Amanbagh Resort

The resort sits in isolation amidst the arid Aravalli Hills near Alwar in northern India. The region is rich in early Hindu history, dating to the dawn of Hindu civilization.  The topography of the region consists of sandy plains interspersed with craggy hills and knolls, in stark contrast to the setting for Amanbagh – a lush oasis.  The resort is every bit a modern day “palace,” conceived in the present, but humbly paying homage to the traditional architecture and design that has prevailed throughout the past.

The resort comprises a main building that rises over three levels. On the first level is the arrival area that leads to the reception hall and onto a shaded court, bordered on one side by the Dining Room and on the other, by the Lounge.  Rising from the reception area is a sweeping staircase that leads to the Library and an outdoor terrace. Two external staircases lead to the Roof Terrace that is elevated above a canopy of trees and provides sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.  Beyond the main building is a swimming pool, informal dining area and spa pool, all set within landscaped grounds.

There are four categories of accommodation at Amanbagh.  Eight Courtyard Haveli Rooms are located on the ground level of two, two-storey structures on either side of the swimming pool.  Located on the ground level are eight Garden Haveli Rooms.  Eight Terrace Haveli Rooms are located on the upper level of the two, two-storey structures. Access to each is via a staircase that leads to private terraced courtyards, each with an outdoor dining area, daybed and two sun loungers.  Sixteen Pool Pavilions are located on the perimeter of the resort and offer their own private swimming pool and spacious garden.

The Dining Room is positioned on the lower floor of the main building and provides an intimate atmosphere beneath its double-height ceiling.  The food is simple home-style Indian cuisine with a choice of Western dishes also available.  An alternative, informal dining venue is Poolside, located adjacent to the swimming pool.  The Roof Terrace is ideal for informal dining beneath a starlit sky, particularly during the hotter months when there is a cool breeze.

A team of highly-skilled therapists provides a range of healing therapies as well as more traditional treatments such as facials, massages and scrubs. These are available in the resort’s spa treatment rooms or in guest havelis.

A veritable Garden of Eden, Amanbagh brims with eucalyptus, fruit-bearing trees, frangipani and swaying palms — it’s no surprise to stumble upon the resort’s own organic garden, from which the chef picks most of his herbs and vegetables. The estate’s architecture pays homage to the Moghul era, with period details, pink-marble floors, domed cupolas and sandstone courtyards. Your accommodations are either a Haveli suite or a pool pavilion with private courtyard and outdoor dining area. Take the opportunity to explore this verdant region — traveling by camel or jeep.

The resort can arrange for you to share tea with a local farm family and experience a part of the true India.Distance from Jaipur Airport (JAI): 90 minutes