North Stars:

Heritage Value

Wildlife Ecosystems

Waste Management

“The property is at once a retreat and an adventure destination.”

The Azure Road Take

After spending several hours driving along bumpy, dusty roads through the Gujarat region of northwestern India, we pass through a small village with chai stands and trees blossoming with flaming red-orange flowers. Here, tucked into this unassuming pocket of this vast country, sits Woods at Sasan: an expansive, leafy property set on an eight-acre mango orchard at the edge of the Gir Forest. Arriving at this hidden sanctuary, we were greeted by Siddhi dancers — an African Indian ethnic group that has been in Gujarat for hundreds of years — and a refreshing herbal infusion hand-picked from the on-site garden.

A visual change of pace from the ornate palaces and temples dotting the landscape, Woods at Sasan embraces a minimalistic aesthetic, with sleek rooms and organic materials to promote connection with nature. Guests immerse themselves in local Indigenous culture, go on wildlife safaris in the nearby woods in search of lions, and try farm-to-table meals hailing from the region.

Wellness is also a foundational part of a Woods at Sasan stay, from yoga and sound healing sessions to treatments based on ancient Ayurvedic principles. “Guests are invited to slow down and immerse in nature — whether it’s napping under mango trees, reading in our open library spaces, or simply listening to the sounds of the forest,” said Laurent Guiraud, COO of Woods at Sasan.

Who’s It For?

The adventurous traveler who loves an unexpected destination, cares about responsible tourism, and enjoys a touch of comfort. Differing from the ornate, five-star palace stays in many Indian destinations, Woods at Sasan’s sense of indulgence stems from regenerating the surrounding ecosystem and sharing local culture with guests.

Sustainability Chops

“Our approach goes beyond minimizing harm — it’s about creating positive impact and giving back to the land and community,” commented Guiraud. “We drew from Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to minimize our carbon footprint and integrate long-term resilience into the retreat.”

The buildings, constructed from stone, bamboo, native woods, and other local materials, use floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize sunlight and views into the forest.

Gardens blossom with native herbs and flowers used for tea blends, and a food farm is currently under development, further blurring the lines between Woods and the surrounding forest. The food forest layers trees, shrubs, vines, herbs, and ground cover to create a self-sustaining, biodiverse system — like a wild forest. “A food forest is an invitation to rethink how we interact with the land, not as owners, but as participants in a larger living system,” said Guiraud.

At the end of our stay, we each chose a local treeling, set intentions with the wellness guide, dug our hands in the ground, and planted our baby tree in the food forest.

The property aims to lessen its footprint through regenerative practices. Through Netting Zero, a commitment to achieve net-zero plastic consumption, plastic has been eliminated by 90%.

Woods at Sasan incorporates artisanal crafts like hand-dyed textiles and pottery from the Indigenous Maldhari and Siddhi communities into its decor, along with serving multi-course Gujarati meals. These efforts support the livelihoods of local craftsmen, farmers, and cooks from these communities.

Location

About a two-hour drive from Diu Airport (a small airport in Gujarat with connections from Ahmedabad), Woods at Sasan isn’t on the way to any of India’s most popular sites. Although the location is remote, the property is at once a retreat and an adventure destination, offering culture, food, nature, wildlife, and wellness experiences, all tied to the local communities. The journey is well worth it.

Rooms

Each of the 38 freestanding rooms is built from natural materials, shaded by trees, and secluded among a private garden. Ranging between studios, pavilions, and villas, the rooms are comfortably furnished with details like a tub and a porch perfect for relaxing in the afternoon breeze.

Food & Drink

Woods at Sasan’s four on-site restaurants center on farm-to-table meals that use seasonal ingredients. Each of the dining experiences is thoughtfully designed, reflecting culture, wellness, and a sense of place.

Breakfast is an expansive spread featuring a buffet and to-order Indian specialties like dosa, parantha, and upma, along with fresh juices and teas. Book a multi-course lunch experience prepared by a local woman who specializes in the food traditions of this region of Gujarat, serving traditional curries, breads, and sweets.

Or enjoy a silent dinner beneath the stars, sampling unprocessed, nourishing foods, including sprouted moong salad and pumpkin and lentil stew cooked according to ancient Indian practices known as Sattvic.

Staff & Service

I spent most of my stay, which was part of an intentional weekend retreat with Regenerative Travel, feeling under the weather. Yet the staff went above and beyond to take care of me. Staying at a wellness-focused property while being ill isn’t ideal, but it is a fantastic way to experience their healing modalities, including wellness-focused food, tea, and herb-infused steam baths.

Amenities

From safaris in the Gir Forest searching for Asiatic lions to morning yoga among the garden, Woods at Sasan offers plenty to keep curious guests busy. 

Wake up early for guided bird walks, walk along the biotrail, and partake in daily cultural activities, including various art workshops. Explore the world of Ayurvedic wellness with oil massages, find balance with Reiki and individual sound healing sessions, or simply lounge in the pool or one of the shady reading areas across the property. Individualized wellness, cultural immersion, and nature-inspired adventures are at the heart of Woods, encouraging one to connect with this unique corner of Gujarat.