By Radhika Agrawal
Everyone likes to travel, but not all of us are big fans of airports. Our time at the airport is often riddled with the hassle of standing in long queues, worrying about being late, and trying to battle unpredictable forces that take away from the joy of travelling. In order to enhance the airport experience, Encalm Hospitality has launched premium Atithya services, lounges, and spa service at the Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa Mopa airports in India. We sat down to chat with the CEO of Encalm Hospitality, Vikas Sharma, to find out more about the brand’s services and they are changing the landscape of airport hospitality.
What was the inspiration behind launching Encalm Hospitality, and how has the response been since its inception in 2021?
Vikas Sharma: The inspiration behind launching Encalm Hospitality stemmed from the passion to create extraordinary experiences for airport travellers. We envisioned a brand that would redefine airport hospitality, offering personalised services and luxurious amenities to elevate the overall travel experience. Since our inception in 2021, the response has been overwhelming. Everyone, from the travellers to corporates alike, have resonated with our commitment to excellence, and the positive feedback we receive fuels our drive to continuously raise the bar in the airport hospitality industry.
Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality
What are some challenges you faced and some milestones you are proud of in this journey?
Vikas Sharma: The journey of Encalm Hospitality has had its share of challenges. One of the significant hurdles was curating a comprehensive range of services that cater to diverse travellers’ needs. However, with a dedicated team and undying determination, we have overcome these challenges.
We are incredibly proud of several milestones achieved along the way. The successful launch of Atithya, our Meet & Greet service, garnered praise for its personalised assistance to travellers. The introduction of Encalm Lounges redefined luxury at airports, offering premium amenities and unique experiences. Our Spa services have also been a hit, providing visitors with a relaxing escape amidst their journeys. Privé has been another key milestone in our journey. Coming up with the heavyweight reputation of being the finest lounge comes with its own set of challenges, but we are grateful to make it through. These milestones reinforce our commitment to creating exceptional travel experiences.
Do you believe that airport lounges are a necessity or a luxury for today’s travellers? Why?
Vikas Sharma: I firmly believe that airport lounges are now a necessity for modern travellers. In today’s fast-paced world, where travel can be demanding, passengers seek comfort and convenience during their journeys. Airport lounges provide a serene haven, offering premium amenities, wellness services, and gourmet dining. They go beyond a mere luxury, becoming an essential component of seamless and personalised travel experiences that today’s travellers desire and deserve.
Tell us about the 3 main offerings of your brand and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Vikas Sharma: At Encalm Hospitality, our core revolves around three main offerings:
1. Atithya – The Meet & Greet service: Atithya goes beyond traditional assistance, providing warm and personalised hospitality to our guests. With Atithya, we offer services which include baggage handling, buggy service, porter assistance, and exclusive lounge access. The hospitality provided by Encalm associates to travellers and passengers is what makes Atithya so special and unique. The seamless experience at airports is our USP and we continue to build upon it.
2. Encalm Lounge: Our lounges redefine luxury and comfort. From live cooking stations, complimentary WiFi, modern lounge bays to dedicated bars — we meticulously craft every aspect to provide an exceptional experience.
3. Encalm Spa: Our spa offers travellers a sanctuary to rejuvenate amidst the hustle of travel. With premium services and a tranquil ambiance, our skilled therapists cater to individual needs, providing a refreshing and revitalising experience. Right from full body therapies to dry massages, the Encalm Spa is the ultimate abode for travellers looking to unwind.
What sets us apart is our commitment, and the sheer attention to detail, personalised service, and a dedication to exceeding our guests’ expectations.
Can you throw some light on India’s largest airport lounge, Encalm Privé?
Vikas Sharma: Encalm Privé is a true embodiment of grandeur and luxury, redefining airport experiences on an unprecedented scale. As India’s largest airport lounge, it boasts a spacious seating capacity of 550 covers, ensuring ample space and comfort for our esteemed guests. The curated selection of international cuisines caters to diverse palates, promising an incredible experience that is second to none. The bar serves mocktails, cocktails, and various premium beverages to travellers, round the clock. With stringent hygiene practices and personalised service, Encalm Privé guarantees an extraordinary experience for every traveller who steps into the marquee lounge. Encalm Privé is about serving the best of hospitality with Encalm’s finesse, world class architecture, and assurance of quality. With superior amenities imbibed at the core, and upcoming facilities like a spa, fitness centre, sleeping pods and rooms, gaming zone, and showers, scheduled to be launched soon, Encalm Privé promises an exceptional experience for travellers.
How can curated airport services help facilitate an easier travel experience for senior citizens?
Vikas Sharma: Curated airport services play a crucial role in facilitating a seamless travel experience for senior citizens. Our personalised assistance ensures that elderly travellers receive the utmost care and attention throughout their journey. Taking this thought ahead, Atithya exclusively designed the ‘Buddy Service’. In ‘Buddy Service’, personalised executives are assigned to travellers, who assist them from their home, accompany them through the journey, and drop them off safely at the designated destination. So, we always try to provide smooth and hassle-free travel experiences for our senior guests.
On a more personal note, what is your success motto?
Vikas Sharma: My success motto is deeply rooted in the belief that every traveller deserves a personalised and elevated experience. At Encalm Hospitality, we strive to create delightful airport moments that leave a lasting impression on our guests, fostering loyalty and trust.
You have a rich experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with the top hotels of the country. How has working in the airport hospitality sector been different for you? What are some of your new learnings?
Vikas Sharma: Working in the airport hospitality sector has been a truly transformative experience for me. Unlike hotels, where guests typically have more extended stays, airport hospitality demands delivering exceptional experiences within limited timeframes. This has taught me the art of efficient yet attentive service, ensuring that every moment counts. Additionally, understanding the diverse needs and preferences of travellers from different cultures has been an enriching learning experience, and it drives our continuous innovation and improvement at Encalm Hospitality.
If you could offer a piece of advice for the aspiring entrepreneurs out there, what would you say?
Vikas Sharma: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs would be to stay passionate and relentless in pursuing their dreams. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never compromise on quality and customer experience. Surround yourself with a dedicated and motivated team, and remember that success is a journey, not just a destination. Stay true to your vision and values, and success will naturally follow.
