FOREST GEM

A fortuitous meeting of LIKE-MINDED CREATIVES led to the development of a TRANQUIL, village-like retreat in INDIA’S GIR NATIONAL PARK.

- LEANA CLUNIES - ROSS

A FRENETIC, BUSTLING STREET IN RURAL INDIA, a turn down a winding wooded dirt road leads to a plain gate with a sandstone sign simply stating, “Aramness Gir National Park”. Past the gate, on either side of the driveway that leads to a hamlet, is an edible garden, fruit orchards and re-wilded meadows, where water buffalo and spotted deer (chital) wander through to a communal watering hole.

The concept came about five years ago, when Gujarati businessman and conservation-conscious wildlife photographer Jimmy Patel connected with Debra Fox and Chris Browne of Fox Browne Creative, and architect Nick Plewman. Standing on what was then an open piece of land, surrounded by natural teak forest full of birds and game, the newly assembled team came up with the name: aram, meaning peace/rest; and ness, the name for local villages.

The imposing antique wooden doors of a