Amid the growing allure of experiential travel, Skyview by Empyrean in Jammu’s scenic Sanget Valley has redefined the concept of mountain hospitality with its unique “Mountain Harbour” offering. With an impressive footfall of 1 lakh visitors in 2024, the destination seamlessly blends adventure, luxury, and sustainability. Known for Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline, India’s first dry tubing sledge, and a gondola ride offering unparalleled views, it’s a hub for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. As Skyview gears up to expand its inventory to 60 rooms by 2025, Owais Altaf Syed, Director, Skyview By Empyrean discuses with Asmita Mukherjee the brand’s ambitious vision to elevate guest experiences while prioritising eco-conscious growth.
What are your future plans for expanding or enhancing this unique Mountain Harbour concept?
We take great pride in pioneering this unique concept amidst the breathtaking landscape of Jammu, where guests can enjoy the best of adventure, hospitality, luxury and nature from the comfort of an inviting and cosy mountain harbour. Sustainability has been integral in every aspect of Skyview by Empyrean and will continue to remain our focus area going forward. Currently, we have an inventory of 15 rooms and suites, which we plan to expand to nearly 60 rooms within the next 24 months as part of our broader vision to enhance guest offerings while maintaining our commitment to environmental responsibility.
Additionally, we will also introduce several new amenities on our premises over the next 12-18 months, including an indoor heated pool, a wellness area, a spa, and a large play area for children, ensuring our guests have much to look forward to!
With the hospitality sector witnessing a significant recovery in 2024, how has Skyview by Empyrean contributed to this growth, and what revenue milestones do you aim to achieve in 2025?
Nestled in the picturesque Sanget Valley in Jammu with Patnitop just a cable-car ride away and the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple just a couple of hours away, Skyview is popular among tourists from across India all year-round. In 2024, our destination continued to be a highly sought-after retreat for both domestic and international travellers, attracting around 1 lakh visitors who enjoyed our diverse offerings, including the gondola ride, adventure activities, dining experiences, and luxury stays.
Adventure-loving guests are drawn to our exciting outdoor activities such as Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline, India’s first dry tubing sledge, hiking, mountain biking , while our luxurious stays and high-quality dining experiences attract guests who want to just be pampered amidst nature. We’re delighted to share that we’ve had several repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals in 2024 that have kept us very busy this year!
As we look ahead to 2025, we aim for significant growth over last year by leveraging our expanded room inventory and new amenities. With our banquet offering seatingcapacity for up to 200 guests, we also anticipate increased bookings for weddings and private functions, that will significantly contribute to our revenue. Through our various marketing initiatives as well as the curated seasonal packages we offer, we expect our occupancy to be substantially full throughout the year.
Experiential travel continues to gain traction among tourists. How does Skyview by Empyrean cater to this demand through its adventure activities, luxury accommodations, and boutique offerings?
Skyview is ‘THE’ place to be for experiential travel! We have it all! From multiple adventures, including Asia’s longest zig-zag zipline , a scenic gondola ride between Sanget and Patnitop over lush green forests and mountain views— this is also India’s highest gondola (in terms of ground clearance).
Guests can indulge in mountain biking, the magic carpet, tubing sledge, ATVs, archery and various hiking trails around the property that will leave them awed by the region’s natural beauty.
In terms of accommodations, Skyview by Empyrean features luxurious rooms and suites designed to offer the highest standards of comfort and hospitality. Each room provides wrap-around mountain views, allowing guests to relax in a serene environment after a day of adventure. The on-site dining options further enhance the experience, with our multi-cuisine restaurant Banana Leaf serving both global and regional delicacies , all against the backdrop of the picturesque Sanget Valley.
By combining these elements—thrilling activities, luxurious stays, and personalized services—Skyview by Empyrean positions itself as a premier choice for travelers looking forholistic experiences that blend excitement with comfort in an idyllic natural setting.
The government’s recent budget highlights the potential for tourism and hospitality growth in India. How do you plan to leverage this momentum to position Skyview by Empyrean as a premier destination for both domestic and international travelers?
The government’s recent budget underscores the immense potential for growth in the tourism and hospitality sector, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on this momentum. At Skyview by Empyrean, we plan to leverage this opportunity by enhancing our offerings and promoting our destination as a premier choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Our strategy includes expanding our room inventory to nearly 60 rooms over the next 24 months, introducing new amenities such as an indoor heated pool, a wellness area, a spa. These additions will elevate the guest experience and cater to the growing demand for luxury and family-friendly destinations. By aligning with the government’s vision and integrating sustainability into our operations, we aim to position Skyview by Empyrean as a must-visit destination that offers adventure, luxury, and an authentic experience of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Luxury hospitality in scenic regions often hinges on unique design and amenities. What elements set Skyview by Empyrean apart, and how do these features enhance the guest experience?
We’ve used the Sylvan form of architecture and Jammu and Kashmir’s age-old, traditional earthquake-resistant and eco-friendly dhajji-dewari building and masonry concept. Our distinct architectural design is crafted around the pillars of sustainability and keeping local art alive. Local masons and artisans have painstakingly created intricate handiwork passed down from generations in our rooms/suites as well as common areas.
Also, as India’s first Sustainable Tourism Destination, we prioritize eco-friendly practices and community engagement. Our Hands of Gold store at the property offers a thoughtfully curated selection of exquisite Kashmiri handicrafts and artisanal products, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. Guests can explore luxurious Pashmina shawls, intricately hand-embroidered garments, beautifully carved walnut wood artifacts, vibrant papier Mache items, and authentic local treasures like saffron, dry fruits, and aromatic spices. It’s the perfect place to take home a piece of Jammu and Kashmir’s timeless artistry.
