Ananta Spa & Resorts, Ajabgarh: A Serene Retreat in the Aravallis

Just three hours from Delhi-Gurgaon, Ananta Spa & Resorts, Ajabgarh, offers a picturesque escape nestled within the Aravalli range. The journey itself is a delightful transition—from the smooth Mumbai highway to Rajasthan’s winding state roads, passing through quaint villages before culminating in a scenic drive over forested hills. This seamless blend of modern infrastructure and natural beauty sets the perfect tone for a luxurious yet tranquil retreat.

An Expansive and Picturesque Resort

Spread across 30 acres, with plans to expand over a 100-acre estate, Ananta Ajabgarh is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its surroundings. Enveloped by the Aravalli hills, the property exudes an air of seclusion and serenity, making it an ideal getaway for families, couples, and corporate retreats.

Adding to the tranquility is a unique touch—the resort plays a gentle Om chant across the property during the morning and evening hours, creating an atmosphere of deep calm and relaxation.

Rooms Inspired by the Elements

The resort’s accommodations are conceptualized around the seven elements of nature, with four currently available—Fire, Earth, Bamboo, and Water (Lagoon). Each villa-style room is designed with private front and back lawns, ensuring an ideal balance of openness and privacy.

We stayed in a Bamboo Room, distinguished by its elegant arch-shaped design and a mezzanine floor with an additional double bed—perfect for families traveling with children or extra guests. The earthy tones and bamboo-inspired décor further enhance the warm, inviting ambiance.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Lagoon Villas offer a taste of the Maldives in Rajasthan. Built over a serene waterbody, these villas let guests observe the water below through glass floors or relax in private balcony hammocks, overlooking the tranquil surroundings. Plans are underway to further enhance these lagoons with lotus flowers and fish, adding to their aesthetic appeal.

Activities and Recreation

Ananta Ajabgarh offers a variety of recreational activities to keep guests engaged throughout their stay. We particularly enjoyed the battery-powered cycle rides, which made exploring the vast property effortless and fun. A camel ride through the resort added a touch of local Rajasthani charm, while the entertainment room provided a selection of indoor games for leisure.

The expansive swimming pool serves as a refreshing retreat, while evenings bring cultural vibrance with folk dance performances set against the stunning backdrop of the Aravallis. Complementing the experience is complimentary evening tea and snacks, allowing guests to unwind in a serene setting.

One amenity we missed during our visit was the spa, which was not yet operational. However, the immersive experience the resort offers made up for its absence. Once open, the spa will undoubtedly add another dimension of relaxation and wellness to the property.

Exemplary Hospitality

A resort’s true essence lies in its hospitality, and Ananta Ajabgarh excels in this regard. The staff’s attention to detail and personalized service elevate the guest experience. For my in-laws’ anniversary celebration, the team went above and beyond—decorating their room beautifully and organizing a special barbecue evening with their favorite snacks, making the occasion truly memorable.

Another small yet thoughtful gesture stood out—the responsiveness of the golf cart staff. While the carts were occupied ferrying other guests, the team quickly arranged alternate transport for those walking. This proactive approach reflects the resort’s commitment to guest comfort, making it feel less like a hotel and more like a home away from home.

Beyond the Resort: Nearby Attractions

While the resort itself offers ample relaxation and entertainment, guests looking to explore beyond can visit Chattri Lake for a picturesque picnic and a short trek. Another fascinating excursion is a 30-minute drive to Bhangarh, the famed 16th-century ancient township. Known as one of India’s most haunted places, Bhangarh is also a treasure trove of history, boasting remarkable architecture and centuries-old temples.

A Culinary Experience to Remember

Currently, Ananta Spa & Resort features a single all-day dining multicuisine restaurant, The Oasis, with an Italian specialty restaurant set to open soon. This upcoming venue will feature a range of Italian delicacies, with the highlight being authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.

What truly impressed me, however, was their Indian meat preparations. Most of the mutton served in Delhi is sourced from Rajasthan, but here, the resort benefits from direct access to high-quality produce. More importantly, the culinary team, led by Executive Chef Laveen Mathur, has done a stellar job crafting dishes to appeal to diverse palates.

Take the lal maas, for instance—traditionally a fiery dish, but here, the spice is subtly toned down without compromising its depth of flavor. The result? A dish that retains its authenticity while being approachable to a wider audience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A Destination Poised for Greatness

With 135 well-appointed rooms, breathtaking landscapes, and an ideal location near Delhi-NCR, Ananta Ajabgarh is poised to become one of Rajasthan’s premier luxury getaways. Despite being only a month old, the resort has already hosted multiple weddings and corporate events, a testament to its growing popularity.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Pradipta Biswas, Chief Operating Officer of Ananta Spa & Resorts, who was at the property despite managing a vast portfolio across India. In his words, “This resort is like discovering the lost kingdom,” and I couldn’t agree more.

For those looking to escape the city’s hustle and immerse themselves in nature, luxury, and impeccable hospitality, Ananta Spa & Resorts, Ajabgarh, promises an experience that is both refreshing and unforgettable.

pawansoni

Food Critic and a Marketing Wizz who had a high profile career with leading MNC’s like HSBC, GE Capital etc, Pawan Soni comes across as a quintessential corporate employee. He left behind his successful career as the Vice President of an MNC... all for his love for food. He a WSET Level II wine connoisseur and a foodie who loves to eat anything under the sun. Besides being a food and travel writer for various food forums and magazines, he is the Founder and CEO of Indian Food Freak. As one of the initial bloggers who started his blog over a decade ago, his website www.indianfoodfreak.com is currently one of the biggest food and travel blogs in the country. Pawan also conducts highly successful restaurant awards and recently concluded the 9th edition of The Big F restaurant awards. He has also won the best influencer awards in India by BBC Food Food Awards in 2018

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