On a cold and foggy January morning, I set off on the brand new highway to Jaipur, ready for what was meant to be a simple weekend getaway. But as I left behind the urban sprawl and veered off the highway, winding through mustard fields, ancient forts, and villages, I realized this trip was more than just a short retreat—it was a step into a different world.
A very comfortable four-to-five-hour drive away, the journey itself set the tone—one of transition from chaos to tranquility. The air shifted, turning crisp and fresh, as the surroundings opened up to reveal Rajasthan’s rugged beauty. Nestled amid the stark brown mountains of Ajabgarh, Ananta Spa & Resort is poised to become Delhi’s next great holiday escape.
The resort is inspired by the idea of a kingdom rising again—an homage to Ajabgarh’s haunted history, where legends of curses still linger. Unlike the heritage properties that most of us are used to visiting in Rajasthan, Ananta Ajabgarh has used its unique location as its architectural inspiration. Spread across vast landscapes with over one lakh trees planted, the property offers a unique mix of modern and natural. Inspired by the four natural elements—fire, bamboo, water, and earth—the rooms at the property have these woven into the design and architecture of each villa seamlessly blending luxury with nature.
The Earth Villas, built sustainably as mud houses, might look rustic from the outside but upon entering have a private dipping pool and all the comforts of a luxury hotel. These villas have two adjoining rooms with a common area and pool, making it perfect for when travelling with friends or family. The Lagoon Villas, built above a large water body, have glass-bottomed floors and hammocks suspended over the water to get the full experience. If you don’t have the time(or wallet) to book a trip to the Maldives, these villas will satisfy that craving. The Bamboo Villas(my personal favourite), are in the shape of a half-cut canoe. They use elements of bamboo in every part of the room, from the headboards, chairs and ceiling, without it being overpowering. These rooms have a mezzenine floor with an extra bed, perfect if travelling with kids. The Fire Villas, the most unique-shaped structures, were very large semi-circle shaped rooms in the shape of a bat. Each of these four different types of rooms had their own personal lawns, or grove, as they called it. Full of trees, these spaces add to the sense of open, natural abundance.
“At Ananta, we believe in creating more than just destinations; we create sanctuaries where guests can reconnect with nature, heritage, and themselves. Ajabgarh is a reflection of our commitment to redefining luxury through sustainability and immersive experiences” Mr. Mukund Goyal, Chairman Ananta Hotels & Resorts
Dining at the property was an experience in itself. From the most extensive English breakfasts, to authentic Chinese, the food at the hotel kept surprising us, meal after meal. However, what stood out for me were the Rajasthani meals we had. A visit to Rajasthan is incomplete without a traditional thali consisting of Laal Maas, ghee-dipped Daal Baatis and Ker Sangri. The icing on the cake, were the freshly made bajre ki roti, right off the fire and onto our plates. Even a simple dal tasted outstanding that I couldn’t help but ask to speak to the chef. I had to get to the bottom of this sorcery. Did he have a secret ingredient I hadn’t heard of? So when I asked the extremely kind and soft spoken chef, Laveen Mathur, he smiled and simply said, “It’s in the water.” We went over all the ingredients but he said I’d never be able to replicate these flavours back home in Delhi. Much like why whiskey from Scotland is famous because of the water used to make it, similarly the food in Ajabgarh tasted better because of the water used. You’ll just have to go and try it for yourself.
If you’re like me and feel restless after a few relaxing hours in a hotel room and need to do something or go somewhere, Ajabgarh has a plethora of options. There are activities on the property like pottery, biking around the estate and camel and horse rides. The resort’s primary focus is on wellness, from its tranquil spa to its sprawling pool and gym facilities, making it the ultimate reset from the hustle of city life.
For those looking to venture out, Ajabgarh offers a treasure trove of nearby attractions. The infamous Bhangarh Fort, haunted by legends of curses and black magic looms close by, whispering ghost stories to those brave enough to visit. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, a short drive away, is best explored at dawn, when the mountains and landscape are at their most mystical—though our luck ran out on spotting a tiger, we did catch glimpses of deer, sambars, and a variety of beautiful birds. Closer to the resort, stone-carving shops dot the villages, offering a glimpse into the region’s artistic traditions.
Ananta Ajabgarh is not just a resort; it’s an experience, a sanctuary where history, nature, and luxury converge. As Delhi NCR, Jaipur and even Mumbai’s city folk search for an escape, this hidden gem is poised to become the ultimate weekend refuge. Whether it’s the thrill of exploring ancient ruins, the serenity of a hammock over water, or the simple pleasure of breathing in unpolluted air under a starlit sky—Ajabgarh is calling, and it’s worth the journey.
