Amanbagh – Alwar

The topography of the Alwar region consists of sandy plains interspersed with craggy hills, a stark contrast to Amanbagh’s setting which is an oasis of verdant greenery. Deriving its name from aman, meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and bagh, meaning ‘garden’ in Hindi, Amanbagh lies within a walled compound once used by the Maharajah of Alwar to site his mobile hunting camps in search of the elusive tigers known to roam the nearby hills. Long since abandoned, the trees and vegetation continued to thrive due to a reliable source of underground water. The resort is very much a modern day ‘Mughal Palace’, conceived in the present, but paying homage to the architecture and design of India’s golden age.

Amanbagh provides four categories of luxury accommodation. All categories of suites feature a large bathtub carved from Udaipur green marble and are fitted with Bose sound systems and a personal bar.

Eight Courtyard Haveli Suites are located on the ground level of two dwellings on either side of the swimming pool. The entrance to each Suite is via a courtyard with an outdoor dining area. Inside, a living area includes a large daybed, two armchairs and a writing desk. Beyond is a private courtyard. The adjoining bedroom features a domed ceiling high above a king-size bed and a bathroom filled with natural light.View images

Also on the ground level are eight Garden Haveli Suites. Identical in design and furnishings to the Courtyard Haveli Suites, they are differentiated by a private terrace that overlooks a garden. View images

Eight Terrace Haveli Suites are located on the upper level of the two dwellings. Access to each is via a staircase that leads through tall wooden doors to a spacious terrace with an outdoor dining area and two chaise lounge chairs. Inside, a sitting area features a daybed, two armchairs and a writing desk. The bedroom area offers a king-size bed and large bathroom with a bathtub and separate dressing room. View images

Sixteen Pool Pavilions are located around the perimeter of the resort, each with its own private swimming pool and spacious garden. Entry to each Pavilion is via a garden courtyard that leads to a foyer passageway. The foyer provides access to the shared living area and bedroom on one side, and to the bathroom on the other. The living area features a king-size bed, writing desk, daybed and armchairs. The bathroom includes a spacious dressing area, twin walk-in wardrobes, twin vanities, separate shower and toilet. The double doors open from both sides onto a spacious garden courtyard with a covered dining and lounge area. The private swimming pool, measuring 3m by 9m, is cool throughout the summer months and heated during the winter months.View images

Dining : The Restaurant is positioned on the ground floor of the main building and provides a regal atmosphere beneath its double-height ceiling. Tables and chairs are also set on the outside terrace. The menu’s focus is fresh and seasonal Indian and Western food. Salads, herbs and many vegetables are grown in the Amanbagh organic kitchen gardens.

The Library Terrace, located on the second floor of the main building, is ideal for informal Indian dining in the evening, particularly during the hotter months when a cool breeze may be enjoyed under a starlit sky. The Salon Bar is located opposite the Restaurant and offers a cosy place to relax and unwind.

Elevated above a canopy of trees, the Roof Terrace provides sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and is another option for dining and refreshments.

Library : The Library is located on the second level of the main building. There are a variety of reference books on the history, arts, culture and wildlife of India, as well as a selection of novels,magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games. A PC with internet access and a printer are available here, although the entire resort enjoys WiFi.

Boutique : The Boutique offers a wonderful selection of the region’s silverware, jewellery, textiles and fashion.

Spa : In the Spa, a team of highly-skilled therapists provide a range of therapies as well as facials, massages, scrubs and traditional henna art. Treatments use Aman Spa products which are made from the purest ingredients.

Swimming pool : The Swimming Pool is at the centre of the resort’s gardens and measures 33m by 12m. Light meals, snacks and drinks are available poolside throughout the day. Beyond the swimming pool is the wading pool measuring 12m by 12m. Both pools are cool throughout the summer and heated during the colder months.