The Retreat
Situated in the heart of Rajasthan, just 90 kilometres from the blue city of Jodhpur, Kaner Retreat offers an intimate introduction into the quiet brilliance of the Thar Desert. Rooted in ecology, craft and storytelling, it invites guests to experience the desert not as a landscape to pass through, but as a culture to immerse themselves in. Named after the Oleander flower—locally known as Kaner, or the Desert Rose—the retreat supports sustainable local tourism and artisan communities across the Thar.
The Oran
Kaner Retreat is surrounded by an Oran, a sacred grove protected for generations by local communities. Here, animals graze freely and cutting or pruning trees is forbidden, allowing the desert ecosystem to thrive untouched. Wild desert flora grows naturally across the landscape, creating a rare environment where wildlife and people coexist with remarkable balance.
Design & Philosophy
Inspired by the literary, musical and craft traditions of the Thar, the retreat uses local stone, reclaimed wood and upcycled furnishings. The spaces follow a rhythm of commissioning and conserving—working closely with local artisans, building slowly and intentionally, and creating with an awareness of both beauty and scarcity. The result is a language of quiet luxury shaped by the Thar itself: understated, enduring and deeply connected to place.
The Villas
Each of the 10 private villas is named after a native desert flower and layered with handcrafted details, local art and thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit of the region. Fragrant courtyards, meandering walking paths, a glasshouse lounge and a pool overlooking endless desert vistas invite guests to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
Experiences
Experiences at Kaner are immersive, intimate and deeply rooted in the desert landscape. Guests can join guided botanical walks through the surrounding wilderness, embark on jeep or camel safaris across the dunes, visit the nearby Kheechan Bird Sanctuary to witness migratory birds, or spend time with camel herders to understand desert life traditions. A signature experience is Kaner Clay—a guided walkthrough of the Thar Desert Pottery Exhibition—an exploration of the region's pottery traditions and disappearing craft practices—followed by a thoughtfully curated seven-course meal inspired by desert ingredients and seasonal produce. Private dining beneath the stars on the sand dunes creates unforgettable desert evenings.
The Founders
Kaner is the vision of Sapna Bhatia, who grew up in the Thar Desert before spending years in Delhi and London as an international journalist. Drawn back to her roots, she returned to create a space that celebrates the richness of desert life. Sapna and co-founder Samir Bhatia—an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad—personally host guests at the retreat, bringing a warmth and intimacy that defines every stay.
Recognition & Press
Kaner Retreat has earned recognition from some of the world's most discerning voices in travel, design and responsible hospitality. Featured in Desert Escapes by Lannoo Publishers (Belgium)—a definitive survey of the world's 40 most incredible desert stays—Kaner is one of only two Indian properties to make the list. Founder Sapna Bhatia is the sole representative of an Indian hospitality project in Desert By Design, published by Abrams, a landmark volume on desert architecture and design. In 2025, Sapna appeared on the cover of Condé Nast Traveller India — a testament to the vision and singular voice behind the retreat. Kaner also won the Gold Award in the Responsible Tourism category at the Rajasthan Tourism and Outlook Magazine awards in 2023.
Situated in the heart of Rajasthan, just 90 kilometres from the blue city of Jodhpur, Kaner Retreat offers an intimate introduction into the quiet brilliance of the Thar Desert. Rooted in ecology, craft and storytelling, it invites guests to experience the desert not as a landscape to pass through, but as a culture to immerse themselves in. Named after the Oleander flower—locally known as Kaner, or the Desert Rose—the retreat supports sustainable local tourism and artisan communities across the Thar.
The Oran
Kaner Retreat is surrounded by an Oran, a sacred grove protected for generations by local communities. Here, animals graze freely and cutting or pruning trees is forbidden, allowing the desert ecosystem to thrive untouched. Wild desert flora grows naturally across the landscape, creating a rare environment where wildlife and people coexist with remarkable balance.
Design & Philosophy
Inspired by the literary, musical and craft traditions of the Thar, the retreat uses local stone, reclaimed wood and upcycled furnishings. The spaces follow a rhythm of commissioning and conserving—working closely with local artisans, building slowly and intentionally, and creating with an awareness of both beauty and scarcity. The result is a language of quiet luxury shaped by the Thar itself: understated, enduring and deeply connected to place.
The Villas
Each of the 10 private villas is named after a native desert flower and layered with handcrafted details, local art and thoughtful touches that reflect the spirit of the region. Fragrant courtyards, meandering walking paths, a glasshouse lounge and a pool overlooking endless desert vistas invite guests to slow down and reconnect with the rhythms of nature.
Experiences
Experiences at Kaner are immersive, intimate and deeply rooted in the desert landscape. Guests can join guided botanical walks through the surrounding wilderness, embark on jeep or camel safaris across the dunes, visit the nearby Kheechan Bird Sanctuary to witness migratory birds, or spend time with camel herders to understand desert life traditions. A signature experience is Kaner Clay—a guided walkthrough of the Thar Desert Pottery Exhibition—an exploration of the region's pottery traditions and disappearing craft practices—followed by a thoughtfully curated seven-course meal inspired by desert ingredients and seasonal produce. Private dining beneath the stars on the sand dunes creates unforgettable desert evenings.
The Founders
Kaner is the vision of Sapna Bhatia, who grew up in the Thar Desert before spending years in Delhi and London as an international journalist. Drawn back to her roots, she returned to create a space that celebrates the richness of desert life. Sapna and co-founder Samir Bhatia—an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad—personally host guests at the retreat, bringing a warmth and intimacy that defines every stay.
Recognition & Press
Kaner Retreat has earned recognition from some of the world's most discerning voices in travel, design and responsible hospitality. Featured in Desert Escapes by Lannoo Publishers (Belgium)—a definitive survey of the world's 40 most incredible desert stays—Kaner is one of only two Indian properties to make the list. Founder Sapna Bhatia is the sole representative of an Indian hospitality project in Desert By Design, published by Abrams, a landmark volume on desert architecture and design. In 2025, Sapna appeared on the cover of Condé Nast Traveller India — a testament to the vision and singular voice behind the retreat. Kaner also won the Gold Award in the Responsible Tourism category at the Rajasthan Tourism and Outlook Magazine awards in 2023.
