"Amanbagh is a stunning modern maharajah’s palace of the palest pink sandstone two hours outside the fabled Indian city of Jaipur. Aman’s landscape guru, American Bill Dalton deserves special praise for coaxing a lush oasis from this exquisite but parched corner of the Rajastani desert that served as a camp site for royal tiger hunts and was mentioned in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. At 850 square feet, even the standard courtyard haveli rooms could be called suites but pool pavilions especially are pleasure palaces with decadent marble bathrooms that would satisfy any maharani. Inspired by the Indian belief that music and meditation ensure the soul’s transcendence to bliss, Amanbagh offers yoga alongside the two sprawling pools while a musician plays the melodic Bansi flute throughout the day. Between verses he creates the colorful rangolis, animals and flowers made from lentil beans that decorate the dining courtyard. Local staff talent extends to applying swirls of henna mehandi and an Indian masseur whose powerful fingers unlock the deepest internal tensions. To experience the resort’s greatest living treasure, hop in the open safari jeep with nature guide extraordinaire Sita Ram. He can identify every one of the two hundred plus bird species that flock here to the edge of the Sariska jungle and also knows his way around the deserted 16th city of Bhahgargh, an eerie attraction not to be missed. While the sparkling storefronts of Jaipur are too far for all but the most dedicated shoppers, Gem Palace baubles and some of India’s finest frocks fill the ultra-chic boutique so guests can drape themselves silly without leaving this lavish sanctuary."
