Deeppura Garh, close to Sikar in Shekhavati, Rajasthan is one of the most exciting new additions to the Rajasthan hotel scene to open for years - a veritable gem. This majestic, 200 year old fort has been entirely restored from ruin by the delightful and talented Italian owner Maria Grazia Baldani and the inimitable interior / architectural designer Phillippe de Villegas.

Sensitively and brilliantly returned to its former glory, Deeppura Garh opens its doors to guests with a hugely warm welcome and 10 gorgeous, chic, cool, sophisticated rooms and suites - a modern take on a classic fort. It’s a rambling property which abounds with roof terraces, secret gardens, flower-filled courtyards, a huge pool and pool garden, shady gazebos, and beautifully landscaped areas. The bedrooms are each different – some being roomy and lofty and others being cosy and intimate. They are a treat and boast cool whitewashed interiors replete with subtle, soft pastel colours, carefully chosen furniture, stunning woodwork, and state of the art tadlac bathrooms. It’s all very calm and easy on the eye and they want for nothing. There is a fabulous, large sitting room with a roaring log fire and deep sofas, a library and snug bar, and an airy dining room with adjacent dining terrace for romantic dinners under the stars on warm nights. A massage room will follow shortly. Throughout the property there are original frescoes, stunningly painted hidden rooms, and splashes of vibrant colour, which make it fun and exciting to explore.

Surrounded by a village and farmland, the views are superb whilst inside the fort is a maze of pretty gardens, lawns and courtyards. The 18m pool has a fabulous surrounding terrace and garden, not to mention the exquisite tibari (gazebo) – ideal for those wanting to escape the sun and curl up in comfort on a deep daybed with a good book, gazing out at the garden. The fort also boasts a lovely rose garden, a boules pitch, and its own, organic vegetable garden. The idea here is for as much produce as possible to be sourced on site or locally. The cuisine is gorgeous Italian delicacies, a range of Oriental and Continental treats, along with occasional, delicious and unusual local regional dishes – all freshly cooked according to individual tastes. Locally trained, gentle staff will look after you, under the careful eye of the GM and your hosts – Maria Grazia and Philippe.

The taste and design elements of Deeppura Garh are exceptional and it’s a joy to have such a special place open in Shekhavati, which has been ‘off the radar’ for some time due to a lack of high end hotels. That’s all about to change and at last people will now have a sublime base for exploring the wondrous painted havelis for which the area is famous. It is supremely comfortable. The finish is exceptional. The attention to detail inimitable. With an almost ‘Mediterranean villa’ feel to it, it would be fabulous to take over in its entirety for a large gathering but there is so much space for couples to find their own little corner of heaven here, making the most of this calm, restful oasis instead or hurtling around in a car.

Eco / environmental / responsible tourism policy

All the trees have been kept in the restoration of this lovely place. Rainwater is harvested. Grey water is used in the garden. The staff are all locally employed. They grow their own vegetables and as much other produce as possible is sourced locally. No plastic. Filtered water. An extensive planting process is under way.