CUTTING THROUGH THE CLUTTER

As travellers increasingly shun cookiecutter hotels in lieu of boutique properties, hoteliers need to concentrate on experiential hospitality that create memories for a lifetime

PRANITA BHOSALE

If it has been said once, it has been said too often – the pandemic has brought evident and long-lasting changes in a guest’s travelling habits. They now prefer open and spacious environs with well-separated rooms and private enclosures while staying amidst greenery, rather than vacationing in conventional big-box hotels.

This switch is not merely due to prevailing hygiene and safety concerns. It is equally driven by their inclination for an immersive experience while travelling, rather than merely seeking a comfortable stay.

For Jimmy Mistry, Founder Della Leaders Club, and Della Group, this repositioning of guest expectations is a vindication of his long-held beliefs. When this self-taught architecture enthusiast set up Della Villas in Maharashtra’s Lonavala hill town in 2008, he wanted to create a commodious designed gated community.

As consumers’ tastes and demands evolved, he established an extreme adventure park with over 50 activities in 2009. A year later, he introduced six resorts with 271 rooms within the same property. Through this all, he was guided by theconcept of ‘experiential hospitality, where the focus is on creating memorable experiences that stay with guests long after they have checked out of the property.

Elaborating on this, Mistry said, “The well-traveled, discerning, new-age consumer is seeking enriching experiences that go much beyond the conventional realms of rooms and dining. Hoteliers need to push their boundaries and come up with well researched, curated, and delightful experiences for their guests.”

DEMYSTIFYING EXPERIENTIAL HOSPITALITY