SUJÁN Sher Bagh

Surrounded by the rugged Aravalli Mountain range, Amanbagh is an oasis of calm, a modern day Mughal retreat 90 minutes northeast of Jaipur yet a world away from the thronging cities of Rajasthan. Invoking the grandeur of vernacular palaces, 40 elegant suites and pavilions are spread throughout the palm gardens, each with a private courtyard or terrace, lofty ceilings within domed cupolas and a deep soaking bathtub carved from green Udaipur marble. A selection of pavilions feature their own private pools. There’s an incredible array of activities from the resort, such as safaris into nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve, walks and camel rides around historic forts and temples, and cultural excursions to local villages. Dining here is a memorable experience, whether savouring Rajasthani favourites at the regal restaurant overlooking the pool, or with something a little more private such as a picnic in the splendid wilderness or under a lakeside chhatri pavilion. No matter where you eat, you can be assured of a seasonal menu made with produce from the resort’s organic gardens or sourced locally. Wellness is a central theme at Amanbagh and the holistic spa provides a range of therapies and treatments that soothe body and mind after a long day of exploration. For those truly seeking an escape, personalised Ayurvedic Immersions programmes from four nights to three weeks can be created, with an in-house Ayurvedic physician overseeing every detail of your experience of this 5,000-year-old system of preventive medicine.

In the middle of wide open wilderness between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur, JAWAI is an intimate safari camp surrounded by arid scrubland and towering granite kopjes that numerous leopards and nomadic Rabari herdsmen call home.

One of Rajasthan’s most glorious architectural wonders is the meticulously restored 14th-century Fort Barwara. What once belonged to a Rajasthani Royal Family has been transformed into a Six Senses sanctuary of well-being. Six Senses Fort Barwara is located a three-hour drive from Jaipur and a 30-minute drive from Ranthambore National Park, where you can go in search of the region’s wild tigers. It houses 48 luxury suites where the essence of royalty has been kept intact. The East Wing overlooks the countryside and the West Wing offers views to Barwara village and beyond. Each accommodation is designed in contemporary Rajasthani style, reinterpreting the fort’s rich history while subtly incorporating state-of-the-art technology. Here, dining is a royal affair. The on-site restaurants combine the best of regional Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with a sprinkling of international influences while embracing the Eat With Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce. Where possible, they harvest ingredients from the resort’s very own organic gardens and carefully selected farmers from the villages and townships nearby. As the sun begins to set over the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir Temple, come and find the wine sommelier to tour their vintages, or start your evening as you mean to go on with a pre-dinner cocktail at The Viewing Gallery. There is also an immense focus on personalised wellness. The resort is home to a 30,000-square-foot (2,800-square-meter) spa and fitness centre where an extensive menu of Ayurvedic treatments awaits. You can even blend your own skincare products at their Alchemy Bar. Six Senses Barwara is a royal base for exploring Rajasthan’s regional delights. Activities can be customized based on your preferences, whether it’s enjoying a sunset drive through the Rajasthani countryside or discovering the wildlife of nearby Ranthambore National Park. With visits to the temple and guided heritage walks, you will find endless possibilities to immerse in local history and culture.

On the banks of Lake Pichola across the waters from Udaipur, The Oberoi Udaivilas stands surrounded by lush gardens and the forests of what were once royal hunting grounds. The hotel itself is a sprawling palace of ornate domes, breezy courtyards and sunlit corridors – an architectural reflection of Udaipur’s lakes and canals – with glimpses out to Pichola and verdant grounds. There are 86 rooms and suites, many of which open out onto azure private and semi-private swimming pools with views across the lake to Udaipur’s City Palace, while others look into the estate’s gardens and wildlife sanctuary – home to deer and wild boar. The style is a blend of ornate Mewar with subtle modern amenities. In addition to private pools, the suites feature their own outdoor dining pavilions. During your time here, explore Udaipur and beyond on private boat and walking tours, venture out into the Aravalli Hills to visit remote tribes and hidden temples, or relax with indulgent spa therapies and yoga sessions. Suryamahal and Chandni are all-day indoor and outdoor dining venues for multicultural cuisine, with Udaimahal the place for fine Indian dining. Unique dining experiences, such as learning to cook with the chef, lunching while cruising on the lake and intimate private dinners can also be arranged. And naturally the bar is an elegant venue for classic cocktails.