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by Manos Angelakis
Amarvilās
Taj East Gate
Agra 282 001, Uttar Pradesh
India
Tel: 91-562-223-1515
Fax: 91-562-223-1516
 In the past, I have taken to task the Oberoi Group for their Cairo property, the Mena House. It is now time to give them kudos for a new property, one of the most romantic, magical, luxury hotels: Amarvilās, approximately six hundred fifty yards from the Taj Mahal, in Agra. The Taj Mahal, a memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan, has inspired awe to generations of travelers and is considered by many the most beautiful building in the world.
 Being in such proximity, on the road to the east gate entrance to the Taj Mahal, creates an almost unmeetable challenge to any architect building in the Taj Mahal’s shadow. Yet the Bombay based Prabhat Patki, along with the Malaysian firm Lim, Teo & Wilkes Design Works, found the challenge irresistible. The result is a magnificent creation, 106 rooms and suites, on three-level terraces accented by Ottoman-style bays. The design is Asian in content, with Indian accents, so that it would not compete architecturally with its storied neighbor.
Amarvilās is set amidst seven acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, hand-detailed fountains and pavilions that re-create the opulence of the Mugal era.
The rooms present to the traveler distinctive accommodations that marry old-world charm (hand-woven fabrics,  richly inlaid timberwork, Indian-style furniture and luxurious white marble bathrooms), with state-of-the-art technology that includes voice mail, multiline telephones with data ports, color satellite television etc. There is an uninterrupted view of the Taj Mahal from every room as well as most of the public spaces.
Seven suites, on the fifth floor, offer a distinct lifestyle experience and understated luxury.
The dining experience at Amarvilās includes Esphahan, open only for dinner and serving specialty Indian cuisine, and Bellevue, offering a variety of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. There is also a tea lounge in the lobby, pool snack bar and lobby bar. The lobby lounge, with a splendid view of the Taj Mahal, serves a variety of fine teas, coffees, pastries and afternoon snacks. The bar offers a wide variety of beverages, wine and liquors as well as cigars.
An exclusive spa, on-premisses, offers non-clinical programs for relaxation and beauty in a calm environment. It features steam rooms, saunas and Jacuzzi. Treatments follow Ayurvedic principles of holistic health maintenance, herbal treatments and aromatherapy.
For a sophisticated traveler planning a visit to Agra, India’s number one tourist destination, Amarvilās is the logical luxury headquarters.
Reservations can be made through the Leading Hotels of the World or directly with the hotel.
© December 2002. All rights reserved.
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