The Aman group of hotels & resorts needs no introduction – when Adrian Zecha opened Aman Puri in Phuket its success led him to believe of the viability of running minimalist boutique resorts in remote and natural settings. Since then while the Aman group has had many owners the brand that he helped create with countless number of admirers famously known as the “Aman junkies” has made the chain a global house hold name. Across the world there are 37 Aman resorts in Asia, Europe, Africa, America & the Caribbean while the Aman Bagh and Aman-i-Khas are in India.
The Aman Bagh resort was once the playground of the Maharaja of Alwar where tiger safaris were staged for visiting Royalty and its USP is the “middle of nowhere” location amidst fruit, eucalyptus trees, the rustic beauty of Rajasthan with its myriad forts, tales of courage, bravery, battles, its welcoming villages and timeless history which enhances the mysticism of this wonderful oasis and offers privacy, beyond luxury accommodation, cuisine and facilities.
We all need the tonic of wilderness, the land that is mysterious, indefinitely wild and I have often found refreshment in wild places and attest to the recreational value of the wilderness. At the Aman Bagh there is so much to see and do- for wildlife enthusiasts there is the Sariska reserve only 45 minutes drive away, the 17th century abandoned city of Bhangarh, my favorite nature walks are to the Somsagar lake where the resort could arrange for a surreal experience with a yoga session and breakfast set up overlooking the lake and the trek to King’s throne where I have always hoped to spot a leopard/s which I am told roam the surrounding Aravali hills, visit the colourful villages, meet the curious friendly locals and the temple town of Neelkanth.
Aman Bagh has 6 court yard Havelis, 8 Garden Havelis, 8 Terrace Havelis and 15 pool pavilions. If one is in a mood to splurge choose the pool pavilion and you wont be disappointed- it has the space, a lovely garden, a pool and most importantly privacy. The cuisine is well curated to suit all tastes and the chefs are ever willing to design menus to suit one’s palate. The resort’s organic garden and its fresh produce are an asset to the kitchen staff. There are also romantic settings that can be arranged to celebrate a milestone birthday, anniversary and to pop the question “will you marry me ?“ These venues are magical and having visited the resort a few times my first choice for dinner is the Chattri located a little outside the resort.
As a concept Aman’s focus is on wellness, seclusion and privacy and its well crafted programs combine the purity of nature to offer a journey of rejuvenation and revitalisation. This immersive retreat offers Ayurvedic and therapeutic treatments which are intended to reawaken our senses and intended to heal the body & mind.
Quote- Travel & wilderness excite me. The idea of wilderness needs no defense – Reinhold Messner
Getting there :
220 kms/130 miles from Agra and the driving time is 4 hours
260 kms/154 miles from Delhi and 5.5 hours
90 kms/54 miles from Jaipur airport 2 hours
150 kms/90 miles from Ranthambore and 3.5 hours
Best time to visit- November to March
