Hidden away in the Arvalli hills
in Rajasthan, a world away from the crowds on the conventional
Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur trail, is Fort Bishangarh - a 230-year-old defensive
fortress which has been seven years in restoration and undergone a brilliantly
sensitive transformation. Alila Fort Bishangarh will open in February 2017 with
59-suites. It is Alila’s second property in India and follows the opening of
Alila Diwa Goa in 2010.
Alila is the first international
hotel group to open a property in the Aravalli hills between Delhi and Jaipur
and Fort Bishangarh is thought to be one of the only warrior forts of its kind
to be converted into a unique heritage resort of this stature. It has a
remarkable presence, sitting up high on a granite hill with staggering
360-degree views of the Rajasthani landscape, surrounded by hills and dotted
with havelis, villages and temples. A tiny village skirts its base and adds to
the rural charm. This imposing structure is fortified by two-metre thick stone
walls and majestic turrets with wonderfully intricate arched windows and jaalis
-- a perfect example of the Jaipur Gharana architecture influenced by both the
Mughals and the British. The use of traditional materials in a contemporary
manner is the basic design ethos.
The quest in the preservation of
this ancient warrior fort inspired the creation of a world-class boutique
resort for guests to appreciate the beauty of the Aravalli hills. The project
grew out of a love for the heritage of the building and the surrounding
landscape, with sustainability as a core commitment. The original fort has been
left intact and much care has been given to the reconstruction of new
residential areas to ensure it is everything a modern-day Maharaja or Maharani
could wish for and more.
The new structure – created above
and outside the old fort – houses four different categories of suites. Each of
the 59-suites has been custom designed to make the most of the stunning views
from the large openable windows, resulting in 22 different layouts. Rooms come
with all the modern conveniences, including expansive bathrooms, footed/inbuilt
bathtubs and large day-beds.
Within the fort are various
exciting F&B options innovatively curated by a renowned chef. There's
Amarsar, an indoor speciality restaurant and Nazara an outdoor grill dining
venue on the terrace, with spectacular views. Madhuveni is the hotel’s bar,
with a cigar/cognac turret and there is also the Kachhawa Lounge serving the 4
C's - Champagne, Coffee, Chai and Cakes. The library, amidst old marble pillars
is where the Alila journeys begin. Spa Alila, carved out between granite rocks,
is located in the dungeon within the main fort. Darbar, a large grand banquet
hall, Daawat, the show kitchen cum event dining space and Saheb, the conference
room, round off the banqueting experience.
Meanwhile, down the hill is the
Haveli where some public areas are housed, comprising the arrival courtyard and
tent, luxurious banquet lawns, the pool, pool verandah and terrace, a bar and
pantry, fitness centre and the Play Soldiers Club for teenagers and toddlers
separately. An organic garden and a green house set up amidst the ravines and
various lounging areas located in this rural landscape brings one up close with
nature.
Bishangarh Village in the Arvalli
hills is in the Jaipur district. It is a three-hour drive from New Delhi and an
hour’s drive from Jaipur. It is ideally located to explore the charm and beauty
of rural Rajasthan with Alila experiences covering five core themes:
Cultural Learning
Day visits to historic palaces,
temples and forts. Amber Fort is a 45-minute drive
Conscious Living
Wellness at Spa Alila, visits to
the local communities for farming, seeing marble artisans and carpet weavers,
teaching at the village school
Active Spirits
Walks & picnics, biking,
horse-riding, trekking, ATV adventures (All-Terrain-Vehicles), hot-air
ballooning
Culinary Arts
Traditional cooking school and
special food trails
Couples Celebration
From grand celebratory events to
intimate wedding ceremonies
About ALILA
Surprisingly Different
The hallmark of Alila is the
combination of innovative design and luxury in unique locations, set apart by
an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalised
hospitality, and bespoke learning journeys. Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit,
which suitably describes the refreshing character of our properties and
impressions of our guests when they stay with us. In support of sustainable
tourism, Alila hotels adopt EarthCheck operating standards, integrating the
natural, physical and cultural elements of their environments. To stay at any
of Alila's hotels & resorts is to embark on a destination experience – be
it in recreating the flavours of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being
through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports, you will re-discover
the luxury of living at Alila.
For more information, visit alilahotels.com
About Two Roads Hospitality
Created in September 2016, Two
Roads Hospitality is an international lifestyle company encompassing an
unrivaled collection of distinctive properties, passionate people, and
remarkable experiences around the globe. The company is named for the
newly-merged Commune and Destination Hotels, bringing together over 40 years of
combined expertise exclusively dedicated to the boutique and lifestyle space.
Comprised of Joie de Vivre Hotels, Thompson Hotels, Destination Hotels, tommie
and Alila Hotels & Resorts, the company is the leading operator of
independent and lifestyle hotels with almost 100 properties in eight countries
and growing, also boasting an extensive roster of award-winning restaurants and
bars, stunning vacation residences, world-class golf courses, and indigenous
spa and wellness offerings.
For more information, visit tworoadshotels.com
About DISCOVERY programme
DISCOVERY is about making travel
unforgettable. The eight million members of the programme receive recognition
and rewards across 550 hotels, resorts, palaces and spas. Local Experiences,
the innovative rewards of the DISCOVERY programme, are unique, authentic
experiences, which are curated by each hotel to give a taste of local
traditions and culture. Members also receive stay benefits, such as
complimentary Wi-Fi, room upgrades and enhanced personal recognition as they
move through the membership levels, each and every time they stay within the
portfolio.
Check it out: www.discoveryloyalty.com
Check it out: www.discoveryloyalty.com
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