REVIEW: Amanbagh in Rajasthan offers a luxurious oasis in the heart of India
![REVIEW: Amanbagh in Rajasthan offers a luxurious oasis in the heart of India](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Nancy Hromin was recently a guest at the exquisite AMAN in Rajasthan, a 2 hour drive from Jaipur to the serene landscapes of the rural village of Ajabgarh, in the Alwar district. Read what she has to say about the hotel below!
Once the stomping ground of the Maharajah of Alwar as a camp for hunting parties in search of the tigers and leopards, it is now a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the Pink City, Jaipur.
The Location
Amanbagh is located at the foot of the Aravalli hills in Rajasthan, northwest India. This rural retreat is a destination in itself and there are plenty of activities for those in search of local culture and experience. Bike riding to the local villages, Polo on colourful camels, a jeep ride to visit the famous haunted city, known as the Pompeii of India are a few of the activities on offer. All the locals, staff and guides adamantly confirm, yes it is indeed haunted. The tales of a bygone era, entrenched in the cultural narrative and story telling of this community were mesmerising to listen to.
First Impression
The welcoming ceremony, with the hauntingly beautiful voices of the staff chanting, completed with fresh flowers hung over our necks, reminds us of why Aman has a reputation for unique experiences. Discretion, understated beauty and of course, the architecture, a striking design carved out of local pink marble and sandstone, with scalloped arches creates an aesthetic that transports you to India’s golden age, a nostalgic nod to the past, seamlessly appearing modern and traditional at the same time.
Experiences
Early morning yoga is complemented by afternoon meditation, facilitated by a beautiful yogi, who adjusted the practice based on individual’s needs. Of course, the majestic 33 metre green marble pool and the sun loungers that surround it are an easy meander to continue the Zen feeling. There is another 12 metre shallow pool just behind the main pool for the kiddies, and Amanbagh is family friendly, with enough space for solo travellers, couples and families to co-exist peacefully, no small feat but one which Aman does seamlessly.
The afternoon jeep ride to the local villages is a must, where you will see women in bright saris, waving while tending to the fields, children playing and old men, sitting playing cards in the shade. Our driver lamented that the women do all the work while the men just sit around, smoking, playing chess or cards, while adding he himself was not in that category and did his fair share!
Rooms
Amanbagh is within the walls of an old palace with 37 rooms in total, including 15 Pool Pavilions, with its centrepiece a spectacular green marble pool. The smallest room is a whooping 125 sqm or as my travelling buddy said, twice the size of our first flat we shared many years ago in Sydney.
We stayed in the Pool Pavilion, and at a mere 203sqm, is 3 times the size of my first flat. Its features include a model version of the green marble pool which at 9 metres, beats my little plunge pool back home. The backyard large enough for a cricket game would have my husband swooning and I scream with joy at the twin walk in wardrobes. Is it possible to fall in love with a hotel? If it is Aman, you know the answer.
The quote from the famous architect Frank Gehry comes to mind as we absorb the beauty of the design:
“Architecture should speak of its time and place but yearn for timelessness”.
Let’s just say we were excited to be there!
Food
The dining experience was equally exceptional. Although there is only one restaurant, it didn’t feel that way given the variety of both Indian and international cuisine, offering a delectable range of dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients.
The breakfast menu was extensive, the lunch equally enticing and dinner was romantic, with the energy shifting as live local musicians changed the vibe of the space.
Service
With a staff ratio of more than 2 to one, you only have to make the slightest of eye contact and your wish is their command. The debonair regional director, Harry Fernandez, casually and subtlety checks on each guest daily, remembering small details and snippets of previous conversations, weaving together an itinerary that was exactly what we wanted.
The monkeys, who are the original custodians of the land, surround the property and Aman employs a number of monkey men who feed them and ensure they don’t encroach on the guests. A regular reminder not to feed them, comes casually each day, to keep them at bay, and each room has a monkey stick in case you leave the door open by accident (as we did ) The cheeky critters wandered in, in search of apples, which they duly procured at our residence. They are delightful, but if you don’t like them, one of the monkey staff will discreetly keep an eye on your property and ensure they keep away.
Aman at its finest.
Getting There
Air India flies to Delhi direct from Sydney and Melbourne.
From New Delhi, it is possible to travel to Amanbagh by car, train or helicopter (the property has its own heliport).
You can take a flight to Jaipur from new Delhi, followed by a two-hour journey by private car. Flights from Delhi to Jaipur depart several times daily and take between 45 and 60 minutes; flights from Mumbai depart several times daily and take an hour and 40 minutes.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Aman RajasthanLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?