Crafting memorable stays

With its stunning beachfront locations and golden sands, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts offers an exceptional value-for-money vacation experience. With over a decade of expertise in the hospitality industry, the Group stands out by providing unique and memorable stays for families, groups and solo travellers alike. At the helm is Managing Director Shikhar Kumar who says that the Group was founded with the vision in mind to create a unique travel and hospitality company with the very best quality in both its benefits and services to its guests.  

Stone Wood distinguishes itself in the boutique hotel arena through an exceptional blend of affordability and luxury. Strategically situated across a spectrum of stunning locations from the tranquil beaches of Goa to the lush landscapes of Karnataka, the serene mountains of Himachal Pradesh, and the historic forts of Rajasthan, the properties are designed to cater to diverse travel preferences.  

“What sets us apart is our ability to offer upscale amenities at a value-for-money price point. We understand the needs of modern travellers and aim to provide a high-quality experience that doesn’t break the bank,” says Kumar. Each Stone Wood property is crafted with a unique design and a limited number of rooms, ensuring an exclusive and intimate stay. “Our approach combines luxury with affordability, allowing guests to enjoy a boutique experience with personalised service and comfort,” he adds.

Balancing affordability and excellence

Stone Wood masterfully strikes a balance between affordability and high-quality guest experiences by focusing on personalised service and diverse offerings. The company is dedicated to tailoring experiences for every type of traveller – whether it’s a romantic escape, a family vacation, a solo retreat or a friends’ getaway.

“We aim to deliver exceptional value while ensuring that every guest enjoys a high-quality stay. Our properties offer luxurious amenities for couples seeking intimacy, engaging activities for families, serene environments for solo travellers and vibrant social spaces for groups of friends,” explains Kumar. By prioritising personalised service and crafting experiences that cater to specific needs and preferences, Stone Wood ensures that guests receive both value and a memorable stay. This thoughtful approach allows the company to maintain its commitment to quality without compromising on affordability.

Stone Wood Nature Resort

Choosing new locations

Selecting new locations for a property involves a careful blend of popular tourist spots and undiscovered gems, says Kumar, adding, “We begin by identifying and scouting high-traffic destinations that draw significant numbers of travellers. But we also place a strong emphasis on uncovering hidden treasures, like Kumbhalgarh near Udaipur or Gokarna near Goa.”

This dual approach ensures that guests can enjoy the main attractions while also exploring lesser-known, yet equally enchanting areas. “Our goal is to offer travellers the best of both worlds, allowing them to experience renowned destinations and the unique charm of surrounding locales. This strategy enables us to provide distinctive and memorable stays that cater to diverse travel interests,” he shares.

Aralea Beach Resort

Commitment to authentic experiences

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts seamlessly integrates local culture and traditions into its properties through a thoughtful approach to design and service. “We focus on creating curated experiences that reflect the unique cultural essence of each location. Our packages are designed to immerse guests in local experiences, ensuring that their stay is deeply connected to the surrounding culture,” explains Kumar.

The company goes beyond design by employing local staff, fostering a more personalised and authentic connection between the guests and the community. “By hiring locally, we enhance the guest experience with genuine insights and interactions,” he adds.

This commitment extends to the F&B offerings as well by incorporating local and seasonal produce into its menus, enriching the culinary experience with authentic flavours. “Our goal is to provide an immersive experience that not only showcases the region’s culture but also supports local traditions and communities,” he shares.

Stone Wood Resort Mandrem

Pioneering sustainability in luxury hospitality

The Group is committed to sustainability through innovative practices that blend luxury with environmental responsibility. Each property is thoughtfully designed with a unique cottage-style concept, set amidst beautifully landscaped surroundings. “Our eco-friendly construction techniques, which use natural materials like stone, enhance the aesthetic appeal of our hotels while promoting sustainability,” explains the MD.

The focus on using natural materials not only contributes to the serene atmosphere of each property but also supports environmental conservation. The idea is to create a harmonious experience where luxury and nature coexist seamlessly. “Our commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of our identity. By integrating eco-friendly practices into our design and operations, we ensure our guests enjoy a luxurious experience that is also environmentally conscious. This dedication has established us as a leader in the affordable and sustainable luxury category,” he says.

Stone Wood Jungle Resort

Strategic growth for the next five years

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is poised for significant expansion over the next five years, building on its solid foundation of 16 locations across six states – Goa, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. With nine properties in Goa alone, including flagship sites like Aralea Beach Resort and Stone Wood Nature Resort, the company has rapidly developed its inventory since its inception in 2017.  

“Our growth strategy is focussed on venturing into unique and offbeat locations. We plan to add at least five new hotels each year, maintaining the momentum we achieved last year with six new openings. Of these new properties, one or two will be owned, while the remainder will be leased,” Kumar reveals.  

The company is also preparing to diversify its portfolio by developing city hotels, which will operate separately from the resort segment. “This strategic move will allow us to cater to different segments of travellers and broaden our market reach,” explains Kumar. By leveraging a mix of leasing and ownership, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts aims to enhance its footprint and continue delivering exceptional guest experiences across varied destinations.

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is gearing up for an exciting phase of growth with several new projects on the horizon. The company recently launched a boutique property in Kumbhalgarh and is eagerly anticipating the debut of a new 52-key property in South Goa.

Stone Wood Beach Resort