Signature Experiences

Light and shadow performance

Watch the indigenous Bhopa community bring to life tales of yesteryear in a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow. Listen to the local bard sing odes to a warrior folk hero in the form of a devotional song called Pabuji ki Phad, all the while accompanied by the plaintive notes of the Ravan-hattha, a traditional musical instrument local to the region. 

 

The Bhopas are a nomadic community that have eternalised the life of the 14th century folk hero called Pabuji in a ballad, which they often perform before crowds in times of misfortune and sickness to usher in prosperity. The Desert Resort brings to you the magical retelling of this local legend. 

Dinner on the dunes

Liveried guards escort our guests from the resort to the sand dunes in camel carts and buggies. The pathway is lit with the warm glow of diyas and lanterns. Bedecked camels and traditionally-attired attendants stand guard as fire dancers and a Kalbelia troupe perform under a moonlit desert sky. The rustic decor recreates a village brimming with life and activity atop the dunes—with blazing bonfires and local shops, women weaving intricate mehendi patterns on your palms, puppeteers displaying their craft and local pottery that dots the area. 

 

With a sumptuous four-course meal, live counters and an open bar, our signature dinner on the dunes is a popular choice as it leaves no stone unturned in ensuring a spectacular evening of festive revelry.

Dinner on the dunes

Liveried guards escort our guests from the resort to the sand dunes in camel carts and buggies. The pathway is lit with the warm glow of diyas and lanterns. Bedecked camels and traditionally-attired attendants stand guard as fire dancers and a Kalbelia troupe perform under a moonlit desert sky. The rustic decor recreates a village brimming with life and activity atop the dunes—with blazing bonfires and local shops, women weaving intricate mehendi patterns on your palms, puppeteers displaying their craft and local pottery that dots the area. 

 

With a sumptuous four-course meal, live counters and an open bar, our signature dinner on the dunes is a popular choice as it leaves no stone unturned in ensuring a spectacular evening of festive revelry.

Cookouts

A royal picnic with a twist—our outdoor cookouts are made more special with the scenic view of the oasis and rolling dunes. Take your pick from a specially curated menu, watch seasoned chefs in action as they toss up rich delicacies, try your hand at cooking these flavourful local dishes and learn the culinary art of traditional Rajasthani cuisine—all whilst watching the sun set over the horizon. 

Royal procession

For the royal welcome, our procession of guards—dressed in their ornamental best—await the guests on horseback and in camel carts at the entrance to the town of Mandawa. The procession is headed by the flag-bearer who leads the way to the resort, followed by musicians playing the Shehnai and beating Nagadas, announcing the arrival of the group. The guests, seated comfortably in camel carts, are flanked on either side by guards on horseback while local bards make up the last of the troupe, singing odes to their warrior king as the procession winds its way through town. 

 

At the resort, the guests are welcomed by liveried guards, flag-bearers and a traditional tika ceremony. Reviving the grandeur of a state procession, our royal welcome gives you a taste of the warm hospitality you can expect at The Desert Resort, while also providing you with a glimpse into the regal past of Mandawa.

Royal procession

For the royal welcome, our procession of guards—dressed in their ornamental best—await the guests on horseback and in camel carts at the entrance to the town of Mandawa. The procession is headed by the flag-bearer who leads the way to the resort, followed by musicians playing the Shehnai and beating Nagadas, announcing the arrival of the group. The guests, seated comfortably in camel carts, are flanked on either side by guards on horseback while local bards make up the last of the troupe, singing odes to their warrior king as the procession winds its way through town. 

 

At the resort, the guests are welcomed by liveried guards, flag-bearers and a traditional tika ceremony. Reviving the grandeur of a state procession, our royal welcome gives you a taste of the warm hospitality you can expect at The Desert Resort, while also providing you with a glimpse into the regal past of Mandawa.