PEAKLIFE gets in candid conversation with Vishal Lonkar – General Manager, Business Development, at Renest Hotels & Resorts.

Nestled amidst lush greens and picturesque locations, Renest Hotels & Resorts represent a unique collection of boutique hotels and resorts where aesthetics and sustainability blend seamlessly. Offering memorable holiday experiences for both the leisure and business travelers, the brand is well-led by General Manager and Business Development – Vishal Lonkar.

With a keen passion for hospitality, an acute business acumen and an experience spanning years, Vishal spearheads Renest’s unique philosophy. In candid colloquy, we delve into the leader’s success story – from his beginnings and many hurdles to his milestones and future plans.

1. Starting off, please tell us a bit about your journey with Renest Hotels and Resorts. How did you foray into the brand?

Renest’s journey has been a captivating one, beginning with months of brainstorming to develop a brand concept that could cater to mid to upscale clients in India while possessing the potential to go international and remain relevant for the foreseeable future. We finally settled on Renest, a brand inspired by nature and its surroundings, and began sourcing hotels and resorts across the country.

However, just three months into our journey, we were struck by the COVID-19 wave, which forced us to pivot from expansion to managing our existing assets. We took great care to ensure that our employees remained safe and secure, and we implemented stringent cost controls to weather the storm. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we emerged stronger, having successfully navigated through it.

As the market rebounded, we added three more hotels to our portfolio, and we have another nine scheduled to open in the next few months. The industry and our customers have embraced the Renest brand, which has received widespread acceptance. Our sights are now set on our goal of having 30 hotels by the end of 2024, and we are committed to continuing on our growth path. We believe that our commitment to quality and sustainability, along with our passion for creating unforgettable guest experiences, will help us achieve this goal.

2. What are some challenges that you’re currently facing?

The greatest asset of any organization is its people. In today’s world, finding and retaining the right talent has become one of the biggest challenges for brands operating in India. As the hospitality industry experiences a surge in growth, the job market has opened up like never before, creating an environment where competition for top talent is fierce.

At Renest, we recognize the importance of having the right people on our team, and we understand the challenges associated with attracting and retaining top talent in today’s market. Despite these challenges, we remain confident in our ability to overcome them through our rigorous selection process and our strong bench strength.

We believe that investing in our people is the key to our success, and we are committed to providing our team members with opportunities to grow and develop within our organization. By fostering a culture of excellence and empowering our employees to take ownership of their roles, we are confident that we can attract and retain the talent we need to continue our growth trajectory and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.

3. On the flipside, what are some milestones or achievements that you’re proud to credit?

With pride, we affirm that Renest is receiving acclaim from hotel owners, travel partners, customers, and prospective employees, establishing a strong foothold in the fiercely competitive and service-oriented hospitality industry. This recognition has facilitated the development of a robust pipeline of hotels set to open within the next few months. Each new acquisition boasts its unique selling point, and our brand recognition has enabled us to secure landmark properties.

Excluding the challenges presented by the pandemic, we have carved out a distinctive niche for ourselves, garnering widespread acceptance and appreciation. This, in turn, has helped us establish ourselves as a top contender in the domestic hotel industry. We remain confident that, within the next three years, Renest will ascend to a place amongst the top three domestic hotel brands in India. We are committed to our mission of providing outstanding experiences to our guests and creating a culture of excellence that fosters growth and development for our team members.

4. How are you currently or plan to cater to the wellness aspect of hospitality that is a major factor for guests today?

There are quite a few ways in which we ensure the wellness of our guests.

Fitness facilities: We offer a well-equipped fitness center on most of our properties.

Spa services: Spa services such as massages, facials, and body treatments are popular among guests looking to relax and rejuvenate. At Renest hotels and resorts we have our own brand ‘Cedar Spa’ that offers a range of spa services, with trained therapists and high-quality products to provide a luxurious experience for guests.

Healthy food options: Guests today are increasingly health-conscious, and for this reason, we at Renest hotels and resorts can provide healthy food options, such as fresh salads, smoothies, and other nutritious options.

Natural surroundings: We are coming up with properties that are well surrounded by nature in Mussoorie and Goa. Our existing property in Manali by the name Renest River Country Resort Manali is located off the bustling Mall road, the resort overlooks the river Beas amidst pine and cedar and the majestic Himalayas. It provides a plethora of activities to get that adrenaline pumping like Trekking, Bouldering, Flying Fox, Paragliding, River Rafting, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cycling in the Black Forest and many more.

5. What are the expansion plans for the brand this year?

At Renest Hotels & Resorts, our mission is to provide guests with immersive and unforgettable vacation experiences in serene and picturesque locations throughout India. With a commitment to serving all types of travelers, we strategically position our hotels and resorts in key destinations, including temple towns like Shirdi, Haridwar, and Tirupati, the popular hill station Manali, and bustling business hubs like Jaipur and Gandhidham. This year, we are excited to launch properties in Mussoorie, Goa, Gurgaon, Sakleshpur, and more. While our focus is on expanding to additional destinations within India, our ultimate goal is to establish Renest as an international brand.

6. What are some upcoming trends you see emerging in the hospitality industry?

Technology Integration: Post-pandemic, contactless technologies have become more important than ever before. We can expect to see an increase in the integration of technology in the hospitality industry, with mobile check-ins, digital keys, voice-activated assistants, and augmented and virtual reality.

Sustainability: As more travelers become environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry. Hotels are adopting eco-friendly practices such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water, and using renewable energy sources.

Wellness and well-being: With an increasing number of travelers prioritizing their health and well-being, we can expect to see more hotels incorporating wellness and well-being programs into their offerings. Examples include healthy food options, yoga classes, meditation rooms, and spa services.

Personalization: Guests today are seeking personalized experiences that cater to their unique preferences and needs. Hotels are leveraging technology and data to offer personalized experiences and services to guests, such as customized room preferences, curated local experiences, and personalized recommendations.

Localization: Travelers are increasingly interested in experiencing the local culture and lifestyle of the destinations they visit. Hotels are offering localized experiences that showcase the local culture, food, and traditions. This trend is also leading to an increase in smaller, boutique hotels that offer unique and authentic experiences.

Overall, these emerging trends reflect the changing needs and preferences of travelers and the hospitality industry’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve and provide a unique and personalized experience to guests.

7. Any words of advice for aspiring hoteliers in the industry today?

The hospitality industry is highly competitive, so gaining experience through internships or entry-level jobs is essential. Seek out opportunities to work in different areas of hospitality. This will give you a better understanding of how the industry works and help you discover your strengths and interests.

Also, remember that passion is what drives success in the hospitality industry. If you’re passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for guests and constantly improving your hotel’s offerings, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career as a hotelier.

8. Lastly, what’s your success mantra?

My formula for success centers around establishing a robust and unwavering brand image, fostering meaningful connections with both internal and external customers and maintaining a competitive edge through continuous innovation and thorough market analysis.