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Featuring the shores of Goa and the sands of Rajasthan, these two boutique hotels marry sustainability with luxury.
In a world grappling with the challenges of ‘global boiling', there is more impetus for sustainability in all spheres of life. The travel industry is making strides to ensure that our global carbon footprint is low, making it possible for us to continue savouring the finest offerings our planet has in store. In that, India stands out as a destination that has been empowering environmentally-conscious hospitality. Today, we can find a large selection of eco-friendly resorts and hotels that combine luxury and sustainability. Here are two of my favourite picks.
The first among my two favourites is Kaner Retreat near Jodhpur, located in Dera village on the Jodhpur-Jaisalmer highway. Set in the golden dry landscape of Rajasthan, Kaner Retreat is an incredible blend of luxury and sustainable ethos. It is India’s first desert botanical resort, and lives up to its name. At Kaner, I witnessed the seamless integration of local and boutique elements. Local materials like red sandstone, chittar, marble and reclaimed wood were incorporated in the resort's 7-acre property. Here, you will find 10 spacious single-floor villas, each on the theme of a local flower, replete with all modern amenities yet retaining a traditional ethos. Staying at one of its villas, I realised there was little that separated me from the Thar desert that lay sprawled around me. I spent time dining under the stars, quietly observing my surroundings at my unique villa named Bui. The villa had its own private courtyard with a variety of local plants. In the mornings, a beautiful glass house with full length windows that look out to the desert, doubles up as a breakfast place. There are small corners across the property that feature accents, art, antiques and textiles all pointing to the botanical vibrancy around us. Under the guidance of Sapna Bhatia, the owner of the property, Kaner Retreat offered several immersive, sustainable experiences. I got to choose from a range of nature walks and safaris, and even visited a sacred grove—an ‘oran’.
This visit was a delightful experience. It allowed me to learn about desert botany and wilderness, and its relevance in the lives of the local communities. As I stood under the shade of a Kumatiya tree, Sapna spoke about how desert vegetation helps the locals survive harsh weather conditions. For example, the khejri tree’s dried bark and broont plant’s seeds ensured that the local community withstood the unforgiving famines of the region. Hearing her talk about the region with affection rooted in childhood memories was a remarkable experience. The 'oran' walk culminated in a traditional Rajasthani dinner. Beyond savouring customary regional delights like laal maas and daal baati, my meal encapsulated the very essence of my journey—incorporating seasonal and foraged components. The panchkuta sabji used kumatiya and ker seeds from the trees in the area. Phog ka raita was a delicious curdy mix that contained seeds of the phog tree. All these paid tribute to the unique culinary legacy of the state. The foraged meal was a humbling experience. For travellers seeking an authentic and eco-friendly escape in the heart of Rajasthan, Kaner Retreat is the destination. It's a dive into mindful luxury and will leave a positive mark on the environment and the soul.
On my birthday, I decided to make the most of my weekend in Goa. I headed to Mansion Haus in Anjuna. This is Kezya de Braganca's ancestral family property that she spent three years renovating into a boutique hotel. Mansion Haus sits close to the vibrant Anjuna Beach yet retains a solitude that is hard to come by in this party state. As soon as I entered the hotel, I was served a cold cup of cucumber cooler and I headed straight to the Summer Room. This is an open space dedicated to conversations and cocktails. I was informed that a marooned 100-year-old ship provided the recycled wood that was incorporated into the room’s organic design that was later embellished by local artisans. These architectural additions spans the courtyard, seamlessly merging with the lush Goan greenery. The space lets the mansion soak in natural sunlight and ventilation. Notably, the property takes an eco-friendly stance, ensuring a complete absence of plastic. All in-room amenities are thoughtfully presented in glass bottles, thoughtfully crafted in-house by 'HausLab'.
My mornings were spent relishing breakfast that the concierge kindly provided at the small pool on the property. The pool water was then reused for landscape irrigation, proving the establishment's efforts in sustainability. Dinner was savoured at The Angler, the onsite restaurant where meals were made from freshly-sourced ingredients. The first catch of prawns and fish made for delectable curries, and the pumpkin soup came with basil grown in the small herb garden at the property. Each dish was thoughtful and tasteful. As the day would set, I’d quietly make my way to the Atelier. I cosied up on the sofa with a good book that I picked off the shelves, only to wake up to another day of Goan sun. When I wrapped up my journeys at these remarkable resorts, I reflected on the profound impact of conscious travel. My visits doubled up as reminders that our choices as travellers could shape the future of our planet.
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