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volante:
india
 Luxury getaways in India
continued
Amanbagh, situated in a secluded oasis of lush vegetation east
of Jaipur, paints a brilliant picture of rural splendour and cultural
heritage, while delivering high comfort, luxury and pampering. This
remote getaway of only 38 rooms, designed by Edward Tuttle, features
elegant walled pool pavilions rich in sandstone and pink and green
marble, two restaurants and a spa. The guest can be assured of security
and privacy, at the same time experiencing authenticity and sincerity
in the service proposition. Aman hires great managers, and emphasizes
humanistic principles in their staff training.
This secret first-class escape, open just four years,
built its reputation on repeat business (a typical stay is 3–11
days), where travellers kick back at poolside and then go forth
in search of history and anthropology, all comfortably accessible
nearby. Hearty Indiana Jones types endure the bumpy road up the
precipitous side of a mountain top plateau to visit Neelkanth Temple,
dating to AD 700, home of carvings
both artistic and provocative. The way down affords a view of Mansarovar
Lake, where a tranquil and leisurely floating lunch can be taken
in the shadow of an abandoned fort, to the gentle lapping of the
oarsmen’s strokes on the placid water.
Another worthy half-day expedition, the deserted city
of Bhangarh, allows wandering through ruins where 50,000 people
once resided. Today it’s populated mostly by monkeys, who dart among
the temple and palace on the hillside above. Ask for the guide Sita
Ram, who can name every animal, plant, and ayurvedic remedy one
encounters. His expert knowledge and great gentility add to the
expedition.
Amanbagh is a perfect place to celebrate pivotal life
events like weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions.
But one could dream up other compelling reasons to spend a week
there. Rajasthan’s legendary marble quarries, known for signature
white, green and red hues, lie within reach. There are miles of
marble brokers on the main roads about 30 miles west, vast yards
full of cut slabs and enormous blocks—a shopper’s dream if one,
for example, sought that exotic commodity.
Budget allowing, ’copter in directly to the hotel’s
private helipad. This alleviates a half-hour flight from New Delhi
to Jaipur, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the property.
The last 45 minutes of the drive out are memorably bone-shaking
due to washed out sections of road from last year’s monsoons.
But definitely go. This outstanding destination has
so much to offer in the details, more cultural experiences than
a single stay allows, a wonderful menu to suit any taste, yoga at
sunrise, the remarkable classic Rajasthani jewellery available in
the boutique, and a wise little owl, avatar of Laxmi, goddess of
wealth, who sits in a tree next to the entryway watching over every
guest who arrives.
Amanbagh
Ajabgarh
Alwar 301 027
Rajasthan
India
Telephone 91 1465 223-333
www.amanresorts.com
amanbagh @amanresorts.com
Chhatra Sagar | Devi
Garh | Amanbagh | Ananda
in the Himalayas
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Top left: The welcome at Amanbagh. Left: A typical
pool pavilion at Amanbagh. From top: Lunch on the lake. Local
children near Amanbagh. Jain Temple.
This secret first-class escape, open just four
years, built its reputation on repeat business (a typical stay is
3–11 days), where travellers kick back at poolside and then go forth
in search of history and anthropology, all comfortably accessible
nearby
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