Woods At Sasan Honors Padma Shri Award Winner & Social Activist Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi

April 2023- With mindfulness and wellbeing as the guiding spirit behind their offerings, Woods At Sasan, a wellbeing retreat in the Sasan Gir Forest of Gujarat, is the first of its kind in India - a retreat based on biophilic design principles and grounded in sustainable practices.

With a belief in showcasing the destination and their culture, Woods At Sasan, a flagship venture by 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts stands as the pioneers of a sustainable system of hospitality that provides value to the community.

As part of this philosophy forward, 1000 Island felicitates Hirbai Ibrahim Lobi, a member of the Siddi tribe of Jambur village in Gir Somnath, who has been honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award by the Government of India. for her dedicated service towards the upliftment and development of the Siddi tribal community. Through this ceremony, Woods At Sasan honours the journey of a notable social activist of the Sasan community followed by a plantation activity showcasing the implementation of the desired progressive society.

Hirbai hails from the Siddi tribe of African origin living in Jambur village near the Gir forest in Gujarat. The women of the Siddi community depended on cutting firewood for their livelihood, but Hirbhai has supported the women in her community and has spent a major part of her life for the upliftment of Siddi tribal women and the education of their children.

With her campaign to make women self-reliant by joining various organizations, Hirabai so far has taught more than 700 women and children on how to balance the finances of life. In addition, she has also established Mahila Vikas Foundation in the year 2004 and worked tirelessly to make Siddi women self-reliant.

With Woods At Sasan, Hirabai has curated innovative and compassionate social programs to bring society forward , uplifting them and focusing on their development and livelihood.

“Hirabai's exceptional dedication and tireless efforts towards the community is an embodiment of the human spirit. Her unwavering commitment towards bringing positive changes in the upliftment of society is an inspiration to us all. 1000 Island Hotels and Resorts Private Limited feels honored to felicitate Hirbaiben for her outstanding contribution, which has left an indelible mark on the community, and serves as a shining example of selflessness and compassion.”

Maulik Bhagat, Founder & MD, 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts.

About Woods At Sasan

A modern retreat inside the Sasan Gir forest in Gujarat, Woods At Sasan by 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts, is a biophilic paradise set among 16 acres of mango orchard and lush forest, our retreat offers best-in-class well-being programming through a slow, sustainable, nature immersed lifestyle. With a blend of pared down and eco-conscious architecture designed to enhance interaction with nature, Woods At Sasan encourages self-exploration in a tranquil and serene atmosphere. SOM, the wellbeing chapter by 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts offers best in wellbeing programming and is created to honor a way of life that harmonizes mind, body and soul through a range of time honoured, evidence based eastern philosophies to promote a new path towards sustainable life habits through a modern expression. Through SOM wellbeing, we incorporate the practices of Ayurveda, yoga and meditation and sattvic nutrition along with nature expeditions and experiences. With Nature and Birding trails and culture and culinary immersions, Woods At Sasan offers a Destination First approach that brings alive the world of Sasan Gir.

Recognized as the best “Hotel Design of the Year” by Destination Deluxe Awards 2022, “Best Luxury Boutique Resort- Gujarat” by LUXlife’s Travel & Tourism Awards 2023, and “Best in Architectural Design Wellness (Spa, Yoga and Retreat)” by LIV Hospitality Awards 2022, Woods At Sasan has pioneered a sustainable system of hospitality that offers luxury wellbeing services based on observation, active engagement, learning, implementation and design.

1000 Island Hotels & Resorts is a forward-thinking and creative hub which architects retreats that enable joy, well-being and thoughtfulness. We design hospitality with meaning and hope. Inspiring meaningful choices, living environments and a positive lifestyle for all. With a pursuit of enabling destinations, 1000 Island Hotels & Resorts creates sustainable built environments and inclusive experiences to influence people all around us, across varied contexts. Fuelled by a passion to serve, our endeavour is a way of life.

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