Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat & Spa Joins Small Luxury Hotels of the World™, Bringing Assam’s Wilderness to the Global Luxury Stage

Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat & Spa, a boutique luxury sanctuary set between the Brahmaputra River and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, has been inducted into the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) collection, marking a significant milestone for both the property and India’s evolving boutique hospitality landscape.

This inclusion places Rhino & River among over 700 carefully curated hotels across 100 countries, recognised globally for their distinctive character, intimate scale, and deeply authentic experiences. For a wildlife retreat in Northeast India, the recognition underscores not only the uniqueness of its offering but also its ability to stand alongside some of the world’s most exceptional independent hotels.

Located in Mayang, a region known for its ecological richness and home to the highest density of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Rhino & River offers an immersive, place-led experience rooted in nature, culture, and conscious luxury. Designed as a quiet dialogue with its surroundings, the retreat invites guests to slow down and reconnect with the landscape.

Commenting on the inclusion, Mark Wong, Senior Vice President – Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™, said, “Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat & Spa is rooted in a place of genuine ecological significance, built by people who deeply care about conservation and sustainability, offering an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Pobitora has the highest density of one-horned rhinoceroses on the planet. When a property sits in a landscape that is rare and matches it with the quality and intimacy that we seek from our member hotels, welcoming it is straightforward.”

Vikas Agarwal, MD & CEO, SM Developers, added, “Joining the Small Luxury Hotels of the World is a proud milestone for Rhino and River Wildlife Retreat & Spa, and a validation of our belief that Assam’s natural splendour deserves a world-class stage. Built in partnership with JDB Group and Assam Tourism, this property was conceived as a tribute to the region’s heritage and the state’s magnificent flora & fauna — and today that vision is recognised on a global platform.

We set out to create not merely a luxury retreat, but an immersive experience rooted in local culture, indigenous design, and sustainable hospitality — and the SLH affiliation affirms that we have achieved exactly that. This recognition will place Northeast India firmly on the itinerary of discerning travellers worldwide, driving tourism, livelihoods, and pride for the communities of Assam.”

As part of the SLH portfolio, Rhino & River now gains access to a global network of independently minded travellers seeking unique and experiential luxury stays.

Website: www.rhinoandriver.com | Instagram: @rhinoandriver

Through SLH’s partnership with Hilton, the property is also connected to over 220 million Hilton Honors members worldwide, significantly enhancing its international reach.

Speaking on this, Wong added, “Joining SLH gives Rhino & River Wildlife Retreat & Spa immediate access to a global community of independently minded travellers actively seeking small luxury properties like this. For an independent wildlife retreat in Assam, this exclusive distribution channel is genuinely transformative.”

The inclusion of Rhino & River in the SLH portfolio also reflects a broader shift in global luxury travel, where travellers are increasingly drawn to meaningful, place-led experiences rooted in authenticity and sustainability. As India emerges as a key growth market for boutique hospitality, properties like Rhino & River are redefining the narrative of luxury—moving beyond traditional opulence to offer something far more rare: a deep, personal connection to place.