The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore
Ranthambore, India
Sawai Madhopur
Vibe
Royal hunting lodge pavilions with hand-painted wildlife frescoes open onto twenty acres of lily ponds and torchlit amphitheatre courtyards.
“Regal safari lodgings”
Enormous triple-canopy tents with freestanding claw-foot tubs, private walled gardens, and bespoke dining anywhere on the grounds.
Twenty acres of gardens offering guided tiger safaris, an observation tower, heated pool, and evening amphitheatre bonfires.
Regal canopied tents featuring teak wood floors and gold embroidery, beside public pavilions painted with wildlife frescoes.
On twenty acres bordering Ranthambhore National Park, ten minutes drive from Sawai Madhopur station.
“The air-conditioned suites are enormous, 790 square feet beneath a vast canvas roof, and walled-in, resulting in an extraordinary degree of privacy.”
Rooms
Triple-canopy air-conditioned tents feature teak floors, embroidered gold ceilings, and marble bathrooms with standalone claw-foot soaking tubs enclosed by mud walls.
“spacious, magical, private tents are set between lemon and mango trees, with enclosed gardens, teak floors, claw-foot tubs, tiger motifs, and air conditioning.”
Wellness
Private spa therapy suites with steam rooms overlook reflective water features, beside an outdoor heated swimming pool bordered by sun loungers.
Backstory
Built on the former private estate of conservationist Fateh Singh Rathore, the retreat opened in 2001 bordering Ranthambhore National Park.
Eat & drink
Rajasthani thalis are served in the chandeliered Dining Room and fireside courtyard, while the library bar pours single malts beside wildlife portraits.
The neighborhood
Set right against Ranthambhore National Park, the grounds sit ten minutes from Sawai Madhopur station with daily 4x4 open-top tiger safaris.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.