At the Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, luxury whispers in the wilderness

I have always believed that travel is more than just movement—it is a journey into stories, senses, and soul. My recent escape to The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort, Bandhavgarh, was exactly that—an unforgettable chapter of serenity, wilderness, and soul-stirring luxury.
 
Tucked away in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, just minutes from Bandhavgarh National Park, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas feels like a secret whispered by the forest itself. As I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the majestic entrance door—a hand-carved masterpiece adorned with tribal motifs crafted by local Gond artisans. It was as though the land had opened its arms to welcome me home.

As I stepped inside, the lounge, wrapped in pale Katni stone and bathed in natural light, felt less like a hotel lobby and more like a warm embrace. The walls told stories—vivid Gond artworks seemed to dance quietly in the background, offering glimpses into a culture that pulses through every corner of this land. It was intimate, authentic, and deeply grounding.

 
My luxury tent, nestled within a lush 21-acre forested sanctuary, was a quiet haven. The interiors were stunning with a gentle interplay of tribal-inspired detailing and rich, earthy textures that spoke of place and heritage. Every element, from the hand-painted murals by local artist Rakesh Prajapati to the intricately patterned canopies, seemed thoughtfully woven into the narrative of Bandhavgarh. The pièce de résistance was my private floating deck where I spent the mornings sipping tea under a blooming kachnar tree, serenaded by birdsong and kissed by the rising sun.
 
The culinary journey at the resort deserves a story of its own. Executive chef Sachin Kumar, who trained with the Royal Kitchen of Nagod, curated menus that celebrated the bounty of Baghelkhand—the region’s rich culinary heritage. From delicate local spices to hearty heirloom recipes, every dish was a tribute to the land. I savoured flame-grilled meats, wood-fired pizzas, and a Royal Baghelkhand dinner under a starry sky—a regal experience that will linger in my memory for years.
 
One evening, I dined at The Bush Kitchen, a lakeside setting lit only by firelight and stars. The crackle of the bonfire, the distant calls of the jungle, and the aroma of grilled delicacies made it feel like a scene from a dream.

 
But the heart of Bandhavgarh lies beyond its comforts—it roars in the wild. My safari drives, led by expert naturalists trained under the legendary Ratna Singh, were nothing short of magical. We tracked Royal Bengal tigers, spotted sloth bears, leopards, and an astounding variety of birds. Every drive felt like a revelation, every sighting a blessing.
 
What moved me most was how The Oberoi Vindhyavilas goes beyond the safari. I met Sukhiram, a third-generation Gond artist, who shared stories through his brush where each stroke echoing centuries of indigenous lore. I wandered through Sarmaniya village, shared laughter with locals, and ended my days with soulful folk performances under the stars—moments that felt deeply human and timeless.

 
The hospitality, of course, was signature Oberoi—intuitive, graceful, and heartfelt. General Manager Vikas Sawhney and his team made every moment feel special, effortlessly blending luxury with warmth.
 
As I reluctantly packed to leave, I was told about the soon-to-open Oberoi Spa—promising forest-inspired therapies and guided meditation. I made a silent vow to return, not just for the wildlife, but for the peace this place wraps you in.

In a world where luxury often feels disconnected from nature, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas is a rare jewel—a place where the jungle breathes alongside your soul, where heritage is celebrated with quiet pride, and where every sunrise brings with it a story worth remembering.
 
If you ever crave a journey where wilderness meets elegance, where culture dances with comfort, and where every detail sings of a deeper purpose—this is it. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas is not just a place to stay. It is a place to feel.

All images: The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort

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