Latest news with #Lushescapes
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Inside India's luxury travel boom: Where heritage meets high-end hospitality
While 2024 held the promise of a tourism boom for India, a destination celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, international tourist arrivals have experienced a slower recovery post-pandemic. But there's one sector of the country's travel market that is booming, the realm of ultra-luxury. Fuelled by a growing number of high-net-worth individuals and aspirational luxury travellers, the global luxury tourism sector is anticipated to grow from $239 billion (Dh877 billion approx.) in 2023, to an estimated $391 billion by 2028, according to McKinsey & Company. And as India's luxury travel market witnesses its share of this unprecedented growth, the nation is increasingly catering to the discerning desires of ultra-high-net-worth holidaymakers who are seeking exclusive, authentic and transformative experiences. 'India's luxury travel landscape is undergoing a beautiful transformation, where heritage meets modernity in the most immersive, meaningful way,' says Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes, a UAE-based luxury travel brand. Born and raised in Delhi, Dadlani has dedicated years to building Lushescapes, a company that promises travellers bespoke itineraries and unparalleled access to many of India's hidden treasures. With an intimate understanding of the Indian market, Dadlani believes the country's luxury travel boom is rooted in the transformative moments it offers. 'Today's India doesn't just offer five-star stays, it offers transformative moments in places that feel both grand and grounded. It's no longer just about where you stay, but how you're made to feel. India delivers that in ways that surprise even the most seasoned luxury traveller,' he tells KT Luxe. More than a five-star stay It's a sentiment that's mirrored in the recent unveiling of Arq by The Leela, a collection of ultra-luxury villas at The Leela Palace Udaipur, billed as the ultimate sanctuary for the global elite. Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Pichola, Arq elevates travellers' experiences with its hyper-personalised, albeit unoriginally named, 'Palace within a Palace' concept. Spanning tailored programming, it encompasses everything from private culinary journeys with local chefs to Pichwai painting classes or exclusive opportunities to attend prayer rituals at the ancient Shiva temple. 'The launch of Arq at Pichola at The Leela Palace Udaipur represents our vision of reimagining luxury for the most discerning travellers,' said Shweta Jain, chief sales and marketing officer at The Leela. 'This isn't just another destination, it's a continuous ascent into the true essence of luxury, where every detail is designed to be a personal exploration of beauty, creativity, and indulgence.' Travellers aspiring to a stay that is befitting of a modern-day maharaja can find their haven at Ran Baas, The Palace in Patiala, a Relais & Châteaux property housed within a meticulously restored palace that dates to the 18th century. Originally a royal guesthouse within a wing of Qila Mubarak, a sprawling ten-acre complex in Punjab that once housed the royal family, the property fell into disrepair after India's independence. Recently renovated by renowned Indian conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, celebrated for her work on preserving India's architectural heritage, the hotel boasts many of the palace's original features with a design that integrates intricate wooden carvings, gilded frescoes, marble floors and silk carpets to create a royal retreat where guests are immersed in the splendour of bygone eras. Notably, the hotel holds the distinction of being Punjab's first luxury palace hotel and has rapidly gained popularity as a destination for weddings and discerning travellers seeking authentic Punjabi hospitality. Mastering the art of anticipation This unwavering focus on personalised service is a defining characteristic of several of India's elite accommodations. 'Service needs to be intuitive, as every single guest is unique,' Jaisal Singh, chief executive of Sujan, tells KT Luxe. 'Our ethos has always been to be genuine; our experiences are not contrived, but stem from our family's deep-rooted connection to the landscapes where our properties reside.' Beyond this, affluent travellers are seeking meaningful experiences and connections when they travel, adds Singh. 'People want to experience connection, be that to nature, to a landscape, culture, heritage, and with people.' At Sujan's Jawai Leopard Camp, guests can look forward to expertly guided wildlife safaris that foster a deep connection with Rajasthan's dramatic granite hills and the region's elusive leopard population. Immersive cultural encounters with local Rabari tribesmen offer insights into their traditional way of life, offering travellers a unique human connection. For another luxurious immersion in India's wildlife, the recently opened The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort in Bandhavgarh stands out. Situated adjacent to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the resort is an ideal base for those looking to partkate in a private safari experience to get up close and personal with the Royal Bengal Tiger. The resort's architecture with its opulent communal spaces and sophisticated tented accommodations, thoughtfully reflects the region's rich cultural heritage, and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings to enhance the sense of connection with the wilderness. Making conscious choices Luxury travel in India is also increasingly intertwined with a sense of responsibility. According to a 2023 report by 83 per cent of global travellers believe sustainable travel is vital. Several of India's most esteemed luxury establishments are championing eco-friendly practices. From the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, a LEED Platinum-certified hotel utilising renewable energy and striving for net-zero carbon emissions, to Sujan's commitment to conservation across their properties through habitat restoration and community engagement, these examples underscore that luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously. 'We are a brand rooted in a legacy of conservation and responsible, conscious travel. Guests who stay with us feel they're part of something meaningful and become invested in our vision. Through our conservation contribution, by simply choosing to stay with us, they know they are making a positive impact in the area,' says Jaisal Singh of Sujan. Celebrating 25 years in Uttarakhand, the luxury wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas is reinforcing its commitment to the region by relaunching the Ananda Institute with the Ambuja Foundation. This provides vital hospitality and wellness training to local youth, especially women, creating sustainable career paths. Ananda's deep connection to nature is further highlighted by its new birdwatching activity and efforts to enhance local biodiversity, solidifying India's role in conscious luxury travel. India's luxury travel landscape today transcends extravagance. Instead, it lies in the deeply personal and transformative experiences offered to holidaymakers, from intuitive service to a profound connection to nature, or an unwavering commitment to heritage. For the global elite who are seeking more than just a lavish getaway, India presents a compelling invitation to discover a destination where unparalleled luxury is imbued with genuine soul and lasting significance, and the opportunity to forge memories as rich and vibrant as the subcontinent itself.
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How the Dubai World Cup boosts UAE tourism numbers
The Dubai World Cup, one of the emirate's biggest events in the calendar, continues to be a boon to the city's luxury tourism. From hotels to restaurants, the city comes alive for the world's richest race day that attracts people from across the UAE and the globe. 'The Dubai World Cup has significantly enhanced Dubai's global profile and bolstered its tourism sector. In 2011, the event recorded an unprecedented attendance of over 81,000 spectators at Meydan Grandstand, underscoring its immense popularity,' said Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes. 'By 2015, Frank Gabriel Jr, vice-president of racing for the Dubai Racing Club, noted that the Dubai World Cup had contributed to a 30 per cent increase in tourism to the emirate.' Dadlani said the Dubai World Cup provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the emirate and dive into the rich history of equestrianism, which has become such a strong component of Emirati heritage and culture. 'At Lushescapes, we've seen a growing demand for unique, immersive experiences around elite global events, with the Dubai World Cup being one of them. Travellers today seek more than just a destination; they want meticulously curated journeys that combine luxury, exclusivity, and cultural depth,' he said. Sports tourism now plays a crucial role in Dubai's economy, with marquee events like the Dubai World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships driving significant international interest. 'These events attract high-spending visitors who contribute directly to various sectors, from luxury hotels seeing increased bookings for premium suites to high-end retail benefiting from race-day fashion and exclusive shopping experiences,' said Dadlani, who said visitors are looking for high-end, luxury experiences. 'The transportation sector also experiences a surge, with greater demand for private chauffeur services, luxury car rentals, and even helicopter transfers. Dubai's ability to host world-class sporting events has solidified its position as a premier destination for luxury sports tourism, ensuring that every major event delivers economic value across multiple industries.' While horse racing has long been associated with elite circles, the Dubai World Cup has evolved to attract a broader audience. International performances by artistes like Seal, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue have further broadened its reach, making it a cultural event that draws a diverse crowd, from luxury travellers to casual spectators. 'While it remains a highlight for high-net-worth individuals, corporate guests, and racing enthusiasts, its appeal has expanded through world-class entertainment, fine dining experiences, and exclusive hospitality offerings,' said Dadlani. Far beyond the race day itself, the event spurs a whole wealth of travel experiences from visitors to the emirate. Reflecting the importance for tour operators, Arabian Adventures has curated a bespoke, five-night package of VIP experiences to cater to visitors. The 'Premium Guest Experience' includes access to a private suite for the race day overlooking the Home Straight turn for amazing views, with visitors enjoying premium beverages and food, and a premium Chauffeur Drive to the Meydan Racecourse to arrive at the headline race in style. Other VIP experiences include an evening dinner with a trainer and jockey, private tours of the Parade Ring and Meydan Stables, a night of premium desert dining at The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures, and a helicopter tour of Dubai. 'The Dubai World Cup is one of the city's most sought-after and glamorous annual sporting events. Interest in the Dubai World Cup is growing annually from a diverse range of markets. This year, we can see ticket and package sales from the UK, Europe, and the Far East,' said Anabela Radosevic, manager, sales and services at Arabian Adventures. 'We work closely with specialised travel trade partners focused on horse racing, from whom we can see an increase in both individual and group travel. Visiting the Dubai World Cup provides a unique insight into the city's luxury travel and events offering.' The event, according to Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, is also becoming more global as the number of international visitors is fast catching up with the domestic market. 'For the Dubai World Cup this year, we are seeing demand for tickets from a variety of markets, with a current split of 46 per cent of sales from international customers and 54 per cent for the UAE-based clients,' Vlemmiks said. Emirates Airline has been a pivotal player in bringing fans and competitors from around the world to the event, which has flourished from its humble beginnings in the 1990s at Nad Al Sheba. 'Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup (DWC) has played an instrumental role in establishing Dubai as a prominent destination in the sporting and horseracing world. Today, it ranks among the top five horse races globally and is a highlight of Dubai's annual social calendar,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer. He said Emirates, which has been a sponsor of the event for almost three decades, has flown hundreds of thousands of racegoers in addition to owners, specialists and suppliers, and not least, the highly prized horses. 'Over the years, the event has attracted millions of racing fans from across the world, drawing them to Dubai to experience everything our city has to offer,' Kazim said. 'It has had a significant impact on Dubai, helping position the city as a prime destination for world-class events.'
Khaleej Times
03-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How the Dubai World Cup boosts the UAE tourism numbers
The Dubai World Cup, one of the emirate's biggest events in the calendar, continues to be a boon to the city's luxury tourism. From hotels to restaurants, the city comes alive for the world's richest race day that attracts people from across the UAE and the globe. 'The Dubai World Cup has significantly enhanced Dubai's global profile and bolstered its tourism sector. In 2011, the event recorded an unprecedented attendance of over 81,000 spectators at Meydan Grandstand, underscoring its immense popularity,' said Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes. 'By 2015, Frank Gabriel Jr, vice-president of racing for the Dubai Racing Club, noted that the Dubai World Cup had contributed to a 30 per cent increase in tourism to the emirate.' Dadlani said the Dubai World Cup provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the emirate and dive into the rich history of equestrianism, which has become such a strong component of Emirati heritage and culture. 'At Lushescapes, we've seen a growing demand for unique, immersive experiences around elite global events, with the Dubai World Cup being one of them. Travellers today seek more than just a destination; they want meticulously curated journeys that combine luxury, exclusivity, and cultural depth,' he said. Sports tourism now plays a crucial role in Dubai's economy, with marquee events like the Dubai World Cup, DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Desert Classic and the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships driving significant international interest. 'These events attract high-spending visitors who contribute directly to various sectors, from luxury hotels seeing increased bookings for premium suites to high-end retail benefiting from race-day fashion and exclusive shopping experiences,' said Dadlani, who said visitors are looking for high-end, luxury experiences. 'The transportation sector also experiences a surge, with greater demand for private chauffeur services, luxury car rentals, and even helicopter transfers. Dubai's ability to host world-class sporting events has solidified its position as a premier destination for luxury sports tourism, ensuring that every major event delivers economic value across multiple industries.' While horse racing has long been associated with elite circles, the Dubai World Cup has evolved to attract a broader audience. International performances by artistes like Seal, Jennifer Lopez, and Kylie Minogue have further broadened its reach, making it a cultural event that draws a diverse crowd, from luxury travellers to casual spectators. 'While it remains a highlight for high-net-worth individuals, corporate guests, and racing enthusiasts, its appeal has expanded through world-class entertainment, fine dining experiences, and exclusive hospitality offerings,' said Dadlani. Far beyond the race day itself, the event spurs a whole wealth of travel experiences from visitors to the emirate. Reflecting the importance for tour operators, Arabian Adventures has curated a bespoke, five-night package of VIP experiences to cater to visitors. The 'Premium Guest Experience' includes access to a private suite for the race day overlooking the Home Straight turn for amazing views, with visitors enjoying premium beverages and food, and a premium Chauffeur Drive to the Meydan Racecourse to arrive at the headline race in style. Other VIP experiences include an evening dinner with a trainer and jockey, private tours of the Parade Ring and Meydan Stables, a night of premium desert dining at The Veuve Clicquot Desert Experience by Arabian Adventures, and a helicopter tour of Dubai. 'The Dubai World Cup is one of the city's most sought-after and glamorous annual sporting events. Interest in the Dubai World Cup is growing annually from a diverse range of markets. This year, we can see ticket and package sales from the UK, Europe, and the Far East,' said Anabela Radosevic, manager, sales and services at Arabian Adventures. 'We work closely with specialised travel trade partners focused on horse racing, from whom we can see an increase in both individual and group travel. Visiting the Dubai World Cup provides a unique insight into the city's luxury travel and events offering.' The event, according to Matthew Vlemmiks, leisure manager at dnata Travel, is also becoming more global as the number of international visitors is fast catching up with the domestic market. 'For the Dubai World Cup this year, we are seeing demand for tickets from a variety of markets, with a current split of 46 per cent of sales from international customers and 54 per cent for the UAE-based clients,' Vlemmiks said. Emirates Airline has been a pivotal player in bringing fans and competitors from around the world to the event, which has flourished from its humble beginnings in the 1990s at Nad Al Sheba. 'Since its inception in 1996, the Dubai World Cup (DWC) has played an instrumental role in establishing Dubai as a prominent destination in the sporting and horseracing world. Today, it ranks among the top five horse races globally and is a highlight of Dubai's annual social calendar,' said Adnan Kazim, Emirates' deputy president and chief commercial officer. He said Emirates, which has been a sponsor of the event for almost three decades, has flown hundreds of thousands of racegoers in addition to owners, specialists and suppliers, and not least, the highly prized horses. 'Over the years, the event has attracted millions of racing fans from across the world, drawing them to Dubai to experience everything our city has to offer,' Kazim said. 'It has had a significant impact on Dubai, helping position the city as a prime destination for world-class events.'
