The picturesque retreat resort, just four hours drive from the Indian capital, treats you like royalty.
By Akanksha Dean
I am lounging on a recliner, reading a book, dipping my toes in the private pool of my pavilion suite while some beautiful trees stand framed in my view like a painting. It’s almost unreal. But life couldn’t get any better…. more so in these times!
A four-hour drive from the international airport at Delhi deposits me on a beautiful retreat resort which looks Oh so …picturesque.
Clear, bluest of blue skies, the pink marble and sandstone, gardens with ripe palm, fruit and eucalyptus trees, shadowing the bright green pool and pool suites seem like the perfect escape in India’s craggy Aravalli Hills.
I am whisked away to my suite after a welcome drink. My suite is massive. And comes with clear glass panoramic windows through which I can see monkeys as I sip my morning tea.
A walkway across my bedroom leads through to the massive bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower cubicle, walk-in closets, marble basins and a WC that could pass of as a king’s throne.
The Pool Pavilion suite is a sanctuary. I would advise to just slip on your swim suit and merely swim at your very own private pool like I do. In between I manage to fit in a spa session.
The Amanbagh Spa offers everything you would expect from the brand, and some things unexpected: for example, the perfect blend of deep tissue and Swedish that makes me feel like a ‘Maharani’ in the true sense of the word and the warm bed and the gentle massage on the face and foot is just what I need to unwind.
Dining
The Organic Amanbagh farm takes cares of nearly eighty percent of the kitchen needs and with just 37 suites on 38 acres of land with nine diverse private dining experiences on offer allows guests to stay disconnected.
You can never run out of choices when you eat here. I head to the main poolside for a drink as the sun sets. The dramatic colors of the sky and the stunning structure of the beautiful property turn this into something of an experience.
Dinner is at the terrace. As the candles glow, the night darkens the pool, which laps quietly and, this is the most quixotic dinner I have ever eaten.
Next day lunch is at the main restaurant and dinner by my pool in suite. I get talking to Chef and he tells me about their healthy menu. He’s ingeniously uses ingredients that are lighter but offer the same taste. I try the outstanding Broccoli dip with gluten free bread batons.
The Snapper just melts in the mouth and the Masala Chicken is superb. The chef is undeniably right, I walk out from the meal feeling content, but not bloated.
Yonder Chilling
It is no surprise that, notwithstanding its slightly isolated location–the retreat has become a preferred choice with international wellness tourists and matches its substantial domestic visitors.
Yonder the prodigal suites, spa and gardens there are pleasing villages, impressive forts and ruins, and the back woods of Sariska National Park, where tigers still meander free.
Amanbagh’s expert team ensures my stay is utterly custom-made down to the finest detail to meet my vacation goals.
Fast Facts
Where? Amanbagh is at Ajabgarh, Alwar, Rajasthan.
Tel: +91 1465 223 333
Email: amanbagh@aman.com
(Akanksha Dean is a Delhi-based writer and photographer with a background in culinary arts, who has traveled across the world in search of food and culture.)
Read more from Akanksha Dean:
Read: Karma Lakelands: A holiday for the soul (October 24, 2020)
Read: A tryst with nature at the 17th century Deobagh in Gwalior (September 14, 2020)