Aman-i-Khás :: Rajasthan, India

Set in rugged countryside, Aman-i-Khás is a wilderness retreat located on the fringe of Ranthambhore National Park, in Rajasthan, India. The park offers opportunities for sighting leopards, tigers, sloth bears and chittal deer. Aman-i-Khás is only open for seven months a year from October until the end of April which coincides with the season for Ranthambhore National Park. Discover the rich fabric of India’s dramatic frontier state of Rajasthan with a six-night adventure combining stays at Amanbagh and Aman-i-Khás.

Cost – About 400 Euros per night | Website
[ via Five Star Alliance ]

The camp lies on a gentle slope against a backdrop of dry, brushwood hills. It is set up for only seven months of the year and is packed away in the hot summer. When set up, the luxury camp blends in unobtrusively with the native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees. There are 10 accommodation tents. Each echoes a rich Mughal style with “rooms” separated by cotton drapes. The tents, set on a concrete plinth, measure 108sq m, and are identical in design. They are constructed of canvas and supported by a steel frame with the interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton. Entry to each tent is through a screened area that contains an armchair and a dining table with chairs. Beyond this is the centre of the tent that ascends to a soaring six-metre canopy under which lies an oversized daybed, ideal for lounging.

Review from TripAdvisor–
I think I have become the dreaded Aman-junkie. We did the six night package between Aman-i-Khas and the sister hotel, Amanbagh, about 3 hours away. (transfers were included). Both hotels were gorgeous and the service was as steady and smooth as a ride in a Bentley. The hotels are small and friendly enough that you are made to feel like your staying at your (millionaire) friend’s country place.
I think it is much better suited for couples or small groups of friends. People go there to “get away in style” rather than join the limbo contest by the tiki torch.

All the tents at Aman-i-Khas are identical so there is no worry about getting a “bad room”. People with mobity issues may want to requst a tent closest to the public areas. But the service is so good they would probably already know that about you before you ever had to tell them.

Although neither Aman is located near one of India’s must-see attractions, their settings are idealic and they both seem to have an excellent reationship with the communities around them. Indian cities can be jarring and exhausting. The people living around both Aman properties seem happy and not resentful; admirable considering the rate for one nght is possibly what they make in a year.
P.S. Food at Aman-i-Khas was 5 star, Amanbagh just a small notch below.