GlobalSpa
13-Mar-2025
Lovebirds Carla Dennis and Arjun Kanungo found peace, healing and each other all over again at Amanbagh, Rajasthan
A line from the famous Sufi mystic and poet Rumi, “In stillness, the world surrenders to love," always rings in my mind when I think of an ideal romantic escape. Between work commitments and responsibilities, relationships often slip into autopilot, and this is why a wellness retreat feels not just indulgent but essential. Carla Dennis and Arjun Kanungo seem to be similarly inclined.
According to Carla, “The feeling of being together, free from distractions, is truly incredible—just pure, uninterrupted moments of peace and presence.” And this is exactly why the couple chose Amanbagh, Rajasthan, for their romantic getaway. With a name that means 'peaceful garden', the Amanbagh is a whisper-quiet retreat on the outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The quiet and privacy are the main selling points of Amanbagh, where you can simply wake up to morning yoga, stroll in a two-acre organic garden, and spend your days healing at the Aman spa. “Amanbagh is the perfect name for this hotel. The silence and nature were enough to rejuvenate us and we were able to focus on each other more deeply,” Arjun agrees.
Embracing Serenity Together
Though the intricate design and architecture are designed to make you feel like royalty, the sweeping lawns and flowering bougainvillaea and the gentle rhythm of nature allow you to lay back and completely unwind. “The melodic birdsong, playful squirrels darting around, and the sight of various bird species felt like stepping into a dream where nature embraced me with its serene beauty," Carla fondly recalls.
The wellness experience goes beyond your palatial rooms and continues through various activities that you can partake in at the resort. There's a 100-foot sea-green swimming pool and separate wading pool, a fitness center and private yoga and meditation sessions in the gardens and in temples nearby. “I won't lie, I spent most of my time in the pool. I love to swim and for me, this was the most relaxing way to spend my time," Arjun admits.
Wellness Served
Food always plays a very important role in wellness, and the philosophy of ‘Eat good, feel good.’ comes truly alive at Amanbagh. The resort places an emphasis on organic, farm-to-table dining and sources ingredients from its own organic garden, celebrating the rich flavours of North India. Carla was particularly taken by the authentic Rajasthani flavours, stating, " While we enjoyed everything, the standout was undoubtedly the Rajasthani cuisine—it was the best we’ve ever had. They grow their own organic vegetables, and you can truly taste the freshness and quality in every dish.”
For Arjun, the standout experience was the traditional Indian thali. "Indian food, when done right, is possibly the best in the world. The balance of flavours, the perfect blend of spices—it was just incredible. I have been on a diet since my accident 2 years ago, so this was a welcome break.” Beyond the main restaurant, Amanbagh offers extraordinary dining experiences, from a private Chhatri Dinner, set under a canopy of stars with hundreds of diya lamps and live music, to the Jhilmil Bada Dinner & Cocktails, where you can savour a regal feast in a secluded jungle setting reminiscent of Mughal maharajas’ post-hunt banquets.
Journey Through Ayurveda
The wellness journey at Amanbagh begins the moment you step through its palatial doors, with Ayurveda at its heart. Once you enter the Ayurshala—the Ayurvedic apothecary—the centuries-old practices heal you not just physically but holistically. Carla recalls her experience and shares, “Every treatment here felt intentional, from the use of freshly prepared herbal oils to the incorporation of locally grown ingredients.” Days unfold with herbal teas, yoga sessions, morning walks, and cultural experiences, complemented by dosha-specific meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Ayurvedic treatments, tailored to individual needs, are seamlessly woven into the day, with therapies prescribed using sustainably harvested herbs from the garden.
What Does Wellness Mean to the Couple…
For Carla, wellness is balance across all aspects of life—spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional. “It’s a lifestyle…one that nourishes both the body and soul, creating a foundation for lasting health and inner peace.” Arjun, on the other hand, sees wellness as a commitment to sustainable habits—ones that don’t feel like a burden but become second nature. “Eating well, exercising regularly, and sleeping properly are all equally important,” he explains. And at Amanbagh, the couple found a sanctuary that embodied their philosophy of well-being.
For Carla Dennis and Arjun Kanungo, Amanbagh was a rare find—one of the few places that gets everything right. “It’s incredibly hard to build a space where every element aligns, but Amanbagh has done just that. The setting, the service, the food, the energy—it was flawless,” they recall. As they reflect on their journey, one thing is certain: this wasn’t just a one-time escape, it was the beginning of a love affair with Amanbagh.