A Tropical Fantasy, Born in the Heart of Karjat
Between the mist-laden peaks of the Western Ghats and the quiet rhythm of Takave village lies a sanctuary unlike any other — Tiki Farms. This tropical escape brings the mystique of the South Pacific to India’s heartland. Here, nature hums in harmony with design, and every palm-fringed path whispers of distant islands and ancient gods.
To most, Karjat is a weekend destination — a countryside dotted with farms and hill views. But to the creators of Tiki Farms, it was a blank canvas waiting for a story. A story of tropical escapism, Polynesian mythology, and Indian warmth, all interwoven to form a resort that feels transported from another world yet deeply rooted in local culture.
Tiki Farms isn’t just a property; it’s an experience — one that celebrates the idea of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and living the island life without ever leaving the mainland.
The Vision: Where Imagination Met Earth
The idea of Tiki Farms began not in a boardroom, but as a dream of transformation. Its founder, Sitanshu Singh, envisioned a place that would capture the carefree spirit of the tropics and reimagine it in India’s own backyard. The mission was simple yet profound: to create a space where guests could disconnect from city life and reconnect with joy, nature, and simplicity.
Drawing inspiration from the post-war Tiki culture that emerged in mid-century America — where Polynesian art, music, and décor symbolised escape and celebration — Sitanshu and his team sought to reinterpret that nostalgia in an Indian context. But this wasn’t about imitation. It was about reinterpretation with respect — honouring Polynesian symbolism while blending it seamlessly with Indian craftsmanship and hospitality.
They found the perfect home in Karjat — a lush, fertile valley surrounded by mountains, rivers, and mango orchards. What once was an undeveloped farmland slowly evolved into a luxury eco-resort — a living, breathing story told through architecture, art, and nature.
A Dialogue Between Cultures: The Soul of Tiki
To understand Tiki Farms, one must first understand Tiki itself. In Polynesian mythology, Tiki is believed to be the first man, a symbol of creation and connection with nature. Over centuries, the carved wooden Tiki figures became guardians of life, fertility, and good fortune, often placed at entrances to protect the land and its people.
At Tiki Farms, these Tiki idols aren’t mere ornaments; they’re spiritual storytellers. Each statue on the property has been hand-crafted by local artisans, inspired by Polynesian design but sculpted in Indian wood, linking two worlds of artistry. They stand as silent protectors, reminding guests that luxury doesn’t have to distance itself from spirituality or nature.
The resort’s design philosophy celebrates this cultural fusion — Polynesian spirit meets Indian soul. Every curve, carving, and colour tells a tale of craftsmanship, symbolism, and respect for the natural world.
Architecture Rooted in Nature
From the moment you enter, Tiki Farms invites you to step out of reality and into a storybook. The architecture reflects a perfect harmony between aesthetic appeal and ecological sensitivity.
- Thatched-roof cottages and bamboo-lined pathways give an authentic island vibe while keeping interiors naturally cool.
- The open-air courtyards and verandas blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to feel the rhythm of the wind and the scent of wet earth after rain.
- Locally sourced materials — stone, laterite, cane, bamboo, and wood — replace artificial finishes. Even the lighting is soft and warm, designed to mimic the golden glow of a tropical sunset.
Every detail, from the hand-woven rattan lamps to the murals of ocean waves, is meticulously curated to make guests feel as if they’ve been transported to the Pacific — yet still very much in Karjat.
It’s this interplay between the exotic and the familiar that defines Tiki Farms’ design philosophy: global inspiration, local execution.
The People Behind the Paradise
While the design captures attention, it’s the people who breathe life into the place. The staff at Tiki Farms aren’t just employees — they’re storytellers, caretakers, and hosts who embody the warmth of Indian hospitality.
Many members of the team hail from nearby villages like Kadav and Takave, having been trained in-house in hospitality, gardening, and maintenance. This focus on local employment empowers the community while ensuring that the resort’s operations stay authentic to its surroundings.
Collaborations with regional artisans bring character to every corner — from terracotta décor to hand-carved wooden furniture. Even the aromatic oils used in guest cottages are locally produced blends of hibiscus, lemongrass, coconut, and jasmine — small details that make the Tiki experience sensory, soulful, and sustainable.
Sustainable Luxury: A Promise in Practice
At Tiki Farms, luxury and sustainability aren’t competing ideas — they coexist gracefully. The resort follows a series of eco-friendly practices that reflect its commitment to the land it calls home.
- Architecture with conscience: Natural ventilation, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving fixtures minimise the carbon footprint.
- Farm-to-table philosophy: Many ingredients served at the resort’s restaurant, Mai Kai, are sourced from local farms, including seasonal produce and herbs from Tiki’s own gardens.
- Waste reduction: Segregation, composting, and minimal plastic usage are daily norms.
- Landscaping with purpose: Indigenous plants attract butterflies and birds, while reducing irrigation needs.
This conscious approach makes Tiki Farms one of the best eco-resorts near Mumbai and Pune, offering travellers guilt-free indulgence — where every comfort is balanced by responsibility.
Culinary Soul: The Mai Kai Experience
No tropical paradise is complete without a vibrant culinary story, and at Tiki Farms, that story unfolds at Mai Kai, the signature restaurant. Named after the iconic Tiki bar in Fort Lauderdale, Mai Kai celebrates the art of island dining.
Guests are welcomed by the fragrance of grilled pineapple and fresh herbs as the air hums with gentle island music. The menu is a reflection of fusion done right — a dialogue between tropical flavours and Indian sensibilities. Think coconut-milk curries, chargrilled seafood, mango-infused desserts, and handcrafted cocktails garnished with flowers and palm leaves.
Each dish tells a tale of freshness and creativity, complemented by a beverage list that pays homage to classic Tiki cocktails — Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, and custom rum punches — all elevated with a local twist.
At night, when the torches glow and the crickets take over the soundtrack, Mai Kai becomes the beating heart of the resort — where conversations linger and time seems to slow.
Experiences that Redefine Escape
What makes Tiki Farms special isn’t just its design or cuisine — it’s the way it invites you to live differently. Days here move to a slower rhythm, governed by sunlight, laughter, and the occasional splash of a pool dive.
- Morning yoga on the Easter Lawns welcomes the sunrise through misty mango trees.
- River walks and cycling trails lead you into the untouched beauty of the Karjat countryside.
- Families gather for games, bonfires, and storytelling sessions under starlit skies.
- For couples, the resort transforms into a romantic retreat, with private dinners, spa treatments, and secluded nooks for quiet connection.
Every activity — from farm tours to pottery sessions — is designed not just for recreation but for reconnection: with self, with loved ones, and with nature.
It’s this emotional resonance that makes Tiki Farms more than a resort — it’s a feeling you carry long after you leave.
The Expansion of a Dream
The Tiki Farms journey is just beginning. Phase 2 envisions a new chapter: 48 Super Deluxe Rooms, 16 Luxury Cottage Rooms, a Banquet Hall, Wellness Spa, Farm Shop, and a Business Centre for intimate meetings and retreats.
Each addition will stay true to the core philosophy — sustainable materials, tropical design, and sensory detail. The upcoming Wellness Centre will focus on holistic rejuvenation — blending traditional Indian therapies with Polynesian spa rituals. The Banquet Hall will host destination weddings framed by palm trees and open skies. At the same time, the Farm Shop will offer local produce, handmade crafts, and organic souvenirs — extending the Tiki ethos beyond the resort.
Through each new layer, the brand continues its mission: to redefine Indian hospitality through story-driven, sustainable luxury.
A Philosophy Carved in Wood and Warmth
What truly sets Tiki Farms apart from other luxury resorts in Karjat is its philosophy of emotion. Every choice — from the handwoven hammock to the torchlight along the pathway — is guided by a singular intent: to make you feel alive.
It’s a place that reminds you of simpler pleasures — the scent of rain, the taste of fresh fruit, the sound of laughter carried by the wind. In that stillness, Tiki Farms helps guests rediscover what’s often lost in city life — presence.
And that’s what makes it not just a tropical retreat, but a transformative journey.
🌿 Where the Island Meets the Earth
Tiki Farms is proof that paradise doesn’t have to be far away. Just two hours from Mumbai, it offers travellers a world where Polynesian mystique meets Indian authenticity, where luxury wears a smile instead of a suit, and where every sunrise feels like a gentle reminder that life is meant to be savoured, not rushed.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway from Mumbai, a destination wedding in Karjat, or simply seeking stillness, Tiki Farms awaits — not to impress, but to embrace.
Because in the end, the true luxury of Tiki Farms isn’t found in its cottages or cocktails — it’s found in its spirit. A spirit that celebrates nature, nurtures community, and invites every guest to live, if only for a while, as the islanders do.
Discover your island at www.tikifarms.in — and let the story continue.