Bask in the Beauty of India’s Taj Mahal
Indulge with your own private view of the greatest monument of love as you wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj Mahal, bathed by the first rays of dawn. Watch her sparkle by day as the sun shines on her architectural perfection. Allow yourself to be swept away by her romance at dusk as the night blooms with the magic of the Taj by moonlight. The resort is situated a mere 600 meters from what the English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold, described as, “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”
The Architecture of Emperors and Princes
Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the resort is a splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors that take you back to an era of Emperors and Princes. Drawing on the rich heritage and expertise of local craftsmen, the hotel’s interiors reflect the refined aesthetics of the Mughal era that reached its zenith during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. Intricate filigree and marble inlay work, jaali (screens), gold thread and bead embroidery, woodcarvings and hand-woven tapestries, display the rich arts and crafts of the region.
Premier Rooms are beautifully appointed with Burma Teak flooring, teak armoires and spacious marble bathrooms. Separate walk-in closets, personalized butler service and a basket of Ayurvedic toiletries are the well thought out little differences that make this resort one of the top ranked in Asia year after year. To truly take in the magnificent surrounding views in style, request your own private open-air terrace with views of the landscaped gardens and the Taj Mahal. The Kohinoor Suite is located in the center of the 5th floor which is the highest floor of the resort. This magnificent suite has an entrance foyer, large living room, dining room, study and a spacious bedroom with an attached bathroom, each of which has breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal. The spacious white marble and granite bathroom is equipped with shaving mirrors, twin vanity counters with deluxe toiletries and a water closet with bidet. The bathroom of the Kohinoor Suite offers one of the most amazing views of the monument. The suite also has a pantry and an interconnecting twin-bedded room perfect for families.
The architectural beauty is seamless as many of the resort’s amenities are detailed with equally stunning splendor. Set in the terraced garden, with an option of shade and open sky, the beautiful cobalt blue swimming pool is straight from the fairytale pages of Arabian Nights. The 1.2 meters deep pool is heated in winter creating a gorgeous respite from India’s cooler months.
India’s Ode to Love
An interlude at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra is truly unforgettable. Experience the architectural wonders of the Mughal era at your leisure, while taking time to explore the area’s famous sites including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri – all three monuments are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal is often described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and this stunning mausoleum has become the de facto tourist emblem of India. It was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned grey overnight. Ask the concierge to arrange a complimentary transfer via battery operated, environmentally friendy buggy for you as the monument is located just five minutes away. The Taj Mahal is open for night viewing five nights per month, on each full moon and two nights prior and two nights after.
But Agra’s breathtaking attractions don’t stop there. Enjoy the opportunity to see Itmad-Ud-Daulah, built by Empress Noorjahan – wife of Emperor Jehangir – between 1622-1628 A.D. in memory of her father, whose title was Itmad-Ud-Daulah, meaning “Reliance of The State”. Itmad-Ud-Daulah is the first building made of marble and with inlay work in India. It is considered to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal and often referred to as “Baby Taj”. Fatehpur Sikri is the magnificent fortified city that was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1571 and 1585. Today, it remains a perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the Empire’s splendor. Just 15 minutes by car, Emperor Akbar began the construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the banks of the Yamuna River in 1565. Additions were made until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan, under whose reign it was partially converted into a palace.
Authentic Flavors of India
The resort offers two stunning dining venues that feature fine international cuisine as well as true Indian cuisine to tempt your curiosity. The more casual, Bellevue, offers meals throughout the day while the epicurean Esphahan specializes in spectacular Indian cuisine. Only open for dinner, this fine dining venue offers two seatings each evening and advance reservation is recommended. As the Taj Mahal is the main draw here in Agra, don’t pass up the opportunity to relax at the Bar, where a fine selection of wines, spirits and cigars await. The Bar’s terrace is the place to be for sunset to soak up these once in a lifetime views and to check off one of your bucket list items.
Holistic Indulgence
Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing which evolved among the sages of ancient India over 5000 years ago. At the Oberoi spa, therapists help determine your body type or ‘dosha’ and recommend the appropriate therapy and oils. This ancient science focuses on establishing and maintaining the balance of energies within us, promoting harmony between the individual and nature which in turn detoxifies the body and promotes good health.
The spa’s signature treatment is the Noor-E-Taj Romance, a 3-hour tribute to the beauty traditions of the Mughal Royal Palace. Prepare to experience a harmony of therapies for complete body cleansing, nourishing, detoxifying and pampering. Leave the world behind as your experience begins with a steam bath to open your pores and release toxins. A gentle pomegranate exfoliation follows, preparing your skin to soak in the elements as you are enveloped within a nourishing blend of pomegranate and orange. Your therapist will then ease away the knots and tension with a relaxing massage using fresh pomegranate oil to improve circulation and energy flow. Your session concludes with a soak in an exquisite bath as you absorb the stunning views of the Taj Mahal.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Taj East Gate Road, Agra 282001, India
T: (+91) 562 2231515
