Exclusive Interview | Faisal Abdulrehman Balwa, Managing Director, The Fern, Goregaon
/“My journey in the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in a passion for service excellence and a commitment to our family’s entrepreneurial legacy. At The Fern, Goregaon, I’ve embraced these values to shape a vision centered on quality and sustainability.”
Can you share with us your journey in the hospitality industry and how it has shaped your vision for The Fern Goregaon?
My journey in the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in a passion for service excellence and a commitment to our family's entrepreneurial legacy. At The Fern, Goregaon, I've embraced these values to shape a vision centered on quality and sustainability. Leading strategic initiatives like the launch of Garden Al Fresco, our outdoor dining space and the upcoming Al Wadi, The Rooftop restaurant, underscores our dedication to enhancing guest experiences. Our goal is to establish The Fern as a premier destination that harmonizes luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility, catering to the needs of both business travelers and families alike.
What inspired you to undertake the revamps at The Fern Goregaon, and what are the key areas you are focusing on?
The inspiration behind revamping The Fern Goregaon into a premier destination lies in our unwavering commitment to elevating guest experiences. We aim to create a memorable and luxurious stay for our visitors by revitalizing our F&B outlets, offering innovative and diverse dining options.
Could you elaborate on your vision of blending business and pleasure at The Fern Goregaon? How do you plan to achieve this?
At The Fern Goregaon, my vision is to create a premier destination that seamlessly blends business and pleasure. We aim to achieve this by prioritizing sustainability in all operations, upgrading amenities for enhanced comfort, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere. By providing top-notch facilities for business travelers and families alike, we ensure a perfect balance of work and leisure, making every stay memorable and enjoyable.
The introduction of Garden Al Fresco and Al Wadi The Rooftop are exciting additions. What can guests expect from these new dining experiences?
Guests can look forward to unique experiences at both venues. Garden Al Fresco offers a casual dining space where exquisite cuisine meets relaxed vibes. Meanwhile, Al Wadi, our exclusive rooftop restaurant in Goregaon, promises a standout experience. While details are still under wraps, it's set to redefine rooftop dining with its unique charm and culinary delights.
How do you ensure that the renovations align with The Fern Goregaon's commitment to sustainability?
At The Fern Goregaon, we ensure renovations align with our sustainability commitment by rigorously vetting all materials and equipment. Sustainability is central to our operations, guiding every decision. We source eco-friendly materials and implement green practices, enhancing our facilities while upholding our environmental promise to guests. This dedication ensures that every renovation reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability.
In your opinion, what sets The Fern Goregaon apart from other hotels in Mumbai, especially after the revamps?
What sets The Fern Goregaon apart, is our dedication to being an eco-hotel, which is central to our identity. Our restaurants will feature elaborate menus crafted with sustainability in mind, offering guests not just exceptional dining but a commitment to environmental responsibility. This holistic approach ensures that every experience at The Fern Goregaon is not only luxurious but also ethically enriching.
How do you plan to create a unique and fulfilling experience for both business travelers and families at The Fern Goregaon?
We plan to create a unique and fulfilling experience for both business travelers and families at The Fern Goregaon by seamlessly blending amenities and services that cater to diverse needs. Whether it's state-of-the-art facilities for business needs or family-friendly spaces and activities, our goal is to ensure there's something exceptional for everyone, making their stay memorable and enriching.
What challenges have you faced during the revamp process, and how have you overcome them?
During the revamp process, our commitment to sustainability posed challenges, particularly in sourcing eco-friendly materials and practices. However, through meticulous planning and partnerships with sustainable suppliers, we ensured every aspect of the renovation aligned with our environmental goals. Overcoming these challenges has strengthened our resolve to uphold sustainability while enhancing guest experiences at The Fern Goregaon.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for The Fern Goregaon and its place in the Mumbai hospitality market?
Our long-term goal for The Fern Goregaon is clear- to establish it as Mumbai's premier destination, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility. We aim to cater effectively to both business travelers and families, offering a distinctive experience that prioritizes sustainability and guest satisfaction. This vision guides our efforts to set new benchmarks in the Mumbai hospitality market.
