Hotel News

 


 

 Dev Shree, Deogarh, Rajasthan - Opening October 2015

Having created the wonder that was Deogarh Mahal all those years ago, Shatrunjai and Bhavna have had a bit of ‘time out’ from running hotels but are now back with a vengeance and it’s great to know that two of the best hosts in Rajasthan will soon be back to welcoming guests in their very special new home. Dev Shree is will have a soft opening (for press and fam trips) in July but will not be fully functional / open for paying guests until October 2015.

When Shatrunjai and Bhavna of Deogarh decided to build themselves a home at Deogarh there were plenty of animated discussions on the style, size and design. Being traditionalists at heart and rightly proud of their heritage which dates back to the 6 century, they wanted a home that reflected a little of that past. Equally, being the hugely popular hosts and social animals that they are, they also knew that it would have to be a sizeable property to accommodate what will not doubt be a constant flow of guests passing through. Finally, they wanted to involve as many local crafts people as possible and to showcase the local architectural styles and craftsmanship in the area. The result is Dev Shree and what a triumph it is – a wonderful home away from home where all guests will be made hugely welcome; will enjoy oodles of space; and the smiling care and attention of Shatrunjai and Bhavna.

They have invested huge amounts of time, money, thought, heartache and energy into realising their dream and the result is fabulous. Replete with intricately carved pillars, deep, airy verandahs, immaculate stonework throughout (Nimbahera stone, hand carved over 2 years), stunning, cool marble (from Makrana and Ambaji) floors, state of the art, impeccable bathrooms, a huge roof terrace (ideal for yoga at dawn and drinks at sunset!), the workmanship is outstanding. The 7 bedrooms are large, lofty, beautifully furnished, and wonderfully comfortable. Beyond the rooms which fan off from the pretty central courtyard, there is plenty of room for people to lose themselves in the bar, the dining room or the light-filled sitting room. Courtyards and terraces about and all this is surrounded by gorgeous lawns and gardens, set back a few metres from Ragho Sagar (lake).

Whilst at Deogarh there is a huge amount to do and your hosts will be more than delighted to take you out walking or on drives around the area. Observing the huge array of migrant birds, glorious walking in the hills, picnicking by nearby lakes, possibly spying a leopard, taking a local train ride through the ‘ghats’ (hills), seeing the flame of the forest in full bloom, sundowners up at Gokul Fort are just some of the memorable activities one can do here. On top of that, a walk through the village of Deogarh is a must – one of the cleanest most friendly and welcoming villages in the state and it’s full of goodies to purchase.

They have a small vegetable garden which will provide as much of the produce for the hotel as it can. The family dairy next door will also help keep it all as organic as possible. Menus will be carefully thought out and aim to provide delicious, fresh, home cooked food. A combination of old family recipes, some fresh modern ideas and a selection of western dishes will create an interesting menu which is sure to appeal to all. Guests will be able to eat on their own or with the family if they wish and meals will be taken at various places around the property, depending on the weather and temperature. Everyone loves al fresco dining and this will be encouraged whenever possible.

Dev Shree lies in the heart of the Aravalli Hills in western Rajasthan. It has an unrivalled position and is almost equidistant between Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur so it makes the most ideal break in a hectic, city based itinerary. Surrounded by stunning granite hills and lake and woodland, it is only 3 hours from both Udaipur and Jodhpur and is 5 hours from Jaipur.

The joy of Dev Shree is not only the incredibly warm, inviting, cosy ‘home’ they’ve created but Shatrunjai and Bhavna themselves. Full of stories and jokes, conversation will always be fun and animated here, going on late into the night over a few drinks. Their dogs and children will be an added bonus whenever they appear and it is very much a place to come and be a part of one of Rajasthan’s most fabulous families and their lifestyle. What fun to have The Deogarhs back in business!