Tucked away in the quiet Tipeshwar Forest Reserve in Maharashtra, Tipai offers a rare blend of nature and thoughtful design. It’s a place where every detail reflects harmony with the environment and an appreciation for regional heritage. For those looking to take a break from daily life, Tipai provides an immersive experience—inviting guests to explore untouched wilderness while enjoying the comforts of personalized hospitality.
Founded by entrepreneur Keyur Joshi, co-founder of MakeMyTrip, and complemented by the culinary genius of Chef Amninder Sandhu, Tipai seamlessly blends eco-conscious luxury and cultural authenticity.
“Hospitality could be redefined in the 21st century, especially in the context of India and Indians. Hospitality was largely confused with opulence, and a luxury hotel experience had to have elements of opulence. Today, we seek a holiday more for an experience and not sheer opulence,” says Keyur Joshi.
Stretching across 34 acres of untouched wilderness, Tipai is cocooned on the fringes of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The retreat is an ode to sustainable design and has four bio-pool villas and ten forest villas, each meticulously designed by Ariane Thakore Ginwala, Tipai’s principal designer.
“My inspiration stemmed from the founder’s vision of extreme localisation. My design direction was guided by the principle of conscious luxury, which emphasizes the importance of sustainability and community engagement,” Ariane shares.
Her mandate was clear – source locally and work with expert craftspeople for the villas to expres rustic minimalism with a modern twist. The roofs are made from kulhad clay pots to maintain natural cooling, while raw materials from the forest are repurposed into unique décor elements. The villas are strategically nestled amidst clusters of greenery and each features expansive verandas, open-air bathrooms -a testament to how luxury can exist in harmony with nature.
Keyur is committed to offer three things at Tipai – localisation, personalisation, and sustainability.
He shares, “We integrated localisation in all elements of our offering. It was a mission to train local staff and bring them to the highest level of professionalism rather than look for professional staff from outside. Personalisation is not just about talking. We cater to our guests’ demands rather than have the guests follow our schedule. On the other hand, personalising a trip to meet the guest’s objective is critical. Finally, sustainability is a journey and not a destination and we hope to innovate continuously to make our offering not only sustainable but beneficial to the environment.”
Beyond the architectural aesthetics, Tipai’s design reflects its commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.
We discuss if luxury can be mindful. “Conscious luxury can be aesthetically pleasing, and also sustainable, responsible, and community-driven. From an architectural aesthetics perspective, conscious luxury involves using local and natural materials, incorporating traditional craftsmanship, and designing spaces that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. It’s about celebrating the local culture and environment, while also providing a refined and comfortable stay for guests.”
Dining at Tipai is an experience in itself. As Founding Partner of Tipai’s dining experiences, Chef Amninder Sandhu partners has built a workforce that recruits mostly from the neighbouring village. This advocate for hyperlocal dining shares, “Due to their limited professional kitchen experience, I help break down complex tasks into manageable steps, provide demonstrations, and offer continuous feedback and encouragement.”
Each restaurant on the property offers a unique take on conscious dining:
Expect dishes cooked on open fires and prepared with gasless techniques. Each plate is a poetic tribute to regional flavors, brought to life with Chef Sandhu’s signature flair and focus on sustainability.
Picture this: mutton kakori kebabs cooked over an open flame, beetroot kebabs paired with wild orange crema from Nagpur oranges, and jackfruit dum biryani, all slow-cooked in handcrafted handis nestled in hot sand. Each dish, from smoky grills to slow-cooked heirloom recipes, is layered with skill and tradition. Presented on brass thaals, dining at Talaabwali feels like a culinary homecoming.
Each meal at Tipai isn’t just food—it’s a story of the land, the season, and the people who nurture it.
Tipai isn’t simply a place to stay; it’s positioning itself as a portal to the wild. Guests can embark on expertly guided safaris through the Tipeshwar Forest. For those seeking a deeper connection to the land, Tipai offers:
Each activity is designed to help guests reconnect with nature in an immersive and meaningful way.
Tipai’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its architecture and dining. From achieving a dramatic reduction in single-use plastics to supporting local artisans, the retreat aims for eco-conscious luxury. The rammed-earth villas, museum-grade art installations by local artists, and its dedication to preserving the Tipeshwar region’s biodiversity showcase its harmonious relationship with the environment.
Additionally, Tipai generates economic opportunities for the surrounding communities, partnering with locals to create handcrafted elements and sharing the region’s cultural stories through its experiences. It’s a model for tourism that gives back as much as it takes.
“Our goal was to create something extraordinary—where sustainability meets thoughtful personalization,” explains Keyur Joshi, founder of Tipai. “Every experience here is unique, and every detail reflects our commitment to the environment and our guests.”
This ethos resonates throughout Tipai, from its eco-friendly villas to its hyperlocal dining experiences. Whether you’re savoring a slow-cooked jackfruit biryani, enjoying a tiger safari, or relaxing in a handcrafted villa, every moment is steeped in authenticity and purpose.
“Every forest has a story and every forest dweller has a story – it’s reflected in what we offer,” shares Keyur.
Location: Tipai, near Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
How to Get There: 3 hour drive from Nagpur Airport to Tipai Wildlife Luxuries
Website: www.wildlifeluxuries.com; Full board package for 2 nights starts from Rs 1,29,999 + taxes (applicable till December 2024)
