Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambhore Nature Reserve, India

Aman-i-Khas combining aman, meaning “peace”, in Sanskrit, and khás, meaning special in Urdu and Hindi is an exclusive wilderness camp set in the rugged hills of Rajasthan on the outskirts of Ranthambhore National Park. The luxury tents are set in a quiet rural area that borders one of the finest tiger reserves in the world. The camp operates from October until the end of April – the best period for wildlife spotting.

The camp lies on a gentle slope against a backdrop of dry, brushwood hills. It is set up for only seven months of the year and is packed away in the hot summer. When set up, the camp blends in unobtrusively with the native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees. On arrival, guests are taken by four-wheel-drive vehicle to a walled courtyard. The entrance to the camp is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto views of the rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through Ranthambhore National Park.

There are 10 accommodation tents. Each echoes a rich Mughal style with “rooms” separated by cotton drapes. The tents, set on a concrete plinth, measure 108sq m, and are identical in design. They are constructed of canvas and supported by a steel frame with the interior walls and ceilings draped in fine cotton. Entry to each tent is through a screened area that contains an armchair and a dining table with chairs. Beyond this is the centre of the tent that ascends to a soaring six-metre canopy under which lies an oversized daybed, ideal for lounging.

Opening from the central area are three further sections for sleeping, bathing and dressing. The “bedroom” area is fitted with a king-size bed flanked by twin writing desks. The bathing area includes a shower, soaking tub and separate toilet whilst the dressing area contains the cupboards with hanging space and twin vanities. Cotton screens provide complete privacy. Furniture is minimal and unobtrusive, mimicking the travelling camps of an earlier time. Each tent is air-conditioned and there is also a ceiling fan and a cooler chest for drinks.

There are three additional tents – making 13 in all. The Dining Tent at Aman-i-Khás is furnished with tables and chairs. Meals are often served in different locations throughout the grounds and dinner is most often concluded around a roaring outdoor fire that serves as a focal point in colder winters. The camp serves Indian cuisine and a range of Western dishes. Freshness of produce is ensured as most of the vegetables and herbs are grown in the camp’s organic vegetable garden.

Spa Treatment: The Spa Tent consists of two treatment areas featuring twin massage tables. Spa treatments include massage, scrubs and traditional henna art using local ingredients, herbs and spices.