A stellar success from the outset, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur marks the beginning of Minor Hotels’ ambitious vision to open 50 properties in India, showcasing its hospitality excellence, says Puneet Dhawan.
Lipla Negi
Minor Hotels plans to open 50 properties in India over the next ten years. What is your blueprint for achieving this goal?
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur is the first of the 50 new openings we target within the next ten years. We are in various stages of discussions with partners nationwide and are humbled by the overwhelming interest and enthusiasm shown in our brands.
Destination creation has been instrumental to Minor Hotels’ global strategy and will be critical to our presence in India. India has many untapped tourism hotspots, and we are aiming to create new destinations that appeal to domestic and international tourists.
We will focus on emerging destinations with demand for premium and luxury hospitality with our Anantara, Avani and NH Collection brands. There are many up-and-coming cities in urban locations, especially in Southern India. There are also tier II and tier III cities that could be a fit for our select NH brand.
We are not limiting ourselves to cities, either. Our Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur brand is well-suited for luxury resorts and wilderness lodges in southern hill towns and the northern Himalayas.
While domestic tourism continues to grow, inbound tourism still lags behind. In your opinion, what steps could be taken to revive India’s inbound numbers?
To bridge this gap and position India as a leading tourism hub, we must scale up promotional efforts, as the current ₹30 million global tourism budget is far too low for a country aiming to achieve its Vision 2047 of nearly US$1 trillion in hotel industry contributions to GDP. More targeted campaigns and marketings tailored to luxury, adventure, heritage, and wellness travellers could help India attract high-value visitors. Additionally, simplifying the e-visa process or introducing visa-free travel for select markets, following the example of Sri Lanka and Thailand, will make India far more accessible. Besides, strengthening collaboration between the central and state governments is crucial to developing world-class tourism infrastructure, ensuring better visitor facilities, conserving heritage sites, and enhancing connectivity to lesser-known destinations. At the same time, expanding direct international flight connectivity, particularly beyond the major metros, will help spread tourism’s economic benefits across the country.
What are the key challenges facing India’s growing luxury market, and where do you see the opportunities?
Despite its rich heritage and cultural depth, India has a notable gap in experiential luxury properties. We see a tremendous opportunity to bridge this by introducing world-class luxury experiences honouring the country’s history, revitalising legacy properties such as forts and palaces into exceptional destinations. With its expertise in seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury, Anantara is uniquely positioned to bring these stories behind the landmarks to a global audience.
At the same time, India’s youthful population, where the median age hovers around 30, signals a growing demand for vibrant, lifestyle-driven hospitality. With its playful and energetic approach, Avani is perfectly suited to this evolving market, creating dynamic spaces that resonate with a new generation of travellers.
India’s deep-rooted connection to wellness, as the birthplace of Ayurveda, further presents an unparalleled opportunity. Minor Hotels’ globally acclaimed wellness offerings, exemplified by Anantara Spa, align naturally with this tradition, providing spaces where guests can reconnect with holistic practices in their place of origin.Additionally, the country’s vast wildlife potential remains largely untapped. Leveraging our expertise from the Elewana Collection in Africa and the success of Anantara and Avani in nature-focused destinations, Minor Hotels is well-equipped to create immersive wildlife experiences that balance luxury and conservation.
Finally, as Indian hotel owners seek partners who appreciate local nuances rather than enforcing rigid, standardised models. Minor Hotels’ philosophy of “thinking global, speaking local” ensures we can meet these evolving expectations, offering the flexibility and cultural understanding that set us apart.
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur recently debuted in India. What is your target audience and how you are reaching them?
There are two approaches for us to consider — independent travellers and MICE guests.
We have had a very strong wedding season this year. We have been nearly booked out since opening in November, hosting more than 30 weddings in three months. Guests who chose Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur have highlighted how our venues’ architecture and design capture the core essence of Rajasthan’s past. The hotel’s spaces provide many options for large-scale events, with venues accommodating up to 1,100 guests outdoors and 300 guests indoors.
We also have exquisite spaces for more intimate celebrations, like the Rang Mahal, which features elaborate murals depicting the history of the Maharajas. Also working in our favour is Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur’s proximity to the airport, which is just 30 minutes away. The location appeals to event organisers looking to host functions and conferences in Jaipur because of its easy access to the Pink City.
Outside of wedding season and events, we also need to create a compelling proposition for individual guests. Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur’s grand design and intricate decoration offers a window into a bygone era, speaking to the area’s past and immersing our guests in the destination. We provide a range of on and off-property activities, attracting guests to experience the authentic side of Rajasthan, beyond Jaipur’s typical attractions, like private safari and heritage excursions or discover the region’s culinary heritage by joining our chef on a spice market tour. We have had received encouraging feedback from guests, especially those who have stayed at an Anantara property elsewhere in the world, many are excited to have Anantara’s authentic luxury experience closer to home in India.
How do you plan to carve out a unique niche in Rajasthan’s highly competitive wedding market?
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur aims to provide our guests with an immersive and authentic experience of Rajasthan, which is true to Anantara’s positioning. Our wedding services offer a blend of classic grandeur and opulence and contemporary comforts against the traditional Rajasthani backdrop. The range of venues and flexibility allows us to cater to various indoor and outdoor functions. Our location is also an advantage, providing a serene escape while giving guests seamless access to Jaipur’s historical and cultural wonders.
Introducing visa-free travel for select markets will make India far more accessible.
Today, Indian hotel owners seek partners who appreciate local nuances.
– Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels
