Amaya, Kasauli
In a world where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly paramount, sustainable travel is no longer just a trend—it's a responsibility. For those seeking to reconnect with nature while minimizing their carbon footprint, sustainable retreats offer the perfect blend of tranquility and eco-consciousness. From secluded forest hideaways to safari camps, these sustainable retreats exemplify the epitome of eco-friendly hospitality. Get ready to embark on a journey of mindful rejuvenation and immersive experiences that leave a positive impact on both you and the planet.
Marchula Estate
Experience life in the slow lane in Marchula estate — a serene home stay in the wild. On the banks of a shallow, happy stream flanked by the verdant jungles where Jim Corbett once roamed, it is perfect for nature lovers, solitude seekers and indeed anyone looking to disconnect with modern life, if only for a while. Marchula estate is a family home, a place where photographers Mansi and Mustafa, their toddler Amna, and their dogs, chickens and a solitary duck, live. It represents their search for a better life, a life that sustains their souls and is easy on the planet.
Their construction process incorporates locally-sourced materials like stone and recycled glass bottles, while embracing pre-owned furniture and upcycled vintage pieces. They have planted hundreds of trees and maintain green roofs for natural cooling. Their operations prioritize sustainability with solar electricity, farm-to-table dining, filtered drinking water in glass bottles, waste composting, and minimal lighting to preserve local wildlife.
Marchula Estate
Six Senses Vana
Sustainability has always been a way of life at Six Senses which is quite evidently seen in its design, art, materials, water management, plastic-free approach, and textiles made only with natural fibers. From the outset, the retreat was conceived on the Green Building Concept to be a part of the existing landscape, Sal forests, Mango plantations, and Lychee trees. Awarded LEED Platinum status in 2015, Six Senses Vana is India’s first Retreat to have attained this standard of environmental design. Since the early days of Vana, sensitivity and ecology have played an intrinsic role in its thinking, creating, and maintaining harmony with the natural world. Energy, water, and waste are managed effectively in LEED Platinum-certified buildings, and all textiles and solvents are sourced in compliance with sustainable standards.
Six Senses Vana
Amaya
Amaya, a private retreat designed by Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai, lies atop a lofty hillside in Kasauli with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. While mountainous retreats are not uncommon in India, Amaya stands out for its implicit uniqueness. Jain assembled a diverse team of local and international artisans and architects to create contemporary, eco-sensitive structures using rich, local materials that harmonize with the environment. For instance, Jean Marc Moreno crafted copper roofs with traditional hand tools, while Ruedi Kerbs revived ancient lime plaster techniques in collaboration with artisans from Malda, West Bengal, resulting in walls with a distinctive patina. The interiors feature marble, stone, and wood, creating living spaces that seamlessly blend with the tranquil rolling hills surrounding the site.
Amaya
Hunzuru
Nestled in Manali, Hunzuru is a charming homestay spanning 3,500 square feet, where old-world charm seamlessly merges with modern aesthetics. Here, the design ethos is shaped by handmade, locally-sourced, natural materials, not merely as buzzwords but as integral elements. Wooden furniture, mud and stone walls, and handmade artifacts evoke a quintessential 'old-meets-new' vibe. Many furnishings are refurbished from the owner's 150-year-old home, lending a rich historical touch. Embracing the raw imperfections of materials and design, Hunzuru exudes the essence of wabi-sabi, enchanting visitors with its innate warmth and authenticity.
Hunzuru
SUJÁN Sher Bagh
Nestled on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park, SUJÁN Sher Bagh offers an opulent tented camp experience, distinguished as one of India's premier Relais & Châteaux members. Transporting guests to the 1920s era of British Raj safaris, the camp blends eco-friendly practices with luxurious comforts, featuring crackling campfires under starlit skies and expert naturalists sharing insights about the forest. Central to SUJÁN's ethos is a family deeply committed to wildlife conservation and community development. Thus, a stay at Sher Bagh is not only a luxurious escape but also a testament to the hotel's dedication to fostering local health, employment, wildlife preservation, anti-poaching initiatives, and supporting educational programs through its school adoption scheme.
Words Platform Desk
Date 25.04.2024
SUJÁN Sher Bagh