AN ODE TO SLOW LIVING AND MINDFUL LUXURY

Founded on a philosophy of spiritual luxury and mindful living, Ananta Hotels & Resorts is writing its own script-steadily carving a niche across a few unexplored corners of the country.

- DEEPALI NANDWANI

Village Guwara Kundal feels like a destination suspended in time. The road from Jaipur winds through small towns, dusty plains, nondescript villages, and lush fields, until you reach another quiet hamlet-home to what can be described as a contemporary boutique eco-resort, infused with Rajasthani flourishes in its architectural language: Ananta Resort & Spa, Ajabgarh.

Ajabgarh is famous for two attributes-Amanbagh, one of Aman's only two properties in India, and its proximity to Bhangarh Fort, infamous for being haunted by souls lost centuries ago. One of its most enduring legends is that of Princess Ratnavati, famed for her beauty and pursued by royal suitors across the land. Among them was a sorcerer skilled in black magic, who became obsessed with her. One day, as the princess shopped with her companions, he saw her buying ittar (perfume) and secretly infused the vial with a love potion. But Ratnavati saw through the trick and flung the vial onto a nearby boulder. The magic backfired, sending the boulder crashing down on the sorcerer. With his dying breath, he cursed the city, declaring it would fall into ruin and remain uninhabited forever. As the legend goes, the fort was later plundered by Mughal forces, who killed all its inhabitants, including the princess.

As experiential travel expands across India and hotels seek out emerging destinations, Ajabgarh has caught the industry's attention. Research shows several groups, including IHCL, are eyeing the region. For now, the ecoluxury Ananta Resort & Spa is in a position of advantage, particularly in the area it is loacted-true to form for the brand in most resort markets. Though positioned as wellness retreats, Ananta's properties go beyond, embodying slow travel and mindful luxury.

Resort in the desert