F EVER there was an oasis of calm in the chaotic free-for-all that is India’s capital city, it is the zen Aman New Delhi. The quiet beige sandstone takes the harsh Delhi sunlight and serenely filters it through intricate latticework to etch geometric shadows across quiet colonnaded corridors. Inward looking, meditative almost, this Aman Hotel, the first of its kind, is entirely removed from the heat, dust and daily grind of life outside its haveli walls.

In the heart of New Delhi, just south of the Delhi Golf Course and close to Humayun’s tomb, this Amanresorts boutique hotel is discrete but attentive, minimalist but comfortable. Of the 31 unobtrusively elegant rooms and 29 suites, seven boast a 32 square metre pool within a private garden. All rooms and suites face inwards to the courtyard lawns, and have a terrace and a 15 square metre hideaway sunken pool, with the mundanities of life smoothed over by clean lines, gleaming dark wood walls and cool marble underfoot.

In keeping with Aman tradition and the structured simplicity of the Mughal Era, Aman New Delhi’s style is supremely uncluttered; there isn’t even a lobby to interrupt the clean space. A lone elephant statue welcomes visitors at the porch flanked by a fleet of retro-chic grey Ambassador cars with uncharacteristic leather trim and iPod docks. The entrance flows into the living room, which flows into the reception area and so on.

You won’t find a beeping business centre or clamouring conference hall. This is a place for quiet contemplation. The health centre is set in a cool courtyard with a Pilates studio, pool, and gym. Fitness buffs will find three tennis courts and three squash courts. Step into a world of ritual in the Aman Spa, featuring eight private treatment rooms, a hair and beauty salon, two traditional Hammam steam baths and bamboo garden relaxation area. Enjoy one of the best New Delhi luxury hotels in style, or extend your Aman experience to take in Rajasthan with stays at Aman-i-Khás and Amanbagh.