Indian hospitality industry is witnessing an unprecedented shift with independent luxury boutique brands gaining prominence. Saraca Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing player redefining experiential travel, heritage tourism and the MICE segment with its properties in Lucknow, Jim Corbett and Goa, is expanding its reach with new projects.
Surbhi Sharma
A rising star in the independent luxury boutique hospitality space, Saraca Hotels & Resorts is rapidly expanding its presence across India and beyond. With established properties in Lucknow, Jim Corbett and Goa, the brand is set to redefine experiential travel with upcoming projects in Sri Lanka and a new Jim Corbett resort, marking a strategic push into high-demand destinations.
Expansion into key markets
Talking about the brand scaling new heights in India and abroad, Amit Razdan, COO, Saraca Hotels & Resorts, says, “We are bringing the biggest property in Jim Corbett, featuring 180 keys, a 10,000 sqft banqueting space, and a host of immersive experiences. This expansion aims to elevate Jim Corbett’s hospitality landscape, attracting a new profile of travellers seeking premium, nature-driven getaways.”
He adds, “Our growth extends beyond hotels to culinary ventures, with our signature specialty restaurant, Azraq, making its way from Lucknow to Delhi NCR. Set to debut in Malcha Marg and the Qutub Minar area, Azraq—meaning “blue” in Persian—celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Awadh, ensuring strong brand recall among Delhi’s discerning diners.”
Simultaneously, Mirissa in Sri Lanka, a surfer’s paradise, is set to host Saraca’s latest international property, catering to adventure seekers and luxury travellers alike.
Reviving heritage: New biz strategy
Saraca is partnering with royal families to restore and convert historic palaces and forts into luxury heritage hotels under its management. With two out of three operational properties being heritage hotels, the brand is well-positioned to lead this transformation in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Weddings & MICE: Driving growth
The brand has capitalised on India’s booming wedding industry with the launch of ‘Bandhan Weddings’, catering to intimate, experiential weddings. “With an 85 per cent occupancy rate across properties, weddings have emerged as a key revenue generator for us,” he says. Moreover, corporate travel is also evolving. “MICE is no longer just about boardroom meetings. Corporates now demand immersive experiences, bespoke F&B and curated activities, and our properties cater perfectly to these needs,” he adds.