Sayaji Hotels Sasan Gir Launches 25-Key Forest Retreat
Sayaji Hotels Sasan Gir debuts The Forest Chapter with 25 cottages and villas, marking its entry into nature-led experiential hospitality near Gir National Park.
nishathapa 
Sasan Gir, May 2026: Sayaji Hotels has launched The Forest Chapter by Sayaji, a 25-key boutique retreat near Gir National Park, marking the debut of its new experiential hospitality sub-brand focused on nature-led stays. The property brings in cottages and villas built around wildlife access and slow travel.
This is a clear pivot. Sayaji is stepping out of its city-heavy playbook and moving into destination stays.
The bet is simple, guests want space, nature, and time. And they’re willing to travel for it.
25-key boutique property targets experiential travel segment
The Forest Chapter by Sayaji runs 25 units, Premium Cottages, Superior Cottages, and Suite Villas.
The look is earthy but not basic. Rooms are larger, outward-facing, and designed to keep guests connected to the outdoors.
Small inventory. More control over the guest experience.
That’s the whole idea behind boutique right now.
Strategic location near Gir National Park drives year-round appeal
Set in Sasan Gir, the property leans heavily on its proximity to Gir National Park, one of the few wildlife zones in India that pulls visitors through the year.
No hard season drop like other reserves. That matters for occupancy.
Access is fairly straightforward too, Rajkot International Airport and Junagadh Railway Station keep it within reach without killing the “escape” feel.
Dining and outdoor spaces designed for immersive stays
Food is anchored around Ember & Leaf, the in-house restaurant mixing regional flavours with global formats.
But the real play is outside.
A rooftop café, open lawns, and flexible outdoor areas push guests to spend more time on the property, not just in rooms.
And that’s where resorts are winning today.
Experiential positioning reflects evolving traveller preferences
The Forest Chapter isn’t selling rooms. It’s selling time, space, and local connection.
Wildlife access, local experiences, slower itineraries, all built into the stay.
Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager, Sayaji Hotels, says the shift is driven by guests chasing authenticity and nature over standard hotel formats.
Manish Boghra, Managing Director of the property, adds that the build and programming are meant to sit naturally within the surroundings, not overpower them.
Sayaji expands portfolio with destination-led hospitality
This launch marks a clear shift for Sayaji Hotels, away from pure business hotels and into leisure-driven formats.
And they’re not alone.
Across India, operators are moving into wildlife, hills, and coastal spots with smaller, experience-heavy properties instead of large resorts.
The logic is tight: lower scale, better margins, stronger guest recall.
The Sasan Gir property is just the starting point. Expect more of these.
Because right now, in hospitality, nature isn’t a side offering anymore, it’s the main draw.
