gINKgo | The RARE Newsletter | Inspiring Conscious Travel | End of Summer -1 I Vol 99 | August 2024
At RARE, we continue to tune in to a world of new opportunities. Of course, all of it is in travel. Our website is being upgraded (very very slowly); even as we are letting go of some of our partners and welcoming new owner-hoteliers to align with a more personal vision of boutique travel focused on the destination, traveler engagement, environment sensitivity, and community inclusion. Please check our website for the updated list of RARE Hotels & Experiences; we are at 67 brands in three countries – India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
One of the ways we now consider new hotels is by ensuring that they weave into a composite itinerary. Have a look at our Journeys of a Lifetime page for instant inspiration. Some prominent programs with RARE Hotels include a full-fledged Ladakh program for summer and one for winter for snow leopards with LUNGMÄR Remote Camp. With our Nepal portfolio, you have a robust itinerary that includes Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. The Story of Bengal leading towards Odisha and Assam is exciting and immensely cultural, while Central India begins at Panna/Khajuraho and takes you through Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Satpura, Pench, and Tadoba.
Himachal and Kumaon Himalayas loop 3-4 destinations that mix adventure, culture, and wildlife. Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Kerala present interesting possibilities combined with Petrichor experiences. Shreyas Retreat near Bangalore, Cabo Serai in Goa and our latest partner in Ellora are fabulous breakaways to consider as add-ons for longer stays. Rajasthan, one of our largest collections, has myriad prospects to link the fab four key destinations of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur with lesser-known rural gems. It also connects to Gujarat via Mount Abu, with Dasada and Ahmedabad as add‑ons.
For detailed curations, study tours, and in-depth destination information on anything ranging from arts and crafts to performing arts, festivals, culture, nature, and conservation, write in to us at info@rareindia.com.
Within Kumaon Himalayas lies Sitla Estate — a 150-year-old homestay in Mukteshwar. Encompassing 40 acres of undisturbed fruit orchards and forest land, Sitla Estate has been in operation for over 25 years. The estate’s historic charm, sweeping views of the western Himalayas peaks counted among the best in the region, and legendary hospitality has ensured a special following of its own. The estate’s soul resides in a British–era bungalow, a refined blend of colonial elegance and a modern home, thoughtfully managed by the charismatic Vikram Maira. Formerly a film and TV professional, Vikram’s transition as the host of Sitla Estate has added to its charm while his hospitality and excellent cooking skills have ensured a significant character to the stay experience. The Estate’s renowned cuisine, created from fresh ingredients sourced directly from in-house gardens, adds a personal and authentic flavour to every meal.
Sitla’s activities include guided birding walks, forest hikes, and leisurely strolls in the expansive orchards. With 12 thoughtfully designed rooms and a focus on local culinary experiences, Sitla Estate provides an authentic, luxurious retreat that beautifully integrates heritage with natural splendour and personal hospitality.
Ahmedabad is a vibrant city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and tradition, rightfully earning its place as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City. Here, bordering the expanding modern city, lies The House of MG. Originally a family home established in 1924, this boutique hotel has been transformed to reflect the charm of early 20th-century colonial architecture while embracing local craftsmanship
and cuisine.
Stepping into The House of MG is like stepping back in time, with its open-to-sky courtyards, shaded verandahs, and an indoor lotus pool. The hotel seamlessly marries historic elegance with contemporary comforts, offering guests a taste of tradition through Agashiye (terrace eatery) and a gallery displaying the Mangaldas family's exquisite collection of textiles, jewellery, and silver. Each of the 37 rooms are carefully crafted to reflect the grandeur of its historical roots, with intricate floor tiles, ornate wooden balconies, and courtyards offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
With bespoke tours and heritage walks through the old city, stepwells, Gandhiji’s Ashram, and architectural buildings, The House of MG is a deep dive into Ahmedabad’s vibrant tapestry in a setting that is both historically resonant and luxuriously inviting.
Passionate about merging sustainability with rustic luxury, Sahaj Sharma and Aparna Phalnikar bring a refreshing perspective to eco-friendly travel with Dhyaana Farms. Their dedication to integrating sustainable practices with exceptional hospitality is evident in every detail of this unique retreat. Located just 15 minutes from the renowned Ellora Caves and 30 minutes from Daulatabad Fort, Dhyaana Farms offers an unparalleled escape into nature's embrace.
Spread across 14 acres, this off-grid sanctuary operates entirely on solar power and practices rigorous organic farming. The five accommodations, designed by local craftsmen using natural materials (including bamboo grown on the farm), combine rustic elegance with modern comforts. Activities include hands-on pottery workshops, yoga sessions set against breathtaking mountain vistas, and exploration of scenic trails and nearby villages. Dining features seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine, with options tailored to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.
