Located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh attracts travellers from across the globe because it boasts one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers. The region, which once served as the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, seamlessly combines royal heritage with exceptional biodiversity. Moreover, Bandhavgarh National Park stretches across rugged ridges, ancient sal forests and expansive meadows, all overlooked by the 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort. As a result, the destination continues to attract wildlife enthusiasts, eco-tourists and experiential travellers seeking immersive nature-based experiences.

The signing also strengthens ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ presence in India’s premium leisure segment as the company continues to expand into high-potential travel destinations.

“Entering Madhya Pradesh through a destination as iconic as Bandhavgarh aligns perfectly with our vision of curating exceptional leisure experiences. Maharaja Kothi captures the untamed spirit of the region while offering the refined comfort our guests expect. Our partnership with HHR Group lets us pair Bandhavgarh’s royal heritage with ALIVAA’s technology-driven revenue systems and high-touch service to create lasting value for owners and guests alike,” said Akash Bhatia, chief executive officer, Management & Franchise, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts.

Highlighting the company’s long-term growth strategy, Vikramjit Singh, chairman and managing director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said, “Our alliance with HHR Group reflects a shared set of hospitality values. As ALIVAA expands across India’s premier leisure corridors, moving into wildlife tourism is a natural next step. Maharaja Kothi, Bandhavgarh, will anchor our presence in Central India and set a new benchmark for boutique and experiential travel in the region.”

Meanwhile, Pushpraj Singh, owner of the HHR Group of Hotels and Resorts, emphasised the significance of the collaboration and said, “Bandhavgarh holds deep personal and historical significance for us, and our aim has always been to offer a sanctuary worthy of its royal legacy and natural wonder. ALIVAA’s operational expertise, distribution strength, and genuine respect for local heritage make them the right partner for HHR Group. Together, we look forward to elevating the guest experience so that every traveller feels the true essence of royal Central Indian hospitality, matched with world-class contemporary service.”

By entering one of India’s most sought-after wildlife destinations, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its expansion strategy while capitalising on the growing demand for experiential and luxury leisure travel. Furthermore, the partnership with HHR Group positions the company to deliver heritage-inspired hospitality supported by modern operational excellence, creating long-term value for both guests and stakeholders.

Raja Ram Shah built Fort Rampura in the late 13th century as a defensive stronghold featuring crenellated walls and a protective moat. Over the centuries, successive generations expanded the fort by adding residential quarters, temples, granaries and stables, thereby transforming the structure into a living family residence that has preserved its legacy across eight centuries.

Today, Padmini and Keshavendra Singh manage a 12-room homestay within the historic fort complex, continuing a hospitality tradition that has flourished for more than two decades. The accommodation includes two guest rooms inside the family’s private residence and ten additional rooms spread across the larger fort complex, with six designed as twin-sharing units.

“We have never thought of this as running a hotel. Guests come here and they live with us, eat what we eat, walk where we walk. The fort has been in our family for fifteen generations and every person who stays here becomes, in some small way, part of that story,” said Keshavendra Singh, Host, Fort Rampura.

Rather than offering a conventional hotel experience, Fort Rampura focuses on immersive cultural hospitality. Guests enjoy home-cooked Indian meals in a communal dining setting while participating in experiences that showcase the region’s heritage and local lifestyle. They can explore the fort’s rich history, visit nearby bazaars, interact with artisans and farmers, take boat rides on the Yamuna River, cycle through the countryside and experience the folk traditions of Bundelkhand.

Moreover, visitors can extend their journey by exploring nearby attractions, including Jagamanpur Fort, the Chambal Sanctuary and Kannauj, a city renowned for its centuries-old perfumery heritage.

Fort Rampura welcomes guests from October 1 to April 15 every year, positioning itself as an offbeat heritage destination for travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The continuously inhabited family home offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience everyday life within an 800-year-old fort. Travellers can conveniently access the property through Orai, Etawah, Gwalior and Kanpur, while Delhi lies approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive away.

Situated in the heart of Varkala, the newly developed property offers travellers a contemporary hospitality experience inspired by the destination’s distinctive coastal identity. As one of Kerala’s fastest-growing tourist hotspots, Varkala has earned recognition for its breathtaking cliffside views, pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and flourishing wellness tourism. Consequently, the destination continues to attract domestic and international travellers seeking relaxation, adventure, and authentic cultural experiences.

The newly opened Hanric, Varkala, features 32 thoughtfully designed rooms alongside a restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities, thereby catering to leisure travellers, family vacations, intimate celebrations, corporate gatherings, and social events. Moreover, the property blends modern amenities with warm hospitality to create a comfortable stay while providing guests with convenient access to Kerala’s scenic coastline and popular attractions.

Furthermore, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will utilise its operational expertise to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintain high service standards, and strengthen destination-led hospitality offerings at Hanric, Varkala. Through this strategic approach, the company aims to establish the property as one of the preferred accommodation choices in the region while enhancing the overall guest experience.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts said, “The launch of Hanric, Varkala marks an important milestone in the growth of the Hanric by Eight Continents brand. Varkala’s growing popularity as a coastal getaway makes it a natural fit for our vision of creating distinctive hospitality experiences rooted in place and culture. Through this property, we aim to offer travellers an authentic connection to the destination while further strengthening our presence in India’s growing experiential hospitality landscape.”

Meanwhile, the launch also reflects Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts’ continued focus on expanding into destinations with strong tourism potential and increasing demand for experience-led travel. The hospitality group currently manages a diverse portfolio of brands, including Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes, and Signature Collection, allowing it to serve a wide range of traveller preferences across multiple markets.

At present, Eight Continents Group operates properties across India, the United Kingdom, and East Africa. Additionally, its expanding portfolio spans destinations such as Belfast, Guernsey, Zanzibar, Kasauli, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, Pushkar, and now Varkala, highlighting the company’s long-term strategy of building a design-led hospitality portfolio across both emerging and established travel destinations.

As India’s tourism industry continues to witness robust growth, the launch of Hanric, Varkala, further positions Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts to capitalise on the rising demand for premium coastal stays, experiential travel, wellness tourism, and destination-focused hospitality. The new property not only strengthens the group’s presence in Kerala but also reinforces its vision of delivering memorable guest experiences across some of the country’s most promising travel markets.

New Delhi, June 2026: As experiential and nature-led travel gains momentum in the family travel segment, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries sees strong engagement with Tipai Rangers—an immersive wilderness-based learning experience for kids.

Set on the fringes of the biodiverse Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, the programme unfolds within one of western India’s most remarkable wilderness landscapes. Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, over 180 species of birds, and a rich variety of flora and fauna, the sanctuary provides an extraordinary backdrop for young guests to engage with nature in a deeper and more purposeful way. The initiative reflects a growing shift in family travel, as parents increasingly seek experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and environmental awareness beyond traditional holidays.

At the heart of Tipai Rangers is the belief that meaningful luxury lies in authentic connection to nature, culture, and self. Thoughtfully designed for children, the programme balances exploration with comfort, learning with play, and adventure with mindfulness.

The experience begins with guided nature walks led by expert naturalists, introducing children to the region’s biodiversity through birdwatching, wildlife tracking, sensory exploration, and storytelling. Young guests are encouraged to slow down, observe closely, and develop a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that surround them.

Creativity forms another key pillar of the programme. Inspired by the morning’s discoveries, participants engage in a relaxed creative session amidst nature. Using natural textures, colours, and landscapes as inspiration, children are encouraged to explore self-expression through painting and artistic exploration in an open-air setting. This experience nurtures imagination while fostering a deeper emotional connection with the environment.

Another highlight is the property’s interactive Junior Chef Programme, where food becomes a gateway to discovery. Through engaging culinary activities, children learn about seasonal ingredients, healthy eating, and simple cooking techniques while gaining an appreciation for the journey from farm to table. This extends into Tipai’s vegetable gardens and orchards, where immersive horticulture experiences introduce young guests to organic growing practices, seasonal produce, and sustainable living.

Under the Sky – Within the Wild is a curated evening experience featuring storytelling beneath the stars, guided nocturnal exploration, stargazing, and nature-inspired activities. As darkness settles over the forest, children encounter a different side of the wilderness—one filled with wonder, observation, and discovery.

About Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries

Located on the fringes of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries is a boutique forest retreat founded by Keyur Joshi, Co-Founder of MakeMyTrip. Guided by a philosophy rooted in sustainability, localisation and immersive wilderness experiences, the property offers a distinctive approach to luxury hospitality, one that is deeply connected to its natural surroundings and local communities. Through Tipai Rangers, this vision is extended to younger travellers, creating a holiday experience where curiosity is nurtured, discovery is celebrated, and the natural world becomes the greatest teacher.

The newly launched accommodation units feature contemporary interiors, elegant wooden flooring, ambient lighting, and private balcony sit-outs that overlook beautifully landscaped surroundings. In addition, each room includes a king-size bed, a comfortable seating area, a dedicated work desk, and premium in-room amenities designed to meet the needs of modern leisure travellers.

Located close to Madhav Tiger Reserve and offering scenic views of the Madikheda Dam, Narwar Lakefront Resort has steadily established itself as a leading nature and heritage tourism destination in Central India. Meanwhile, the expansion arrives at a time when demand for immersive travel experiences, eco-tourism, luxury stays, and nature-focused getaways continues to rise among domestic and international travellers seeking destinations within easy reach of major cities.

Navneet Sharma, CEO and MD, Lion Group, said, “The addition of 41 rooms allows us to welcome larger groups without compromising the personalised environment our guests truly value. This expansion also showcases our commitment to building Narwar into a distinctive destination rooted in nature, heritage, and meaningful hospitality.”

Sharma further added, “Our focus has always been on creating a destination rather than simply adding inventory. The expanded capacity enables us to curate larger celebrations, wellness-led stays, and experiential programming while maintaining the quality standards and attention to detail that define the Narwar Lakefront experience.”

Spread across seven acres, the resort provides lake-view and pet-friendly accommodations along with a range of hospitality and recreational amenities. Guests can enjoy dining experiences at Boat Club Café, Windmill Café, and Sapor Restaurant. Additionally, the property features a swimming pool, fitness centre, and children’s play area, creating a comprehensive leisure experience for families, couples, and corporate groups alike.

Moreover, the expansion is expected to support the local tourism ecosystem by generating employment opportunities and increasing collaboration with local vendors and service providers. Consequently, the development is likely to contribute to the growth of tourism, hospitality, and economic activity in the Shivpuri region while reinforcing Narwar Lakefront Resort’s status as a premier luxury travel destination in Madhya Pradesh.

The latest signing reinforces LaRiSa’s strategic focus on Central India, a region that has played a significant role in the company’s growth journey. With the addition of a full-service city center hotel in Rewa, LaRiSa continues to build a portfolio that emphasizes thoughtfully selected destinations and curated hospitality experiences.

Rewa holds a unique place on India’s tourism map. Known as the land of the legendary white tiger, the city attracts visitors with its spectacular waterfalls, rich cultural heritage, and historic landmarks. Attractions such as Rewa Fort, Baghel Museum, and Govindgarh Palace continue to draw heritage enthusiasts, adventure seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers from across the country.

As part of the partnership, the hotel will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment and enhancement of guest facilities. The property expects to relaunch in 2026 with upgraded amenities designed to meet the expectations of modern leisure and business travelers.

Following the renovation, the reimagined hotel will feature elegantly designed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty dining venue, and extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces. According to the company, the property aims to establish itself as the finest full-service hotel in Rewa while delivering the signature warmth and hospitality standards associated with the LaRiSa brand.

Commenting on the development, Randhir Narayan, CEO, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, said, “With Landmark, Rewa, our Central India portfolio now features four distinctive properties, each with its own personality yet united by our promise of curated hospitality.” This is more than expansion; it is about deepening our connection with the heart of India and inviting travelers to discover its stories with us. Here’s to Rewa, and to the journeys yet to come.”

The partnership also reflects LaRiSa’s commitment to expanding into emerging leisure and cultural destinations that offer authentic travel experiences. By strengthening its presence in Madhya Pradesh, the hospitality group seeks to tap into the growing demand for heritage tourism, experiential travel, and regional exploration.

Sharing his views on the collaboration, Gaurav Pratap Singh, owner, Landmark Rewa, added, “Landmark has always been a property we have been deeply proud of, rooted in Rewa, built for its people, and shaped by everything this city represents. Partnering with LaRiSa felt like a natural step forward, one that brings a shared commitment to genuine hospitality and a vision for what Landmark, and Rewa itself, can become for travelers discovering this part of Madhya Pradesh for the first time.”

The signing aligns with broader trends in India’s hospitality industry, where established hotel operators are increasingly expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 cities with strong tourism potential. Destinations such as Rewa are witnessing growing interest due to improved connectivity, rising domestic travel demand, and increasing appreciation for heritage-rich locations.

With this addition, LaRiSa Hotels continues to strengthen its position as a leading hospitality brand focused on delivering distinctive guest experiences across diverse destinations. The upcoming relaunch of Landmark Rewa expects to contribute significantly to the region’s hospitality ecosystem while enhancing the city’s appeal among domestic and international travelers.

Located in the scenic Paro Valley, Zhiwaling offers panoramic views of Paro Rinpung Dzong and stands as Bhutan’s first luxury hotel that Bhutanese entrepreneurs built and own. Since its establishment in 2005, the property has consistently reflected Bhutanese heritage, architecture, and sustainable hospitality practices.

The luxury hotel features three restaurants, a bar, a spa, outdoor hot stone baths, and an indoor heated pool. Additionally, the company stated that the property prioritizes local employment and uses traditional building materials sourced from nearby regions, reinforcing its commitment to community-driven tourism and sustainable development.

“Zhiwaling was built on the belief that luxury hospitality could emerge from authentic Bhutanese values rather than imported aesthetics,” said Dasho Ugyen Rinzin, Zhiwaling founder and chairman. “We don’t see hospitality as separate from culture; they are inseparable. That philosophy guides everything we do.”

Meanwhile, Shoba Rudra, RARE India founder, stated that Zhiwaling perfectly represents the kind of property that the platform aims to showcase. According to Rudra, the hotel remains deeply rooted in its destination while the people behind it stay strongly committed to their communities, traditions, and cultural heritage.

Furthermore, Zhiwaling’s inclusion in the RARE India portfolio highlights Bhutan’s rapidly growing profile as a premium and high-value tourism destination. Visitor arrivals in Bhutan reached 209,376 in 2025, reflecting a 44.33 percent increase from the previous year, according to Tashel Melong 2025, the annual tourism snapshot released by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism.

The development also aligns with RARE India’s continued expansion in the experiential luxury hospitality segment. Earlier in February, RARE India and Wildlife Luxuries Pvt. Ltd. launched Tipai Wildlife Luxuries near Tipeshwar National Park in Maharashtra, further strengthening the company’s presence in destination-led luxury travel experiences across South Asia.

The addition of Zhiwaling to the RARE India portfolio underscores the increasing global demand for authentic luxury travel experiences rooted in local culture, sustainability, and heritage. As Bhutan continues to attract premium international travelers, hospitality brands such as Zhiwaling and RARE India are positioning themselves at the forefront of experiential tourism and culturally immersive luxury hospitality.

At the centre of this evolving landscape are operators who are rethinking hospitality from the ground up. One such voice is Mr. Ramit Sethi, Founder of Seclude Hotels, whose journey from the corporate world into boutique hospitality offers a unique perspective on building experience-led brands.

In this exclusive interview with Business Review Live, Ramit Sethi shares insights into the rise of experiential travel in India, the realities of scaling boutique hospitality, and the strategic thinking behind Seclude’s growth journey.

Q1. What was the precise industry gap in India’s boutique, nature-led hospitality that convinced you Seclude Homes could be more than just another property brand?

After a fulfilling career in Corporate Finance at KPMG, Banking at Standard Chartered, and BFSI at Wipro, I discovered my passion for the startup ecosystem as an angel investor and mentor, supporting ventures with genuine potential. That’s when Rohit Sethi introduced me to his venture, Seclude—and I eagerly joined because I instantly recognized a clear market gap and substantial long-term prospects in India’s boutique resort sector.

We faced large, uniform hotels on one end and charming yet variable independent accommodations on the other. What lacked was a robust middle tier: design-driven, nature-centric boutique resorts offering distinctive character alongside reliable hospitality. Seclude was already creating precisely that via its villas—cozy retreats emphasizing a profound sense of place, privacy, and emotional ease, all while upholding top-tier service. Its dedication to food, design, and immersive experiences positioned it as a complete offering—and crucially, a brand poised for trust and recognition beyond mere properties.

Post-Covid, this void grew more apparent as travelers increasingly valued space, reliability, and a home-like feel over mere facilities. Since coming onboard, I’ve spearheaded Seclude’s growth into the boutique resort arena—typically featuring 6 to 20 rooms—repositioning the brand as a destination crafted not only for lodging but also for significant gatherings and shared moments. This evolution has further solidified my conviction that we’re not merely following a fad but actively defining an enduring category within Indian hospitality.

Q2. Your corporate background spans banking, consulting, and global operations. When you first encountered Seclude’s business model, what were the top organizational or operational assumptions you had to rethink?

I honed my expertise over years in banking, consulting, and global operations before immersing myself further in the startup world as an investor and mentor. Upon joining Seclude, I pinpointed exactly what required transformation to realize its maximum potential—it represented the seamless extension of all my prior experience, tailored to a distinctive, experience-driven enterprise.

A key initial focus was maintaining cash positivity and avoiding the pitfall of equating growth with true advancement. We refined unit economics, implemented stricter criteria for expansion, and instilled rigorous financial oversight into our decision-making. Simultaneously, we shifted from a fragmented “mom-and-pop” approach, establishing scalable processes in sales, operations, and finance—eliminating disarray while safeguarding the unique culture and warmth that embody Seclude.

The objective remained straightforward: professionalize the operation without diminishing its vibrancy, and cultivate a scalable enterprise that balances discipline with personality. Today, Seclude operates with enhanced clarity and command, positioning us to elevate the brand to new pinnacles.

Q3. Seclude has properties across multiple geographies (Himachal, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa). What performance metrics or demand indicators do you rely on to decide where to invest next?

We employ a strategic two-tier evaluation process. The primary criterion focuses on the product itself: we seek distinctive homes and boutique resorts possessing genuine character, a profound sense of place, or cultural significance—unique assets that resist easy replication. If a property fails to deliver this, we typically decline, irrespective of its promising tourism potential.

The secondary criterion assesses core fundamentals and accessibility. We analyze unit economics, the balance between operational costs and guest experience quality, and the ease of reaching the destination—preferably within five hours of a major hub. Additionally, we monitor search and inquiry trends within our network to identify emerging demand hotspots.

On the strategic front, having established a solid foothold in the hills, we ventured into Kerala due to its consistent year-round appeal, robust connectivity, and alignment with unhurried, experience-rich travel. Likewise, we entered Hampi to capitalize on rising interest in cultural and spiritual journeys. This defines our growth philosophy: prioritizing select, enduring locations over sheer expansion.

Q4. Seasonality can significantly impact hill and heritage stays. How do you measure, forecast, and mitigate demand fluctuations across your portfolio?

Our portfolio inherently accounts for seasonality through a diverse blend of hill, heritage, and beach destinations, allowing us to manage it at the portfolio level rather than on a property-by-property basis. When hills experience peak demand, beaches typically see lighter occupancy, and vice versa, which effectively balances cash flows and operational demands throughout the year.

We assess and predict demand by analyzing historical booking data, lead times, and pickup patterns for each property, then aggregate these insights into a comprehensive portfolio overview. This enables proactive planning for staffing, pricing, and inventory management.

Operationally, we intentionally avoid squandering downtime. During off-peak periods, we prioritize revamps, thorough maintenance, team training, and experience enhancements, ensuring properties emerge stronger for the high season.

Meanwhile, India’s rich diversity plays to our advantage—travel opportunities abound year-round. From Shimla’s snow season to Hampi Utsav, Palampur’s tulip festival, and Thrissur’s Pooram, there’s perpetually an event to drive demand. Our aim isn’t to eradicate seasonality but to harmonize it, sustaining a cycle of selling, refining, and readying the business.

Q5. Quality consistency is difficult in decentralised properties. What internal KPIs or frameworks do you use to ensure guest experience standards are met across different homes?

Although our properties span diverse locations, we maintain highly centralized operations. Experience standards originate from our Delhi headquarters and get implemented on-site. Our foundational framework emphasizes people and processes: we recruit individuals with a genuine seva-bhav mindset, provide structured training, and enforce clear SOPs, reinforced by spot checks and secret guest audits. Essentials like cleanliness, comfort, responsiveness, and warmth remain absolute priorities.

We monitor operational excellence through straightforward yet vital metrics, such as Wi-Fi uptime and CCTV oversight, ensuring guest satisfaction and ground-level discipline. Meanwhile, our Guest Relations team serves as the central hub for the entire guest journey—from pre-arrival to post-stay follow-ups—enabling swift and uniform issue resolution.

Regarding KPIs, guest feedback guides us: property-level review scores, direct input, repeat visits, and referrals. The objective isn’t identical spaces but reliable care—so the Seclude experience delivers consistency, whether in Palampur or Kerala.

Q6. From a financial perspective, how do you balance capital deployment between restoration of heritage homes and performance maximisation of existing properties?

We view restoration and performance not as conflicting goals but as complementary elements of our partnership model. We partner exclusively with boutique property owners committed to investing in restorations and enhancements, ensuring shared accountability for creating high-caliber assets right from the outset. On extended leases, we allocate our own capital toward strategic upgrades—such as technology, infrastructure, or even a pickleball court—whenever they elevate both guest experiences and financial returns. This approach enables selectivity and guarantees each property launches with a robust foundation.

From that point, we prioritize achieving stable performance across every property swiftly. Most reach cash positivity within roughly six months, after which profits get reinvested to fortify current assets or support the next acquisition. This establishes a disciplined, self-sustaining growth cycle, distinct from capital-intensive expansion strategies.

Technology proves essential here, powering revenue management, distribution, and operational oversight to optimize results without inflating expenses. Consequently, we maintain a measured pace: growth occurs sustainably, harmonizing restoration excellence, operational strength, and steady cash flows.

Ultimately, this yields superior assets, enhanced performance, and expansion that finances itself.

Q7. What guest data or feedback signals have you seen that most reliably predict higher loyalty, repeat bookings, or stronger referrals?

We prioritize behavioral indicators over mere ratings as the truest measures of success. When guests shift from booking through an OTA to direct reservations on subsequent trips, it signals they’re selecting Seclude specifically, beyond just the destination.

We monitor repeat patterns meticulously—tracking return frequency, whether they explore another Seclude property, and if they return with bigger groups or for varied occasions. Such cross-property and group repeat behaviors serve as robust predictors of enduring loyalty.

On feedback, specific and emotional responses carry the most weight. When guests name team members, describe their emotional experience during the stay, recommend us spontaneously, or even inquire about a loyalty program, it confirms a genuine bond. This resonance appears externally too, evidenced by our nomination for MakeMyTrip’s India’s Favourite Homestay Awards.

In essence, we focus not only on guests’ words but also on their actions following departure.

8. You mentor companies on growth and capital raising. What is one strategic shift at Seclude that you believe significantly improved unit economics or investor confidence?

A pivotal strategic pivot involved transitioning from villas to boutique resorts (8 to 20 rooms) with a defined vision, rather than merely expanding our home portfolio, alongside implementing centralized operations. We recognized early that scaling without uniqueness and robust systems fails to enhance unit economics.

By pledging to excel iconically in aesthetics and service, reinforced by standardized processes, we crafted properties capable of securing premium rates, drawing direct demand, and cultivating genuine brand affinity. This boosted unit economics through word-of-mouth demand, minimizing reliance on perpetual discounting.

As a bootstrapped entity, this approach also bolstered trust among partners and owners. We evolved beyond mere occupancy assurances, delivering distinctive, efficiently managed assets with lasting value. Prioritizing select, superior, and iconic properties—underpinned by potent central operations—has rendered the business more resilient and financially sound than pursuing scale indiscriminately.

And that changed everything.

Q9. Sustainable tourism and local community impact are increasingly important for travellers. What measurable initiatives has Seclude undertaken to ensure positive community engagement and responsible operations?

Sustainability forms the core of our daily operations rather than serving as an isolated initiative. Many properties feature kitchen gardens, and we monitor local and on-site sourcing to minimize supply-chain footprints. We’ve implemented balti baths at select homes as a water-efficient option and include water usage in our regular reviews. Portfolio-wide, we’ve banned single-use plastics, substituting them with refillable or reusable alternatives and verifying adherence during property inspections.

From a design standpoint, we emphasize upcycling and adaptive reuse, incorporating restored furniture and reclaimed materials whenever feasible. In fact, Seclude Palampur earned a nomination for an Eco-Friendly Villa award, demonstrating this philosophy in action. Combined with local hiring and sourcing, these tangible, trackable measures ensure our expansion stays accountable and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

Q10. Looking forward, what’s the biggest structural change you expect in India’s boutique/homestay hospitality sector in the next 3–5 years, and how is Seclude positioning itself for that shift?

I anticipate the most significant structural shift will divide scale-first platforms from experience-first brands. As AI and automation proliferate in travel, efficiency will become the baseline—and genuine human connection, trust, and experiential consistency will emerge as true differentiators. Guests will gravitate toward brands that feel authentically personal, beyond mere convenience.

Meanwhile, India’s domestic travel market surges rapidly, with many competitors expanding beyond their capacity to uphold standards, widening the consistency gap across the sector. We’ve intentionally pursued steady, controlled growth, bolstered by centralized operations and a robust direct Guest Relations team, ensuring the experience remains undiluted amid expansion.

We also observe accelerating momentum in cultural and experience-driven tourism—travelers crave narratives, context, and a profound sense of place, rather than just comfortable accommodations. Complementing this is a growing appetite for “bite-sized luxury”: compact, memorable indulgences at approachable prices, such as a hot tub amid tea gardens, a royal candlelit evening, or truly personalized service free from five-star rigidity.

Seclude positions itself precisely at this nexus: technology-powered backstage, yet profoundly human, design-centric, and experience-led upfront.

As part of this initiative, the resort will roll out Roarsome-themed adventure programmes designed specifically for young guests. These will include engaging activities such as treasure hunts, exploration trails, and interactive outdoor sessions that encourage children to connect with the natural environment. Moreover, the programme will feature structured “Adventure Quests,” where kids will navigate the island using illustrated maps while simultaneously learning about marine ecosystems and sustainability practices.

In addition, the collaboration will extend beyond activities by offering Roarsome merchandise at the resort. This move ensures that families can continue engaging with the brand even after their stay, thereby strengthening the overall experience.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer, Ventive Hospitality Ltd., said, “Hospitality has the power to shape experiences that stay with people for life, especially young minds. Roarsome’s mission to get kids off screens and back into the outdoors is both timely and important. Through Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, we are bringing that mission to life in one of the most extraordinary natural environments in the world. This first-of-its-kind collaboration shows how hospitality and purpose-driven brands can come together to shape a future rooted in purpose and sustainability, where we constantly strive to create a better world for the next generation.”

Furthermore, Roarsome—widely recognised for its children’s outdoor apparel made from recycled materials—is leveraging this partnership to expand its international footprint. At the same time, the collaboration reflects a growing trend in the hospitality sector toward experiential, purpose-driven travel offerings.

The initiative will officially launch on April 2, 2026. Additionally, the resort plans to introduce seasonal activities around Easter, thereby providing guests with fresh and engaging experiences throughout the year.

This collaboration between Ventive Hospitality and Roarsome underscores the evolving landscape of family travel, where immersive, educational, and sustainability-focused experiences are becoming increasingly important. By combining luxury hospitality with purposeful outdoor engagement, the partnership sets a new benchmark for child-centric experiences in global resort destinations.

Looking ahead, the upcoming hotel will feature 50 rooms and suites and will cater to both leisure and business travellers. Additionally, the property will offer an all-day dining restaurant along with meeting and event infrastructure, including one conference room and two banquet halls, thereby catering to corporate meetings as well as social gatherings.

Sharing his perspective on the development, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Leisure destinations with strong ecological and experiential appeal are increasingly shaping the next phase of hospitality growth in India. Thekkady stands out as a destination that attracts discerning travellers seeking immersive experiences rooted in nature and culture. The Fern Residency Thekkady, Series by Marriott, will further strengthen our presence in South India while reinforcing our commitment to responsible and experience-led hospitality.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the partnership, Jose Mathew, Managing Director, Maria Shopping Complex Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts for this project in Thekkady. We believe this collaboration will deliver a compelling hospitality offering for both domestic and international travellers.”

As per the current timeline, the hotel will open in the second half of 2026.