Anopura
Tucked away in the foothills of the Aravalli Mountains, Anopura is a pocket-sized paradise that was originally built in 2010. Enveloped by lemon groves, frangipani trees and marigolds, the farm-led Indian property is home to four one-to-three-bedroom villas, a world away from the region’s traditional tourist trail. An hour’s drive northeast of Jaipur, the journey to Anopura is an adventure in itself: ancient temples, dramatic rockfaces and date palms decorate the jungle landscape.
Owned by Jaipur-based entrepreneur, Aditya Baheti, this passion project has been gently developed over the last decade with heart and soul poured into every element. On a mission to re-wild and regenerate, Baheti and his team are custodians of the historical and cultural heritage that makes up the 80 acres of land that surround Anopura.
Beginning life as a humble pair of villas with private stone pools connected by a sweeping sandy path, Anopura has gradually evolved into four individually designed villas and a large farm with experiential dining areas found throughout; the layout reminiscent of the villages that surround the nearby area of Jamwa Ramgargh. The villas are traditional bungalows with thatched roofs, each with its own tabari (outdoor lounge area), home to large sofas scattered with cushions block-painted by local women from the neighbouring village, coffee tables home to a collection of Baheti’s hand-picked favourite classic novels and games, as well as an outdoor shower and bespoke charpoy daybeds located around the private pool area. Each villa has a local private host who is on hand throughout the duration of a guest’s stay.
An array of antiques that Baheti has collected over the years fill each villa with soulful spirit; ancient vases from Tamil Nadu frame entrances, Gujarati wagon wheels have been transformed into cabinets, and mismatched statues of Hindu gods made from fresh mud celebrate the region’s storied heritage. Transported from tribal regions across south India, prior to being housed at Anopura these statues were collected and blessed during Hindu ceremonies.
Bright pinks and indigo cover the walls, adding depth without disturbing the harmony of the soothing surroundings. Thanjavur (south Indian classical paintings) add texture to the walls, glimmering with gold leaf and semi-precious gems, part of Anopura’s exclusive collection that has been curated over the last seven years from all over India labelled the Krishna Leela series.
This season, Anopura launched seven brand-new suites, ideal for couples and solo travellers. A modern Jaipur influence informs the stylish, serene interiors fused gleefully with Rajasthani antiques, contemporary Indian art, and new communal spaces such as the natural stone suspended infinity pool and yoga deck that have been designed to foster a sense of community and connection. Replicating centuries-old building techniques, natural products like lime mortar are used to reduce air conditioner usage and keep the rooms cool whilst remaining chic with a polished concrete look. 2024 will also see a host of new offerings, from pottery and block painting classes with local women from the neighbouring village, to horse riding and DIY BBQ experiences.