Aramness

Slow mornings. Open skies. Aramness Gir is rooted in nature and the soul of Gujarati culture, from the way it looks to the way it feels. That spirit runs through every corner, every meal, every moment. Come, experience it yourself. Link in bio. #OnlyHereAtAramness

We’re thrilled to be featured in the latest issue of Tatler Asia. “Aramness’ luxury is in the details—staff who remember how to make your tea, guides who know when to talk and when to stay silent, a property that fits into the landscape rather than fighting it. ‘If a guest departs with a deeper understanding of Gir and its people, our philosophy has worked.’ Patel says. ‘It can’t just be wildlife, or just comfort,’ he tells me. ‘It has to be wildlife, people, and culture, all in sync—that’s the only future I see,” writes Amrita Katara. #OnlyHereAtAramness

Gir, for most, is all about the lions. But over the last few weeks, on my (well, our) visit at this beautiful stay, I found myself equally drawn to everything around it—the stillness of the landscape, the pastoral ethos of the region, and a way of experiencing luxury that seems to be the new age of India’s cultural movement when it comes to attracting locals. My stay at @aramness was on max slow-mo: mornings by the pool, wellness rituals and yoga sessions, pottery and village visits, afternoons drifting between the forest and the spa, and meals that flowed from deeply local Kathiawadi flavours to comfort food orders for my favourite little +1. Have a look at the beauty of this space, set amongst the very heart of the wilderness, and gosh! The silence that seems to settle over Gir at dusk, this became less of a getaway and more of a wellness scene. And yes… eventually, the lions too. 🦁 9 of them ! Achievement unlocked. PS: Linked Reel contains a special recipe from Gujarat. #luxury #gujrat #lion #safari

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to explain this feeling properly. There’s something about being out in the wild that shifts something inside you. You stop rushing, you stop thinking about everything else and just be. And then suddenly, life surprises you in the most beautiful way. Watching them exist so effortlessly, so peacefully in their own space…it felt like a privilege. We were visitors in a world that isn’t ours 🐾 @aramness took care of everything and made the entire experience unforgettable for me and mom 🌸

Still processing how this was all in India 🥹 If you’re looking for a wildlife experience that doesn’t feel rushed or touristy, and actually lets you slow down and feel the place… @aramness is it 🤍 @strategiaindia [gir national park, aramness gir, luxury safari, wildlife experience, asiatic lions, gujarat travel, slow travel, boutique safari lodge, nature stays india]

If seeing the Gir lion in its natural habitat isn’t enough of a draw for you, let the fact that there is a world class boutique hotel in the middle of the national park be the reason. @aramness is genuinely impressive. There is thought behind the design which is considerate of being located in a forest. It’s impossible to miss the mindful touches that celebrate the fact that it is in Gujarat and highlight the owner’s love of the local culture, cuisine and art. The culinary team does a stellar job with the Gujarati food right from the snacks in the car that receives you to the Kathiwada thali experience. The simple tranquility of the place and the ayurveda and wellness offerings had us end the trip actually unwound. Just what we needed. This could be anywhere in the world but I’m so happy that this is so close to home. Congratulations @jimmyjpatel and thank you for creating this oasis and to the super team - Dr Rafiq, Rajesh, Manek, Kamakshi, the chefs and everyone else - for pampering us.

People keep asking me what you actually do there for three days. This is your answer. And yes, we fit all of this in - and still had time to do absolutely nothing in between, which honestly might have been the best part🌿🦁 @aramness · Gir National Park @strategiaindia [Gir National Park, things to do in Gir, Aramness Gir, Gir safari experience, Asiatic lion sighting, Gujarat travel itinerary, jungle activities India, wildlife resort India, Gir National Park Gujarat, India nature travel, luxury wildlife resort, experiential travel India]

This… is not the Gujarat you think you know. There’s a regional food story here—especially around Saurashtra—where meat has always been cooked simply, slowly, and heck delicious. Matla chicken comes from that idea. A sealed clay pot, slow embers, and sigh! Patience! . At @aramness , it’s still done the same way—layered marinades, banana leaf, dough seal and cow dung fires… and then left alone. Matla Chicken (Serves 4–5) Ingredients Chicken & Base * 1 whole chicken (1.2–1.5 kg), cleaned * 3 tbsp mustard oil First Marinade * 2 tbsp green chilli–garlic paste * 2 tbsp ginger–garlic paste * 1 tsp salt Second Marinade + Stuffing * 2 tbsp mustard oil * 1 tbsp green chilli–garlic paste * 1 tbsp ginger–garlic paste * 1 large onion, roughly diced * 1 medium capsicum, diced * 10–12 garlic cloves (whole) * 1.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste) * 2 tsp jeera, crushed * ½ cup fresh coriander, hand-torn Tikka Layer * ½ cup hung curd (thick yogurt) * 1 tbsp red chilli–garlic paste * 1 tbsp tikka masala * 1 tsp red chilli powder * Juice of 1 lemon For Pot Assembly * 2 tomatoes (whole) * 2 potatoes (halved) * 1 small sweet potato (chunks) * 1 whole garlic bulb (halved) * ¼ cup water * Banana leaves (for wrapping) * Foil * Dough (atta + water) for sealing Method First Marinade. Rub the chicken with mustard oil, green chilli–garlic paste, ginger–garlic paste, and salt. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes. Second Marinade + Stuffing. Mix all ingredients into a coarse, rustic mixture. Stuff Tikka Layer. In a separate bowl, whisk together hung curd, chilli–garlic paste, tikka masala, chilli powder, and lemon juice. Fold this into the marinade mix to form a thick coating. Rub the stuffed chicken. Tie the legs to secure. Wrap the chicken in banana leaves, then foil and pop into pot with whole vegetables and garlic, little water - seal and cook over fire for 2-3 hours till done. Unseal, let sit before carving. Enjoy with rice or roti. #regional #recipes #gujarat #chicken

We’ve been reviewed by @indiawithinsia for Time Out, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. To read the complete review, vist the link in bio. #OnlyHereAtAramness

Described beautifully by @shalbhasarda in a Robb Report India piece: “At Aramness Gir, there is so much of Gujarati craft under one roof, that it almost is an exhibition without feeling like it. Wooden blocks, once used for hand block printing, have been turned into counters. The carved doors to each kothi (room) are reused from old havelis, so each one is unique. A red post box adds a hint of nostalgia. Tribal beads and necklaces rest in giant stone urns as décor. The jali screens are sculptural centrepieces, carved by local masons and inspired by dried sal leaves from the forest. Inside, alcoves glow with Kutchi lippan work, a traditional mud-relief art done by Kutch women, using clay and mirror in warm, earthy tones. Every corner has an intention, brass door handles shaped like native animals, marble lion gargoyles perched above water troughs, saffron-hued textiles on cushions, charpoys and parasols. The embroidery, mirror work and motifs celebrate the soul of Gujarat.” #OnlyHereAtAramness

This is Gir in its most revealing season. The waterholes are pulling everything in close: lions, chital, the last light of the afternoon. Discovery that asks nothing of you but presence. Make the most of our Holistic Retreat offer. Stay for 3 Nights, Pay for 2 (link in bio). #OnlyHereAtAramness

Scenes from witnessing a a young Asiatic lion unbothered and grooming himself. The brilliance of Gir at this time is that the forest essentially folds inward. The wildlife descends to waterholes and is frequently spotted draping themselves across bare branches. It is one of the finest wildlife experiences on the subcontinent. #OnlyHereAtAramness