Anand Bagh Resort & Spa by Ananta

You know what struck me first about Anand Bagh Resort & Spa? It’s this sprawling property that feels like someone’s wealthy uncle decided to build his dream estate in the middle of rural Rajasthan. I mean, you’re driving along the Laxmangarh-Salasar road – which honestly isn’t the smoothest stretch – and suddenly there’s this manicured oasis rising from the desert landscape near Jajod village. The contrast is pretty dramatic.

The resort definitely has that authentic Rajasthani palace vibe going for it, with those red sandstone buildings and intricate jali work that you see everywhere in this part of the state. What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to create something that feels genuinely local without going overboard on the tourist kitsch. The spa is actually quite good – they use traditional Ayurvedic treatments, and the therapists seem to know what they’re doing rather than just going through the motions. The pools are massive, which is perfect because it gets brutally hot here during summer months, and there’s usually enough space that you’re not fighting for lounge chairs.

Here’s the thing though – while it’s labeled as a 5-star property, it feels more like a really solid 4-star that’s trying hard to reach that next level. The service is enthusiastic but sometimes a bit unpolished, and you’ll notice little things like inconsistent WiFi in some rooms or the occasional maintenance issue. But honestly? For this location, it’s pretty impressive what they’ve pulled together. The restaurant serves decent Rajasthani thali, though I’d recommend venturing out to Salasar town (about 20 minutes away) for more authentic local food if you’re up for it. The resort gets busy during wedding season – basically October through March – so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, maybe avoid those months. Check-in was smooth enough, and they’re genuinely helpful with arranging local sightseeing, especially if you want to visit the famous Salasar Balaji temple. Parking’s never an issue since there’s tons of space, and the grounds are beautiful for morning walks before the heat kicks in.