SaffronStays Reaches A Milestone; Clocks In 200 Private Vacation Homes Across India

SaffronStays Reaches A Milestone; Clocks In 200 Private Vacation Homes Across India

~ 60 of these homes have been on-boarded in the last 4 months ~

Mumbai, 2022: SaffronStays, a 7-year-old trusted network of story-rich private vacation homes across the country, has achieved yet another milestone. Despite the uncertainties in the travel and hospitality industry owing to the pandemic, the company has reached a milestone count of 200 homes. Of these, 60 homes were added in the last four months (Oct ‘21 to Jan ‘22). This accounts for a 43% growth in 4 months alone.

From heritage homes to luxurious beachfront getaways, lakeside-riverside villas, homes with Grecian whites, and infinite valley view villas among several others, the brand has a collection of exclusive homes with a variety of experiences. Talking about the expansion, Devendra Parulekar, Founder, SaffronStays, says, "While 2020 was about surviving Covid-19, and 2021-22 was about deepening and focussing on a cluster approach in an independent market like Maharashtra, and constantly raising our service and quality standards, 2022-23 will be all about Pan India expansion, without compromising on the quality of experience that guests love us for. Our plan is to continue adding 15-20 homes a month in 16 chosen sectors across 7 Indian states.”

However, the award-winning brand’s growth is not just limited to quantitative progress. In the last two years, SaffronStays has also taken the time out to work on its quality. For instance, they have introduced the ‘House of Brands’ concept, which focuses on structuring the homes under three categories - SaffronStays, Signature & X Series. Along with this, they have introduced a simple management contract with transparent commercial arrangements, which offers a completely hassle-free renting experience to home owners where everything is managed by team SaffronStays. Simultaneously, they have also expanded their tech team to make all stakeholders’ experience digital-first - be it automation, design-led innovation, developing micro-products among other things. In keeping with each region, cook and home’s specialties, SaffronStays homes also have a personalised F&B experience where they curate special menus. The hospitality collective has also worked on growing its leadership and hired industry experts in different teams. 

Elaborating on the same, Vinay Chandavarkar, Chief Development Officer, SaffronStays, who joined the team in September 2021 shares, “Our recent pace of growth strongly indicates our stakeholders' confidence in us. As we continue to evolve in this fast-paced segment, we commit a hassle-free and commercially efficient management offering to our Home Owners, while at the same time, a unique experiential stay for our guests under our new 'House of Brands' approach.”

Launched by husband-wife duo Mr. Devendra and Ms. Tejas Parulekar, SaffronStays is now a preferred choice among families and groups who want to celebrate special occasions or head out of the city for a quick getaway. Post-COVID, many traditional resort-goers switched gears and have started recognising, acknowledging and consuming private vacation homes owing to the privacy, certainty and exclusivity it offers. With exponential growth in bookings - 65 pc over the last one year - it has progressed from simply being a homegrown hospitality player to one that’s making strong inroads in the fast-growing and evolving segment with their pioneering work.

Appointment | Vinay Chandavarkar is the new Chief Development Officer of SaffronStays

This new addition to the SaffronStays team is an important step towards expanding their horizon, and marrying real estate with hospitality

SaffronStays has appointed Vinay Chandavarkar as its Chief Development Officer. Born and raised in Mumbai, Vinay completed his post-graduation from ESSEC Business School, Paris where he majored in Hospitality Real Estate, and Development.

With 16+ years of experience in the hospitality segment, Vinay was earlier associated with The Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Group of Hotels) as Corporate Director - Development and Hilton Hotels as Director, Development - India. His primary role at both these organizations was to expand the brand’s portfolios, a responsibility that he shall continue with at SaffronStays - securing and sealing well-appointed luxurious homes and villas.

Speaking about joining the team, Vinay says, “I’m tremendously excited to join SaffronStays and be part of its incredible team. In light of the pandemic, the demand for branded premium vacation homes continues to be on the rise and represents a high potential niche hospitality segment in the future. I am proud to be a part of SaffronStays, which is at the forefront of this relevant change in our industry, and I look forward to playing my part in growing this underserved segment in our country. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology and a genuine, warm hospitality experience, we look forward to creating exceptional value for our stakeholders in the community and the tourism industry at large.” 

This new addition to the SaffronStays team is an important step towards expanding their horizon, and marrying real estate with hospitality. Speaking about the same, Devendra Parulekar, Founder, SaffronStays, says, “SaffronStays has always set the pace, and the agenda of the premium vacation rentals market in India.  As established hotel majors enter the space, and help deepen and mature the market, we further set the direction by hiring a Chief Development Officer. Vinay and his team will lead conversations with realtors who would like to design, build and invest in villas in premium gated communities to partner with top luxury vacation rental operators like us to act as their channel partners, and also manage and monetise these assets for potential buyers, investors or themselves.”