Booked into the Savista purely for the block printing package. A girlfriend and I stayed 3 nights and spent 2 full days in neighbouring village Bagru for the block printing classes. We were the only two participating but nonetheless enjoyed the experience mostly thanks to Jessica - an American staying in Bagru to help the block printing community become more commercially minded. The Savista Retreat is a beautiful old building - sufficiently renovated and furnished without being too over-the-top but certainly not luxurious. It is a long way from Jaipur - in the middle of nowhere and little to do unless you just want to relax. The gym and massage facilities are not really set up - apparently there are plans to house a new restaurant in these outbuildings but I think it is unlikely tourists would come from Jaipur to Savista at night just for a dining experience. On two of our three nights we were the only guests so the service was very attentive and the owners were interested to hear our feedback. The staff were all local villagers and pleasant enough but needed to improve their skills and appearance when waiting at tables with food. They looked like they had just come in from working in the fields. We came away thinking it had the potential to be a great retreat but basically missed the mark by just not being what the website promised. Basically it is a 3* hotel with 4* rooms, 3* amenities, 3* food but in area where there is nothing to do unless you participate in the block printing course. And if you don't like walking through a particularly dirty town like Bagru through groups of feral pigs sifting through all the rubbish then this probably isn't the place for you!

Booked 4 night stay for 4 adults following sound reviews on TripAdvisor. Unfortunately, just cannot recommend against 5-star alternatives in the same price band unless the owner drastically improves some elements of the service offering.

Savista is a pretty property, on a serene rural setting away from the noise of Jaipur. Rooms are elegantly furnished and are comfortable.

Eclectic homestay appearance was initially refreshing but it soon felt a bit intrusive (perhaps 4 nights was just too long). Indeed, we ended up feeling that we were being watched by the owner and his operatives, and didn't really want to use the communal facilities (i.e. lounge chairs, library etc).

This would have been ok if it wasn't run so commercially, with 5 star prices against what felt like petty penny-pinching. I left feeling fleeced. Here are a few specific examples. I hope the owner takes heed as these are issues that can be fixed.

Breakfast included in the "package" is completely inadequate. Basically toast and omelette every day, tinned juice in an unsealed jug (probably recycled), unsealed food-coloured jam and unsealed butter in an open bowl, and the same bowl of fruit (bananas and apples that gradually rotted while we were there and were re-offered every morning). Furthermore, the omelette looked very unappetising (dull grey), and the owner commented (perhaps in humour, not sure) that eggs in India are risky - as they are often "injected". And for the two of us that were pure vegetarians (not uncommon in India), there was nothing else. So we had dry toast (I didn't trust the juice, butter or jam, after I saw a fly in the jug).

Dinner was fine, but vastly overpriced at Rs. 1200 per person - which by the way one is not informed of upfront (we had to risk confrontation by asking!) After the first night, we chose to take the trouble of remaining in town (an hour away) in the evenings just so that we can have dinner at the 5 Star Taj Jai Mahal Palace in town - beautiful offering for less money. There is no alternative at Savista but to choose the full meal option - for which there is no menu (so no idea what will show up). For a property that is out of reach from anywhere else that is clean, this is not ok. I felt the owner is trying to take advantage of captive customers, particularly as most people would probably not ask the costs upfront.

Similarly with laundry. We were informed by Savista's charming young American trainee helper (Jake - whose cheerful company was refreshing and enjoyable) that the cost of a bag of laundry was Rs 40. This is probably what he pays. I felt it would be prudent to ask the owner nonetheless, who then informed me that it is Rs. 40 per item. For 4 night "package" stays, this is unacceptable. Again, visitors, be warned - hidden costs are not transparent here. If you are shy to ask, then be prepared for hefty extras.

The website talks about the 4 night "experience" package, including massage, camel cart ride etc. We were informed that the female masseuse (for my mom and sister) was not there - accordingly it would not be possible, and that the camel cart ride was "not worthwhile". Instead we were "offered" a trip to Bagru village. We took this up - basically, it ended up being us accompanying Jake to run an errand for the owner to fetch from the village printing blocks that Savista gives to visitors as going-home presents.

The car we paid for as part of the accommodation is essential - Savista is a good hour away from Jaipur town, off the highway, in a location that an unknown driver will not be able to find. We had booked 2 rooms (4 adults), and had accordingly paid for two cars. Naturally, we wanted 1 larger one which was provided - but needlless to say, no discount was passed through. I heard the owner speaking softly in Hindi over the phone to the car hire company that they use, discussing the lower price of 1 car vs two - just felt a bit disingenuous (I did not bring it up as I dont like confrontation, especially while on vacation!) The drivers were ok but constantly hussled to take you to "government shops" (i.e. for commissions). We (being of Indian origin and no foreigner to these tricks) were insistent (one has to be) on going where we wanted to go - this seemed to annoy the drivers. Also, on one of the days of our 4 night stay we paid Rs 5000 for a car for a day trip to Ajmer. On our return we went to Jaipur town to have dinner at a 5 Star hotel (note Savista dinner issue above). No comments from the driver. But of course, upon checkout the next day the owner slipped in a bill for an extra Rs. 1200 saying that this was because we retained the car in the evening for dinner (which we had booked for a full day trip). Didn't argue but I felt this was petty, having paid a Rs 100,000 bill for 4 nights.

The "spa" on the website / package is an overstatement. It is an outbuilding in need of major refurb. The steam bath didn't work (perhaps this was temporary), and the jacuzzi did not look clean. As for the massage (the massage for men was available) this was performed by the same 2 guys (brothers) that Savista's owner seems to use for everything - we observed they were the cooks, servers, general purpose handy-men ... and Spa masseurs. They are overworked (not sure if well paid) and are clearly not spa trained. Made me feel guilty having my head and shoulders pressed by the same tired out guys. Again, this is all forgivable if Savista was priced as a 2-3 star. Not 5 star.

The owner was insistent that guests should not tip the 2 guys but that rather we should generously contribute to his "staff fund" instead. This of course has no-transparency.

The building - like all heritage properties is in need of maintenance capex. Most significantly, it needs repainting. As for health and safety, any of the 1st floor rooms are not suitable for young children (very low balcony walls).

There are definitely good points.
1. Jake - the young American apprentice. Lovely chap. Very friendly and keen to help. Highlight of our stay.
2. We had asked for one double and one twin room. The latter was not available. The owner kindly offered my sister and I one room each. Naturally the third room must have been vacant for the duration of our stay, but this was a kind act for which I was appreciative.
3. The owner is friendly (even if highly commercial) and gave us plenty of advice on what to do etc - most helpful incase anyone wishes to visit the shrine at Ajmer.
4. Bottled water and tea available on request. They did try to convince us of the tap water, but we resisted. Prudence is best on short visits (if one intends to go back to work straight after).
5. They make quite a fuss about environmental consciousness. To the extent that this is genuine (unverifiable), then it is good. It could of course just be branding for green-westerners.

Overall view. Unfortunately small points above devalued our stay into a 2-star experience. This would have been fine, but the price and website indicate otherwise (4-5 star). Unless and until the finer elements or pricing are fixed, hard to recommend. On our next trip to Jaipur, I would rather stay at Jai-Mahal or similar.

We stayed at Savista for 2 days as part of our trip to Jaipur. The place was stunning.......quality & taste in abundance. And the peace & quiet was amazing....especially after the hustle & bustle of central Jaipur.

I will always remember being almost overwhelmed by my first evening lounging around the candle lit pool, watching the stars in the clear sky....whilst listening to Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan & James Taylor being played.

The owners & their staff are very welcoming & attentive without being over-powering. Nothing was too much trouble & had some good moments chatting to the owners who are a lovely & interesting couple.

This is a responsible tourist business who clearly treat the local environment & its people with great respect. All food is locally sourced & this is reflected in the very fresh taste of all dishes we ate.

The library has a really eclectic range of books ........wish we had longer to make better use of it!

For a special celebration, or just because you deserve a special treat......this place would be an excellent choice.

Nestled away in the beautiful country side of Jaipur, Savista retreat is simple yet elegant. It has an ideal blend of luxury and homely comfort. Guest can rarely feel out of place in a place like this. Savista's tranquility is quiet extra ordinary. The management is very warm and welcoming, having a balance between giving you the best service and giving you your space.

The architecture and interiors are not over the top. It is very subtle and pleasing to the eye. The food is delicious, authentic and well prepared, they also take request for preparation of special Rajasthani dishes if informed well in advance.They provide taxi/ cab services for the entire day if you need it, just make sure you inform them about your requirements in advance.The hotel has a pool and offers camel cart ride around the fields in the country side, which i highly recommend.The Hotel also has a tasteful library.

All in all the ambiance, the people and the service of Savista is commendable.