Latest news with #RedBeryl
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
How AI is redefining luxury lifestyle management in India?
India's luxury landscape is at an inflection point. With the country's luxury market projected to touch $85 billion by 2030 and the number of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) expected to rise by 50 per cent in the same period, the demand for hyper-personalised, seamless, and culturally attuned services is higher than ever before. In this evolving scenario, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a supporting tool—it is rapidly becoming the primary interface for delivering understand this shift, spoke with Mr Manoj Adlakha, Founder & CEO of RedBeryl, who has launched India's first AI-powered luxury concierge platform, built on Club Concierge's three decades of global expertise. He believes that AI is not just enhancing luxury lifestyle management—it is redefining what exclusivity means in a digital-first asked whether AI can truly redefine luxury lifestyle management in India, Adlakha was emphatic. 'AI already is revolutionising luxury lifestyle management in India. At RedBeryl, we have launched India's first AI-powered concierge platform, built on Club Concierge's 30 years of expertise. Unlike others using AI as a backend tool, our platform is the primary interface, delivering hyper-personalised experiences for HNIs/UHNIs, be it travel, dining, or wellness,' he observers agree that India's new wealth creators—first-generation entrepreneurs, millennial investors, and a globally connected Gen-Z elite—expect instant, intuitive, and personalised access to luxury. RedBeryl is betting on AI to be the bridge between aspiration and luxury, personalisation has always been a given. But AI, as Adlakha argues, is elevating it to a new generations, especially millennials and Gen-Z, expect brands to be both digital and emotionally intelligent. Adlakha observed: 'This generation wants to engage with brands who provide digital assistance, and our AI delivers this with cultural sensitivity. Although AI is enhancing luxury industry is notoriously high-touch and emotion-driven, raising the question—can AI balance efficiency with empathy?Adlakha acknowledged the challenge while underlining the opportunity: 'According to a report, 83 per cent of luxury executives agree that cutting-edge technologies like generative AI will disrupt the industry in the coming years, and they are not all prepared for it. Integrating AI into luxury concierge services offers scalability but demands emotional finesse. The AI concierge is trained on real world insights from servicing UHWNIs across the globe—it doesn't guess what luxury looks like, it knows it.''Privacy and emotional intelligence are critical in luxury. Our AI anonymises data to meet global privacy standards while learning preferences for intuitive, culturally sensitive service. It handles complex requests and provides quantitative data to our human experts to curate personalised experiences,' he concluded with a vision statement: 'Today, most luxury companies struggle to scale AI without losing personal touch, but some platforms are delivering a multilingual, adaptive platform to resonate across the elite, setting a standard for emotionally intelligent, privacy-conscious service in the luxury market.'- Ends
Time of India
11-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
From underwater dinners to Vogue internships: Top experiences ultra HNIs are spending on today
From ownership to experience Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The pillars Where the money flows Global outlook Philanthropy reimagined The new definition of wealth Private catch-up with Lionel Messi in Mumbai Flash mob proposal in Times Square Sourcing a 1965 Ford Mustang from a royal collection Met Gala invitations and VIP Wimbledon seats Getting a star named after a loved one Securing Patek Philippe Grand Complications ref. 6300G For India's ultra-rich, luxury isn't about the brand tag—it is about access. Access to moments suspended in time, to rooms where legacy is shaped, and to experiences that can't be found just anywhere on the Private Bank's (a division of Kotak Mahindra Bank) report 'Top of The Pyramid 2025' gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how India's 2.83 lakh Ultra-High Net-Worth Individuals (UHNIs) — with a collective wealth of around Rs 232 trillion—spend their money not just on investments or houses, but on curated travel, legacy-building experiences, alternative wellness, and collectables that whisper cultural luxury lifestyle management firms, such as RedBeryl, Pinch, Quintessentially, and CribLife, work around the clock to bring a wide range of fantasies and dreams to life. From securing an internship at Vogue through discreet fashionworld connections to delivering 30 Lego City boxes from the United Kingdom (UK) to light up a child's birthday, India's concierge industry is quietly powering the dreams and demands of its most affluent. Luxury has evolved beyond ownership to report highlights that 18% of India's ultra-rich prefer to reinvest their wealth in their businesses, 13% prefer to allocate their wealth to household expenses , 10% prioritise health and wellness, 8% spend on their children's education, and 7% utilise their wealth for exotic foreign travel. 'UHNIs are no longer buying luxury to belong; they are spending it to experience and evolve,' says Vodhi Chakravartty, Head of Strategy, Kotak Private Banking.A Lamborghini or a Louis Vuitton trunk won't do. 'At this level, it's all about opening doors to the kinds of opportunities that quietly shape a legacy,' says Vijaya Eastwood, founder of CribLife, a homegrown concierge and private family office firm. RedBeryl, a concierge firm, recounts organising a private dinner by the pyramids, complete with curated lighting under the stars. Another client proposed via a surprise flash mob at Times Square, ending in a custom light display. 'Our members don't just want luxury, they want to live the story,' says Manoj Adlakha, founder and CEO, you have the money, surely a Hermes Birkin bag would be easy to get? Not quite, actually. 'No vendor had it in stock,' Adlakha recalls. 'Our team visited highend boutiques and private collectors across countries, inspected each piece for authenticity, and finally handed over what was a collector's dream come true.' Elsewhere, Quintessentially, another concierge firm, arranged a limited-edition Audemars Piguet watch as part of a Tuscan birthday celebration— packaged alongside a private wine tasting inside a preserved are three primary areas where the ultra-rich tend to allocate their wealth, as per Kotak Bank's report: wellness, education and experiential travel.'Today's UHNIs want depth, meaning, and access that can't be googled.'VIJAYA EASTWOOD, FOUNDER OF CRIBLIFEHealth & wellness have become an essential expense for over 90% of UHNIs, according to Kotak Bank's report. And concierge services echo that. RedBeryl observes a surge in retreats across Vizag and Bali, where clients seek 'spaces to realign and feel truly alive.' CribLife adds that demand forhyper-personalised longevity therapies and spiritual sabbaticals is a concierge firm, reports that patrons are now blending luxury with restoration: 'From drum circles in Bengaluru to silent walks with monks, wellness today isn't performative, it's personal,' says Nitin Mohan Srivastava, founder and CEO, Pinch. 'True luxury today is the ability to live without micro-stress. To be present without planning,' Srivastava says. For one client with phototoxicity, Pinch coordinated a complex relocation from Bangkok to the Netherlands, managing lighting logistics at airports, express immigration, cold packs, and even a last-minute hotel switch—all to ensure the client remained safe and report states that 83% of UHNIs are now spending more on education. However, it's not just about the university the child attends. It's about legacy-building. CribLife recounts helping a client land their daughter an internship at Vogue's New York office through insider connections. Another client's son was placed in a shadow mentorship at Meta in Silicon Valley, arranged via ex-founders and tech investors. UHNIs are looking to their lifestyle advisers for not just bookings, but for strategic guidance and outcomes that shape their personal and professional legacy, Eastwood 60% of entrepreneurs surveyed by Kotak say that travel is essential to them. But they seek something more immersive. 'The ask now is for a moment that cannot be Googled,' says Mishti Bose, Group CEO of Quintessentially. How about an underwater dinner with sharks? Or put together a flash mob to dance to your girlfriend's favourite number in the middle of Times Square, where you can get down on your knees and surprise her with a ring. 'Young wealth creators are more global in mindset,' adds Chakravartty. 'They are spending on life coaches, spa getaways, and personal development services,' he to Chakravartty, allocation to alternative assets has nearly doubled over the past decade, from 5% to 10% to 18% of UHNI portfolios today. These include direct investments in startups, private equity, venture capital, NFTs, and passion purchases such as art, watches, and vintage cars. 'UHNIs are merging investment logic with personal passions,' notes the Kotak 94% of UHNIs spend on jewellery and 73% on art, according to Kotak Bank's report. From heirloom pieces to blue-chip Indian masters, these emotionally driven buys are rare, valuable assets often passed down generations. In 2023, Amrita Sher-Gil's painting The Storyteller sold for a record. Rs.61.8 crore, among the most expensive Indian artworks to the report, 29% of UHNIs invest abroad, and a majority plan to increase their global exposure over the next 3-5 years. Popular destinations include the US, UK, Switzerland, and Portugal— not just for wealth growth, but also for lifestyle, education, and future migration Reserve Bank of India's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows up to US$250,000 per person annually for foreign spending, translating to approximately US$1 million for a family of four. This gives Indian UHNIs considerable muscle to invest or spend globally without regulatory friction. 'The Indian UHNI wants the freedom of choice, where to live, learn, heal, and grow,' says rich aren't just globe-trotting; they are also passport-shopping. More than one in five UHNIs is actively pursuing foreign residency or citizenship, often tied to real estate investments. Concierge services say they are being asked to source heritage homes in the South of France, ranches in New Zealand, or help with golden visa processes in Portugal. 'There is an increased global diversification into luxury real estate abroad, exclusive investment opportunities, and even AI-driven ventures,' says Chakravartty. CribLife recently helped a client relocate their base to Dubai and secure admission for their children in a London boarding school, all while facilitating property viewings in Knightsbridge, within the same to the India Philanthropy Report 2025 by Bain and Company and Dasra, private spending by Indian philanthropists rose by 7% in FY24, reaching Rs.1.31 lakh crore, and is projected to grow by 10-12% annually in the coming years—primarily driven by family philanthropy.'We are seeing families hire philanthropy professionals to manage their charitable giving, evaluate impact, and plan long-term initiatives,' Chakravartty says. Wealthy families—especially the next generation—are backing niche causes, such as gender equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, climate action and conservation, and reviving Indian arts, heritage, and textiles. 'Today's UHNIs want to feel like catalysts—not just donors,' notes Eastwood.'The question is no longer how much can I spend, but how unforgettable can I make it?' says Adlakha . This shift from accumulation to experience, and access, signals a fundamental change in how India's wealthiest view their fortunes. As they invest in wellness, craft legacies through education, and seek transformation through travel, they are not just spending money—they are redefining what it means to live a rich UHNIs are looking for alternatives to India. 69% consider 'smoothening of business operations' as a key driver. Where do they migrate?Indian UHNIs are keen to increase their exposure to alternative assets. Among them, following are the preferences, as SERVICES
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Crazy rich Indians: Luxury concierge firms are taking on several out-of-the-world requests from country's ultra-wealthy
As India's ultra-rich multiply, so do their demands — often extravagant, sometimes eccentric, almost always urgent. Enter luxury concierge firms: Discrete operators who turn outlandish requests into seamless reality. From last-minute seats at Wimbledon to a seven-temple darshan spanning multiple states in a single day, these lifestyle fixers specialise in the improbable. Armed with global networks and a don't-ask-how attitude, they cater to a clientele that values access over price, privacy over publicity. For them, no request is too bizarre, no deadline too tight. Discreet, well-connected and almost impossibly efficient, they can pull strings few even knew existed. Here's a glimpse into this rarefied world where the extraordinary is simply standard service. THOSE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN Live Events VIJAYA EASTWOOD 'Luxury today isn't just about having more — it's about choosing better,' says Vijaya Eastwood, CEO of CribLife, a homegrown concierge and private family office firm that works with over 15,000 ultra-high-net-worth families — both directly and through white-labelled partnerships with India's most prestigious private wealth banks and curated, invite-only credit card platforms. Their Rs 12-lakh-plus annual memberships offer global lifestyle navigation across deeply personal and highstakes moments: From IVF journeys in London, to celebrity and world leader– led dinners, international relocations, cross-border business liaisoning and education pathways. 'What truly matters is the kind of outcome that stays with you — whether it's emotional, personal or professional. Experiences that shift something in your world. That's the real value,' she adds. MISHTI BOSE An emotional edge is at the heart of Quintessentially India, a new-age travel concierge. According to CEO Mishti Bose, 2025 will see a spike in private villa takeovers, wellness-led escapes, and sports-driven itineraries. 'There's a clear shift towards intentional, immersive and ultrapersonalised experiences,' she notes. Whether it's a private island for a 50th birthday or a bespoke Wimbledon experience with VIP access, Indian UHNIs are no longer just visiting places — they are curating experiences. MANOJ ADLAKHA Wellness, in particular, is emerging as the new indulgence. Manoj Adlakha, founder and CEO of RedBeryl, calls it 'the ultimate aspiration'. His 700-member strong firm operates across 85 Indian cities and 25 international hubs, offering access to over 3,300 private clubs, 1,800 Michelin-starred restaurants and 15,000 luxury hotels. 'When you have already acquired the best, what you seek is clarity, longevity and balance,' he says. Think forest immersion retreats in Kyoto, cellular regeneration in Swiss clinics, or closer home, naturopathy, yoga and healing therapies in Visakhapatnam or slow travel through Kerala's backwaters. NITIN MOHAN SRIVASTAVA Luxury is also turning inwards. Pinch, a concierge platform focused on home, wellness, and daily living, sees luxury in subtler forms. 'Luxury means different things to different people,' says Nitin Mohan Srivastava, founder and CEO, Pinch. 'The modern customer is craving slowness, not speed; connection, not consumption.' Pinch has arranged everything from flamencoseason tables at Corral de la Morería to a glamping trip to reconnect a busy mother with her son. 'True luxury is the absence of microstress… when life flows without friction, when you can be present without planning — that's what people remember,' he adds. KARAN BHANGAY Adding to this evolving ecosystem is Indulge Global, which curates hyperpersonalised experiences across categories. 'Beyond the traditional markers of opulence, today's Indian UHNWIs and HNWIs are looking for deeper meaning, absolute discretion and highly personalised engagement,' says co-founder Karan Bhangay. 'Privacy and exclusivity are now baseline expectations — whether it's a secluded island retreat, a private preview of a collectible, or a bespoke culinary experience at home.' Bhangay notes that purpose-driven luxury is rising. 'Clients want their experiences to reflect their personal values — be it sustainability, wellness, heritage or social impact. They are seeking more than status — they want meaningful, memorable experiences tailored to their individuality and conscience.' FOLLOW THE MONEY The concierge economy is following the money. That means the hunger for curated experiences is no longer limited to Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru. Both CribLife and RedBeryl report a sharp uptick in demand from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where families are equally global in mindset and aspiration. 'Many are buying second or third homes, not as rentals, but to create intentional roots,' says Eastwood. Adlakha points to the numbers: India's tier-2 and tier-3 markets hold $26.4 trillion in household income.'
