Amid the dunes…

Picture yourself on a camel, riding through narrow, arid alleys as you eye the colorful and artistic handicrafts that line the path. Far beyond, the desert stretches for what seems like miles and miles. Welcome to Samode, a rustic Rajasthani getaway on the foothills of the Aravallis.

The 475-year-old, palace-turned heritage hotel Samode Palace epitomizes the richness of the region’s history and royal legacy and offers a fascinating blend of contemporary luxury with old-world charm, defined by the blanket of bougainvillea on the palace courtyards, quaint stairways and doorways, intricate mosaics and the decadent Royal Suites. Don’t miss the opulence of the Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors, at this royal retreat. In the evening, treat yourself to the unique sounds of local musical instruments out on the sand dunes — a truly unforgettable end to the day.