About MAhout
MAhout is a small, highly personal representation company which provides a face and a voice in the UK for India’s finest, private, independent hotels; and suggests ideas for travel in this great and varied land. We are all about seeking out those delicious hotels which have something different to say. We provide a face and a voice in the UK for private, independent hotels and companies which do not find it viable to have their own offices here. We are, effectively, their 'ambassador', providing them with increased exposure to the public, in the travel trade and trade press, whilst each fully retains its own identity and individuality.
India enthrals, mystifies and intoxicates its visitors – so much so that many see it as their second or spiritual 'home' and yearn to return year after year. Having been well and truly bitten by the 'India bug', Mary-Anne- has spent several years travelling in the Subcontinent and has been lucky enough to discover a few of its many hidden secrets and to form long and lasting friendships with some of the most affable people in the world. We do hope that, as you glance through these enticing hotel web pages, you will find a special place which either lures you back to this extraordinary country or which tempts you out here for the first time. Be warned, however, once you begin exploring these little gems, you may find yourself captivated forever more!
Mary-Anne Denison-Pender
Like its hotels, MAhout is small, intimate and personal and Managing Director, Mary-Anne Denison-Pender, is directly involved in all aspects of the running of the business. In this aspect alone there are huge benefits as it is Mary-Anne who personally looks after the company's clients' interests, rather than handing things over to someone who is less knowledgeable.
Her passion for travel and, in particular India, is unsurpassed in the UK and all comers - individuals, the travel trade and members of the press - have direct access to her and her in depth knowledge and valued advice, at all times. Her dedication to the trade is well known the world over and she is considered by many to be one of England's leading experts on the Subcontinent.
Mary-Anne has been in the trade for almost 33 years and has built up a strong and recognised reputation around the world. She first travelled to India 34 years ago and, on arrival, she immediately fell in love with the country and decided to 'stay on' for a while.
Her time there was spent exploring every nook and cranny of the country, travelling on buses and trains (often the rooftops!) During the course of her travels she made a great many true and lasting friendships, which she still retains today and which enable her to do what she is now doing.
Subsequent years were spent travelling in Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, China and Hong Kong before continuing to Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia. When she finally hung up her 'backpacking' boots, she joined Cox & Kings Travel Ltd. as a specialist India consultant and subsequently ran their India product. She later joined / was part of setting up Western & Oriental Travel Ltd. where she was Managing Director.
Having created their Asian product, Mary-Anne secured its widely acknowledged reputation as the UK's leading tour operator for holidays to the Subcontinent and Asia. The brochures she produced for the company are considered 'collectors' items' by many individuals and are used as 'bibles' by other specialist tour operators.
Sixteen years ago Mary-Anne moved on again in order to pursue what she has always felt destined to do - namely to put some of India's finest small hotels 'on the map'! The result is MAhout – an owner run company whose primary focus is to create exposure and business for some of the Subcontinents most exceptional and deserving hotels. When asked what she does, her stock answer is ‘all things Indian’. Her passion for India is limitless.
The Collection
Our properties together form what is possibly the finest collection of small, independent, intimate hotels in India. Hand-picked for their excellence and uniqueness and visited regularly, MAhout is able to consistently provide honest and up to date information on each of them. Whichever MAhout hotel you choose to stay in, you can be assured of a personal welcome and an intimacy that is rarely found in India these days.
These enchanting hotels are in a league of their own and are scattered all over India – in mainstream cities, in gorgeous, off the beaten track countryside, on beautiful beaches, or in heavenly hills - and they link superbly together to form the perfect itinerary. They range from glorious forts and palaces; to exquisite jungle lodges and tented camps; to elegant mansions and bungalows; to beautiful wilderness and beach retreats – there’s something for everyone in our collection.
MAhout (UK) Limited
The Manor
Manor Road, Great Bourton, Banbury
Oxfordshire OX17 1QT