A confluence of culture and luxury

In the world of Indian hospitality, mixing of luxury and local culture is enhancing the guest experiences. As travellers seek more personalised and authentic stays, hospitality brands are evolving to meet these demands, blending comfort with cultural richness. This approach not only enhances the guest experience but also drives long-term industry growth.

One among such brands is Rosetta Hospitality. Led by Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality is enhancing luxury hospitality by seamlessly integrating local culture, sustainability and innovation across its properties for providing the best unforgettable experiences to the guests.

In an exclusive interview, Sreedhar shares insights into the company’s strategy, experiences, upcoming developments and the future of the hospitality industry.

At the heart of Rosetta’s approach is an emphasis on personalised, detail-oriented service. “We believe that a great guest experience is made up of many small details that work together,” says he, adding, “From the moment guests arrive until the time they leave, we ensure every aspect of their journey is seamless and memorable.” This includes everything from welcome experiences to a restful night’s sleep on large, cosy beds with a pillow menu and soft, 400 thread count high-quality linens.

Future trends: Local culture and personalisation

A defining feature of Rosetta Hospitality’s properties is the integration of local culture and community into the guest experience which, in turn, shape the hospitality future. “We take great pride in offering an authentic experience, we integrate local culture into everything we do, from the food we serve to the people we hire,” says Sreedhar. Their “Farm to Fork” dining philosophy uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting local farmers while offering delicious and sustainable meals. By paying attention to every detail of the guest’s stay, from dining to comfort, we ensure a memorable and well-rounded experience,” he explains. The philosophy further supports local farmers by using fresh, local ingredients. In Sakleshpur, for example, Rosetta uses produce from the Malnad region, while in Goa, the focus is on authentic Goan dishes.

Hiring local talent is another way Rosetta contributes to the community while enhancing the guest experience. “By hiring locally, we not only create job opportunities but we focus on creating an authentic experience for our guests while contributing to the community,” notes he, adding, “Community involvement is very important because it not only enriches the guest experience but also ensures that tourism benefits the local economy.”

Personalisation is another key area that’s shaping the future of hospitality. “Guests now expect tailored experiences, whether it’s through the food they eat or the activities they enjoy,” Sreedhar explains. Rosetta’s attention to detail ensures that each guest’s experience is unique, from customised dining options to curated activities that reflect local culture.

Looking ahead, the JMD and CEO predicts strong growth in domestic travel, especially in key leisure destinations. “The hospitality industry in India is poised for significant growth over the next five years, and we are well-positioned to take advantage of this trend by offering premium personalised experiences. The key to staying ahead will be Our ability to attract, train, and retain talent has been one of our biggest strengths,” he says.

Festivals and weddings: A catalyst for growth

Seasonal trends play a crucial role in shaping hospitality industry expansion strategies. As high-demand markets rise during these peak periods, businesses are aligning property launches with strategic growth objectives to cater to wedding venues. Therefore, the festive season and destination weddings are key drivers of Rosetta’s expansion plans too. As domestic travel continues to grow, particularly during the festive and wedding seasons, the demand for luxury accommodations and event spaces is on the rise. “Guests want a complete experience — accommodations, dining and event spaces all in one place. By investing in markets with high demand during these seasons, we can provide the kind of experience that guests are looking for,” ,” Sreedhar observes.

The growing trend of destination weddings, in particular, has prompted Rosetta to focus on expanding into beautiful locations that offer a blend of luxury and accessibility. “We see tremendous growth potential in India’s leisure market, the festive and wedding seasons further highlight the importance of these locations. They bring increased demand for luxury accommodations and event spaces, helping us make informed decisions on where to expand next,” explains Sreedhar.

Expansion drive

Rosetta Hospitality’s growth strategy is shaped by the increasing demand for luxury getaways and destination weddings. With Rs 500 crore invested in expansion, the company is focussing on key leisure destinations that are within easy reach of major metro cities. “Our investment decisions are based on accessibility. We aim to develop resorts within a three-five hour driving distance from cities like Bangalore, making it convenient for guests seeking short getaways, family vacations or celebrations.”

The upcoming expansion includes projects like the Phase 2 development of Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, which will add 70 luxury suites. The company is also launching a new property, Rosetta Kalyapura, near Bangalore, tailored for short getaways. In addition, Rosetta is adopting an asset-light model by partnering with investors and property owners through long-term leases. This allows the brand to expand while maintaining operational flexibility and reducing the capital burden on ownership.

“We are exploring lease opportunities in key leisure destinations such as Kabani, Wayanad, Kochi, Bandipur and Ooty. Our approach allows us to expand our footprint in high-demand regions while ensuring that both Rosetta and property owners benefit from a fair and sustainable business model,” says Sreedhar.

As the hospitality landscape continues to evolve, Rosetta’s forward-thinking approach, backed by significant investment and a passion for local culture, will ensure that it remains a key player in shaping the future of Indian hospitality. “We believe in creating spaces that bring people together while respecting the environment and the communities we operate in. This is what sets Rosetta apart, and it’s a vision we will continue to build on for years to come,” concludes the Joint MD.