An owner’s blend of art and culture with luxury

Under the stewardship of Harshavardhan Neotia, corporate house Ambuja Neotia with its forte in real estate and subsequent forays into hospitality, healthcare and education has developed multiple picturesque resorts in and around eastern India. With a strong sense of design intelligence, Neotia has been able to create a lived-in look at his resorts, mindfully integrating the outdoors and the indoors, consequently rendering a cosy ambience away from home.  

From Raajkutir and Ganga Kutir to Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa in Darjeeling and many more, Neotia has ensured every property reflects unique design sensibilities, depending upon its location. For instance, for locations surrounded by majestic outdoors, the company ensures minimal indoor distractions while for resorts like Raajkutir, where scenic outdoors are limited, the focus is entirely on creating a thematic indoor experience. These design principles contribute to the development of luxury retreats, making them stand out.

Taj Taal Kutir, Kolkata

Personal Philosophy On Luxury And Design

Neotia’s personal philosophy on luxury and design is about blending local culture with modern sophistication. “We remain true to our design principles, ensuring that each property reflects its unique surroundings while providing contemporary comforts,” he shares. This philosophy results in resorts that offer a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, providing guests with a luxurious and culturally enriching experience.

Elaborating on his contribution to planning and designing resorts that create a homely ambience, Neotia shares, “Design, art and architecture have always been close to my heart. I take a hands-on approach, involving myself in every stage from design to execution. This personal involvement ensures that each project not only meets our high standards of quality but also resonates with the artistic and cultural values we cherish.” The key elements include vernacular design, the inclusion of local materials and a commitment to creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. The essence of hospitality lies in making every guest feel valued and creating lasting impressions. “We incorporate local culture, history and local environment into our hotel designs to create unique and authentic experiences,” he adds.

Taj Guras Kutir Resort, Gangtok

Influence Of Local Art and Culture

Local art and culture play a pivotal role in Neotia’s design philosophy. “At Taj Chia Kutir, for instance, we integrate local bamboo, timber, and stones into the contemporary architecture,” he explains. “This ensures minimal environmental impact while offering luxurious amenities and stunning views. Taj Guras Kutir in the Pangthang Forest Block near Gangtok, Sikkim, features traditional Thangka paintings and offers panoramic views of Kangchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayas.” Each property, including Taj Taal Kutir and Taj City Centre Patna, reflects a commitment to creating unique experiences that honour the heritage and vibrancy of their respective locations.

Ventures In F&B Sector

Discussing ventures in the Food & Beverage sector, Neotia highlights multiple F&B outlets catering to diverse culinary tastes. “Sonar Tori is a boutique restaurant serving authentic Bengali cuisine. Afraa Lounge & Restaurant offers Asian and Indian cuisine, while The Orient specialises in South East Asian culinary delights. Recently, we introduced Bombastic - Supper Club, our flagship restaurant on Park Street, Kolkata, offering European and Asian culinary gems. Uno Chicago Bar & Grill, which provides an American Bar & Grill experience, currently has two locations in Kolkata, and we plan to scale up operations across other centres in Eastern India first,” he shared.  

Growth Of Luxury Hospitality Market And Ambuja Neotia’s Expansion

Discussing the burgeoning luxury hospitality market in India, Neotia remarks, “India’s luxury hospitality market is on a promising trajectory. A young, aspirational population eager to spend on experiences and travel is driving this growth. Improved infrastructure – roads, rail and air connectivity — along with India’s growing international appeal as a tourist destination, significantly bolster this sector.”

At Ambuja Neotia, the strategy revolves around crafting unforgettable experiences by setting up hotels in locations that offer high leisure, scenic, and convenience value. Neotia emphasises, “We focus on combining great locations, thoughtful design, and exceptional service. Understanding and anticipating guest needs, offering personalised, high-quality experiences, and continually innovating to exceed expectations are at the core of our approach.”

With the acquisition of Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels, Ambuja Neotia has expanded its portfolio in the leisure tourism market. Neotia perceives the growing interest of domestic travellers in India’s leisure destinations as driven by increased global exposure and the influence of social media. “Today’s youth are more aware and constantly seeking new locations and adventures, driving the demand for boutique experiences and leisure travel,” he notes.

Taj City Centre, Patna

Addressing Infrastructure Gaps

From an owner and investor’s perspective, Neotia acknowledges that historically, infrastructure has been a significant gap compared to other countries excelling in attracting foreign tourists. “However,” he notes, “significant strides have been made in recent years. India is leveraging new-age technologies and construction methodologies to bridge this gap. Improved transportation networks and better connectivity are making India more accessible and attractive to foreign tourists.”

Message To Aspiring Investors

To aspiring investors in the hospitality business, Neotia offers insightful advice. “Focus on creating unique, high-quality experiences that resonate with guests. Understand the local culture and incorporate it into your offerings. Innovation and adaptability are key in this dynamic industry. Most importantly, prioritise the guest experience and aim to create lasting memories. The hospitality industry is not just about providing a service; it’s about creating moments that guests will cherish forever.”

Neotia’s vision and leadership have not only shaped Ambuja Neotia’s success but have also contributed significantly to the luxury hospitality market in India. His dedication to blending local culture with modern sophistication continues to create unique, enriching experiences for guests, setting a high standard in the industry.

Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa, Darjeeling

Vision For The Future

Reflecting on the Indian Government’s ambition to attract 100 million inbound tourists by 2047, Neotia commends the initiative. “The steps being taken to improve infrastructure, promote tourism, and create a more welcoming environment for international visitors through E-visas are positive. Continued focus on these areas, along with promoting India’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, will help make India one of the world’s most popular travel destinations,” he affirms.

Ajith Kumar LR

BW Reporters