'We have consciously endeavored to use environment friendly materials in construction'

Founded in 2000, Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd has been operating with a vision to provide unique, rustic and intimate holiday destinations to guests. The locations of the properties are chosen such that they remain untouched by the modern lifestyle, and local aesthetics, nature positivity and peace as well as tranquility are the standard offerings on the table. To understand more about the vision behind Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd, BW Hotelier spoke with Director, Karna Timbadia. 

Excerpts:

What sets Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd apart from other hotel chains in terms of customer service and guest satisfaction?

The ethos on which Saj Hotels was established over two decades ago was to lead by example. From the senior management all the way to our colleagues working across our resorts, we have built a culture of putting guests and the environment first. Across locations that we are present today, we have very consciously endeavored to work closely, having an inclusive approach, with the local communities, be it through employment across our properties, through engagement with local administration, combining forces to make the community self-reliant, or infrastructure development. As an organisation, we also very consciously try to imbibe the latest technologies and techniques which support the environment, leaving as negligible an impact on it as possible. We have consciously endeavored to use environment friendly materials in the construction process, while also trying to recycle our organic waste. We also do not allow single-use plastic in our resorts. Our aim is to offer the best hospitality, stay, and culinary experiences to our guests while being nature positive. 

What is the current occupancy rate at your hotels, and how has it been affected by the recent global events (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic)? Can you also share some other statistics, such as ARR and RevPAR?

The pandemic was a difficult time for our industry, globally, and its impact both in financial terms and psychological, is unfathomable. Having said that, the journey back has been slow but steady with us averaging occupancy of approximately 75-80%. 

Can you provide an overview of the amenities and services offered by your hotels to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for guests?

We have some basic services and amenities such as a swimming pool, cycling, trekking (Malshej), safari (Pench), and games lounge offering a host of indoor games, chess, foosball, and pool, among others. We also have reading nooks across the resort space, for guests to sit in silence and catch up on some reading or (if they are a writer), get inspired to pen a story or two. Saj by the Lake, Malshej Ghat also offers guests to experience therapeutic SPA treatments designed especially to address modern-day issues such as stress, etc. We will be introducing the SPA at Saj in the Forest, Pench National Park soon. Addressing the growing demand and need, we are also in the process of developing indoor banqueting and conferencing spaces across both our properties. Aside from these, we have curated a host of exclusive experiences for our guests such as the backwater safari experience at Saj in the Forest or a lakeside picnic at Saj by the Lake. 

How do you ensure the safety and security of guests within your hotels, particularly in terms of health and hygiene protocols?

Considering our surroundings, especially at Saj in the Forest which is spread across 32 acres of green space, sharing our boundary with the Jungle, we have taken extreme precautions to ensure guests' safety and security, while not interfering or hampering with the flora and fauna. Being in the business of hospitality, especially managing food and beverage materials on a daily basis, maintaining a hygienic environment is tantamount to our operations. Being present in the heart of the farming districts allows us to access  the freshest  seasonal produce on a regular basis. All our perishables are procured fresh, while we have stringent systems in place, to keep track of expiry, for use of non-perishable goods. 

What initiatives or sustainability practices does Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd have in place to minimise its environmental impact and promote responsible tourism?

One of our guiding principles since inception has been to be nature positive and have a minimalistic impact on the environment. This belief, over the years, has translated with the use of sustainable architecture. Our resorts use environmentally friendly, natural materials in their construction.  We use solar power to heat water, we use modern machinery to treat our kitchen waste and convert it into fertilizers for the gardens. We also treat our own sewage and use that water for plantations. We are on the verge of stopping "one-time use" plastic products at all our locations, while Saj in the Forest will commence operations with the policy of “zero plastic” in any area of operations. For the convenience of our guests, we have already moved from using pet bottles for water to either serving water in Glass or steel bottles or offering them in recyclable aluminum cans through our strategic sustainability partnerships.

Could you please share some information about the loyalty programmes or rewards offered to frequent guests or members of Saj Hotels Pvt Ltd, if any?

Almost every big, and some boutique, hospitality brands have loyalty programs. While it works for them, we feel, we are still at a nascent stage in the business and our focus is on offering the most comfortable stay coupled with the finest culinary experience and services which are at par with any five-star without the guests having second thoughts about the costs. As an organization, we strongly believe that luxury need-not-necessarily comes at an exponential cost. For us, the biggest accolade is when guests speak about their amazing experiences of staying and dining across Saj Resorts to their friends and family. We feel that the best form of loyalty is guests loving what we offer and our hospitality and that gets them to come back, not just to stay, but also just drive over for dining at our revered restaurant Maati Baani.

What is your vision for Saj Hotels?

Our long-term vision is to become the largest boutique hotel chain in the country, offering the best-in-class accommodation coupled with the finest cuisine, services, and facilities while always being at an approachable price point. 

Can you share with us your mantra for making it as a hotelier?

There’s no mantra to being a hotelier, it is a 24x7 business and a lifestyle choice. When the World celebrates, we work and thus I strongly believe that this field is for those who are passionate about it.