Reggie's Camel Camp
Osian

Utterly original and wildly atmospheric, Reggie’s Camel Camp is not your average desert retreat. Set high on the golden dunes of Osian, an ancient trading outpost on the edge of the Thar Desert, this eccentric hideaway blends royal nostalgia with frontier spirit. At its heart is a striking red sandstone fort, perched on one of the highest dune crests in the region, offering sweeping views of the arid plains and endless sky.

The camp is the brainchild of Reggie Singh, a flamboyant and much-loved figure with royal Jodhpur lineage and a flair for the dramatic. His personality infuses every corner of the property, from the old Land Rovers and polo paraphernalia, to the vintage barware and carefully curated campfire playlists. Guests come here not just to sleep under canvas, but to experience Rajasthan with character.

Accommodation is in spacious, Mughal-style luxury tents scattered among the dunes. Each comes with en-suite bathrooms, crisp linens, colonial-era furniture and warm, layered textiles. Expect comfort without excess, this is about barefoot luxury, where the setting does the talking.

Days at Reggie’s are flexible and filled with possibility; take a camel safari through the desert scrub, visiting Bishnoi villages and tribal settlements along the way, or simply laze by the pool while sipping a cool lime soda and watching peacocks strut past. The camp also boasts its own camel racing track, where races and impromptu games are known to break out, often cheered on by Reggie himself.

Evenings are when the magic happens. As the sun sinks behind the dunes, lanterns are lit and the fort glows like a beacon. Guests gather for sundowners on the terrace, gin and tonics with a view, before a semi-formal, candlelit dinner beneath the stars. Traditional musicians and dancers from local communities perform by the fire, and stories flow freely. It’s a little bit theatrical, a little bit royal and a lot of fun.

While there’s no spa or formal fitness centre, the experience here lies in the rhythm of the desert, slow, timeless and strangely invigorating. Wi-Fi is patchy, but you won’t miss it. Reggie’s Camel Camp is not about digital connection, but connection with people, place and the wild beauty of Rajasthan.

Perfect for adventurous travellers, romantics with a sense of humour and anyone looking to go a little off-script. Reggie’s is a desert escape with a difference.

I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw