In the midst of lush Aravallis sits Aman-i-Khas, a chic rustic resort where the wilderness meets luxury. Surrounded by scenic beauty and tranquillity all around, the property ensues a Mughal-era vibe while ensuring that all guests have a flawless experience living in the best, nature has to offer.
A camp encompassing 10 tents, Aman-i-Khas sits at the threshold of Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park. The camp provides access to the wildlife of Ranthambore National Park which measures a total of 1,334 square kilometres. Guests at Aman-i-Khas can also explore the region’s ancient forts and colourful rural villages nearby. The Ranthambore National Park allows for exceptional sightings in both the winter and summer months. While in winter, the animals can be seen basking in the sun, in the summer months, they are often spotted visiting the nearby water holes.
Aman-i-Khas is a wilderness camp located in a rugged brushwood forest with soaring canopies draped in the Moghul style. Each tent spans an area of 108 square metres, which is way larger than most such properties in the area. It is segregated into four separate areas; sleeping, bathing, dressing, and lounging with an addition of a six-metre canopy. Keeping these tents cool in the scorching Rajasthan heat is a secret, with air conditioning hidden under the daybeds which acclimatises the insides of these fabric tents to keep them cool (quite the trick!)
Aman-I-Khas never fails to impress with its attention to detail. The rooms are always stocked with refreshments, in an icebox which is covered in leather, to match the interior aesthetics. The bedside tables are criss-cross camping tables, which act as a side table and study at the same time. The day bed is again a very versatile piece of furniture, which doubles as a bed. In case travelling with kids, the Aman-I-Khas tent provides ample free space for movement. Another very interesting element in the rooms is the jute rugs, which not only make the tents seem cosy but also are ideal materials for keeping them cool in summer.
There are also three separate tents; the spa offers an array of treatments, massages and therapies. Next, there is the dining tent which has a candle-lit set up making it very intimate and appealing. It serves the best of Indian cuisine with a variety of Western dishes made using fresh produce brought from the camp’s organic kitchen garden. The third tent is a lounge tent with a varying selection of books that any bibliophile can go through for hours on end. The green and golden hues of the grass around these tents give a boundaryless view to the property and make it seem like an extension of its environment. The use of local materials such as a sandstone facade, cement flooring in taupe colours, and gravel, resonates with the idea of understated luxury.
The property also features a swimming pool which is hidden just below the spa tent, surrounded by a grove of trees. It is designed based on the traditional Rajasthani Boari step design and is ideal for hot weather. It is surrounded by pool lounge beds and service which is available all day. The pool is made of traditional sandstone, again making it seem very merged into the surrounding palette.
The sunken stone patio is the heart of the property, where evenings can be quite mystical with local live musicians, a fire pit and delicious food all under the gorgeous starlit sky. The fire pit is surrounded by the eating area and the library. Furthermore, they also have wildlife viewing excursions every day which makes the stay at Aman-i-Khas all the more special; with views of Leopards, Hyenas, Crocodiles and the very famous Bengal Tiger amongst others.
Made up of a combination of words ‘aman’, the Sanskrit word for peace, and ‘khas’, meaning special in Hindi and Urdu, this property lives up to its name in every sense. What makes the place truly special, is not just the place itself, but the immersive experiences they deliver to their guests. Whether it be the farm-to-table concept, for the food, the Batman for the butler service or the ghost service so to call, wherein the housekeeping staff cleans the tent as soon as you leave it, even if it is just for 10 minutes. They truly make you feel special and well-kept.
Aman Resorts have revolutionised the hotel industry, which smears a bad reputation for having a huge environmental impact with the amount of completely sustainable and travel-conscious property, Aman-I-Khas, believes in managing waste and keeping plastic use almost negligible. The tent is a serene abode, in the middle of the wild landscape, with its minimalist decor, and impeccable attention to detail, one that lends a true camping experience, with luxurious amenities, sourced and provided consciously with the least environmental impact. Aman resorts have always been about holistic luxury, and Aman-I-Khas is a true example of that.
Anand Shekhawat, the effervescent Ex-General Manager of Aman-i-Khas is the man behind the charm of this property. Having held the reins of the resort for several years, he is what has made the property what it is. In Anand’s words, ‘Aman is truly a special place’. We couldn’t agree more, they definitely believe in making its people, be it the employees or guests feel at home. Being a 10-tent property, Aman-I-Khas truly gives each of their guests a very understated homelike vibe, with all the amenities of a luxury property. Anand also mentioned how the people of Aman make it truly come alive. Currently, being led by Kishan Singh, Aman-I-Khas is a place to pause and immerse oneself in nature and wildlife.
FOYER’s founder Sonam Chandok visited Aman-I-Khas recently and says “During our stay there, from the moment we arrived until we left, we were completely taken care of. Having visited the property twice, I can definitely say Aman has become home; the people and the place have a very rustic-chic-raw charm, and every time you go, it feels as if you had never left.”
