If a transformative desert escape in India appeals to you, read on as Sapna takes us behind the scenes of creating Kaner Retreat.
The Story Behind Kaner
Kaner Retreat is such a personal project for you, Sapna. What called you back to the Thar Desert, and how did your own journey inspire the vision for creating this boutique retreat?
I grew up in the Thar Desert and was raised on a spirit of abundance. I saw that despite droughts and tough conditions, people shared resources. It is amazing how scarcity can make people so giving. You walk into any house, and I guarantee you, you will leave transformed. It is the culture of “Manvar” or treating a guest like God that makes the Thar a special place.
While working as a broadcast journalist in the UK, I came across many plant-based hospitality concepts, and I thought of combining my love for botany, hospitality and longing for my homeland – then Kaner Retreat was born. Today, Kaner Retreat showcases an intimate introduction to the quiet brilliance of the Thar Desert. (Kaner is the local name of the Oleander flower and is also known as the desert rose.)
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What Makes Kaner Retreat Unique
Kaner has been featured in Condé Nast Traveller and Desert By Design as something truly one-of-a-kind in India. From the design to the cultural immersion it offers, what do you feel makes Kaner Retreat stand apart from any other destination?
Kaner Retreat is India’s first desert botanical resort. Kaner is located next to a sacred grove locally known as an “Oran”. Orans are ancient eco-systems that have helped people of the Thar Desert survive the “kaal’ or famine. People can forage for food here, and animals can graze, but no cutting of trees is allowed. The trees in the Orans are gatekeepers of life in the desert – they survive on the little monsoon rain they get, which may not be every year.
This philosophy of minimalism and abundance can be seen at Kaner. We only have 10 rooms in a 7-acre property and operate from October to March, ensuring we don’t put strain on a fragile ecosystem. Inside Kaner, the wild gardens mostly have native plants that live in monsoon rain. Our textiles and other crafts are commissioned to the local community, and most of the furniture and fixtures are recycled – this rhythm of conserving and commissioning makes Kaner unique. The building made from local red stone exists, but as a frame to see the great Indian Desert. This open plan allows the gentle breeze or ‘Baira’ to flow through the space. Occasionally, birds even fly in and rest for a while, swinging on the chandeliers.
Immersive Guest Experiences
This October, you’re launching the Kaner Clay experience, which is deeply rooted in the desert’s spirit and traditions. Can you tell us what makes it such a transformative experience for guests, and why Kaner is the ideal setting for these creative, immersive journeys?
Starting this October, guests to Kaner Retreat will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in two treasured traditions – pottery and culinary arts at Kaner Clay. Guests begin with a guided viewing of the Thar Desert Pottery Project, an innovative exhibit curated by Dr Madan Meena. Meena – who is an artist, a documentarian, and an academic – has spent the last two years travelling through the Thar Desert, collecting over 500 objects from across the Thar.
Guests are then invited to sit down to a seven-course meal designed by celebrated chef Pankaj Sharma, who was named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s 40 under 40 chefs. The menu, which integrates locally sourced ingredients, was inspired by Panchmahabhuta (the five elements – earth, air, water, fire and space). In keeping with the spirit of the potter communities, meals are served communally, with all guests dining together at one table. Kaner Clay supports potters, artisans and a non-profit led by women.
Explorations x Kaner Retreat
At Explorations, we place philanthropy and regenerative travel at the heart of our journeys.When guests visit Kaner Retreat with us, how is their experience elevated beyond comfort and luxury – what deeper cultural, environmental, or community connections can they expect – so they can contribute in a meaningful way?
Growing up in the desert, I was inspired by my mother, who worked with local communities, especially the women. I am on the advisory board of two non-profits that support women. At the heart of all experiences at Kaner is our engagement with communities, and it goes beyond hiring local people. Whenever we design an experience, the thought is, how many communities can we support? Block printing supports printers, embroidery on table napkins supports women and sourcing camel cheese supports the camel herders.
Guests can meet the weavers, potters or have a camel cheese tasting session at a camel herder’s home. They can learn cooking from the women of the non-profit that we support. Based on their interest, we can customise their experiences.
Experience Kaner Retreat as part of an extraordinary Rajasthan holiday.
This experience can be combined with our Luxury India Safari Tour. In addition, bespoke India itineraries can be designed to combine a stay at Kaner Retreat with cultural explorations across Rajasthan, including desert safaris and immersive encounters with local artisans and traditional communities.
Contact our India specialists to learn how Kaner Retreat can be woven into a carefully curated Rajasthan adventure.
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