Hidden away in the Aravalli 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.
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 structure is fortified by two-metre-thick stone walls and turrets with 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 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.
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 day beds.
Within the fort are various F&B options 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 Cs’: champagne, coffee, chai and cakes. The property also features a library; Spa Alila; Darbar, a large grand banquet hall; Daawat, an event dining space; and Saheb, the conference room.
Meanwhile, down the hill is the Haveli where some public areas are housed, comprising the arrival courtyard and tent, banquet lawns, the pool, pool verandah and terrace, an organic garden and greenhouse, a bar and pantry, fitness centre and the Play Soldiers Club for teenagers and toddlers separately.
Bishangarh Village in the Aravalli hills is in the Jaipur district. It is a three-hour drive from New Delhi and a one-hour drive from Jaipur.
Rates at Alila Fort Bishangarh start from US $280 per room per night. Price based on two people sharing, on a room only basis (excluding tax).
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