Nestled in the serene locale of Moira, North Goa, Solene is emerging as a unique private members’ club. Eschewing the conventional emphasis on status, Solene prioritizes community and authentic connection. This new establishment caters to a growing segment of residents seeking a more intentional lifestyle.
Unlike typical exclusive clubs, Solene dispenses with strict dress codes and velvet ropes. Instead, it offers an Orangerie for leisurely breakfasts, a cozy lounge for relaxed gatherings, and a patio perfect for long, drawn-out afternoons. The atmosphere is designed to be disarming, resembling a shared living room rather than a formal clubhouse.
“Solene isn’t about profit,” states Nibhrant Shah, Managing Director & Co-CEO of the Isprava Group. “It’s about creating a space where like-minded individuals—homeowners, locals, and guests—can come together, connect, and share experiences.”
Nibhrant and Dhimaan Shah, the brothers behind Solene, are well-versed in the Goan landscape, having developed over 400 homes across India and hosting thousands of guests annually through their luxury villa rentals. They emphasize that Solene represents more than just real estate.
“We’ve built more than homes,” Nibhrant explains. “We’ve built a community, and Solene is a physical space to hold that.” This community encompasses homeowners, holidaymakers, local collaborators, artists, neighbors, and entrepreneurs who share a common ethos.
Solene offers experiences that reflect this ethos, including feni tastings, kayak trips to nearby islands, and intimate salons. The architecture emphasizes the careful restoration of existing structures, prioritizing collaboration with locals rather than disruptive external influence.
Solene’s membership selection process also diverges from the norm. While a selection committee exists, comprising Isprava homeowners and founding members from Goa, the primary criteria is based on values rather than traditional markers of success.
“What matters isn’t your job title or background, it’s your value system,” Dhimaan asserts. “A local potter should feel just as welcome as an industrialist, provided they align with what Solene stands for.”
Despite the utopian undertones, the Shahs present their vision with genuine sincerity, focusing on creating a welcoming environment where individuals can connect authentically.
Plans are in place to expand Solene, with more clubs planned across Goa and eventually in Mumbai. However, the approach will remain deliberate and cautious.
“Each space will be different—some might be beach clubs or retreats,” Nibhrant explains. “But the values won’t change. This isn’t a template. It’s a living idea.”
The concept behind Solene is rooted in the brothers' personal journeys. After pursuing education and careers in finance abroad, they returned to India with a vision to create a lifestyle brand that integrates real estate, hospitality, travel, and meaningful experiences.
Solene represents the culmination of this vision.
In an era where access is often commodified and belonging is branded, Solene offers a refreshing alternative. It prioritizes ease and genuine connection over manufactured exclusivity.
Currently, Solene is in its early stages, with a small and unhurried atmosphere. The focus is on fostering a space that feels lived-in and familiar, encouraging a sense of belonging that extends beyond social media posts.
Whether Solene can maintain this unique identity as it grows remains to be seen.