A new five-star resort in India is opening its doors in April, but it's not your typical luxury resort. Alila Fort Bishangarh is once a 230-year-old fortress in the Rajasthani desert.
Alila Hotels and Resorts spent seven years for the restoration of the ancient warrior fort. Now a luxury boutique hotel, the hotel group retained the original structure of the fort to let the guests catch a glimpse of its history.
The resort looks regal in its location atop a granite hill offering 360 degrees of spectacular views of the Rajasthani desert. Aside from its original exterior, you would have never guessed this stunning resort used to be a warrior fort!
The 59 luxury suites of the resort offer the indulgence of extreme comfort and magnificent views of the outside. According to the hotel's website: "Perhaps the only warrior fort to be converted into a heritage resort, this historic landmark is a unique example of Jaipur Gharana architecture, influenced by both the Mughals and the British."
"With much care given to the ecological restoration, the resort still features the fort's original two-metre-thick walls and its battlement turrets and arches. Over the duration of its transformation, the soul of the fort has been passionately brought to life, recreating the courtly flavour of Shahpura's royalty while retaining its stark and inherent simplicity."
Unique amenities offered by the resort include the Spa Alila, a luxury in-house spa of the resort housed in the former dungeon of the fort. Former prisoners used to spend time in the dungeon, but now, guests wanting to release their bodily tensions can enjoy a pampering massage and other spa treatments in the spa.
Also an ample space for intimate events, Alila Fort Bishangarh features a royal banquet hall, open-air terrace and large banquet lawns, a banquet dining room, and conference and meeting rooms. Imagine booking a grand wedding here.
An impressive library, a fitness center, a 'Play Soldiers Club' for Kids, a wine cellar, and a bar and cigar room are also offered by the resort. Luxury dining options are also available such as the outdoor terrace restaurant Nazara, and the indoor specialty restaurant Amarsar.
