travel and leisure

You've seen the Expedia.com commercials with the couple in the beachside bungalow with mosquito nets... and the thought of going on vacation to stay in a tent gives you the creepy crawlies already. Not to worry
you won't need a sleeping bag and a bottle of Off! for this exotic vacation. When was the last time you stayed in an air-conditioned
790
square-foot tent with wooden floors
embroidered interior canopies
private gardens
outside deck for sunbathing
king size four-poster bed
freestanding rolltop bath and separate shower? And just to make sure you don't feel like you're "roughing it
your tent comes with a DVD player and minibar.

It's seems contradictory that the words
luxury" be used to describe a tent but at the Oberoi Vanyavilas
located between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern Rajasthan
India
the concept is far from novel. Nestled among 20 acres of landscaped gardens
lemon and mango trees
and lakes and fountains
are 25 tents
bordering on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world
Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve
which is home to the majestic Indian tiger
as well as deer
leopard
and crocodile.

Now
before you think that this is an isolated retreat
consider the fine dining options and extensive spa services available. In the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard
Executive Chef Saurav Banerjee and Indian Master Chef Arjun Singh Yadava present an impressive spread of Western
Thai and Indian cuisine from a revolving menu. The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted frescoes of flowers and animals by the celebrated miniaturist Mohan Singh Kumawat. Outside is the walled terrace of the Inner Courtyard which is lit at night by a massive log fire (camp fire songs optional).

As with any quality resort
there is a spa
where you'll find steam rooms
showers and private therapy suites and a long menu of spa treatments
massages
facials
manicures and pedicures. Try the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing. And for fitness buffs who can't miss a workout
there is an exercycle
rowing machine
steppers and a treadmill
as well as an outdoor heated pool.