Elite Traveler Winter 2020

Aman-i-Khas RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Aman-i-Khas takes glamping to a whole new level of luxury. Hewn into the edge of Rajasthan’s prime tiger-spotting territory in Ranthambore National Park, and with 10 opulent, Mughal-inspired tents and endless chances to spy a Bengal beast poolside, safari in India has never been so chic. Its unique mix of nature and ancient ruins — coupled with Aman’s legendary pampering — make all the unholy-hour wakeup calls to explore the bush ever so worth it. In terms of looks, it is best described as leather and mahogany nouvelle-colonial decor: billowing canvas walls, king-size pads (with king-side beds) and marble bathrooms. The library is a great spot to simply relax and recharge; combine it with the knockout spa and you’ll be humming the fine tunes of zen until checkout. Treatments draw on Ayurveda, India’s ancient healing system, and include everything from poornvandana massage (a full-body, circulation-boosting rubdown), a daily roster of yoga and meditation classes, and special tailored and bespoke treatments on request. Food is sourced locally and from the organic garden, a verdant oasis that supplies the Dining Tent with fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. International favorites feature heavily on the curated menus, as well as authentic Indian fare, including fragrant Rajasthani curries accompanied by rice and homemade roti. As part of the buyout experience, aptly dubbed A Camp of Your Own, the entire retreat is all yours and includes daily jeep safaris in search of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas and crocodiles. Bird-watching trips along the verdant Banas riverbed and camel rides through local villages are also part of the action-packed program. If you do one thing... You spend a lot of time in a jeep for your stay here, so switch it up and explore the unspoilt terrain of the Land of Kings on horseback. Your trusted steed will be a Marwari horse — a rare breed from the Marwar (Jodhpur) region once highly prized by the Rajput royals — that will trot you through rural Rajasthan as you learn all about the history, culture and landscape of this mighty land.

From $67,000 per night. Contact aman-i-khas@aman.com, +91 941 337 9194, aman.com

Photos Guillaume Plisson, Steve Turvey