Royal order
Amanbagh, Rajasthan
This modern Mughal palace in a fertile valley about two hours’ drive northeast of Jaipur redefines accepted notions of serenity. The elegant symmetry of architect Ed Tuttle’s design, wrought in marble, sandstone and dozens of domes and set in idyllic grounds shaded by eucalypts and palms, immediately casts a spell. Guests are welcomed with a sung prayer to Vishnu that echoes around Amanbagh’s stone reception hall like a mantra. Staff tie blessings to guests’ wrists and offer infusions of fennel, basil and ginger from the organic garden.
The 37 suites are capacious pavilions split between bathrooms – each with baths carved from single chunks of Udaipur green marble – and supremely comfortable sleeping quarters. The
