The gleaming white haveli that is Savista Retreat rises gently from the surrounding countryside in the village of Sanjharia, 22km from Jaipur. With its heritage structure complete with chhattris or canopies on its roof and mehraabs or scalloped arches on its balconies, the central courtyard with its fresh water pool, airy and bright rooms decorated with Rajasthani textiles and crafts, the tranquil bird-filled grounds, organic food grown on the grounds and attentive hospitality, Savista ticks off all the key requirements that a traveller would have when visiting historic Rajasthan. 

Savista, a restored Rajput haveli, is set in a 12-acre estate and offers 12 rooms. The owner-run property is an ideal destination for all those looking for more than just a hotel room, be it eco- and community-conscious short-term travellers, writers or artists looking for tranquility and inspiration, small groups planning a longer-term retreat like a yoga retreat or small groups of family and friends organising a reunion.

There is much to highlight about Savista. The design and aesthetics for one. The white structure of the haveli with its many windows, balconies and sun terraces ensure unhindered views of the countryside and ample natural light even on cold wintery days. The guest rooms and communal spaces spread out from an open inner courtyard with a pool. Don’t let the swimming pool take away from the hotel’s eco credentials, though. It is free of chemicals and reused for irrigation. Each of the 12 guest rooms is unique, decorated with local textiles, arts and crafts, but all are airy and spacious. 

The eastern court houses the gym, spa, dining areas and kitchen and is set within a grove of trees and flowering hedges of hibiscus and henna. Here you will hear birdcalls throughout the day and can spend many an hour watching the butterflies flitting about. The gardens are rustic and almost completely blend into the fields on the estate and the surrounding countryside. 

The food here is another highlight. Savista follows the farm-to-fork philosophy when it comes to food. The hotel serves organic vegetarian meals with almost all the ingredients sourced from its farms or from nearby farmers. That includes even the oil used—the hotel presses its cooking oil from oilseeds grown on their estate. The dairy served is from the sheep on the farm. Traditional slow cooking process is used and the menu covers local, north indian, south Indian and a smattering of international cuisines.

The meals are servied in the Hibiscus Court, which is set in a grove of hibiscus, frangipani and henna trees.

The hotel has curated numerous activities to keep its guests occupied. Apart from opportunity to play a game of tennis or cricket in the hotel grounds or relax in the pool, library or sauna, guests can visit neighbouring villages, try out block printing or pottery with a local artisan, go on camel cart rides through the countryside or visit nearby areas of interests like Jaipur or even Pushkar.

Price: From Rs 12,500

Read more: https://www.savista.com/