If you’re dreaming of a wedding that is intimate, then it doesn’t mean it can’t be incredibly luxe. A curated guest list will allow you to personalise everything to the T, from bespoke menus and meaningful décor to thoughtful rituals and immersive guest experiences. When the scale is smaller, weddings become more intentional and indulgent. And if you’re planning a celebration like this, one that’s pared down but purposeful for picking every flower and flavour, then your big day won’t just be a celebration but an unforgettable experience for you and your wedding party.
This is why Araqila Resort by SaffronStays emerges as the picture-perfect setting for a celebration that is low-key yet elevated. Set against a picturesque canvas where the Sahyadris slope into the Arabian Sea, the property offers an awe-inspiring backdrop that sets the tone for a destination wedding that’s breathtaking, beautiful and bespoke.
A sanctuary where mountains meet the sea
Tucked away in Aravali, Sindhudurg and just 45 minutes from MOPA Airport, Araqila by SaffronStays feels like a hidden gem. Spread across 55 acres, its contemporary architecture draws inspiration from Sindhudurg’s ancient sea forts, resulting in an understated design language. The structure blends into the setting rather than rising above it, letting the surrounding wilderness be the showstopper.
At every turn, panoramic views stretch from the verdant folds of the Sahyadris to the shimmering Arabian Sea. The estate’s walking trails meander through forested pathways and the open-air decks capture the changing colours of the coastline. It’s impossible not to pause, breathe deeper and feel the sense of belonging the property is built upon. If you’re dreaming of an idyllic wedding, this harmony between nature, design and emotion is a rare gift.
The spaces
Araqila’s thoughtfully-planned layout offers a range of spaces that adapt effortlessly to each ritual of an Indian wedding. Imagine a vibrant ceremony on the expansive sea-facing lawns, where a mandap drenched in marigolds stands out against the coastal sun. The vastness of the horizon will become part of the ceremony, giving the pheras a photographic quality. As evening arrives, the same lawns can transform into a glamorous sangeet arena, adorned with twinkling lights, a live stage, dance floor and the sky as your canopy. Planning a colourful mehndi? The poolside deck is ideal for an afternoon of breezy laughter, vibrant décor and sunlit candid moments.
Each space overlooks the sea, making every frame a photographer’s dream. From candid stolen glances to grand group moments, every angle here is effortlessly Instagrammable. Whether it’s a welcome lunch, an after-party or a quiet morning ceremony, the property’s multiple indoor-outdoor sections allow weddings to flow seamlessly across moods and moments.
The stays
Hosting 50–60 guests feels effortless at Araqila, thanks to its 25 sea-facing suites thoughtfully distributed across the estate. Each suite is minimal yet elegant, with warm wood accents, earthy tones and contemporary comforts that allow you and your guests to unwind between celebrations. Different categories of rooms make it easy to organise groups, friends can stay closer to the pool, families nearer to the central lawns and elders in easily accessible wings.
For the couple, the Premier Sea View Room is the perfect sanctuary. With sweeping vistas of the Arabian Sea, private sit-outs and sunrise views, it becomes a romantic cocoon where special moments can be savoured amid the wedding whirlwind. The suites’ design is calming and uncluttered, making them ideal not just for relaxation but also for bridal dressing, photo sessions and the morning-of rituals that often become cherished memories.
Warm hospitality
The soul of Araqila lies in its hospitality. The dedicated team on-site works closely with each couple to craft your dream wedding. From curating customised menus featuring regional Malvani flavours to tailoring multi-cuisine feasts, the culinary team ensures every meal feels like a celebration of its own.
Service is attentive yet unobtrusive, giving you and your guests the sense of being cared for without ever feeling overwhelmed. The team also helps with vendor recommendations, coordination, logistics planning and on-ground execution, making the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
Beyond the wedding
Araqila offers a world of experiences that elevate the days surrounding the wedding into a true retreat. Your guests can begin mornings with serene yoga sessions overlooking the sea or enjoy Malvani cooking classes that introduce them to the robust flavours of the Konkan coast. Forested nature trails, guided beach walks and leisurely high-tea rituals at scenic spots encourage guests to slow down and savour the environment. For couples, a breakfast-in-bed moment on the morning after the wedding becomes a tender, unforgettable pause before stepping into married life.
For more information:
Araqila Resort by SaffronStays
www.SaffronStays.com
