Need to know
Rooms
Nine suites.
Check–Out
10am. Check-in, noon. Both are flexible subject to availability.
More details
There are two rates: the bed and breakfast rate, which includes daily à la carte breakfast, and a breakfast and dinner rate.
Also
Saddle up for a ride on one of the Singh family's prized Marwari stallions, then slip into Tulsi Spa for a muscle-soothing massage.
Hotel closed
As the summer months are scorchers here, Mihir Garh closes its doors during May and June.
At the hotel
Riding stable, gardens, library with books and DVDs, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD player, minibar, Mountain Valley toiletries.
Our favourite rooms
Co-owner Rashmi Singh has filled the nine luxe suites with bespoke furniture, jewel-bright bolts of fabric, mirror-flecked fireplaces, hand-knotted rugs and curvaceous stone bath tubs. In summer the standout is the ground-floor Alishan Suite, with its private plunge pool and sun-drenched deck. If it's cool, head for a first-floor Shandar Suite, where an outdoor Jacuzzi beckons.
Poolside
The shapely infinity pool – the focal point of this fairytale fort – is surrounded by deep couches and cushioned sunloungers on a slate-tiled terrace. It looks out over 180 degrees of desert-defying grounds flaunting fragrant champar, bougainvillea and improbably lush lawns. Come dusk, the squawks of parading peacocks will soundtrack your swims.
Packing tips
Breezy cottons, a broad hat and serious shades are a must. Come winter, you'll also need to throw in some layers as temperatures drop dramatically at night. Bring a camera with a decent zoom if you're keen on snapping some wildlife – your iPhone will never do it justice.
Also
Smoking is allowed outside. Pets aren't permitted, so get your animal fix from the stables of mighty Marwari horses, safari-ready camels, wild deer and prancing antelope that call this neighbourhood home.
Children
Kids of all ages are welcome. Beds for under-fives are free. Extra beds for children aged 5-10 can be added for INR1750 (plus tax) a night; for over-10s it’s INR3500 (plus tax) a night.
Overview
Children are welcome: extra beds for under fives are free.
Best for
Kids under the age of five stay for free, but children of all ages will get a kick out of the wildlife encounters.
Recommended rooms
The two-bedroom Mihir Suite is the pick for families, featuring a king-size bed and two twins, along with a private courtyard, deck and plunge pool.
Activities
Animal-spotting tops the list of things to do, whether it's scoping gazelles from the private terrace or spying blackbuck deer from the back of an open-topped jeep. Camel rides and village visits will also appeal to junior Smiths.
Swimming pool
The pristine pool has a shallow ledge, inflatables and lifeguards from 6am to 6pm to ensure safe splashing. Each suite also comes with its own pool or Jacuzzi, so you'll have to keep an eye on little ones.
Meals
The restaurant is a family-friendly zone at all times, with highchairs, a children's menu and a kitchen team that's only too happy to prepare packed lunches or heat up baby food and milk.
Babysitting
Free babysitting with hotel staff can be arranged at any time.
No need to pack
Highchairs and buggies are all at hand.
Sustainability efforts
Mihir Garh is smack-bang in the desert, so rainwater is harvested and those gardens are kept green with recycled water. The sun is put to good use too, with solar panels used for electricity.