The Rajwadi Suite Experience at White Sands Bay in Mandvi

A ten-hour road trip unfolded from Shivrajpur, delighting my palate with Gujarati treats like fafda jalebi and creamy dry fruit lassi at my chauffeur’s suggestion. Meandering through cotton fields, we reached Mundra port, where Ashwin’s bhai stall delivered an unforgettable Dabeli, a regional must-try. Forty-five minutes later, at 7 pm, White Sands Bay in Mandvi unfolded its beauty. An express check-in and an early dinner ushered in leisure. As dusk cloaked the bay, its lights came alive, illuminating my Rajwadi Suite’s private campfire seating with an umbrellaed hut. Though the ocean remained unseen, its soothing whispers reached my soul, inviting me to savour the silent moment forever.

The rooster alarm clock of a hundred hungry seagulls squawked me awake from the slumber of the righteous. Peeking out of my palatial Rajwadi tent, I was greeted by a panorama that would make even the grumpiest hermit crack a smile. Forget your boring sunrise over meadows, here it was served with a side of a hundred feathery beach bums strutting their stuff like they owned the joint. After soaking up the sun for a casual hour or two at the exclusive beach spot, I sauntered back to my luxurious Rajwadi Suite, where comfort practically waves hello at you.

The sprawling private dining area doubles as a productivity hub (because who says productivity can’t be beachside?), a chill-out zone, a reading nook, or simply a sanctuary for sipping hot tea without a care in the world. Inside, the bedroom feels more like a cosy living room, decked out with cushy seating, a dedicated workspace, a dreamy poster bed dressed to impress, an extra table for your odds and ends, and enough charging points to power your equipment. But wait, there’s more! The Rajwadi Suite throws in a swanky dressing area complete with a mirror that’s practically life-sized, a wooden table fit for your luggage, and even bathroom slippers for that extra touch of pampering. And let’s not forget the attached washroom, cloaked in chic wooden accents and stocked with all the fancy toiletries you could wish for, a bamboo toothbrush to boot, and enough fluffy towels to rival a spa retreat.

All suited up for a day of gallivanting, I set off to conquer Vijaya Vilas Palace (a delightful perk included in my 3-night package) alongside Shanker, the charmingly erudite guide from White Sands Bay. Not only did he mastermind some Instagram-worthy snapshots amidst the palace’s regal splendour, but he also regaled us (a merry band of fellow guests) with tales of its storied past. Upon our return, a delectable lunch awaited at the restaurant—need I mention that every mouthwatering morsel is part and parcel of the all-inclusive package? The cuisine is a tantalizing fusion of local flavours and regional delights, a culinary symphony that’ll have your taste buds dancing.

The rest of my day was a leisurely odyssey, split between the bustling public beach and the serene seclusion of the private stretch, where I played spectator to a veritable circus of aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial antics. Mandvi’s shores are a veritable playground for the adventurous soul—parasailing, ATV escapades, Jet Ski jaunts, kayaking escapades, and even a jaunty trot on horseback are all on the menu. Time seemed to have sprouted wings and taken flight, buoyed by the crisp ocean breeze that kept me company on this January jaunt—a rare treat when you embrace the warmth as the sun deigns to grace the sky with its presence.

Before I knew it, the day had slipped through my fingers like fine sand, prompting a brief hiatus for high tea at the restaurant, where ginger-infused brews and delectable nibbles awaited. Back to the beach, I sauntered, just in time to witness the sky don its evening gown of hues, as the sun bid its fiery farewell to the horizon. With each wave that lapped at my feet like a playful kiss, and every seagull lazily gliding homeward, I couldn’t help but feel that even nature itself was in on the spectacle, savouring the twilight in silent camaraderie.

Post-dinner affairs, a veritable feast for the senses with an array of options that could give lunch a run for its money—plus, let’s not forget the continental delights that make an appearance. Once sufficiently fuelled up, I made my way to the activity hub, where nightly cultural extravaganzas take centre stage. Day two of my escapade treated me to the soul-stirring melodies of Kutchi tunes, courtesy of some local maestros, while day three unfurled the vibrant tapestry of Kathakali dance, skillfully spun by a homegrown talent. These cultural soirées truly captured my heart, serving as the pièce de résistance to each day’s adventures and offering a delightful immersion into the rich tapestry of Mandvi and Kutchi culture at large.

On the third glorious day of my sojourn at White Sands Bay in Mandvi, I continued my delightful dalliance with beachside frolics, all while paying homage to the splendid 72 Jinalaya—a gleaming white marvel that’s an absolute must-see for any Mandvi-bound vacationer, and conveniently included in my stay package. My trusty chauffeur, the ever-amiable Vijay, also whisked me away to the famed ship workshops, a hallmark of Mandvi’s artisanal prowess. Here, I marvelled at the making of these majestic vessels, each one a behemoth tipping the scales at a hefty 2.5 to 3 tonnes. Fun fact: only a handful—3 to 5 to be precise—are made every two years, a testament to both craftsmanship and scarcity. And let’s not forget the wood—imported Malaysian timber, chosen for its steadfast resolve against the whims of bending that plague its Indian counterparts.

Tucked away in the historic heart of Mandvi, the enchanting enclave of ship workshops is—a treasure trove for those with a penchant for maritime marvels. And if time permits, I wholeheartedly recommend taking a leisurely amble through the labyrinthine lanes, where ancient houses stand as silent sentinels, their architectural splendour a testament to bygone eras. With each day brimming with activities, from beachside escapades to temple visits and beyond, coupled with the comforting embrace of the ever-sumptuous Rajwadi Suite, my Mandvi escapade was nothing short of spectacular.

Kudos to Evoke Experiences for conjuring up such a splendid tent city on the very shores of paradise, extending a warm welcome to every guest and treating us like cherished kinfolk, regardless of the cottage we called home. It’s precisely this unparalleled hospitality that assures me of a swift return to Mandvi’s embrace. And with the promising news of ferry services set to resume in September, whisking travellers between Shivrajpur and Mandvi in a mere hour and a half aboard a sea vessel, the prospect of exploring both beaches and basking in their unique charms becomes all the more enticing.

Address: White Sands Bay, Wind Mill beach, Mandvi, Kutch

Phone: +1800 270 2700

Website: https://www.whitesandsbay.com/