Ilora Retreats - Owner's Story

There are places in the world where nature takes centre stage, and others where comfort defines the experience. Rarely do the two exist in perfect harmony. But in the heart of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Ilora Retreats has achieved exactly that: a sanctuary where the untamed wilderness and refined luxury live side by side.

Envisioned by Alankar Chandra, Ilora was never about building a hotel. It was about creating an experience — one where the vast savannah becomes part of your rhythm, where the call of wildlife replaces alarms, and where barefoot comfort meets the thrill of the wild.

When he first encountered the site in 2019, it was nothing more than a modest budget camp on a long-term lease. But the location was extraordinary: right between wilderness and wildlife, a place where every sunrise revealed the purest essence of the Mara. The vision was clear.

“I wanted to create a space where luxury meets nature,” he recalls. “A retreat that allowed guests to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the outdoors, without compromising on modern comforts.”

The transformation began in 2023 — a complete reinvention that turned simplicity into sophistication, while keeping the spirit of the wilderness intact.

Natural stone, wood, and woven textures formed the foundation of Ilora’s design. Circular layouts mirrored the circle of life, while expansive verandas opened onto endless savannah views. Each tent became not just a place to stay, but a portal into nature itself.

Far from a conventional hotelier, the path here was unconventional. With an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, his career began in banking and consulting, before passion pulled him elsewhere. By 2016, he had left the corporate world to launch Wild Voyager, a safari company that grew into a multinational enterprise.

Through years of guiding travellers across East Africa, one lesson became clear: people long for authenticity. Guests sought not just adventure, but meaningful connections with the land and its wildlife. Ilora Retreats became the natural evolution — a way to merge his love for wildlife photography with the refined hospitality knowledge gained through thousands of guest experiences.

Ilora is defined not just by what it offers, but by what it protects. Of the camp’s 30-acre site, 95% remains wild and forested. The gym is electricity-free, the spa uses organic products, and the camp’s design treads lightly on the earth. “Looking back, I wish I had woven sustainability even more deeply from the start. Today, it’s at the heart of everything we do.”

Beyond the property itself, Ilora actively contributes to conservation and community. Guests can meet rangers protecting predators, visit local schools, and engage with initiatives that safeguard both habitats and people. To stay at Ilora is to participate in something larger — helping preserve the delicate balance of the Mara for future generations.

Every corner of Ilora carries a piece of the owner’s journey. Wildlife photographs taken on his own safaris hang in the suites, while locally crafted artwork celebrates the region’s culture.

“I wanted the camp to feel deeply personal, not just a place to stay, but a place that speaks to the land and the people.”

The viewing deck overlooking the savannah is a personal favourite — a front-row seat to the rhythm of life in the Mara. Equally cherished are the private game-drive villas, offering guests their own slice of wilderness with the utmost seclusion.

Already awarded for Luxury Retreats and Sustainable Tourism, Ilora stands as a model for how boutique hospitality can tread lightly while delivering world-class service. But this is just the beginning. Plans are underway to expand wellness offerings, add more cultural immersion, and deepen renewable energy initiatives. A personal project — a photo book of the Mara — is also on the horizon.

So, why do guests choose Ilora? For some, it’s the thrill of the safari. For others, the promise of indulgence in the wild. But for most, it’s the balance: an intimate connection with nature, experienced without sacrificing comfort.

As the owner reflects, success lies in the details — in creating an atmosphere that feels like home, yet still surprises with its authenticity. “It’s not just about meeting expectations, but exceeding them — in every way possible.”

At Ilora Retreats, luxury doesn’t separate you from the wild. It brings you closer.