Gir Forest National Park: The Last Lions

Gir is the only place where you can see asiatic lions in the wild. Now you can do it in the lap of luxury.

- Ahtushi Deshpande

The four-hour drive from Rajkot to Sasan Gir is predictably dominated by talk of lions and the possibility of sightings. As we cross the Nawabi city of Junagarh, the road turns into a single lane and the speed limit comes down to 20 kmph. It’s a short stretch through a reserve forest which opens out at Sasan—a small town which serves as the main gateway to the Gir National Park and the majestic lions that reside within. Pondering on the likelihood of seeing one in the wild, I enter Woods at Sasan (WAS), the flagship property of the 1000 Island group. It is situated on the fringes of the park, amid the quiet setting of an eight-acre mango orchard with over 280 mango trees, interspersed with many more seasonal fruit trees. In an area replete with possibilities, this eco-friendly boutique resort promises a one-of-a-kind experience. I am here to test that claim.

I am greeted by the front-office manager Lovesh Villayat with a refreshing drink of aam panna. The reception itself is open and informal with the main artwork here based on three materials—wood, stone and cotton. Stylish beadwork panels line the entrance wall, inspired by the torans of Saurashtra, the region we are in. “Every piece of furniture in the property has been designed in-house and made on the property itself, mostly using reclaimed wood,” says Lovesh. The wood is sourced from Alang in Gujarat, one of the largest ship-breaking yards in the world.

The minimalist design of the property, imbued with Gujarati art and craft traditions and moulded to a modern finish, lines every nook and cranny of the property. Handcrafted and curated by an in-house team of artists, architects and designers, just about every fitting and fixture at this resort is bespoke.