Boutique Hotels with a Soul

In conversation with Yeshwantrao Holkar of Ahilya and Jimmy Patel of Aaramness on the lasting charm of standalone properties

- Vaishali Kolpe Sabherwal

At a time when towering skyscraper hotels dominate skylines the world over, a more subdued, personal form of hospitality is gaining ground at a slow yet steady pace. This one values intimacy over large scale, personal touch over standardised service, and creating memories over novelty. It’s the humble, yet character-rich Boutique Hotel, often housed in historic spaces, that offers not just a bed and a stocked minibar, but a prolific narrative woven into its every courtyard, verandah or an exclusive meal specially curated for the in-house guests. Ahilya in Maheshwar, MP, spearheaded by Prince Richard Holkar and his son, Yeshwantrao Holkar, and Aaramness in Gir, Gujarat, by entrepreneur Jimmy Patel are two such examples of boutique properties that might show up as rare gems on your travel explore feed, popularised by an inner circle of those in the know, and yet be

Ahilya Fort Heritage Hotel