In an exclusive conversation with Travel Mail, Mr. Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, sheds light on the brand’s bold new foray into wildlife luxury hospitality. With traveller demand surging for immersive, nature-driven experiences that balance indulgence with sustainability, Stone Wood is launching a dedicated brand of boutique wildlife resorts, where refined comfort meets the raw beauty of the wild. Scheduled to debut in December 2025, the upcoming resorts promise intimate stays, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to eco-conscious practices, redefining what it means to travel luxuriously and responsibly in the heart of nature.
Rising Interest/Demand in Wildlife Luxury Resorts
What excites me most about this growing interest in wildlife luxury resorts is the opportunity to reconnect with nature while offering a refined, indulgent experience. Travelling to offbeat locations, discovering unique landscapes, and observing wildlife in its natural habitat is both exhilarating and grounding. Stone Wood is strategically positioned to meet this demand by launching a new segment that blends world-class luxury with the raw beauty of wilderness. Our upcoming properties will be designed to offer high-end experiences in remote, nature-rich destinations—where luxury truly meets wildlife.
Changing Traveller Expectations in the past Five-Years
Traveller expectations have evolved significantly, especially post-COVID. There is a noticeable shift toward mindful travel, where people seek solitude, wellness, and a deeper connection with nature. Guests now look for experiences that are not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible. They are drawn to destinations that offer tranquility, privacy, and sustainability. Wildlife-centric stays have become an appealing escape from urban chaos, and guests now expect these experiences to be immersive, eco-conscious, and indulgent.
Emerging Key Hotspots for Luxury Wildlife Tourism
Several Indian destinations are rapidly gaining prominence in the luxury wildlife tourism space. Jawai in Rajasthan stands out for its unique leopard sightings and rugged terrain. It’s fast emerging as a hotspot due to its near-guaranteed wildlife encounters and serene landscapes. Madhya Pradesh also holds tremendous potential, with areas like Pench and Kanha already established in the wildlife circuit. However, these regions currently lack sufficient high-end hospitality options. Our aim is to bridge that gap by introducing boutique luxury resorts in these prime but underserved locations.
New Brand vs Current Properties
Our new brand will be focused exclusively on offering intimate, high-end boutique wildlife stays. Each property will feature only 15 to 25 rooms, ensuring a personalized experience. The room sizes will start at 1,000 square feet and include private plunge pools and jacuzzis. We are redefining luxury through unorthodox hospitality—offering flexible check-in/check-out timings, in-room breakfast, and highly curated experiences. The focus is on providing elevated comfort, exclusivity, and privacy amidst nature—unlike anything we’ve done before.
New Brand Philosophy for 2025
The core philosophy of the new brand is simple yet powerful: to offer exceptional luxury in the heart of the wild. We want to redefine what it means to stay in a wildlife destination by combining immersive natural experiences with five-star comfort and service. “Luxury meets wildlife” is not just a tagline—it is the guiding principle behind our brand. We aim to create sanctuaries where guests can unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy sophisticated hospitality.
Balance with Sustainability & Luxury in new Wildlife Resorts
Sustainability is an integral part of our brand DNA and will continue to be a priority in our new wildlife resorts. We plan to use eco-friendly construction practices, source locally whenever possible, and implement water and energy conservation systems. Our resorts will be built with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. We also aim to create employment opportunities for the local communities and provide training to ensure our operations support both ecological and social sustainability.
Key Development Challenges (Regulatory, Logistical, or Environmental)
There are certainly several challenges involved. From a construction standpoint, finding skilled contractors who can work efficiently in remote areas is difficult. Post-construction, staffing also becomes a challenge due to the limited availability of trained professionals in these regions. Regulatory approvals can be complex and time-consuming due to the sensitive nature of the ecosystems we operate in. However, we view these challenges as opportunities—to train local talent, build responsibly, and work closely with authorities to ensure our resorts are both compliant and environmentally sound.
Rollout Timeline & Destinations under new Brand
Our first wildlife luxury resort is currently under construction in Jawai, Rajasthan, and is scheduled to open by December 2025. Beyond Jawai, we have plans to develop five more properties over the next three years in other emerging wildlife destinations across India, including key locations in Madhya Pradesh. Each destination has been carefully chosen for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and untapped potential in the luxury hospitality space.
Message to Luxury Nature Travellers
To all travelers seeking something extraordinary—I invite you to stay tuned. Our upcoming wildlife luxury resorts will offer a one-of-a-kind experience where you can immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature without compromising on comfort. We’re building something truly unique: soulful, sustainable, and deeply luxurious. It’s an experience that hasn’t been seen before in the Indian wildlife hospitality space, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.
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