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Suján Jawai

Rajasthan

Primal wonder meets modern luxury amid Rajasthan’s otherworldly wilds

Set the scene: Suján Jawai is a rare proposition. It’s a story of harmony – a sympatico between man and nature; a merging of tradition and modernity, of luxury and untamed wild beauty. Think part safari camp, part design darling, part destination diner and you’ll get the idea. Drawing wildlife fans, nature enthusiasts, foodies and luxury lovers alike, it resides in the depths of India’s Jawai – a spectacular conservation area outside Udaipur.

Who’s behind it? Jaisal and Anjali Singh’s love of the Indian wilderness bleeds into every facet of the hotel. In the Seventies, Jaisal’s parents set out to explore and document Rajasthan, a project that resulted in the first film of Ranthambore’s tigers. Growing up in the forest, learning bushcraft and the intricacies of safeguarding this unique landscape, his affinity is in his blood. Combined with Anjali’s creative and entrepreneurial nous, it makes for a marriage made in hospitality heaven. Opened in 2013, with a pioneering approach to conservation at its core, Suján Jawai is their ode to the region.

Suite dreams: Jawai’s spellbinding terrain and its people inform every touchpoint. The signature red found across the nine inviting canvas tents is inspired by the turbans worn by the area’s Rabari herdsmen. Dotted amongst the bush between monolithic granite rocks, kopjes and caves, they’re dressed with Indian antiques and enlivened by industrial metalwork, which brings contemporary edge to an age-old scene. Colourways are muted in a way that ensures the wilderness is in the spotlight. The Royal Suite comes with a pool, long-range camera and private Jeep for drives.

Game on: Set in the heart of leopard country, this place immerses you in nature. Some 16 rangers are on hand for the twice-daily game drives and, while there’s never a guarantee you’ll spot one of the elusive creatures that roam here, these pros certainly up the odds with their in-depth knowledge of where to look. Then there’s the stable of Kathiawari and Marwari horses for wilderness rides, guided cycling trails and hikes. The Rabari will help you discover local flora and fauna, local communities and some of the 300-odd shrines and temples the punctuate the landscape. Yoga sessions, an open-air spa and stargazing are more languid options.

What about the food? A refined locavorian expression of the land, freshly caught lake fish and seasonal produce gathered from local farmers alongside indigenous plants from the property’s garden form the bedrock. The open kitchen lets you soak up the atmosphere as chefs rustle up regional and globetrotting dishes. You have the freedom to dine anywhere, at any time, but well-conceived bush breakfasts are a given.

Key Information

• Rooms: 12
• Starting Rate: $1200
• Dining: Safari Drives
• Jawai Dam District, Pali Marwar, Rajasthan 306126, India
• +91 11 4617 2700
• Visit Suján Jawai's Website
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