The latest entrant in the Indian luxury hotel space, The Postcard Hotel, is all set to receive guests in Sri Lanka and Bhutan this November. After a successful start of three hotels in Goa, the brand’s first international venture will be the stunning mountain setting of Bhutan and the historic town of Galle in Sri Lanka. Globally no luxury brand has expanded this fast with international openings in its first year of operations. With over Rs 1,000 crores of assets under management today and projects underway across South Asia, The Postcard Hotel is looking at owning or managing over USD 1 Billion (Rs 7,000 crores) of assets in 5 years. The Postcard Hotel is on track to open 50 hotels in 5 years in experiential destinations across the world. The investment will be an intelligent mix of buying off the asset, taking a long term lease on the asset or managing it as a management company. On an operational level, the hotels in Goa have been profitable since inception in December 2018, due to a strong focus on consumer preferences and highly personalised service.
The Postcard Dewa, will be the perfect base from which one can explore the magnificent landscape and culture of Bhutan. The newly built hotel with 15 suites, located with a spectacular hilltop view of the Thimphu valley and surrounding forests, aims to provide a sense of splendid seclusion, while being just a 20 minute drive from the city’s sights and sounds. The hotel is a comfortable 40 minute drive from the Paro international airport. As the only carbon negative country in the world, 72% of Bhutan is forest covered, and the landscapes provide constant opportunities for photography.
Bhutan actively promotes the idea of wellbeing and you feel it from the minute you arrive in this picturesque and serene country. From witnessing one of the world’s highest Buddha statues, hiking up to sacred and ancient monasteries, or strolling around the national Chorten – you will feel blessed at every turn. The spectacular textiles and art of Bhutan are incomparable. In Thimphu, you could watch traditional thangkha painting – a fantastic mix of technique and divinity.
The Postcard Galle, positioned above a beautiful lagoon, offers 180 degree vistas of the Indian Ocean. Inspired by the city that surrounds the hotel, this Postcard has 10 intimate suites offering the view and the sound of the ocean along with true Sri Lankan hospitality by passionate local experts.
The city of Galle is extraordinarily diverse. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galle Fort; the vast range of beaches that cater to exciting water sports, including surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, or scuba diving; lively bars or complete relaxation on tranquil beaches. There are also secluded coves and unspoiled spots for the ultimate escape. Blue whales are the largest mammals that live on our planet. Just two hours from the hotel, sighting of one of these amazing creatures can be memorable, and is one of the best reasons to visit Sri Lanka.
For those who are keen to explore Sri Lanka’s fascinating history and culture, there are also inland experiences that give an insight into authentic Sri Lankan culture. Visit a tea factory, explore the history of cinnamon, or go biking along picturesque paddy fields. The rich colonial heritage makes this country an architecture enthusiasts delight. The hotel is barely an hour away from the famous Brief Garden and several Bawa creations.
‘We handpick our locations and our hotels, so that guests have an authentic experience. Sri Lanka is the perfect location to explore the cultural landscape of the charming town of Galle, steeped in history dating back hundreds of years. While Bhutan, with its rich culture and breath-taking landscapes has long been on the bucket list of most exclusive and luxury travellers. Guests will now be able to enjoy the best of luxury Indian hospitality that perfectly complements the unique splendour of these destinations’ says Kapil Chopra, founder and CEO, The Postcard Hotel.
Transformative experiences and local community are at the heart of The Postcard Hotel’s offering. Each hotel will offer unique experiences that are true to its surroundings, giving guests a sense of the neighbourhood and the destination in a way never seen before. The experience within the hotel, too, is in keeping with the times. This means no set breakfast hours, no buffets and definitely no sugary welcome drinks. In its place, will be authentic local experiences, from food, to design, to artisanal welcome cocktails, to defining your own check in and check out hours and immersions with the local community.
