was something else, watching the camel and looking at the people. The food was a debacle, but the view made the experience.
- Afternoon:
- 2:00 pm: Explore the resort. I'm always the first to get 'lost'. The resort itself is an adventure! The swimming pool looked alluring, but I'm also not sure I want to get any more sand.
- 5:00 pm: The main problem? Getting ready. I’m not an early riser. I decided to go for a walk around the resort.
- 6:00 pm: Sunset camel ride – the view was spectacular. We arrived at the campsite and I was amazed. The view of the sunset. We got to watch the sunset.
- 8:00 pm: Dinner at the resort in the desert.
Day 2: Fortress Fun and a Turban Tantrum
- Morning: The plan? The Golden Fort! Yes. Oh yes. Get up early. But I was completely in the wrong time zone. I wasn't able to get up early and had an early breakfast.
- 9:00 am: The Golden Fort. Okay, the fort is incredible. It’s like stepping into a gigantic, living, breathing sandcastle. But so many steps! By the time I reached the top, my lungs were burning, and I was sweating like a… well, like someone climbing a fort in the desert. The views, though? Worth it. Absolutely.
- 11:00 am: Explore the fort complex. The shops! The hustle and bustle. This is where the real fun began. I got approached by a vendor who swore he had "the most beautiful pashminas in all of Jaisalmer." I'm not a big shopper. But he was relentlessly charming, and I was tempted by the pashmina.
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 pm: Lunch. I got to try some authentic Indian food. It was an experience.
- 2:00 pm: Exploring. There are more shops to explore, and more pashminas to resist.
- 3:00 pm: I was tempted to eat more Indian food, but decided to try something else.
- 4:00 pm: I stumbled across a tea shop with the best tea I have ever tasted.
- 5:00 pm: The sunset.
- Evening:
- 7:00 pm: Dinner at a local restaurant. I wanted a change of scenery, and to explore and experience something else.
- 8:00 pm: I got to experience a folk music performance, which felt authentic.
Day 3: Desert Dreams (and a Near-Disaster With a Starry Sky)
- Morning: Packing. Ugh. Another day of packing. Is there anything more disheartening than packing?
- 9:00 am: Check out.
- 10:00 am: Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Afternoon:
- 1:00 pm: Airport.
- 1:30 pm: Depart to next destination.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Ramblings:
- The Sand Factor: Okay, I knew I'd be dealing with sand. I didn't anticipate this much sand. I swear, I'm pretty sure I'm still finding it in my shoes. And my hair. And… well, you get the idea.
- The Heat: "Hot" doesn't even begin to describe it. It's that kind of heat that makes you question your life choices, your clothing choices, your sanity. I'm still not sure how the locals do it.
- The People: The people of Jaisalmer are AMAZING. Kind. Friendly. Always up for a chat. Even when I was clearly trying (and failing) to bargain.
- Emotionally and Mentally: This trip was more than just a vacation, but also a journey within myself. I've learned that I'm capable of more than I give myself credit for.
- A Little Bit Messy: I hope my itinerary helps.
So that’s it. Jaisalmer… it was a whirlwind, a heatwave, and a sandstorm all rolled into one unforgettable adventure. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just maybe with a better understanding of the sand situation and a stronger tolerance for ghee. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly more adventurous palate.
Fredericksburg Getaway: Your Perfect Clarion Inn Escape Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea! What's so 'unbelievable' about this desert resort? (And is it *actually* worth it?)
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because this place... this place is... well, it's *something*. Look, I've seen a few resorts in my time – mostly ones with a dubious jacuzzi and even more dubious buffet food. This one, though? Think less "beige brochure" and more "blown-sand-in-your-face gorgeous." It's in the Jaisalmer desert, right? And it's genuinely *in* the desert. Like, you wake up and the only thing between you and pure, golden nothingness is a ridiculously luxurious tent. I'm talking proper beds, *real* bathrooms (thank the heavens!), and sometimes… *sometimes*… you feel like royalty. Worth it? Depends. Are you a sucker for sunsets that make you weep a little? Because, if so, YES. Absolutely, undeniably, YES. (And the food? Oh. My. God. More on that later...)
So, tents? Seriously? Sounds…rustic. (And hot.)
"Rustic" implies something vaguely… charmingly dilapidated. These are *glamping* tents, people. *Glamping*! Picture this: HUGE canvas structures, beautifully decorated with local textiles and furniture. Think four-poster beds that would make a princess jealous, proper AC (essential!), and en-suite bathrooms that are practically bigger than my apartment back home. And yes, it's hot in the desert, duh. But the tents are well-insulated, and they have… wait for it… *outdoor showers*! Showering under the stars, overlooking the dunes? Pure bliss, let me tell you. Just… watch out for the sand flies. (They’re relentless.)
What's the food situation like? I’m picturing… questionable curries.
Okay, so about the food... THIS is where it gets truly unbelievable. I went in expecting… well, let’s be honest, I expected the typical "hotel buffet" experience. You know, the one where everything looks vaguely the same, and you’re pretty sure they’re recycling leftovers from last week. NOPE. This resort? They had… *chef-prepared meals*. Seriously. Fresh, fragrant curries that made my tastebuds sing. Tender grilled meats cooked to perfection. Freshly baked naan bread that you could just *breathe* in the aroma of for an hour. And the desserts… Oh, the desserts. I ate so many of them, I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds in a day. They even did a *special* dinner under the stars, with live music and a bonfire. It was… cinematic. I swear, I almost proposed to the nearest waiter (who, by the way, was incredibly patient with my incessant dessert demands).
What about activities? Is it just… sunbathing? (Which, let's be honest, gets boring.)
Okay, so, "sunbathing" is a valid concern. No one wants to be bored. Thankfully, no, it's not *just* sunbathing. There's plenty to do! They have camel safaris, obviously – and they’re actually pretty awesome, even for someone who’s perpetually terrified of heights (me!). You can go dune bashing in a jeep (prepare to scream and laugh simultaneously!), and stargazing is a must. The desert night sky is just… mind-blowing. Like, you'll see more stars than you ever thought possible. They also offer cultural performances, which I personally didn’t go for, I was too busy eating. But they looked… enchanting. And you can *definitely* relax. There’s a spa! Massages with aromatherapy oils with that desert air, yes, please!
Okay, you've almost convinced me. What was the ONE awful thing? Every place has one!
Alright, alright, you got me. It wasn't all sunshine and samosas. And this is a bit of a messy one. The one truly *dreadful* thing? The… *waking up*. Look, I'm a night owl. I love lounging, and I *hate* mornings. The worst part? Getting up early. I'd be lying there at sunrise, so content. The sunrise is *gorgeous*. And then you have to get out of bed and face the day, and you're thinking. "...do I *have* to?" My advice? Book a massage for the morning. At least then you’ll be forced to, and hey, maybe the sand flies will leave you alone. (I *did* get bitten a LOT). And, if I *really* had to nitpick, the WIFI could be spotty. But hey, in a place that beautiful, maybe a digital detox is exactly what you need. I’m still bitter about the sunrise, though…
Is it kid-friendly? Because, you know… tiny humans.
Hmm, kid-friendly is a tricky one. They *do* accommodate kids, absolutely. But, honestly... It's probably not the *most* ideal place for super young, easily bored children. There aren't any dedicated kids' clubs or playgrounds. It's more geared towards a relaxing, romantic, or adventurous experience. That said, older kids who enjoy being outdoors, riding camels, and generally appreciating new things would probably have a blast. Just... be prepared for the inevitable "Are we there yet?" moments. And possibly bring a small army of snacks. (Trust me.) I saw a few families there, and they seemed to be having a great time. They were also *way* more organized than I was.
How do I *actually* get there? (Because Google Maps isn't always reliable, you know…)
Okay, so the desert isn't exactly known for its convenient public transport. You'll likely fly into Jaisalmer Airport (JSA), then you'll need to arrange transport to the resort. Most resorts (including this one) offer airport transfers, which are HIGHLY recommended. Driving in the desert can be… well, let's just say it's an adventure. The roads can be a bit rough, and getting lost is definitely a possibility. So, let the resort handle it. They know the way. And trust me, after a long flight, you'll be grateful for a comfy car and a friendly driver. Just make sure to book your transfer *in advance*. Don't wait until the last minute! (Learned that one the hard way…)
Anything else I *need* to know? Packing tips? Secret hacks? Tell me everything!
Okay, okay, here's the lowdown. Pack light, but pack smart.
* **Sunscreen:** Obvious, but non-negotiable. And reapply. Constantly.
* **Sunglasses:** Protect your eyes from the harsh desert sun.
* **A Wide-brimmed Hat:** Because burnt scalps are not a good look.
* **Loose, Breathable Clothing:** Think cotton, linenTrip Hotel Hub
Desert Gateway Resorts Jaisalmer India
Desert Gateway Resorts Jaisalmer India
