This Luxury Resort In Sasan Gir Comes With Private Villas, Lion Safaris & Lakeside Views

If there's one getaway I'd revisit in a heartbeat this year, it has to be Araiya in Sasan Gir. Let me tell you why. It's rare to find a place that offers both raw wilderness and true luxury without overpowering one another, but Araiya Gir nails it.

The journey itself sets the tone for what's to come. A quick 1-hour flight from Mumbai to Diu, followed by a scenic two-hour drive through Gujarat's countryside. We couldn't resist stopping by for fresh strawberries, mango pulp, and aam papad along the way, because why rush when the journey is this beautiful?

Araiya Gir features 48 private villas spread across the property, each designed to offer unmatched serenity. There are 20 villas with lakeside views and 28, half of which have private pools, while the others feature private gardens. Our stay was in a Lake Villa that overlooked the most calming stretch of water. The 830-square-foot space was 'quite luxurious and elegant' at its peak, with a design that let the lake views take centre stage.

If you ask me what truly won me over, it was the bathroom. It was spacious with the best mirror and an open shower that made every morning feel like a spa experience. The villa's layout is thoughtful too, as we were closest to the restaurant, gym, and the indoor game area that houses snooker, foosball, table tennis, and chess.

Talking about the place where we dined, the resort's restaurant - it's expansive, accommodating several guests comfortably for lunch and dinner buffets. But here's a tip: don't skip ordering from their menu! We called for cheese chilli toast, a Margherita pizza, and some mac and cheese one afternoon, and it was such a great decision. The food here deserves its own spotlight, especially the Kathiyawadi thali that features almost 18 items. From perfectly cooked bajra roti and baingan bharta to delicious kadhi and mirchi vada, every bite was authentic and wholesome. Thanks to that meal, I slept like a baby!

Outside, there's a huge pool for those who want to take a dip. The property itself is designed to make you slow down, breathe, and simply be.

While the resort is worth visiting for its sheer ambience and luxury, Araiya Gir offers curated experiences that make your stay even more memorable.

The highlight for us was the visit to the Somnath Temple. There's a zero-phone policy at the temple, and honestly, that time spent is now etched in our minds forever. We also made special requests to visit Triveni Sangam, Bhalka Mandir, Geeta Mandir, and Ban Ganga, all of which were nearby and added a spiritual depth to the trip.

Back at the resort, we were treated to the Siddi Dhamaal Fire Dance, an ancient tribal performance passed down through generations in the Siddi community. For 45 minutes, we watched their mesmerising movements accompanied by heavy drums and flames that lit up the night.

For nature lovers, the Hireneshwar River Nature Trail is a must-do. We set out early in the morning with our naturalist, Mr Hitesh, binoculars in hand and a whole lot of excitement. Almost immediately, we spotted two sleeping Spotted Owlets, and the trail continued to surprise us with sightings of birds like Iora, Common Rosefinch, Purple Sunbird, Kingfisher, Woodpecker, Purple Heron, and more. We suggest that if you're planning to do this, carry a small bag with light snacks, a water bottle, and a handkerchief. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid littering.

But if there's one experience that left us absolutely fascinated, it was the Devalia Park Gypsy Safari. We went around 5 PM with Mr Hitesh and a local guide, who made the entry and lion spotting seamless. Luck was truly on our side as the day we planned the safari, our guide had been informed of two beautiful male lions who were brothers. Watching them awake and active was a sight to behold. Such majestic, powerful creatures!

Mr Hitesh also shared fascinating insights, such as how the last census in March 2025 recorded 95,000 spotted deer and 891 lions, of which just 196 were males. We also spotted seven leopards, a lot of deer, and antelopes during the safari. This was the kind of experience that stays with you long after you've left.

A two-to three-day stay works beautifully if you want a mix of relaxation and exploration. The key is not to over-schedule because Araiya Gir is meant to be savoured, not rushed through.

If you're a lover of nature, luxury, and meaningful experiences, Araiya Gir is where you need to be. Trust me, you'll leave wanting to return before the year even ends. It is the kind of place where even if you choose to do absolutely nothing, you won't feel like you're missing out.