Reef Resort Shivrajpur: Rajwadi Suite and Beyond
Ditching Rajkot’s tarmac jungle, I traded propeller noise for the highway’s hum. Five hours (or 267 km, if you’re counting sheep, not fields) melted away like butter on a chapati. Cotton, groundnut, and wheat landscapes whizzed by, punctuated by the playful winks of wind turbines. And then, the Gujarati coast unfolded like a peacock’s tail, leading me to Shivrajpur, Dwarka’s coastal neighbour. Here, where the ocean whispers secrets to the temple bells, my soul chillaxed like a cow chewing cud.
But before diving into the coastal magic, I had to pay my respects at the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple, or as it is known, the Jagat Mandir. Twenty minutes, and 13 kilometres – that’s all it takes to swap Shivrajpur’s charm for the divine aura of Dwarka! Think of it as Krishna’s palace, where he’s revered as the “King of Dwarka.” This five-storey giant, held up by 72 pillars, is a must-visit on the Char Dham pilgrimage. Archaeologists say the original temple dates back to 200 BCE, built by Krishna’s grandson right on his home turf. Sure, it got a 15th-16th century makeover, but the Krishna vibes are still electric.
2 pm rolled around and I landed at The Reef Resort, Shivrajpur’s tent-tastic haven by Evoke Experiences. Think “Arabian Sea views,” not “roughing it in canvas.” Think “luxurious glamping,” not “mosquito nets and granola bars.” Welcomed by the ever-smiling Rohini, I knew this wasn’t your average beach bumming experience. Here, sustainability meets luxury, with temporary digs that leave minimal impact but maximize ocean vistas. The next two days were spent waking up to sunrise over the Arabian Sea, a carpeted pavement, the only barrier between me and the paradise. Sounds like the “refresh button” finally got a beachside upgrade, right?
Check-in? More like check-IN to pure bliss! My digs? Not your average beach cottage, but a Rajwadi Suite fit for a Maharaja (minus the elephants, but hey, the view makes up for it). I was delighted to walk into the sprawling master bedroom, with a royal sofa fit for lounging like royalty, and a dressing room bigger than most city apartments. Oh, and did I mention the extended private dining area, and all the modern bells and whistles like AC and a minibar full of guilt-free goodies? And all this for a mere 35K for two nights inclusive of all meals and a marine walk accompanied by a naturalist on the private beach! This suite’s more than just a room, it’s a beachside kingdom waiting to be explored (and Instagrammed, obviously).
Additionally, they offer premium tents, Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages, and Non-AC Cottages designed to accommodate various budgets. Here is the assortment of packages they have available – Reef Resort Shivrajpur Packages
On Day 1, I took it easy, enjoying leisurely activities. Lunch was served at their on-site restaurant, where the ever-smiling staff promptly took orders and served delicious meals with a home-cooked feel that were both light on the stomach and satisfying to the taste buds. My taste buds did a happy dance, light and satisfied. After lunch, I took a solitary stroll along the private beach in the evening. It’s a safe and serene environment perfect for solo walks, and I cherished the tranquil sunset, occasionally accompanied by friendly dogs who happily trotted alongside me throughout.
Come dinnertime, things kicked up a notch, featuring a variety of options to suit different tastes, including a delightful mix of local delicacies and regional cuisine from both North and South India. Each evening, the restaurant hosted live music sessions, adding to the dining experience. After dinner, the festivities continued in their dedicated event space, where cultural programs took centre stage from 9 to 10:30 pm., under the stars. And then, back to my luxurious tent cocoon, where I was lulled to sleep by the soothing wind and the calming sounds of the ocean.
The following day was brimming with beach adventures as I set out to discover Shivrajpur Beach, the only Blue Flag Beach in Gujarat, thus making it the cleanest beach in the state. Shivrajpur’s Blue Flag status had me hyped for the cleanest shoreline in Gujarat. Despite a temporary pause in water sports activities for a day or two due to an incident reported in Vadodara during my visit, this beach still offers plenty of attractions. Scuba diving stands out as a popular choice, offering a glimpse into the diverse marine life, while kayaking, boat rides, parasailing, and more await those seeking other aquatic thrills. Kayak your way through crystal-clear waters, feel the wind whip through your hair on a thrilling parasailing ride, or take a leisurely boat cruise and soak in the stunning coastal views. This beach may have temporarily silenced its engines, but the adventure spirit roars on!
After swooning over the beach’s Maldives-worthy turquoise and emerald hues (seriously, who needs a passport?), I embarked on a historical quest to the nearby Kacchighadh lighthouse. Its past whispered tales of bygone eras, fueling my thirst for adventure. Thereafter, refreshed by the sea breeze and lunch at the Reef Resort, I joined the ever-knowledgeable Sangik Datta for an epic marine walk from 5-7 pm. I explored tide pools teeming with hidden wonders, unearthing fascinating sea creatures, and learning about the delicate ocean ecosystem – all under the golden glow of the setting sun. It was like National Geographic came to life, minus the camera crew (although, my phone cam was definitely busy capturing the magic!).
Wow, that marine walk with Sangik was incredible! He’s incredibly knowledgeable, and I’m kicking myself for not extending my stay at Reef Resort. I would have loved to take more walks with him and learn even more about the region’s amazing biodiversity. He has such a keen eye for spotting hidden wonders – things you’d only expect to see in NatGeo documentaries.
From the vibrant red breathing reef to the curious sea grapes (apparently a superfood in Japan!), to the fascinating living shells, every moment was a revelation. You truly have to experience it yourself to understand the magic. The evening wrapped up with me delighting in a scrumptious dinner, followed by some highbrow cultural entertainment.
The next day, off I trotted to Mandvi for a blissful three-day rendezvous with the Arabian Sea. Oh, and en route, I couldn’t resist a pit stop at the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga temple, because, you know, gotta pay homage to Shiva when you’re in the neighbourhood. It’s just a hop, skip, and jump (well, 30 minutes) from the Reef Resort, so no excuses! A massive shoutout to Evoke Experiences for orchestrating this fabulous escapade and ensuring my seamless shift from Shivrajpur to Mandvi.
Address: Near Lachchhigadh Lighthouse, GJ SH 6A, Shivrajpur, Gujarat 361335, India
Phone: +1800 270 2700
Website: https://www.reefresortshivrajpur.com/
