Sujan Jawai: The only Indian hotel to secure a spot in the World’s top 50 hotels in 2024
First Published Sep 20, 2024, 10:19 AM ISTSujan Jawai, an opulent safari camp located in Rajasthan, India, has been included in the world's top 50 hotels.
Sujan Jawai, an opulent safari camp located in Rajasthan, India, has been included in the world's top 50 hotels.
Rajasthan's Sujan Jawai has been named one of the world’s top fifty hotels, ranking 43rd on the prestigious list. Situated in Pali, a region renowned for leopard sightings, it is the only Indian hotel to receive this honour. The award was presented by 'The World's 50 Best Hotels' at Guildhall in London.
Jaisal Singh, who co-founded Sujan Jawai with his wife Anjali in 2013, expressed that their vision was to create a groundbreaking model for conservation tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities, rather than just establishing an exquisite safari camp. A passionate wildlife enthusiast and photographer, Singh emphasized that the goal was to combine the best of Indian hospitality with a strong commitment to preserving India’s wildlife.
The Sujan Jawai hotel, named after the seasonal Jawai River that flows through its grounds, is set in the heart of a private forest and wilderness area. Alongside luxurious tent accommodations, the hotel offers activities focused on wildlife and biodiversity exploration, led by expert naturalists, field guides, and trackers. Guests can embark on excursions to the nearby Jawai Leopard Sanctuary and visit the Jawai Dam, which is home to numerous crocodiles and migratory birds.
Sujan Jawai stands out for its genuine commitment to empowering local communities and promoting sustainable tourism. The hotel’s owners also manage a property in Ranthambore, and the revenue generated from both locations is reinvested into the local community, which is crucial for conserving native species and their habitats.
In addition to operating a mobile primary healthcare service, Sujan Jawai has adopted ten local schools to improve educational opportunities for 5,000 children. The hoteliers also spearhead rewilding initiatives that transform farmland back into wilderness, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance.
The "World's 50 Best Hotels" are chosen based on insights from anonymous voters worldwide, including travel writers, hoteliers, and seasoned travel professionals. A total of 600 voters contributed to the compilation of this prestigious list. Notable hotels featured alongside Sujan Jawai include Capella Bangkok (ranked first), Cheval Blanc in Paris, Raffles Singapore, Aman Tokyo, The Lana in Dubai, and Le Bristol in Paris, among others.