Marigold-filled fountains in the Lobby at the Amanbagh
After spending three days at the Aman-I-Khas, the staff arranged a transfer by car to the Amanbagh, which was about a 3 hour drive by car. The drive was pleasant and on new roads and was a nice way to see rural Rajasthan. The Amanbagh was the third and final stop on my Aman India Journey.
For fans of the Aman brand, the Amanbagh is the most classically Aman of the properties I stayed at in India, complete with zen and opulent buildings by renown architect Ed Tuttle, surrounding a glistening pool and and large spa (neither of which I used).
Exterior of one of the pool pavilions
The guest rooms and pavilions are heavy on the marble with posh bathrooms and have spacious dressing and living areas, as well as patios and terraces and in some cases, pools.
Marigolds in the lobby of the Amanbagh
Arriving at the Amanbagh is unforgettable, as the saffron-clad staff greeted us with song.
Despite the fabulousness of the property and the facilities, this was the hotel I spent the least amount of time in during my trip to Rajasthan, mostly because the surrounding area was so interesting and the Amanbagh staff had put together an excellent itinerary so that I could explore it to the fullest.
The seating area in one of the Amanbagh’s Pool Pavilions
After arriving having a great lunch on the terrace and resting for a bit, we headed to nearby Barakhambi Temple after sunset (you can read my post about that experience here). I was fairly exhausted by the time we returned and just grabbed a light dinner in the hotel’s beautiful bar and listened to the live musicians performing in front of the pool before I realized I could barely keep my eyes open. I quickly fell asleep in the comfortable king-size bed.
Bedroom of a pool pavilion
Located in Ajabgarh, near Near Ajabgarh Fort, the sleeky luxurious Amanbagh is quite a contrast to the part of rural Rajasthan where the property is located. But the local villagers are welcoming and that’s part of what makes a stay here so special– this is real Rajasthan. It’s far enough off the beaten tourist track that the locals are honored you’re visiting. The nearby villages might be poor, but the people are proud and no one shook me down for baksheesh.
Marble bathtub in a pool pavilion
The next day, I took a tour of nearby Ajabgarh Fort with a jeep and driver from the Amanbagh. It reminded me a bit of Angkor Wat, with monkeys climbing over the stone walls of the temple.
Visiting Ajabgarh Fort was a highlight of my stay
Rural Rajasthan is a very special place
The gorgeous courtyard pool at the Amanbagh
The Amanbagh also has a lovely gift shop with a fabulous jewelry edit from The Gem Palace in Jaipur and beautiful home decor items.
Lounge chairs in a pool pavilion
After another delicious lunch at the hotel’s indoor/outdoor restaurant, I took a nap before going on the Cow Dust Tour (you can read my post about the Cow Dust Tour here).
Friendly locals I met during the Cow Dust tour at the Amanbagh
Women I met in a nearby village during my Cow Dust Tour
Misty morning at outdoor dining
A shady spot for lunch
Lamb burger for lunch at the Amanbagh
Food and beverage were top notch, with a wide variety of dishes. Room service was also quite prompt.
Delicious French Toast
Lassi and beet juice for breakfast
The Amanbagh has a large organic garden and outdoor kitchen that was under construction but should now be finished so that they can offer Indian cooking classes for guests and tour groups.
A light and refreshing bean salad for dinner in the Amanbagh’s bar
While there were other guests at the property during my stay, the whole place still felt private, which was nice.
Musicians performing at night at the Amanbagh
The gorgeous Ed Tuttle architecture of the Amanbagh
To be able to sleep in such splendid surroundings and still be so off the usual Jaipur tourist circuit is a luxury that is pure Aman.
Cream and unrefined sugar are part of the departing ceremony at the Amanbagh
The departing ceremony was just one of the unforgettable moments at the Amanbagh
The service at the Amanbagh was so good I trusted them to make arrangements for a driver to take me to Agra to see the Taj Mahal after leaving.
Ajabgarh, Rajasthan
India
tel (91) 1465 223 333 / (91) 9828 166 737
fax (91) 1465 223 335
email amanbagh@amanresorts.com
Much thanks to Harish Nair, the General Manager at the Amanbagh and his incredible staff, who hosted me for a night at the Amanbagh. Without them this post would not be possible.