Exclusive Interview | Gourav Deb, Chief of Operations, Niraamaya Wellness Retreats
/“Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that rejuvenate and inspire. Wellness is merging with tourism, and cultural authenticity has a profound healing effect”
Gaurav, with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, you’ve held leadership roles at some of the biggest names in the industry. What attracted you to join Niraamaya Wellness Retreats, and how do you see your role shaping the future of the brand?
Gourav: The potential of wellness is truly transformative, with the global wellness industry valued at over $9 trillion and impacting lives worldwide—particularly with challenges like sleep issues affecting 1 in 3 individuals. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to venturing into new domains that push me beyond my comfort zone, fostering growth.
Starting my career during the casual dining revolution in India and navigating various industries, I sought a fresh challenge at this stage of my career. Niraamaya offers an incredible platform to leverage my expertise and make a meaningful impact.
My role is centered on establishing Niraamaya as a premier wellness brand, expanding its reach across India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. By focusing on innovation and agility, I aim to position the brand as a leader in holistic wellness.
Niraamaya is renowned for its wellness-focused experiences. How do you plan to position Niraamaya as a premier wellness brand in Southeast Asia, and what key strategies will you focus on to expand its reach?
Gourav: The foundation lies in innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of wellness seekers. Our approach integrates holistic wellness, crafting experiences that rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul. A key focus will be reaching urban youth and building on our portfolio of unique properties to create a cohesive wellness circuit. Through these efforts, we’ll offer transformative experiences while remaining agile to meet the demands of our diverse audience.
Your career spans multiple prestigious brands. How have your experiences at Radisson, Wyndham, and other organizations influenced your approach to operations at Niraamaya?
Gourav: Consistency and standardization are hallmarks of multinational hotel chains, yet each property holds a distinct identity. At Niraamaya, we celebrate individuality, embracing the brand’s unique proposition. My prior experiences have fortified my operational acumen, but leading Niraamaya requires adapting to its distinct ethos. Internalizing the brand’s value system is essential, as it enables me to align my approach with its vision while creating tailored strategies for growth.
People-Centricity has been a driving force in your career. Can you share how you plan to bring this philosophy to life at Niraamaya, particularly in the areas of guest experience and employee engagement?
Gourav: For me, team wellness is paramount. Prioritizing the health, personal growth, and fulfillment of colleagues lays the groundwork for exceptional guest experiences. By identifying individual strengths and fostering creativity, I aim to cultivate a culture of innovation. For instance, our Yoga Gurus and Ayurveda therapists are now conceptualizing programs tailored for corporate leaders. Encouraging such creativity not only enhances offerings but instills a sense of ownership and pride among team members.
Operational excellence is a core value at Niraamaya. What are some immediate priorities you’ve identified to elevate operations and ensure that every guest enjoys a seamless, high-quality experience?
Gourav: Operational excellence directly impacts guest satisfaction. My immediate priority is forming Experience Teams across our units—drawing from colleagues who interact closely with guests, such as Yoga Gurus, Ayurveda therapists, and chefs. These teams understand the guests’ pulse and are integral to ideating and enhancing our offerings. A culture of idea-sharing and strategic involvement will be pivotal in driving continuous improvement and elevating guest satisfaction.
Niraamaya combines luxury with sustainability in its offerings. How do you balance these two aspects while ensuring that the retreats maintain the highest standards of service and wellness experiences?
Gourav: At Niraamaya, we champion "Earth Wellness," integrating eco-conscious practices into every aspect of operations. Luxury doesn’t always mean excess—it’s about thoughtful indulgence. For instance, we invite guests to leave a legacy by planting saplings during their stay, which grow over time and symbolize their connection with us. Sustainability, regrowth, and giving back are integral to our ethos, ensuring that luxury coexists with responsibility.
Wellness travel is on the rise globally. How do you see the demand for wellness-focused vacations evolving, and what trends do you think will shape the future of the wellness hospitality sector?
Gourav: Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that rejuvenate and inspire. Wellness is merging with tourism, and cultural authenticity has a profound healing effect. By showcasing unfiltered traditions through our retreats, we offer experiences that resonate deeply with our guests. The rise of wellness travel presents an opportunity for Niraamaya to redefine luxury and authenticity in the sector.
With your background in ITES and hospitality, how do you view the role of technology in enhancing the wellness experience at Niraamaya? Are there any digital innovations you're excited to introduce?
Gourav: Technology will be a subtle yet transformative force for us. While we won’t overtly emphasize its presence, technology will enhance our understanding of guests’ preferences—especially for our long-stay clientele. It will also play a crucial role in reaching broader markets in the US and EMEA, allowing us to connect with a global audience while staying true to our personalized approach.
As Niraamaya expands into new and exotic destinations, what challenges do you foresee, and how will your leadership help overcome them to ensure a successful expansion while staying true to the brand’s core values?
Gourav: As we grow, maintaining Niraamaya’s identity and ensuring localized excellence will be key challenges. There’s also a perception that we are primarily a Kerala-centric brand, which we aim to shift. By embracing heavy localization, we will craft unique experiences that reflect the character of each destination while staying true to our wellness philosophy. Growth beyond specific geographies will allow us to redefine perceptions and establish Niraamaya as a global wellness leader.
