Exclusive Interview | Vijay Krishnan Vazhvelil, Vice President – India Operations, Minor Hotels
/“The dedication to keep learning, a passion to succeed and dream big is what has brought me where I am.”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I have been associated with the hospitality industry for more than 2 & half decades now with brands like The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, American Express Banking Corporation, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club - Relais & Chateaux affiliate, and Aramness luxury wildlife lodge – Fox Browne initiative in India.
Hotels were an upcoming industry when I started, the glitz & glamour and the opportunity to meet eminent people from all walks of life is what drew me to this career choice. The dedication to keep learning, a passion to succeed and dream big is what has brought me where I am. Working in this industry teaches you many skills about critical problem solving, multitasking, time management all while prioritizing guest satisfaction.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future.
The most important skills for a hospitality professional is to be a team player, have clarity in communication, critical problem-solving, being empathetic and an eye for detail.
Launching something new is both an exciting opportunity and a responsibility. Share with us a deep dive into your process for these new launches.
We in India are gearing up for the launch of the flagship brand of Minor Hotels Group – Anantara Jaipur.
Anantara Jaipur Hotel will feature 150 luxurious guest rooms and suites, including four Terrace Suites with private plunge pools and a 160-sqm Royal Suite with a large terrace and private pool. Dining options will include a specialty Indian fine dining restaurant and terrace, a rooftop bar and restaurant with views over the surrounding landscapes, all-day dining with a show kitchen and a hotel bar lounge and terrace.
Leisure and wellness facilities will range from a full-service Anantara Spa with five treatment rooms and a beauty salon, a gym with a semi-outdoor pool and garden area, and a kids’ club.
Able to cater to weddings of up to 2,500 guests, the hotel has been designed to meet the demands of the rapidly growing demand for destination weddings. For both intimate and large-scale celebrations, the property will offer a collection of indoor and outdoor venues: an 860-sq mt ballroom will accommodate 410 guests for a dinner, with the adjoining 110-sqm mandap pavilion seating 50; a large pre-function space serving the main ballroom and a smaller heritage banquet dining room will seat 150; a spacious banquet lawn of 3,800 sqm with its own stage area and commercial kitchen facilities will be able to accommodate weddings for up to 1,900 guests.
The property will have a separate dedicated porte-cochere area for the ballroom and event space providing a seamless arrival experience, in addition to a secondary arrival entry and porte-cochere serving the pre-function area and outdoor event space.
In the hotel’s impressive lobby, a double-height ceiling, and a grand staircase with access to all floors will create a memorable arrival impression, while a dedicated Kasara executive lounge with terrace area will provide a secluded space for suite guests to meet, relax and enjoy refreshments in privacy.
For corporate meetings and events, Anantara Jaipur will provide a choice of three meeting rooms with an adjacent lounge and reception area.
Our launch involves meticulous planning, taking every aspect into account. Coming up with tailored marketing campaigns to seamless booking experiences to enhanced guest experiences is the key to stand out in the Jaipur market as well as in key markets In India & globally.
What does the future look like? For the industry, you, your project/initiative.
The hospitality industry has rebound strongly post the pandemic, with pent-up demand for travel and a desire for unique experiences driving growth. Hoteliers will have to adapt to changing guest preferences and technological advancements to remain competitive. Guest satisfaction will still be pivotal point, while we bring in exquisite properties which are unique in their own way.
We have devised a forecasting approach which has been very interesting for us & with the research, we hope to anticipate what our guests of tomorrow want. We can see that it’s not about the age or profession, but a mindset & a desire for a certain experience. We intend to follow this forecasting research approach for Anantara Jaipur.
What can we look forward to from Minor Hotels?
Led by the authentic luxury of our flagship brand, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Minor Hotels has established itself as a global force in the hospitality industry.
The continued growth of our brands Anantara, Avani, Tivoli, Oaks, NH, nhow Hotels, NH Collection and Elewana Collection has placed us in key markets throughout the world.
With the help of our outstanding & passionate team we are looking for development opportunities across our portfolio of brands which ranges from mid-scale to luxury.
At Minor Hotels we believe that it is part of our culture, and it is in our DNA, when it comes to guest experiences, we are continuously exploring opportunities how we can surprise and delight. We want to create an environment where our guests can switch off and spend time reconnecting to what matters most to them. It’s about encouraging people to discover the destination with locals and ensuring they get an amazing, memorable, emotional experience shared with friends, family and loved ones.
