Whispers of the Aravallis: A Serene Retreat at Tree of Life Resort and Spa, Jaipur

Tree of Life Resort and Spa, Jaipur felt like a deep breath I didn’t know I needed.

Something shifted the moment I arrived—maybe it was the scent of the earth, or the way the Aravalli hills seemed to quietly hold the space together. Rooted. Present. As if something ancient and wise lived in the silence here. Whatever it was, I knew I had stepped into something I hadn’t felt in a while—ease.

A Sanctuary Beyond the City’s Edge

They say some places don’t feel like hotels – they feel like home, or something deeper. For me, Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Jaipur, Rajasthan felt like stepping into a quiet, sacred rhythm that came naturally. It wasn’t just a getaway; it was a retreat for the senses, almost spiritual in its stillness.

Tucked away in the ancient arms of the Aravallis, this serene sanctuary sits just a short drive away from Jaipur city, yet it feels worlds apart. As the gates opened, I was greeted not by noise or crowds, but by peacocks. Dozens of them. Roaming freely, their haunting calls echoing across stone pathways and lush gardens, as if nature itself had decided to take centre stage.

My Villa, My Quiet Refuge

My villa – or should I say, my personal sanctuary – was enveloped in nature. One of only 14 villas on the entire property, it offered a kind of charm and solitude that’s rare. Crafted with sandstone and lime, the space carried the whispers of Rajasthan’s heritage in every corner. Named after a native flowering tree, my villa called Champa was bathed in colours and textures that matched its namesake – thoughtful, intimate, and alive.

I stepped through a petalled doorway into a space that felt both luxurious and deeply personal — a living and dining area leading into an adjoining bedroom crowned with a soaring 12-foot dome, and a large domed bathroom that opened out to a frame of natural greens. The intricate glasswork caught the light in ways that made the room feel alive, while thoughtful touches like a walk-in closet, generous wardrobe space, and twin vanities in the bathroom spoke of quiet care. Small gardens wrapped around the bathroom, softening every edge with green. The sitting room, with its plush sofas, dining table, bar cabinet, and cosy fireplace, felt like a place to linger.

Outdoors, there was an irresistible sunken tub, an open-air shower, and sprawling private lawns — a living carpet edged with plants and shrubs, and to my surprise, a peacock in the tree above!

And then there was my private pool. There’s something about stepping into your own private waterbody, surrounded by silence, with only the wind in the trees and the occasional peacock for company. I didn’t swim; I floated. I let the water do its magic. There was healing in that stillness – the kind that doesn’t announce itself, but lingers for days.

Sacred Symbols Along the Path

As I wandered the pathways, I noticed little details that made this place feel sacred. Thoughtfully placed spiritual figures—Buddha in contemplation, Ganesha under a tree, Shiva watching silently—seemed to appear just when you needed them, like signposts for inner reflection.

But what truly caught me off guard was an unexpected art installation nestled amidst the trees — a visual interpretation of the Hindu planetary system. In Hindu tradition, the Navagraha — the nine celestial influencers — include the Sun (Surya), the Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), and the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu.

Each graha was represented physically, placed in orbit through a stunning, earthy design that felt both grounded and cosmic. Mars, Saturn, Venus… all there, holding their place in the silent geometry of the cosmos. A quiet reminder that the universe is always at play, even when we’re trying to pause.

A Temple That Holds You Still

The Ganesh Temple, built in such harmony with its surroundings, felt less like architecture and more like intention carved into stone. A quiet meditation space, it’s surrounded by a personal collection of more than a hundred statues of Lord Ganesh — the half-man, half-elephant God of luck and prosperity in the Hindu pantheon. Bells tinkled gently in the breeze as the resort’s own temple, adjoining the Abode, came alive with its morning and evening ceremonies. I didn’t plan to sit inside, but I did. And I stayed longer than I thought I would.

Seven Acres of Stillness and Song

I loved the greens – the gardens felt like a world I could wander in forever. Tree-covered avenues curved into quiet walkways, sun-dappled pathways opened onto bursts of colour, and the air carried the soft rustle of leaves.

Peacocks would appear without warning — sometimes strutting across the lawn, sometimes watching from the branches above — while smaller birds flitted in and out of sight, their calls stitching themselves into the silence. Every turn felt deliberate, every corner a little moment waiting to be noticed. It was a living, breathing space that seemed to slow my steps without me even realising.

The bell-shaped infinity pool was an instant draw for me — a cool, inviting escape perched perfectly between two ridges, with the hills spilling out in every direction. I found myself lingering there, watching the sun dip low while birds called out into the evening air.

If I wasn’t in the water, I was stretched out on the deck beds, letting the sun work its golden magic, or slipping away to the adjoining steam and sauna for a quiet recharge. And for the time when I wanted to swap lazy for lively, the gym — all glass and greenery — made even a workout feel like part of the view.

Flavours That Tell Stories

Food here isn’t rushed. It’s not even “dining.” It’s personal. At Ashtam, the main restaurant, meals are crafted around the seasons. One evening, I had a Rajasthani laal maas that tasted like it had a story behind it; another night, an Italian dish made with local herbs that somehow still tasted like it belonged here. Whether I dined under the stars, by the Infinity Pool, or in the comfort of my villa, the warmth of the experience lingered longer than the flavours.

Moments That Invite, Not Interrupt

The activities don’t scream for your attention – they invite you. A tractor ride through mustard fields, chai with locals, painting in the Kala Rangmanch open studio, cooking with chefs – each moment felt like a thread weaving me closer to the land and its people. The most moving experience, however, was “Teach A While.” Spending time with children at a nearby village school, sharing laughter over simple games and stories, was humbling and joyful in equal measure.

And then, there were the trails. I went on a guided walk to a sacred tree believed to hold healing powers. Whether it was the crisp air, the calm energy, or the peaceful silence, something in me softened along that trail. By the time I reached the tree, I didn’t feel like asking for anything. I felt grateful.

More Than a Stay – A Subtle Homecoming

There’s a rhythm to this place—one that slows you down, opens you up, and stays with you long after you’ve packed your bags. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about untangling the knots inside and breathing a little easier. Tree of Life, Jaipur, isn’t just a stay. It’s a return—to yourself.

In a world that often races past moments, this resort gently reminds you to be in them.

And that, for me, was the real luxury.

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