A slice of Mughal architecture in the heart of modern Delhi

Developed on the concept of modern Mughal architecture,Aman,New Delhi,comes as a first city-based resort. Awaiting a liquor licence,the resort will have a formal opening in September. After Alwar and Ranthambhore in Rajasthan,this will be the chain’s third resort in India and the first in Delhi. “It took us a good four and a half years to build the entire resort while the property was acquired nearly seven years ago,” said Antony Treston,General Manager,Aman,New Delhi.

Spread over seven acres,the resort has two wings — the Aman and Lodhi. Aman,a nine-storey structure with 31 rooms and eight two-bedroom suites,all with a private plunge pool in every floor,is first in line for inauguration along with two restaurants and a Kim Robinson salon,all of which will be open to non-residents too. The five-storey Lodhi wing,with 14 suites,seven pool suites and seven three-bedroom pool suites,will open in September.

“We have a total of 67 rooms,a small number as compared to our other units. But this will be our USP. The basic philosophy of Aman is to provide personalised service to the leisure traveller,” said Treston.

“We chose to hire only freshers as staff after scouting the top hotel management institutes across north India. We didn’t want to get top professionals from other chains and make them unlearn what they had picked up over the years. All new staffers went through an ‘Amanisation’ process,the essence of which is to develop a personal connect with our clientele,” he added.

Designed by Australian architect Kerry Hill,the resort exudes a sense of modern Mughal spirit. While most of the finishing material is indigenous,stones like olive-hued khareda and sandstone have been used. Traditional jaali screens,reminiscent of Mughal architecture,are on all exterior walls.

The resort offers cuisines ranging from north Indian to Thai,Catalan and French Kaiseki,which combines the best of French and Japanese.

The Spa,which is open only on invitation and for residents,offers traditional Indian healing techniques blended with modern therapies. “The hair and beauty studio from celebrated stylist Kim Robinson is,however,open to non-residents too,” said Treston. The Health Centre includes tennis and squash courts as well as a Pilates studio and gym with professional trainers for personalised guidance.

A fleet of 15 silver Ambassadors will ferry guests around the city. “We selected Ambassadors to recreate the old Delhi charm ,” said Treston. The resort will open at summer rates,which start from US$550 to 2,200. From October 1,the rates will rise to US$750 to 2,400.