As a real estate tycoon, revered hospitality icon, and leading healthcare and education entrepreneur, Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, has created a benchmark of success in different industries.
Whether it was creating social housing, luxury hospitality, comprehensive healthcare or buzzing commercial complexes, his entrepreneurial innovations have brought about an abundance of joy in people’s lives.
Hotelier India catches up with the business magnate to unearth the hospitality side of his entrepreneurship…
From a real estate tycoon to a hospitality icon, tell us about your journey from one industry to another… What triggered the interest in hospitality?
Our journey into hospitality began in the 1980s when we established Kolkata’s first business club, The Conclave. Its success was a pivotal moment, sparking our interest in venturing into the hospitality sector. The real breakthrough came in 1993 when we transformed a 100-acre fishing village on the outskirts of Kolkata into Raichak on the Ganges, starting with our first hotel, The Ffort Raichak. The project’s scale and success, coupled with the love for the hotel by the majestic Ganges, inspired us to build more such properties. Each successful venture paved the way for the next. Today, we have more than 13 owned and 17 managed hotels, totalling close to 1,000 keys.
You have changed the face of hospitality in Eastern India with your exotic restaurants and luxury hotels. What got you to focus on this part of the world?
My family’s 120-year history in Kolkata instilled in me a deep connection with the city and its unique blend of tradition, art, heritage, and warmth. Growing up here, I was always fascinated by Kolkata’s rich cultural tapestry and artistic heritage. This profound sense of belonging and the immense potential I saw in this region motivated me to focus our hospitality efforts here. Eastern India offers a plethora of unexplored locations and a discerning clientele that is appreciative of the finer things, making it a natural choice for our ventures.
You’ve somehow mastered the art of carving picturesque resorts in challenging geographical terrains: Taj Guras Kutir in the Pangthang Forest Block near Gangtok, Sikkim, and Taj Chia Kutir Resort in Darjeeling. Tell us more about these projects.
The natural beauty of Eastern India, from the Himalayan mountains and lush forests to the serene rivers and ocean fronts, inspired us to create resorts that harmonise with these landscapes. Taj Chia Kutir, located in the Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, epitomises luxury amidst nature. It offers an immersive experience where luxury meets the pristine beauty of rolling green tea estates, complemented by the crisp, refreshing air of the Himalayas. The resort integrates local bamboo, timber, and stones into its contemporary architecture, ensuring minimal environmental impact while offering luxurious amenities and stunning views. Similarly, Taj Guras Kutir in the Pangthang Forest Block near Gangtok, Sikkim, is a testament to our commitment to blending local culture with modern luxury. This resort features traditional Thangka paintings and offers panoramic views of Kangchenjunga and the Eastern Himalayas, providing a serene escape into nature’s lap. We have recently also opened two city hotels—Taj Taal Kutir Kolkata and Taj City Centre Patna. At Taj Taal Kutir, we have combined the resplendent charm of Art Deco with contemporary vibrancy. This urban sanctuary, located on a charming lakeside, invites guests on a journey where the allure of old Calcutta seamlessly intertwines with the pulse of modern Kolkata. In contrast, Taj City Centre Patna is the city’s first five-star luxury hotel, blending Bihar’s rich cultural tapestry with contemporary opulence. Each of these hotels reflects our commitment to creating unique experiences that honour the heritage and vibrancy of their respective locations.
What were the challenges you came across while developing these properties, and how did you overcome them?
Building resorts in such challenging terrains presented numerous obstacles. The rugged landscapes complicated design planning and the transportation of construction materials. Additionally, the unpredictable weather in the mountains caused delays, further compounded by the pandemic, which set back our timelines by two years. Despite these challenges, the end result—our beautifully integrated resorts—made all the struggles worthwhile.
With your deep flair for creativity and nature, how involved are you in the various stages of your projects?
Design, art, and architecture have always been close to my heart, stemming from a family deeply appreciative of aesthetics. 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.
Would you like to expand your hospitality business to other parts of the country too?
We have recently acquired the Tree of Life Hotel Chain, which includes over 17 hotels across North and West India. This acquisition has already broadened our national footprint. We plan to continue expanding, seeking opportunities that align with our vision of providing high-quality, luxurious experiences for both leisure and business travellers.
Branded residences are rising in India. What are your thoughts on this growing concept, especially the ones that involve partnerships between hotel brands and real estate players? Would you like to get into that space?
The concept of branded residences is indeed interesting, and we see potential in this space. We are exploring opportunities to integrate this model within our leisure home segment, particularly around our hospitality projects. Given the rising aspirations and demand for premium living spaces, branded residences could seamlessly blend luxury living with our refined hospitality services.
