India with Aman: A sophisticated journey for the senses

9 days from £5,720 for 2023 per person

• Delhi
• Ranthambore
• Ajabgarh

India is a divine destination for an Aman journey; the rich culture you'll discover here is a delightful sensory whirlwind, and in contrast, the hotels on this trip are soothing havens of understated style and service.

Get in the 'Aman-state-of-mind' at the Lodhi, which used to be the Aman New Delhi and has retained a sleek and low-key vibe. Explore the city accompanied by the best guides; absorb the buzz of Old Delhi – a maze of narrow lanes and bazaars full of vibrant silks, aromatic spices and chattering vendors – and visit the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. By contrast, discover the formal splendour of Lutyen's New Delhi with its wide boulevards, formal parks, magnificent Parliament Building, Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate.

Next, head for Ranthambore National Park, the ex-hunting ground of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Aman-i-Khas is the most luxurious and stylish safari lodge in Asia, with a huge centrepiece fire pit which guests gather around at night for cocktails. Aman-i-Khas attracts an extremely chic crowd, but if you don't want to socialise, there is an expanse of space and the tents are spread very far apart. Practice yoga by the lake, swim in the pool, enjoy the library or have a massage at the spa tent, which is magnificent. But the real reason you come to Ranthambore is to go on safari… you will have expert wildlife guides and private jeeps, not to mention a chilled glass of bubbles awaiting you when you return from tiger spotting!

We can't think of anywhere more perfect to end your Aman journey than a stay at Amanbagh, a rural gem and perhaps our favourite hotel in the world. Amanbagh is an ideal spot whether you're here with your family or as a couple; there are some wonderful local excursions, or if you prefer to do nothing, the hotel is a gorgeous place to relax. Secluded in a picturesque valley in Rajasthan's Aravalli Mountains, it is an oasis of crisp green lawns, towering palm trees and handsome Mughal architecture – chhatris, shaded courtyards and jail screens – accented with minimalist Aman decor. Dine on an expansive rooftop open to the stars, dive into your private green marble pool, ride the hotel's resident camel, salute the sun with a sunrise yoga session at an abandoned temple in the lost city of Bhangarh, or venture into the local village for a 'cow dust tour' at dusk. You'll see herders accompanying their cattle to the fields and young children frolicking in the pools and running along the mud beaten paths. This is India at its most beautiful and romantic. 

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made holiday to India. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Ultimate Luxury and Honeymoon collections as well as our favourite Spa & Wellness and Wildlife itineraries.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson