Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Desert Luxury at Treebo Desert Harmony Camp!
Jaisalmer's Hidden Gem: Treebo Desert Harmony Camp - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Okay, let’s be honest. Booking a desert camp in Jaisalmer feels like something out of a romantic Bollywood movie… or maybe Indiana Jones. Either way, it's supposed to be magical. And finding the "perfect" one? Well, that’s a whole other adventure entirely. After my recent foray, I'm here to tell you about my experience at Treebo Desert Harmony Camp, the so-called "Hidden Gem." Prepare for a ride, because my review is going to be about as organized as a camel race…
First, the Essentials (and the Not-So-Essentials):
Accessibility & Getting There: Okay, for starters, getting to Jaisalmer. That's on you, darling. But once you're IN Jaisalmer, Treebo is pretty well-connected. They offer airport transfer, which, after a nine-hour train ride, feels like a minor miracle. You can also snag a taxi service or use your own car, thanks to their car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. As for wheelchair accessibility… well, it's a desert camp, remember? I saw no specific mentions, but considering the terrain, it’s best to inquire directly with the camp if you have specific accessibility needs. Elevator: Nope. Desert camp. Embrace the sand.
Internet & Tech Stuff: Honestly? I was expecting dodgy Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere. But, surprise! Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms! And it actually worked! Shocking. They also had Internet access – wireless, which was clutch for uploading those epic sunset pics on Instagram (duh). They've also got Internet access – LAN if you're feeling particularly old-school. They also had Wi-Fi for special events, which I was not attending, but hey, good to know they're prepared for a corporate retreat in the dunes.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Stuff That Actually Matters Right Now: Okay, with the state of the world, this is what truly matters. Cleanliness is king. Treebo seems to take this seriously. They were very dedicated to Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms are sanitized between stays, and Staff are trained in safety protocol. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. Not sure about Room sanitization opt-out available - ask for it. Also, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. First aid kit? Check. Doctor/nurse on call? Check. Hygiene certification? Makes me feel better. They also had individually-wrapped food options (appreciated!) and a Safe dining setup. Shared stationery removed, good riddance. They’ve taken it seriously.
"For the Kids": Okay, I don't have kids, but I saw families enjoying the camp. They advertise being Family/child friendly. While I didn't see any specific kids facilities, like a creche, I did note they offered Babysitting service (if you REALLY need it - I wouldn't). They also offer Kids meal, though I didn't partake.
The Fun Stuff: What's There to Do? (Spoiler: More Than You Think!)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Buckle up, buttercup, because this is where Treebo really shines. The whole point, right? They've got a Swimming pool [outdoor], which, after a day of exploring, is pure bliss. The camp also features: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Gym/fitness. The Fitness center looks nice (apparently, you can work out in the desert!), and the Steamroom was a welcome change to the dry desert heat.
My Personal Oasis: I went crazy with the massage! The masseuse was amazing and really worked on my knots. I had a pool view, which just makes everything better. I think I spent most of my time in the pool, just staring into the sky.
Food, Glorious Food (and Happy Hour!):
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where things get… interesting. Restaurants: They have a few! A la carte in the restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. Good variety! The Room service [24-hour] came in handy one night when I was feeling lazy.
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] - amazing! They also had some Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast.
Drink: Poolside bar, and Happy hour, they serve Bottle of water.
Additional: There is Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop
The Dessert Saga: One slight hitch: the desserts. While the Desserts in restaurant were good, they were… inconsistent. One night, a glorious, shimmering Gulab Jamun. The next, something that tasted suspiciously like it had been sitting in the desert wind. But hey, even the best camps have their quirks, right? Don't let it deter you!
Important Notes (and a Confession): They offer Alternative meal arrangement if you need something special. They also have a Snack bar and the all-important soup -- Soup in restaurant. Honestly, I might have had too many desserts. I was in bliss.
Inside the Tent (and What It's Really Like):
- Available in All Rooms: Here's the real deal: Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Bed linen, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. This is luxury in the desert!
- The Tent Itself: It's amazing, actually. Spacious, well-appointed. The bed was comfy, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping past sunrise. The shower actually had decent water pressure (A MAJOR win in the desert). The private bathroom was a luxury. The air conditioning was very important. The View from the Bed was just the endless dunes! I might have spent a whole afternoon just reading and napping. I mean, come on, a bathtub makes the experience! I had the luck to see the sunset.
The "Meh" Moments & What They Could Improve:
Service: Mostly, the staff were friendly and attentive. But, and this is a minor quibble, sometimes service could be a teensy bit slow. I mean, you need a little patience in the desert, right?
Communication: I found it hard to reach them via email before arrival.
Beyond the Camp: Practicalities & Perks:
Services and Conveniences: They've got the usual suspects: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes.
- Extras: They also have a Gift/souvenir shop if you're feeling spendy.
- Important but boring stuff: Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Facilities for disabled guests, and Food delivery.
- And More: They also have an Indoor venue for special events and an Outdoor venue for special events
- Events & Business: They offer Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings stationery, On-site event hosting, Seminars, Projector/LED display, and Wi-Fi for special events. I found it to be a good choice.
Safety and Security: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, and Security [24-hour].
- Other: They do not have Pets allowed.
Getting Around: They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Bicycle parking, Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously disorganized, hilariously flawed, and utterly unforgettable experience that was my "rustic adventure" at the Treebo Desert Harmony Camp in Jaisalmer, India. Buckle up, I tell ya!
Day 1: Arrival, Sand Dunes, and the Great Curry Incident
- Morning (or what felt like it): Landed in Jaisalmer. The airport? Let's just say it's charmingly "laid-back." Baggage claim involved more wandering around than actual claiming. Found my pre-booked driver, bless him, who was probably wondering if I was actually showing up. He whisked me away in a vintage-y taxi from the world of The Jungle Book, down dusty roads that promised adventure… and delivered.
- Afternoon: (The Treebo Desert Harmony Arrival): Arrived at the camp. "Harmony" felt ambitious considering I was still fighting off jet lag. The tents? Honestly, they were cute – a little less "glamping," a little more "roughing it with a mosquito net" (thank god!!). Settled in, and already feeling like I was in the thick of an adventure!
- Late Afternoon: (The Sand Dune Experience): The camel ride. Okay, brace yourselves. This was the MOST touristy thing I've ever done, but also, the MOST MAGICAL. I was terrified! Seriously, I thought I'd fall off and become camel food. But climbing up those dunes with the camel, watching the sun melt across the desert? Pure. Freaking. Poetry. The guide, a charming local chap named Raj, kept singing Bollywood songs and laughing at my attempts at Hindi. He also kept shoving me forward, but what could I say?
- Evening: (Dinner and the Curry Catastrophe): The big dinner! They promised a cultural extravaganza, traditional music, and delicious food. The music was AMAZING – truly, the soul of the Rajasthani desert was being poured out in song. THEN comes the food. And there really was a lot of it. I love Indian food, I really did, but I forgot my stomach couldn't handle the spice. I was sweating, tears were rolling down my face (partly from the spice, partly from the music), and I felt my intestines threatening mutiny. I ate it anyway cause the food looked so yummy, but boy did I pay. I'll leave it at that. Let's blame the chili.
- Night: (Stargazing and the Ghostly Wind): The sky? Oh, my god, the sky. Billions of stars, like someone had flung glitter across the universe. I lay on a sand dune, completely lost in the immensity of it all. Then, the wind picked up. And I mean really picked up. It whistled through the camp, creating eerie, mournful noises that made me jump at every rustle of the tent fabric. I may have been a little scared, BUT the stars were worth it!
Day 2: Fortress, Fort, and the Search for the Perfect Chai
- Morning: Slept in, thanks to the curry. After that, took a stroll, and got lost. Just started walking and walking, going wherever my feet took me.
- Late Morning: (Jaisalmer Fort): Jaisalmer Fort. Majestic! This wasn't just a fort; it was a town. A living, breathing, ancient town. Wandering through the narrow, winding lanes, getting lost in the shadow of centuries… pure bliss. I felt like a time traveler! The views from the ramparts? Breathtaking. I could have stayed up there all day, just soaking in the history and the spectacle. I did, however, get chased by a particularly aggressive (and hungry) cow.
- Afternoon: (The Hunt for Chai): The afternoon was dedicated to the PERFECT chai. This was serious business, folks. I spent hours wandering through markets and cafes, sampling chai after chai. Some were okay, some were terrible. Finally, after much deliberation, I found a little roadside stall. The chai wallah was this wizened old man with twinkling eyes and an infectious laugh. He brewed me a chai that was practically heaven in a cup. It was spicy, sweet, creamy, and the perfect antidote to my curry woes!
- Later Afternoon: (The Puppet Show): Watched a puppet show. It was very cute. I didn't really understand what was going on - it's pretty, pretty complicated. But it was charming, and the music was great.
- Evening: (Back to Camp and Farewell to the Desert): Back to Camp. The goodbye dinner was nice, a little less spicy this time. The farewell to the desert was a bit more mellow, which was lovely. The staff was awesome!
Reflections and Ramblings:
Okay, so the Treebo Desert Harmony Camp wasn't perfect. The food gave me a run for my money. But that, my friends, is part of the charm! It was messy, authentic, and the most memorable trip of my life. I laughed, I cried, I nearly choked on a chili, and I fell head over heels for the desert and its people.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just bring your own anti-acid and be prepared to embrace the chaos! The desert teaches a valuable lesson: sometimes, the most beautiful things are the most imperfect. And that, my friends, is a truth worth clinging to.
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