ZANA redefines luxury in Jim Corbett

Nestled in the heart of Jim Corbett, amidst the captivating wilderness is ZANA Luxury Resorts’ latest gem, ZANA - A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, the resort promises an unparalleled blend of opulence and serenity. It draws inspiration from the warmth of an English country house and charms guests with splendid gardens, woodland settings and European-inspired architecture.  

A brief 10-minute drive from the entrance of Jim Corbett National Park takes you to the resort that offers 57 elegantly appointed rooms and cottages. Each accommodation boasts breathtaking views of picturesque landscapes and the tranquil River Kosi. Among the highlights are the luxurious Luxury Cottages with Fireplace where cosy interiors are complemented by the comforting glow of an open fireplace, enhancing the overall stay experience. On the other hand, are the Suites, situated in a separate wing and offer exclusivity, with luxurious accommodation.

On how ZANA Corbett differentiates itself from other resorts in the Corbett area, Espire Hospitality Group’s CEO and MD Akhil Arora says, “ZANA - A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett offers a unique experience and mood that sets it apart from any other resort in the destination. The guests here experience a distinctive vibe of a warm and cosy country house in England.  With splendid gardens, woodlands and European-inspired architecture featuring charming elements like wood cladding, shingle roofs, stone work, and stunning fireplaces, the resort seamlessly melds luxury with nature. Imagine immersive spaces and experiences set in a dramatic landscape of giant trees, grouping together to replicate a forest – this is ZANA.”

Arora adds that the meaning of ‘luxury’ has changed for many travellers and they are now seeking indulging experiences that can help them disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. “The key elements that come together to formulate the fresh definition of luxury – deep connection with nature, wellness, sustainability and thoughtful experiences are at the heart of ZANA Luxury Resorts,” he says.

While staying at ZANA - A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett, one can indulge in soulful yoga sessions, cooking class to learn local recipes and discover exciting culinary techniques. They can also learn the art of cocktail making during an interactive session with the in-house expert mixologist to learn all about the different kinds of cocktails and the techniques of shaking, stirring, and pouring. For entertainment, the Gaming Arcade offers a variety of games, while the kids play area, Toddle Wobble, is a fun place for younger guests. “Additionally, we offer unique destination dining experiences, allowing guests to enjoy gourmet meals in stunning, picturesque settings. These carefully curated experiences are what makes ZANA a truly exceptional destination for our guests,” he informs.

To reach its target audience, shares Arora, Corbett utilises digital marketing and social media. “Our digital marketing strategy is multifaceted, with a focus on generating awareness through engaging visuals and showcasing our thoughtfully curated experiences that the guests are seeking. We also leverage influencer collaborations to broaden our reach with authentic content from trusted voices and key opinion leaders. Additionally, we employ direct marketing tactics such as targeted email campaigns and WhatsApp communications to keep our audience informed about exclusive offers, updates, and personalised experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to reaching our target audience,” he says.

To ensure a memorable and satisfying experience for guests, ZANA Corbett offers exceptional service, luxurious accommodation and unique experiences. “At ZANA, each room is named after a smart and thoughtful traveller like Arthur, Daniel, Michael and more, who likes to explore unique locations and experience everything out of the ordinary. So when you are staying at ZANA, you will not only experience a stay but a unique lifestyle of an avid traveller, along with a crisp hospitality that can only be defined as the ‘ZANA Way’.”

At ZANA - A Luxury Escape, Dhikuli, Jim Corbett guests can indulge in gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients and rejuvenate with the recreational offerings including spa, yoga, gaming options and destination dining for a holistic experience.

To manage seasonal variations in tourism and occupancy levels, ZANA Corbett employs several strategies to effectively manage seasonal variations in tourism and occupancy levels. “Firstly, we conduct detailed historical analysis and market research to anticipate peak and moderate periods. This helps us adjust pricing strategies and promotional efforts, offering attractive packages and special offers during moderate seasons to stimulate demand. We also maintain strong relationships with tour operators, travel agencies, and online platforms to optimise distribution channels and maximise visibility basis the need period,” says Arora.

As a brand, ZANA is a unique combination of luxury and sustainability where elegance meets eco-friendly choices to create everlasting memories. Arora shares that they use premium organic bath amenities by Ma Earth Botanicals, that are both indulgent and environmentally friendly, free from chemical additives, synthetic fragrances, petroleum, animal-by-products, sodium laurel sulphate, mineral oils, parabens and cruelty free. “Our dental amenities are completely plastic free as we use naturally made chewable tablets packed in a glass bottle and an environmental friendly wooden toothbrush,” he says, adding that the resort is equipped with energy efficient LED lighting to minimise carbon footprint. Additionally, they provide thorough training to the staff on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, ensuring every aspect of operations reflects the commitment to sustainability.

To adapt to changing customer preferences and market trends, Espire Hospitality Group’s CEO and MD says, “At ZANA Jim Corbett, we proactively plan to do so adapt to changing customer preferences and market trends through several strategic approaches. Firstly, we regularly gather feedback from guests to understand their evolving needs and expectations. This allows us to continuously refine our services and amenities to better meet customer preferences. We closely monitor industry trends and market research to identify emerging preferences, such as increased interest in sustainable practices, wellness offerings, and unique experiences.”

Sharing his plans for Zana’s expansion, Arora shares, “Our plans for expanding the brand presence in India involve strategic expansion into key geographical locations to capitalise on emerging market opportunities and meet the evolving needs of travellers. Specifically, we are targeting destinations such as Goa, Vrindavan and Rishikesh, renowned for their cultural significance, natural beauty, and growing tourism appeal. These locations offer a conducive environment for upscale hospitality offerings, aligning perfectly with Zana’s commitment to delivering immersive and luxurious guest experiences.” 

Additionally, the focus will be on metropolitan hubs like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai where there is a high demand for premium accommodations and a thriving corporate and leisure traveller base. “By strategically selecting these geographical locations, we aim to establish Zana as the leading luxury boutique resort brand in the Indian hospitality industry,” he concludes.

Vivek Mittal

BW Reporters Vivek Mittal is Senior Vice President - Business & Operations, BW Hotelier and BW Travel