We arrived at Aman-i-Khas around 1500hrs after an erroneous detour to Village Women Crafts when we had actually wanted to go to the Dastkar Ranthambhore Project (www.dastkar.org/ranthamborep.htm) located near the incognito entrance of Aman-i-Khas. The latter's tented accommodations are uber-luxurious.

Meeting Nitin and his wares at the Aman-i-Khas library only affirmed our belief that we had been paying tourist prices for all our pashminas thus far. His collection rivalled the quality of a Loro Piana shawl one of us had brought on the trip, but his prices are from Sawai Madophur.

Aman-i-Khas arranged our morning safari at Ranthambhore National Park with freelance guide Ram Krishna and his driver, Rafiq. After more than two hours of bumping around Section 2 with no sign of Panthera tigris tigris, a magnificent 6.5-year old male materialised and spent 20 unforgettable minutes in close proximity. It ignored us despite the sudden appearance of about twenty noisy vehicles and tourists.

Our two-hight stay seemed longer and is etched in our memories as one of our best holidays.

I did the Aman India Experience, with 3 nights at each of their hotels (as well as two weeks in Rajasthan). Aman I Khas was by far the highlight of my entire trip.

The setting is extraordinary. I arrived at sunset, and they had a big bonfire lit and Indian musicians playing. In typical Aman style, every detail was perfect. I love that staying with them is seamless... from the food, to the rooms, to the excursions.

I am not a big fan of going on safaris. But I did go on one AM safari, and one afternoon safari. In Ranthambore Park, you have to go with one of their guides (not an Aman guide), so this was a little disappointing. And the park was really overcrowded with tourists in those huge 20-person vans. If I go back, I will skip the safari, and do more cultural things in the area.

My only criticism with the hotel is that the pool area was a little unkept. And it lacked service at the pool, so when I was thirsty I had to go back to my room to grab a soda or water.

The food was amazing. One night they had an outdoor dinner with all the food cooked in iron pots over fire. It was all so delicious.

I had 2 massages here in the spa, and both were excellent.

I will definitely be returning here someday.

After a long trip from the Amanbagh we finally arrive in the early afternoon in the hotel. Manager couple greeted us upon arrival. As my wife and her mom were sick they helped us to call doctor and translate as well. They were absolutely amazing. Our butler Satish was the best butler i ever had, friendly, helpful, understanding all the needs we had. Lovely tents. I have been to the Amanwana and must say these tents in the Aman-i-Khas are far better. Huge bathtub, living space. I shared a room with my two kids and we had more than enough space. Food was great, even though it was a set menu. However if you need anything else for kids for example they cook it for you. loved every minute there.

We stayed here for 2 nights, hoping to see a tiger during one of our 2 safaris (we did!!), and just relaxing in the resort, which was so easy to do. From the minute we arrived, to a lovely personal welcome from the 2 GMs (Richard & Christina), the front office manager who had just so efficiently dealt with our booking from the outset (Shan), and our butler/batman for our stay (Satish), our stay could not have been more comfortable. Mealtimes are merely a guideline - whatever time of day or night you wish to eat, it will be catered (not that we put this to the test!!). Anything and everything we wanted, we just had to ask Satish, and it would be done. Whatever time we wanted to wake up Satish would bring tea/coffee to our tent and just leave it in the entrance area for us.

Aman/Satish arranged both our safaris, and a nature walk, for us; and all were fantastic (particularly seeing a tiger on our first safari!!).

We both had a massage during our stay, and again I can only use superlatives!

Food. Again, almost whatever you want. I had had a bit too much rich Indian food during our previous 9 days, so Satish’s suggestion on evening 1 of lamb rack with boiled vegetables, and mashed potato, was perfect. The lamb was delicious, and the vegetables slightly crunchy, and very tasty - most of them having come from the resort’s own organic vegetable & herb garden, which I had a tour of the following day. Simply lovely. Evening 2 we both had pan-seared seabass again with fresh vegetables & potatoes. Every meal was delicious, nutritious, and beautifully-presented.

The “tents” are just amazing. 108 sq m of clean, functional, beautiful space. The beds are just so comfortable, and crawling into bed with a warm electric blanket was just a wonderful experience in the chilly Rajasthan evenings!

Aman resorts are expensive, but certainly at Aman-i-Khas, what it promises, it delivers. I would return in an heartbeat.......