Goa-based Stone Wood Hotels is entering the luxury wildlife resort segment with a new brand called Vanntalya. The first property, a 20-room boutique resort in Jawai, Rajasthan, is due to open in November. Construction has started on a second Vanntalya resort in Tadoba, expected around the same time next year. The company is looking at Kanha, Pench and Sasan Gir for later sites. Managing Director Shikhar Kumar shared the plan in an interview with ETHospitalityWorld.
Stone Wood plans at least four Vanntalya properties over the next couple of years. It has bought land in some target destinations and is finalising deals in others. A small room count lets the brand offer personal service, which is what high-spending safari guests pay for. The company also has two hotels coming up in Himachal Pradesh, a 70-room Ramada by Wyndham in Barog and a 100-room hotel in Chail. It plans to invest about ₹100 crore in hotel development over the next couple of years.
Our view is that Stone Wood gains a higher-rate product, while independent lodges in Jawai and Tadoba face a new rival for the same small pool of luxury guests. Wildlife tourism in India is seasonal, so a 20-room resort depends on peak-season rates and access to safaris. The coverage does not say how Vanntalya will secure safari slots, which many tiger reserves cap. Mid-market groups that move into luxury have often found that guest trust takes years to build at higher prices. We predict the Jawai resort will open by the end of December 2026, and that Stone Wood will name a third Vanntalya site within 12 months. Confidence: medium.
This is important for our readers because luxury wildlife stays are drawing new operators, and that will push up land and staff costs near parks. If you run a lodge in Jawai or Tadoba, compare your service and rates with the new entrant this week. If you sell safari holidays, ask Stone Wood for opening rates and permit support before you package winter trips. If you train naturalists or hospitality staff, contact the company about hiring for the Jawai opening.
Sources:
ETHospitalityWorld, 30 Oct 2026
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