In-Depth Review of Oberoi Vindhyavilas in India - AFAR
"A luxurious new 21-acre resort near Bandhavgarh National Park that blends sleek, high-end hospitality with local Gond artistry and wildlife-focused experiences. Guest accommodation comprises 19 tented suites and two one-bedroom villas with polished wood floors, patterned canvas ceilings, private verandas, espresso machines, smart TVs, USB ports, and the brand’s lime–tulsi–narang bath products; small design touches include block-printed blue and pink bathrobes and Gond prints, and carved wood tiles on the massive front door echo local tattoo motifs. Public spaces emphasize nature and conservation — the library is stocked with wildlife titles (including Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book), the grounds are planted with native species like Kachnar and feature a small lake near the pool, and evening bonfires (in cooler months) create a social post-safari ritual. Dining is notable for its range from regional Indian specialties to Neapolitan-style pizza, with rotating dinner venues (Dining Room, Deck, Bush Kitchen) offering dedicated menus, thali tasting options, poolside sandwiches, tropical mocktails, and packed breakfasts for early game drives. Safari operations use comfortable open-top 4x4s with a resort naturalist and an official park guide, and sightings can include Bengal tigers (including family groups), gaur, sloth bears, leopards, deer, monkeys, and around 250 bird species; because the park limits vehicles per zone, guests are advised to book safaris well in advance (the hotel recommends around four months) and plan a minimum three-night stay to improve tiger-spotting odds. Service follows the brand’s high standards, with attentive staff and enthusiastic local naturalists (the reviewer highlights guide Bhuwan Gopal), and the property offers wellness amenities including a two-room spa and complimentary morning yoga; accessibility is mostly single-level with a few steps and golf-cart transfers to tents. Note the remoteness: it’s about 20 minutes by car from the park entrance, roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Jabalpur’s commercial airport (or a 40-minute charter flight to a nearby airstrip), and rates start around $850 — the property participates in the brand’s loyalty program." - Laura Itzkowitz
