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AMAN I KHAS |
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RANTHAMBHORE, INDIA
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Aman-i-Khás, the first Amanresort in India, opened in November 2003 in the wilds of Rajasthan, right on the edge of Ranthambore National Park. With only six luxury guest tents (plus tents for dining, relaxing and spa treatments), Aman-i-Khás (derived from the Urdu diwan-i-khás, the private audience chamber in a Moghul palace) has safari chic written all over it. The inspiration is apparently part Moghul, part Raj-era British army camp. There is nothing militaristic, however, about either the ambience or the decor. Heated in winter and air-conditioned during the warmer months, each tent is a cool, cream canvas temple of spaciousness and sophistication; and the muted colour scheme complements the designer scrub outside. In all departments, the accent is on minimalism and simplicity.
The menu (light, Western lunches, traditional Rajasthani dinners) changes regularly and can be customised; the results are invariably excellent. Guests are invited to gather round an open-air fire for pre-dinner drinks (included in the price) but are otherwise left to their own devices. Two game drives are available each day, at US$30 per person per outing. The chances of spotting a tiger are less than 50/50 but the park is beautiful and there are other animals to be seen, including deer, antelope and crocs. It's a great place for wildlife enthusiasts or stressed-out professionals, but not for couples with young children. Some will miss a swimming pool (which is not ecologically sound in arid Rajasthan, say the Aman people).
WHEN TO GO
February/March or October/November.
TENT TO BOOK
All six are identical.
CONTACT
Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambore, Rajasthan, India (0800 2255 2626; www.amanresorts.com. Three nights at Aman-i-Khás, plus one night at The Manor in Delhi, from US$2,300 (single or double occupancy)
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