Kabini, India
KAAV Safari Lodge, Kabini
Stilted safari lodge
Stilted safari lodge
Seven stilted rooms border the forest. Days begin with dawn game drives and end around the open bamboo lounge.
What it’s good at
Notable
Stilted timber and canvas pavilions display custom lighting with turned Channapatna lacquer rings.
Notable
Dedicated safari concierges coordinate wildlife drives and arrange lantern-lit forest dinners.
Notable
Guided coracle rides on the Kabini River, with dinners centered on plantation-grown ragi.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The word ‘immersive’ hardly captures the jungle-luxe ambience at Kaav Safari Lodge, on the banks of the Kabini.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On the fringes of Nagarhole National Park, set beneath banyans near the Kabini backwaters.
The rooms
Canvas luxury tents have freestanding bathtubs and verandahs over the forest. The standalone Kariya Suite has its own plunge pool.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The infinity-edge pool has cement plaster finishes and a granite deck shaded by hanging banyan roots.
At the table
Veranda tables sit under woven lanterns, serving daily rotating menus and open-fire barbecues beside the forest.
How it began
Architect Tony Joseph adapted a two-storey forest guest house, keeping the original footprint to avoid disturbing the surrounding tiger habitat.
Kabini
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.