Exotic Vacations - Roughing It In Style

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 roll top 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 well-being.

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.

All I can do is sigh. What a beautiful way to spend a
summer vacation.

Drifter's Memoirs
Pondering Beautiful Vacations