Where mystery meets quiet luxury
To whoever I told I was going to Ajabgarh, their reply remained a constant – ‘Where is that?’
Tucked in the foothills of the old yet majestic Aravallis, this sleepy town in Rajasthan is shrouded by mystery and lore, much like its nearby-located Bhangarh, known as India’s most-haunted, a treat for ghost hunters. “The two cities had an interconnected history of doom as both were destroyed overnight,” the driver tells me as we zoom past the Aravallis through the sparsely vegetated and populated landscape towards the newly launched Ananta Spa and Resort, Ajabgarh, in the Alwar district.
Awestruck by the mystery at first, the experience, once inside the resort, is different altogether – it’s local, it's grounding, and absolutely serene. Locals can be seen farming, and the structures that later emerge during the drive-in are rustic, minimalistic, yet startling. It’s quiet luxury talking in the land where royalty, grandeur, and opulence prevail.
Spanning 100 acres, the resort houses four kinds of villas – Earth, Lagoon, Bamboo, and Fire. I check into my bamboo villa – spacious, with a super-high ceiling, a loft, and all modern and not-so-modern amenities. A wellness hamper makes for a pleasant surprise. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway with friends.
Each villa has something different to offer. Inspired by the circular-walled Bhonga houses, made with mud, bamboo, and straws, and typical to Gujarat’s Kutch, the Earth villa is rustic and personal. The Lagoon villas are tranquil—placed on water, on elevated pillars, with a stunning view of Koi ponds offering a lagoon experience akin to Kerala. It makes for a good couple's getaway. Borrowing from the element of fire, the Fire villas are spacious and incorporate the element in their aesthetics.
“Our approach here is to incorporate wellness as a lifestyle,” says Ashutosh Goyal, director, Ananta Hotels and Resorts. While a wellness centre is in the works, a simple stroll through the property surrounded by the Aravallis, the stunning blue sky, greenery, and chirping birds, does the trick. “Our focus is on yoga, detox therapies with a specially-curated menu, massage therapies, and sleep. For example, we add lavender oil in our beddings as it’s relaxing,” says Goyal.
Along with wellness, Ananta focuses on two other Ws – weddings and wildlife. Rajasthan being perennially hot for destination weddings and cities like Jaipur and Udaipur becoming increasingly saturated, the focus is understandable for business, with two banquets and lawns catering to them. “These days, along with weddings, people look for time and space to unwind, and we offer exactly that,” says Goyal.
Coming to the remaining ‘W’, while the property is situated close to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, where if lucky, one can spot the majestic Bengal tiger along with leopard, jackal, sloth bear, and caracal, the resort plans to open a wildlife-themed bar, Sariska. “Along with drinks, we will have nice bar snacks and hunter cuisine,” the director says.
During my stay, what also stood out was the hospitality, where you are often greeted by warm smiles by the staff. Ananta Spa and Resort in Ajabgarh is a good fit if looking to spend time amid nature, unwind, reconnect to yourself, and also explore a hidden, less-explored location.
Oh, but why Ajabgarh?
“Our target has always been to enter unconventional locations and make them a destination. It also has great connectivity with a few hours' drive from Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra,” says Goyal. “I also feel that the mountains of Aravalli are largely untouched. We just want our guests to come, reconnect with themselves, and go back to their roots,” he adds.
Lifestyle