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Friday 25 January 2013

TRAVEL: India Part II


In India, every Moghul pierced screen, every Islamic patterned floor has been slavishly copied in the cause of tourism, in hotel after hotel, miles and miles of marble cut and polished - not to speak of the Gulf States - traditional chatris [domed kiosks on pillars] in all sizes proliferate, tall doors with handsome brass fittings are common.  All this is pleasing, but only the Aman chain of boutique hotels has the design integrity and know-how of mixing modern amenities with traditional materials, it makes for HARMONY. They have triumphed at Amanbagh, in Rajastan [they have the best planned rooms and bathrooms and ample space for clothes. This design integrity is manifest in the Aman hotels, be it in Beijing, Sri Lanka, Bali of the Caribbean].  They have created, near Alwar, a peaceful haven with staff who have benefited from Aman training, which, combined with India NATURAL GOOD MANNERS makes for smiling and charming servitors - and the grub is good too!












Amanbagh is an all new build but restrained, the grounds well planted - hurray for artificiality!

BAHNGARH, near Alwar, Rajasthan
 
The Chital or Spotted Deer at the Sariska Tiger Reserve near Alwar
Antelope at a water hole
   

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