Aman i Khas

Aman-i-Khas, nestled on the fringes of Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan, India, is a distinguished wilderness camp recognized with Two Michelin Keys for its exceptional design, service, and immersive experiences. It offers a unique luxury tented safari experience, combining Mughal-era elegance with the thrill of wildlife spotting.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Aman-i-Khas consistently receives excellent reviews, with guests frequently describing it as an exceptional and unforgettable stay. With a Trip.com score of 9.6/10 based on 33 reviews, it is celebrated for its blend of quality and value. Many consider it a top-tier Aman property, offering a luxurious ambiance of quiet restfulness.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly drawn to Aman-i-Khas for its intimate connection to nature and the unparalleled opportunity for tiger safaris in Ranthambhore National Park. The camp's design, inspired by Mughal hunting parties, provides a chic "glamping" experience with luxurious tents and state-of-the-art amenities. Exceptional, personalized service, including a dedicated "batman" (butler), is a recurring highlight. The tranquil step-well inspired swimming pool, a spa tent, a lounge tent, and a central outdoor fire pit where guests socialize under the stars also contribute to its allure.

Room Quality

Aman-i-Khas features ten, and recently expanded to thirteen, luxurious, air-conditioned tents, each designed as a spacious pavilion. These six-meter-high canopied tents are elegantly decorated in a Mughal/British colonial style with simple, spare furnishings and a calming cream-and-wood color scheme. Each tent is divided into three sections by white cotton drapes: a front area with a table and chairs, a middle section with an oversized daybed, and a rear section housing the master bed, twin writing desks, and a leather chest doubling as a minibar. The opulent bathrooms include a free-standing bathtub, a rain shower, and separate toilet, with floors and sunken baths made from locally sourced stone. Heated floors are available in winter. Some guests have noted that certain furniture, like beds and couches, might be a bit uncomfortable. Some reviews also mention a possible musty smell in the tents.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Aman-i-Khas operates on an all-inclusive formula for meals and non-alcoholic drinks. Meals are served in a softly lit dining tent, or on its terrace, often around a large communal table, evoking the ambiance of regal Mughal tent cities. The cuisine includes both Indian and Western dishes, with many vegetables and herbs grown in the camp's organic garden. While the à la carte breakfast is generally praised as great, dinner has received mixed feedback. Some guests have described the food quality as a "major disappointment" or "pretty average" and below the standards expected for a five-star hotel of this caliber, specifically citing issues with Western dishes like mozzarella salad. Conversely, other guests found the food "top-notch" and enjoyed satisfying Indian curries. Meals can be tailored to individual tastes, and the dinner menu changes daily.

Service & Staff

Service at Aman-i-Khas is consistently highlighted as exceptional and a key differentiator. Each tent is assigned a personal "batman" (butler) who assists guests with all logistics and ensures their travel experience exceeds expectations, often anticipating needs before they are even voiced. This discreet and flawless attentiveness is considered "terrific" and some guests have even called it the "best service ever experienced at any resort in the world". The staff are largely local and deeply committed to preserving the park.

Location & Accessibility

Aman-i-Khas is strategically located in a rugged brushwood forest on the fringes of Ranthambhore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. This prime location provides direct access to the park for twice-daily, guided wildlife viewing excursions to spot indigenous game, including the famous Bengal tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. The camp is typically open from October through April, which is considered the best season for wildlife spotting.

The nearest air hub is Jaipur International Airport, approximately a three-hour drive (180 kilometers) away. Sawai Madhopur train station is closer, about 11 kilometers (20-minute drive) from the resort, and Aman-i-Khas offers complimentary transfers from there. Guests can also explore ancient forts, colorful rural villages, and local markets in the nearby area.

Value & Pricing

Aman-i-Khas is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that, with rates generally ranging from US$1,300 to US$2,300 per night depending on the season. These rates typically include all meals and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as laundry service. However, some guests have expressed concern over "wild nickel and diming" with additional charges. For instance, entry and safari passes for Ranthambhore National Park are an additional US$75 each, plus taxes, and private safaris can be "wildly expensive". Airport transfers, while available, have also been cited as having very high additional costs.

Common Complaints

While generally highly praised, some recurring criticisms include:

• Food Quality: Specifically, dinner has received mixed reviews, with some guests finding it below expectations for an Aman property, mentioning issues with both Western and Indian dishes.
• Additional Costs: The high cost of optional activities like private safaris and airport transfers, which are not included in the room rate, has been a point of contention for some guests.
• Room Comfort: A few guests have found the beds and some furniture within the tents to be uncomfortable.
• Minor Technical Issues: Some older reviews mention occasional power outages and inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Musty Smell: One recent review noted a musty smell upon entering the tent.

Despite these minor points, Aman-i-Khas remains a highly recommended luxury destination for an immersive wildlife and glamping experience.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. robbreportindia.com
3. esquireindia.co.in
4. fivestaralliance.com
5. trip.com
6. travelplusstyle.com
7. reddit.com
8. mrandmrssmith.com
9. veloso.com
10. glamping.com
11. elitetraveler.com
12. theluxurytravelexpert.com
13. youtube.com
14. ranthamborenationalpark.com
15. panacheworld.com
16. jenpollackbianco.com
17. virtuoso.com
18. trivago.in
19. google.com.my
20. dorsiatravel.com