The Amans: Some of the most luxurious resorts in the Indian subcontinent

From the bustle of Mumbai to the shores of Sri Lanka, the Indian subcontinent is a land of contrasts. Beautiful stretches of sandy coastline and verdant rural forests offer the perfect respite from the noise and stress of the big city. There are plenty of exquisite accommodation options here for the discerning traveller, but Aman’s range of resorts are arguably the pinnacle. You’re sure to fall for our favourites, dotted throughout the most idyllic spots in India and Sri Lanka.

Amanwella – Sri Lanka

You can expect a warm welcome from the moment you step into this beach-front resort. Situated in a quiet cove on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Amanwella boasts 27 luxury suites facing the swaying palms of a coconut grove. The standard suites are perfectly suited to couples, while large families will find the Ocean Suites offer the ideal amount of space to unwind. When the waters of the Indian Ocean get a little choppy, take a dip in your private plunge pool or the enormous infinity pool instead. Pad about on the private, 800-metre crescent-shaped beach; snorkel, surf and whale watch in the sparkling waters; or sip a cocktail as the sun sets. 

Room for perfection: Ocean Suite

Delivering exceptional views of the sea, beach and coconut grove, each of these suites is 100-square-metres of Sri Lankan luxury. Dip into your private plunge pool and sip cocktails on your large terrace.

Winning dish: The catch of the day

At Amanwella’s scenic restaurant, enjoy the freshest seafood – direct from hook to plate. The catch of the day is delicately prepared by the expert chef and served up for your pleasure. 

Treat yourself: Abhyanga Massage

Experience this traditional Ayurvedic massage, during which warm oil is massaged into the skin with the intention of cleansing the body.

Amangalla – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s oldest hotel, the cultured Dutch-colonial grande dame of Amangalla has centuries of stories to tell. Lying within the UNESCO World Heritage walls of Galle Fort, this hotel has long been woven into the fabric of the city. In keeping with the property’s gorgeous colonial-era features, its rooms are adorned with antiques, four-poster beds and polished teak floors. Stay in one of the luxurious suites, or – for the ultimate exclusivity – the two-story garden house. To relax, indulge in one of the remedial treatments on offer at Amangalla’s on-site spa – The Baths. Warm up in the steam rooms, cool down in the plunge pool or feel travel stresses melt away with a massage. Beyond the 400-year-old fort surrounding the hotel, the southern city of Galle offers plenty to explore. Take a tour of its ornate architecture, visit the sea-turtle hatchery, watch cricket at the scenic International Stadium or wander the lush trails of Sinharaja Forest.

Room for perfection: Garden House

This two-storey house is nestled in a pretty garden, overlooked by a wrap-around balcony. When you’re not unwinding in the spacious living-dining area, sleep soundly in the four-poster, king-sized bed. 

Winning dish: Candle-lit roti dinner

As the setting sun paints the sky pink, dine by candle and torchlight on a traditional pavilion. Sample Sri Lankan roti while you gaze out over lush rice paddies. 

Treat yourself: Revitalise with hydrotherapy

As well as a steam room and sauna, Amangalla features hydrotherapy chambers to soothe away the stresses of mind and body. 

Amanbagh – India

Near the ancient fortress of Ajabgarh, amidst the Aravalli mountains of rural Rajasthan, lies Amanbagh. This five-star resort reflects the style of the Mughal era. Palatial architecture, polished marble, domed cupolas and charming courtyards delight at every turn. Bed down in one of the haveli or pavilion suites, each boasting private outdoor areas. Surrounding a vast blue pool, the grounds of the property are replete with lush palm and eucalyptus trees, bathed in sunshine. Indulge in one of the on-site spa’s soothing treatments, and be sure to sample the restaurant’s seasonal Indian cuisine. When you’re not relaxing in the lap of luxury, explore the surrounding countryside; see the prowling tiger and jaguar of Sariska National Park, visit the villages of the Meena people and tour the temples of nearby Neelkanth.

Room for perfection: Pool Pavilion

The Pool Pavilion, like Amanbagh itself, captures the opulence of the Mughal era. Soak in a bath
tub carved from Udaipur green marble, pad along the grass of the spacious garden courtyard or dip into the private swimming pool – heated during the winter months.

Winning dish: Dinner on royal ground

Enjoy a private, lantern-lit dinner in the same outdoor spot where royal chefs prepared banquets fit for a king.

Treat yourself: Sunrise yoga at the Bhangarh ruins

The ghost city of Bhangarh is as beautiful as it is atmospheric. Enjoy a private meditation and yoga session in this secret spot, guided by an expert practitioner.

Aman-i-khas – India

Aman-i-khas is a wildlife camp situated on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park, promising easy access to the animals that roam the forests of this region. Stay in one of the 10 luxurious tents of canvas, cotton and steel, each measuring 108 square metres and air conditioned. 
The Dining Tent will have you well-catered for, while the Spa Tent offers everything from massages to henna art. 
During your stay, head out to see the wildlife of the surrounding brushwood forest, including leopard, tiger, crocodile, jackal and more than 300 species of bird. You’re also within easy reach of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort, and the charming rural villages that dot this region.

Room for perfection: Luxury Tents

These glamorous safari tents on the edge of Ranthambore National Park are sure to dazzle. Inside, you’ll discover a comfy king-size bed, lounge area, clothes storage, shower and en suite – it’s the standard the Mughal emperor himself would expect. 

Winning dish: Seasonal cuisine in the dining tent

Offering a range of delicious Indian and Western dishes, the dining tent provides both communal and private dining, with a daily menu shaped by seasonality.

Treat yourself: A warm bath, Aman-style

After a day tracking tigers, unwind with an aromatic bath. Taken in the comfort of your tent, the bath is strewn with calming herbs plucked from the property’s organic garden.