SaffronStays unveils Araqila, a modern-day fortress in Sindhudurg

This milestone signals a new chapter in Indian hospitality, as SaffronStays ventures into the boutique luxury hotel space, with an idea to unlock hidden gems like Sindhudurg on the world map..

With Araqila, SaffronStays introduces a bold and beautiful modern-day fortress, rooted in the cultural heartland of Arawali, Sindhudurg. Just 45 minutes from Goa’s MOPA airport, Araqila sits on the edge of the untouched Konkan coastline. It’s not a place that asks for attention. It simply exists, rooted in salt, stone, and memory. Marking SaffronStays’ foray into the boutique retreat space, this unveiling also reintroduces Sindhudurg to the discerning traveller.

Araqila is born from familiarity, not fantasy. It comes from a family that belongs to the land, bearing deep ancestral ties to the region. Spread across 55 acres of pristine coastal estate, this retreat follows the slope of the earth, becoming one with the Konkan forts that stood the test of time.

Nestled in the region that hasn’t yet traded its quiet for convenience, Araqila has no televisions, no distractions. Just the sea, the rustle of the trees, and the occasional stillness that asks you to listen. The name Araqila is derived from a fusion of ‘Ara’ (Arawali) and ‘Qila’ (fort), symbolizing a protective yet peaceful sanctuary. Inside, 25 sea-facing suites embody quiet minimalism, with winding walkways and an aesthetic rooted in restraint. Beyond the suites, an open-air amphitheatre and an untouched beach continue the retreat’s rhythm, blending effortlessly into the natural landscape.

The food speaks to the local tongue with fresh catch, Malvani spices, and ingredients that haven’t travelled far. The land sustains what it serves. Built with a low ecological footprint, Araqila supports native plantations and works closely with local farmers and fisherfolk. This is where slow living makes sense again. For birthdays, anniversaries, or new beginnings, gifting this curated stay makes the perfect present for loved ones who value experiences over excess.

“Araqila is a much-needed escape from the velocity of everyday life. I come from this region (Sindhudurg), and it’s always puzzled me, ‘why has Sindhudurg, with all its beauty and depth, remained so overlooked?’ This is my honest and sincere attempt to change that. To put Sindhudurg on the world map of luxury tourism.  Araqila is not just a retreat, it’s a return, a contemporary sea fort, perhaps what the naval geniuses of the Maratha Swaraj would have envisioned in our times. Over the last decade, we’ve helped redefine Indian vacations. In our next chapter, we want to bring unsung destinations like this to the world stage. The Araqilas of the world deserve to be seen, celebrated, and preserved.” shares Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays.

With Araqila, SaffronStays continues to curate experiences that feel like they’ve always been there, inviting travellers not to stay, but to see differently. To return, not just visit.

SaffronStays’ foray into Boutique Retreat Space

For the first decade of SaffronStays, we were laser-focused on bringing India’s private homes and villas into the vacation spotlight – personal, intimate, deeply local. But Araqila marked the beginning of something even bigger. This wasn’t just a home, it was a dream built like a fortress, steeped in the soul of its land. We realized that there are extraordinary properties across India that defy the cookie-cutter mold of luxury hospitality, places that deserve to be celebrated for their individuality.

While traditional hotel chains offer consistency through established brand standards, these frameworks can sometimes overlook the nuances of local culture and context. In doing so, there’s a risk of diluting the very essence that makes a place special. Boutique resorts like Araqila, however, are rooted in the heart and soul of their land. They are designed to honour and celebrate local traditions, cuisine, language, art, and architecture, creating an experience that is both luxurious and deeply authentic, while still retaining the consistency of service standards that a brand offers.

That’s when we recognized something important: boutique resorts and retreats like Araqila thrive best when they retain their unique identity, guided by aligned partners who understand their spirit. They need collaboration, not conformity. That’s where SaffronStays comes in, not as a hotel chain, not as a sales agency, but as a true collaborator. Araqila is a blueprint for a future where India’s untold destinations and hidden treasures become global icons of soulful luxury. This is not a pivot – it’s the natural evolution of our purpose.

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