A journey of luxury, heritage and natural beauty

In the bustling streets of Kolkata, Atmosphere Core is set to unveil its latest masterpiece – the Ozen Mansion Kolkata. Slated to open in July 2024, the property promises to redefine luxury living with 300 opulent rooms. Next up, in Bhopal, stands Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere, all set to welcome guests in August 2024. Venture further into the lush landscapes of Coorg and guests will find themselves at the doorstep of Stillwood Retreat Signature Atmosphere. But the journey of Atmosphere Core doesn’t stop here. With a vision as vast as the Indian landscape, several more properties have been signed for future development – from a lakeside retreat in Kolkata to a countryside escape in the foothills of Nandi Hills, Bangalore to a wellness and spa resort in the backwaters of Kannur to a beachfront paradise in North Goa. With each new property, Atmosphere Core is not just expanding its footprint but its commitment to offering unforgettable experiences that transcend the ordinary. It’s a journey of luxury, heritage and natural beauty.

Primary target audience for Atmosphere Core
Led by Souvagya Mohapatra, the company’s strategic focus on building and developing properties in prime locations across India has set the stage for a new era of luxury hospitality. “Atmosphere Core is strategically focussed on building and developing properties in popular destinations across India. This approach aligns with capturing diverse market segments and maximising the potential of each property,” explains Mohapatra, adding, “Our business development team is on the lookout for relevant properties. This proactive approach allows us to expand our footprint and capitalise on emerging opportunities in the hospitality sector.” 

But it’s not just about acquiring properties; it’s about curating experiences that leave an indelible mark on guests’ hearts. Mohapatra emphasises on the importance of robust sales and marketing strategies in shaping the narrative. “The team is equipped with the right manpower, technology and strategies to effectively promote our properties to various market segments. By staying ahead of the curve and utilising cutting-edge technology, we can adapt to changing market dynamics and consumer preferences,” he says. 

What truly sets Atmosphere Core apart is its targetted approach to hospitality. Mohapatra elaborates, “Our strategies are designed to attract diverse segments, including leisure travellers, MICE, wedding guests and corporate clients. This diversified approach ensures that we can cater to the needs of different types of travellers and maximise revenue streams.”

Focus on domestic markets and international travellers
Mohapatra elucidates on the company’s global representation, highlighting its significance in targetting international travellers from diverse geographic locations. “Having sales representations in key regions such as Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, Russia, CIS countries and the Middle East enables us to effectively reach out to international travellers. This ensures our properties resonate with guests from various cultural backgrounds, offering them an immersive experience,” he explains. But it’s not just about reaching out; it’s also about building meaningful relationships and fostering brand loyalty, he shares, emphasising on the pivotal role of PR offices in achieving this goal. “They are instrumental in building brand awareness, managing our reputation and fostering positive relationships with media and influencers worldwide,” he elaborates. 

Shedding light on Atmosphere Core’s special focus on domestic tourism, recognising India as a hub for travellers seeking immersive experiences within their own country, he says, “Our strategy includes a special focus on attracting domestic tourists to our properties by tailoring marketing campaigns, promotions and offerings to cater to their preferences and interests.”

Luxury resort market in India
“The luxury resort market in India is undergoing a profound evolution,” says Mohapatra, adding that today’s luxury travellers are seeking more than just opulent accommodations. “They crave immersive experiences that allow them to forge deeper connections with the destination,” he shares. On the trend of experiential travel and highlighting how luxury resorts are responding by curating bespoke experiences that resonate with modern travellers, he explains, “Our resorts offer a myriad of experiences, from cultural tours and culinary journeys to wellness retreats and adventure activities. These curated experiences not only immerse guests in the essence of the destination but also create lasting memories that transcend the ordinary.” 

Mohapatra emphasises on the growing importance of wellness and sustainability practices in luxury resorts. “From spa treatments and yoga sessions to eco-friendly initiatives and conservation efforts, our resorts are committed to fostering well-being and preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings,” he says. 

Personalisation is another key trend shaping the luxury resort market, Mohapatra highlights. “Guests expect personalised services and tailored experiences. Through the integration of technology and data analytics, we strive to anticipate guest needs and deliver seamless, personalised services throughout their stay,” he affirms.

Shedding light on the role of digital innovation in enhancing the guest experience, he shares, “From mobile apps and virtual concierge services to smart room controls, we leverage digital innovation to enhance convenience, efficiency, and connectivity for our guests while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality,” he says.

One trend that stands out is the rise of luxury resorts as sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations and corporate events. Mohapatra explains, “In an era where experiences reign supreme, luxury resorts serve as the canvas for unforgettable moments. At Atmosphere Core, we are not just in the business of hospitality; we are in the business of creating extraordinary experiences that leave an indelible mark on our guests’ hearts.”

Atmosphere Core’s business model
“Our asset-light model allows us to allocate resources effectively towards enhancing guest experiences, expanding market reach and driving profitability. This strategic focus enables us to differentiate our offerings in the competitive hospitality landscape and build strong brand equity,” he explains. But it’s not just about efficiency; it’s about delivering exceptional service quality and implementing effective marketing campaigns. Mohapatra emphasises on the importance of prioritising Operations and Marketing (O&M) in driving success. “They are are the cornerstones of our strategy. By prioritising these aspects, we aim to deliver unparalleled service quality and implement targetted marketing initiatives to attract and retain guests,” he affirms. 

One key component of Atmosphere Core’s strategy is the sale and leaseback model, which enables the company to unlock capital tied up in owned properties while retaining operational control. “The model allows us to optimise financial resources and reinvest capital into growth initiatives. This strategy enables us to drive shareholder value while maintaining operational control over our properties,” he shares. Mohapatra also underscores the importance of ensuring Return on Investment (ROI) within stipulated periods. “By implementing sound financial management practices, optimising operational efficiencies and executing targeted marketing initiatives, we aim to deliver consistent and sustainable returns to our investors,” he avers.

Strategy for attracting top talent
At the heart of this success lies a dedicated workforce fuelled by a commitment to recruit, develop, and retain the best talent. “Our greatest asset is our people. We believe in investing in our employees, empowering them to embody our brand values and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” he says. One key aspect of Atmosphere Core’s people-centric approach is its focus on learning and development. Mohapatra highlights the company’s commitment to providing opportunities for growth and advancement. He emphasises on the importance of employee engagement activities in fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the organisation. “Whether its team-building exercises, wellness programmes or social events, fostering a positive work environment enhances morale and productivity among employees,” he says, adding, “We believe in investing in our employees’ future.”