We have just returned fro 16 days of luxurious travel in Rajasthan and against all expectations the highlight was here; and believe me their was ample competition. Our outstanding agent, Himalayan River Runners, insisted that we come despite the fact that we had little ambition to spot a tiger. And how right they were.

The internationally renowned ( he won an ultra-prestigious Ashden Award in 2004) proprietor and his wife have created a haven which, while being environmentally sound in every way, is also a thrilling place to stay. The greatest treat for us was to take a bath ( an enormous luxurious, hot, tub) looking upwards only at the stars. There was plenty of room to bathe with a friend.

That even outshone the three tigers which were pretty magnificent as well.

Khem Vilas was fantastic. It was a delightful refuge after several wonderful city hotels. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. It was a warm and welcoming spot.

Deserves its high rating, this is a lovely place and very professionally run. The owners and staff are obviously dedicated to making sure guests have a wonderful time and great attention is given to every detail. Drinks around the campfire in the evening very atmospheric, vegetarian food always delicious, our cottage and the tent we saw were both lovely. The service was incomparable. The stand-out hotel of our three weeks in Rajasthan.

If you are going to Ranthambore and can afford it, there is no better place to stay. This is the real safari deal; a jungle camp on the edge of the park with facilities to match the best Africa has to offer. We checked out the rivals in the same (top-end) price range, and they don't come up to scratch compared to Khem Villas. Not only that, the owner is a Ranthambore legend, and his wife and staff cannot do enough for you. Personalised and professional throughout. We stayed in a tent and it was beautiful. Colonial-style decor and classy furnishings. The resort is small and personal, set in beautiful gardens and native trees, with stunning views of the park beyond.
The food is vegeterian but you will love it even if you are not that way inclined. All produce is fresh from the organic garden, and tastes fantastic. Breakfast is served on an outdoor terrace by a pond with its own crocodile! (arrived under it's own steam). Evening drinks are served by the campfire.
Get the hotel to pre-book your game drives in a jeep and try to do at least 4 game drives if you want to see tigers. The tigers are elusive, but we saw one and there is plenty of other wildlife in the park. The park is true Jungle-Book, and the fort is well worth a trip in its own right.