Exclusive Interview | Rahul Taneja, Head of Operations, Dharana at Shillim
/“We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce.”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I embarked on my journey in the hospitality industry about 27 years ago, and it has been an incredible experience filled with learning and growth. My career began with Taj Hotel in Mumbai, where I managed high-profile events and developed a keen eye for detail. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest hospitality brands in India and Maldives, including opening 10 restaurants and achieving significant revenue growth. My focus has always been on guest-centric solutions, harmonising with local culture to create simpler, more effective processes.
Before my current role, I made a foray into the wellness retreat sector, which has been both invigorating and rewarding. Currently, as the Head of Operations at Dharana at Shillim, I continue to strive for excellence in delivering luxury and wellbeing to our guests. I am deeply committed to ensuring that our guests enjoy an unparalleled, rejuvenating experience rooted in authenticity and excellence.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Success in the hospitality industry requires a genuine passion for service and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It’s about creating memorable and personalised experiences for guests and continually striving to exceed their expectations. Strong leadership, strategic planning, and an ability to adapt to changing market trends are also crucial. Building and nurturing a dedicated team, maintaining high standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are key elements that contribute to long-term success in this dynamic industry.
Furthermore, the wellbeing industry involves understanding each guest’s unique needs and delivering personalised services. These tailored experiences not only elevate guest satisfaction and loyalty but also distinguish you within the sector. Emphasising a holistic approach to health and well-being, along with crafting meaningful, personalised experiences, fosters deeper connections and guarantees a truly transformative stay for your guests.
Can you elaborate on the unique wellness programs that Dharana at Shillim offers and how they cater to different aspects of holistic wellbeing?
At Dharana at Shillim, we distinguish ourselves as an all-season retreat dedicated to holistic wellbeing, guided by five unique pathways — Preventative Medicine, Physical Restoration, Healing Nutrition, Emotional Balance, and Spiritual Harmony, which guide guests towards conscious and enriched way of being.
Our wellbeing programmes are meticulously curated to foster clarity and purpose, catering to the mind, body, and spirit. Designed by our in-house doctors, we offer both long stay, short stay as well as customised programs that address specific health goals.
The long stay programmes, beginning from five nights, encompass tailored experiences such as De-stressing, Fitness and Weight Management, Detox and Cleanse, and more. For those seeking shorter retreats, our Essence of Wellbeing program offers a condensed yet effective wellness reboot over 1-3 nights, serving as an ideal introduction to our longer programs.Central to our offerings are individualised programs for guests managing specific health concerns, integrating modern practices with the wisdom of Ayurveda.
Each program features a diverse range of wellbeing activities meticulously scheduled throughout the day, including yoga and meditation, organic farming experiences, Shillim peak trek, culinary workshops, and more.These activities are crafted to deliver an enlightening journey towards holistic wellbeing, blending deep-rooted traditions with contemporary insights for learning.
How does Dharana at Shillim incorporate environmental consciousness into its daily operations and guest experiences?
At Dharana at Shillim, environmental consciousness is fundamental to our ethos and daily operations.
Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains, we are committed to preserving this natural beauty through sustainable practices. Our initiatives include organic farming, sustainable interiors, waste management, and energy-efficient practices. Our organic farms supply fresh, healthy produce, ensuring our meals are both nutritious and environmentally friendly. In fact, as a retreat we truly prioritize the preservation of nature.All 99 of our villas are built without cutting down any trees, and our rooms are designed to emulate the natural environment, serving as a constant reminder of sustainability practices and the beauty of Mother Nature.
We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce for nutritionally balanced meals that n urture both guests and the environment. Guests are invited to partake in these efforts, discovering the beauty of a lifestyle that is both luxurious and sustainable. Our approach ensures that the purpose of our retreat is harmoniously integrated with a sincere respect for nature, offering an enriching experience that educates and inspires a deeper appreciation for the environment with the Magic of Shillim.
What sets Dharana at Shillim apart from other luxury wellbeing retreats in terms of its location and the natural environment of the Sahyadri Mountains?
Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dharana at Shillim stands among the top 36 biodiversity hotspots globally, providing an unparalleled sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-discovery. Spanning 350 acres within a vast 2500-acre living forest, this retreat offers a transformative escape into nature and is a convenient 2-3 hour drive from Mumbai and Pune. Infact, with the Navi Mumbai airport opening in early 2025, travel time will further reduce to 1.5 hours. Authenticity and local heritage ensure a real and organic experience here, inviting guests to immerse themselves in an exquisite environment.
One can rejuvenate the senses, reconnect with nature, and embark on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery with Dharana at Shillim. This harmonious blend of luxury and nature creates the perfect setting for everyone to rediscover themselves. As Mumbai is also constantly evolving with rapid infrastructure development, international travellers find it safer compared to northern India. This makes Dharana at Shillim an exceptional retreat for those seeking an escape from the metropolis.
