The Oberoi Vanyavilas

India
Asia

The Experience

If you thought luxury tent lodges were strictly the purview of Botswana, Tanzania and South Africa, think again. Located at the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, one of India's most important protected wildlife areas, the Vanyavilas offers tranquility and adventure set within two dozen tents that happen to be more luxurious than many five-star hotel suites. But this tented resort doesn't offer hair-raising game drives and safari-style adventure. Wildlife abounds, but in the interest of preservation, access to the national park is tightly controlled. Your chance of spotting a tiger is pretty high across a two- or three-day visit, but there's no guarantee. Instead, guests come back for unparalleled luxury in an unusually tranquil environment.

The Rooms

These aren't tents in the sense of "Kids, pack the tent--we're going camping." They're 790-square-foot heated rooms outfitted with luxurious hardwood, four-poster beds, roll-top bathtubs and his/her sinks--under a canvas roof. Each comes with a DVD player, satellite television, wifi internet, a personal bar and butler service, plus a private deck and garden. These are tents in the technical sense of the word, but that's about all.

The Service

Oberoi properties have a reputation for outstanding service, and the Vanyavilas is no exception. If anything, the incredibly high staff-to-guest ratio can become cloying. The crews of well-dressed and impeccably mannered staffers are never out of reach, making true peace and quiet something to be sought out. But that's hardly a fair criticism. Meals can be arranged around-the-clock, and menus can be customized down to the last detail. Chef Manish Sharma is particularly adept at incorporating traditional Indian dishes with both Thai and Western cuisine, with many of the vegetables coming straight from the kitchen's garden.

The Highlights

No luxe property in India is complete without a comprehensive yoga center. The Oberoi Spa and Fitness Tent features steam rooms, showers and private suites where a full complement of massage regiments is available. Health-minded spa-goers can justify their time (and money) with any number of ayurvedic and holistic therapies, including the Indian Spice Wrap, designed to relieve stress and rejuvenate the skin.

 

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