Boutique accommodation with a focus on sustainability amid India's tourism boom

“We should make our own jam.”

While drinking coffee and listening to the chirping of birds, I was having a leisurely breakfast. Akhilesh He said this. “Then you can reuse the bottle.”

He stated it very casually, as if commenting on the warm weather. But again, in his role as operations manager, Back Villas,
Akhilesh (Umesh) Nair is always thinking about the next step, the next project. We are looking at anything that will make this facility more unique and sustainable.

Once barren, the 15-acre Berg Villa grounds are now filled with thousands of trees and dozens of termite mounds. During my stay, Neel pointed out a number of eco-friendly amenities, including solar panels, a sophisticated water recovery system, and an energy-reducing cooler in the reception area. The two man-made lakes attract more than 140 species of birds, and the water table has increased significantly over the past decade.

One of the highlights of Back Villa is its garden. Lettuce, eggplant, beans, basil and dozens of other crops are grown there. 70 chickens lay eggs. Next year, the facility will have a garden 10 times its current size on land across the street, and Nile plans to purchase a cow to provide milk for the facility. “It's so important to know what you're eating and where that food comes from,” he said. Sustainable Brand® (SB).

located on the edge of india Qaha Tiger Reserve With 10 tented accommodations, Bug Villa may be small, but its positive impact is notable. Given that India's tourism industry is growing significantly, it may be more important than ever.

according to
skiftIndia's tourism industry is expected to grow at 9.6% annually from 2024 to 2028. In 2023, hotels accounted for the largest share of revenue. From January to September 2023, 131 hotels will open across India, with more to come. Radisson Hotel Group Announces plans for 21 hotels;
marriott We plan to open 12 hotels. Hyatt is doubling its Indian hotel portfolio from 50 to 100 hotels.

Traditionally, the country's top destinations have attracted hotel construction, but hotel brands are increasingly 2nd and 3rd tier cities
(That's what Skift calls them). In these lesser-known areas, existing small boutique properties are already demonstrating not only their charm but also their commitment to the environment and community.

“Discerning travelers are looking for smaller luxury properties,” he said. Shobha Mohanfounder of rare india — A community of 62 companies covering 89 properties across India, including Bagh Villas. (Note: RARE India hosted my trip to India.) RARE's portfolio consists of historic palaces, boutique homestays and other intimate accommodations, many of which are family-run. All have a critical eye for combining quality guest experiences with environmental protection, cultural heritage preservation, and social and economic benefits that go beyond a facility's physical footprint.

“Many of the rare properties are located in remote areas,” Mohan told SB. “Small hotels promote a destination with a story. If there's no 'why', why would people go there?” ”

At 200 years old Belgadia Palace in
OrissaFor example, sisters Mullinarica and Akshita Vanjideo Akshita opened the door to her parents' home, citing the social impact of accommodation. “We believe in using tourism as a means of sustainable development,” she said. “Tourism shouldn't be just for one family. It should benefit the whole community.”

A portion of Belgadia Palace guest fees is donated to local non-governmental organizations or community groups. Additionally, the sisters work specifically with local women to provide experiences that showcase the culture and history of this corner of India, which is home to more than 30 indigenous communities. “Women are protectors. It's only right that they tell their stories,” Akshita said. “We’re just facilitators.”

Nirmalya ChowdhuryExecutive Director of Operations Navigation of Assam and Bengal, he also emphasized the importance of the relationship between an accommodation facility and the destination in which it is located, saying, “Many smaller accommodation facilities, widely distributed, benefit more communities,” he told SB. Told. “New hotels need to be small, reflect local design, use local materials and be built by local workers. Only then can they have sustainable potential.”

Assam Bengal Navigation operates four riverboats. Dipple River Lodge — Property with 12 cottages just outside Kaziranga National Park. Like Bagh Villas, we recycle gray water, compost organic waste and have our own organic farm. The majority of staff are employed from local villages. its philanthropic arm; ABN Foundationgives back 5 percent of each night's stay to the surrounding community, supporting education, environmental initiatives, and rural development.

“We're a little bit afraid of getting too big,” Chaudhry said. “As long as people are happy, we will continue to do our best.”

It seems that Mr. Nair feels the same way. When we arrived at the back of the Bagh Villa grounds during our tour, we stopped to rest on a raised platform in the shade of a sala tree used by visitors during yoga retreats. This past year he has been focused on building a sewage treatment plant on the property and preparing the new garden for next year's planting season.

Meanwhile, his wife and general manager of Bagh Vilas; rearhelps the women on staff upcycle old tent covers into bags sold on the site, takes up soap making, learns about beekeeping, and does other daily tasks. What else can I do?

“I'm always looking for ways to improve,” Nile said.

A potential answer came a few days later when Nair sent me a beautifully styled photo of the food with the caption, “Homemade Pineapple Jam and Marmalade.”