South African hotel group Mantis Collection will enter the Indian and South-easet Asian markets with plans to develop boutique luxury hotels in a joint venture with ICS Group.

The Mantis-ICS Group venture will be known as Ayana, and plans to develop at least 30 properties over the next 10 years. The focus is on high-end boutique hotels and lodges, primarily in destinations close to nature.

The first project is a luxury safari lodge at Pench National Park, which will be functional early next year. Prices will be around Rs 25,000 per night.

“India ranks high among tourism destinations, given the immense biodiversity and the varied landscapes,” says Graham Moon, chief executive of Mantis Development.

“We are very optimistic about the boutique luxury tourism sector in India and are excited to participate in this growth story.”

Mantis currently operates high-end safari lodges in Africa, the Ice Hotel in Sweden, eco-lodges in South America, leisure hotels in Europe and luxury expeditions to Antarctica.