gINKgo | The RARE Newsletter | Boutique Indigenous Hotel Groups on RARE | Vol 108 | April 2025

Dear Conscious Traveller...

Among small indigenous hotel groups, India's first award-winning design hotel RAAS Jodhpur was the first to join RARE. RAAS has since rebuilt and revived other hotels in the boutique luxury category with strategic upgrades to align with its own brand philosophy. RAAS' intelligent positioning in the small-inventory bracket, combined with subtle messaging around plastic-free, wellness-focused, and community-driven hospitality, makes it one of the few hotel groups on RARE that has expanded consistently while staying true to their brand story of heritage preservation, experiences, conservation and sustainable travel.

House of Rohet is another example of a heritage brand that blends design innovation with experience-focused, personalized hospitality. With three very discerning assets, the brand narrative is once again consistent with each hotel telling a compelling destination story. On the other hand, a similar trajectory can be seen with ABChapri Retreats, literally moving from Kerala to Kashmir without missing a point on their brand ethos of small, boutique, wellness and spiritual experiences.

With Jehan Numa Wilderness, there is a mix of wildlife and heritage, reflected in lodges that blend both design and services, with added value through camping and riding experiences, while ensuring their commitment to conservation and wildlife remains central to the brand. The Assam Bengal Navigation product mix, with river cruising on two of India's mightiest rivers using boutique riverboats and private houseboats, rides on its effective promotion of culture, crafts and nature. The narrative is harmonious, sustainable and speaks of subtle luxury that also includes a wildlife lodge.

There is a discerning shift towards promoting unique owner-led hospitality and RARE continues to partner with a few small indigenous groups that are collaborative and build a great hospitality product.

Shoba Rudra

RAAS Hotels, Rajasthan and Kumaon

A renowned hospitality brand founded in 2009, beautifully combines history, modern luxury, and eco-conscious values across its four exceptional properties in Rajasthan: RAAS Jodhpur, RAAS Devigarh, RAAS Chhatrasagar, and Rajmahal Palace Jaipur.

From the start, the brand has prioritised sustainability, using 70% locally sourced materials at RAAS Jodhpur, and reducing water usage by 85% across its properties. In 2016, RAAS became the first in Rajasthan to eliminate single-use plastics.

The brand also makes a tangible impact on the local community. In Jodhpur, RAAS helped restore the historic Toorji Ka Jhalra stepwell, boosting tourism and heritage preservation. RAAS Devigarh's Virasat Foundation renovates schools and restores local landmarks like the Indira Kund stepwell. At RAAS Chhatrasagar, agricultural land was transformed into a wildlife reserve, protecting the region's biodiversity.

Through these ongoing efforts, RAAS Hotels exemplifies its commitment to sustainability and community enrichment, ensuring that guests experience luxury intertwined with Rajasthan's cultural and environmental heritage.

The House of Rohet, Rajasthan

The House of Rohet began in 1990 with the transformation of Rohet Garh, an ancestral home dating back to 1622, into one of India's pioneering heritage hotels. What started as an experiment in hospitality quickly became a symbol of authentic Rajasthani culture, with deep roots in heritage preservation, community involvement, and sustainability. At its core, the brand embraces values that connect guests with the region's rich traditions while honouring the family's legacy.

Today, the House of Rohet continues to stay true to these principles across its unique properties. Rohet Garh offers an immersive cultural experience, from traditional culinary workshops to the preservation of the Marwari horse breed. Perched atop a sand dune, Mihir Garh, celebrates Rajasthan's craftsmanship and artistry. The Rohet Wilderness Camp highlights sustainability with traditional building methods and land preservation. Rohet House in Jodhpur showcases Rajasthani architecture and hand-painted frescoes by local artisans.

With each property, the House of Rohet remains committed to its mission—providing an intimate, timeless experience that honors Rajasthan's heritage while looking toward a sustainable future.

ABChapri Retreats, Kashmir and Kerala

Founded in 2007 by Altaf Chapri, ABChapri Retreats has become a celebrated hospitality brand, known for its collection of unique, eco-conscious properties in Kerala and Kashmir. The brand's core values of promoting international friendship, understanding, and cultural exchange are reflected in their mindful, uncluttered luxury experiences that honor local traditions and nature. ABChapri's four intimate, low-impact retreats are thoughtfully crafted to offer transformative experiences while preserving the essence of each destination.

Neeleshwar Hermitage, set on Kerala's coast, blends the sea, sand, and local traditions for a truly grounded experience. Just a little further, the Lotus Houseboat drifts through the serene backwaters to experience the region's unique life on water. Over in Kashmir, Sukoon Houseboat floats through the still waters of Dal Lake, while Qayaam Gah,tucked in the Kashmir mountains seamlessly blends luxury with nature amid rugged wilderness.

Assam Bengal Navigation, River Cruises

A collaboration between the Phookans of India and the Brocks of England led to the creation of Assam Bengal Navigation (ABN) IN 2003, combining local traditions with international perspectives to offer meaningful and responsible travel. Since its inception, ABN has been at the forefront of river cruising in India, offering unique journeys along the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers, connecting travellers with the region, fostering genuine cultural exchanges, and supporting local communities.

Over the years, ABN has expanded its fleet to include four boutique ships and a private houseboat, with each vessel thoughtfully designed to offer comfort and luxury while maintaining a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices. ABN also operates the Diphlu River Lodge, an eco-safari lodge situated adjacent to Kaziranga National Park offering an opportunity to experience the region's rich biodiversity in a sustainable manner.

Today, ABN continues to stay true to its founding principles, offering guests unforgettable experiences that honour both the cultural and natural treasures of India's river regions.

Jehan Numa Wilderness, Madhya Pradesh

Founded in 1983, the Jehan Numa Group has always been rooted in a commitment to conscious tourism. While its journey began with the historic Jehan Numa Palace, the group's true essence is captured in the Jehan Numa Wilderness portfolio.

Jehan Numa Retreat, located by Van Vihar National Park, offers a unique fusion of natural surroundings and city convenience, allowing guests to enjoy both peaceful seclusion and easy access to urban life. Further afield, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge immerses visitors in the diverse landscapes of Satpura National Park, with guided safaris and wildlife walks that foster a genuine connection to the forest. Similarly, Bori Safari Lodge situated near the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, invites explorers into one of India's richest ecological zones, prioritizing conservation and sustainable practices.

Throughout each of its retreats, the group is committed to creating experiences that go beyond mere luxury, ensuring that every stay supports local communities, promotes environmental stewardship, and enhances the cultural heritage of the region, making their lodges not just places to stay, but places to return to, again and again.

Malabar Escapes, Kerala

Founded in 1994 by Joerg Drechsel and Txuku Iriarte, Malabar Escapes began by transforming the historic Malabar House in Fort Cochin into a boutique hotel that seamlessly fuses Kerala's rich heritage with modern luxury.

The brand that started with a vision to offer guests more than just a stay, has since expanded to include properties like Purity at Lake Vembanad, offering a tranquil, eco-conscious retreat, and the Discovery Houseboat, providing an intimate experience of Kerala's iconic backwaters. Another gem in their portfolio is Baron's Villa in Fort Cochin, offering the perfect mix of privacy and a deep dive into the area's vibrant history.

Throughout its journey, Malabar Escapes has stayed true to its founding values of sustainability, cultural immersion, and preserving local art and traditions all while offering warm and authentic Kerala experiences. With multiple awards to its name, Malabar Escapes continues to provide guests with a genuine connection to Kerala.

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