In the heart of India’s bustling cities, where contemporary luxury hotels dominate the skyline, Manju Sharma, Managing Director of Jaypee Hotels & Resorts, has skillfully maintained the legacy of a hospitality brand that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. For decades, Sharma has been at the helm of five iconic properties—two in Delhi and one each in Greater Noida, Agra, and Mussoorie—steering them to prominence amidst fierce competition in the luxury hospitality segment. Asmita Mukherjee spoke with Sharma to uncover her strategy for staying relevant in a market where modern and international brands have carved out their niche.
“Hospitality is about creating a connection, a moment where guests feel valued and inspired,” says Sharma, whose tenure is marked by her dedication to blending India’s rich heritage with state-of-the-art amenities. Jaypee’s properties reflect this ethos. From the regal Jaypee Palace in Agra, inspired by Mughal architecture, to the tranquil Jaypee Residency Manor in Mussoorie, every location tells a unique story. “We want our guests to rediscover themselves through their experiences with us,” she shares.
Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida has emerged as a prime example of Sharma’s vision for holistic luxury. “The success of Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida has been a blueprint of sorts—where wellness, sport, and luxury come together seamlessly. As we explore future developments, we aim to replicate this integrated model in new locations, adapting it to local contexts, whether through wellness, adventure, or cultural immersion.
Equally, our Mussoorie property—Jaypee Residency Manor—has carved its own niche as a Himalayan retreat, offering signature experiences like ‘Winterline’ viewing and the charm of the surrounding natural landscape. Each of our properties will continue to carry its own identity while contributing to a larger vision: building a portfolio of enriching, memorable destinations that reflect the evolving preferences of today’s travellers.
Additionally, our Agra property is an architectural marvel nestled just minutes from the iconic Taj Mahal, where timeless elegance meets contemporary luxury. The property offers discerning travelers an exquisite blend of Mughal-inspired grandeur and world-class amenities, creating a refined sanctuary for those exploring one of humanity’s greatest architectural treasures.
Our goal is expansion—it is to grow meaningfully, ensuring every Jaypee properties stand out as a destination in itself,” she says. Home to India’s only Greg Norman-designed golf course and the award-winning Tamaya Spa, the resort exemplifies Jaypee’s philosophy of nurturing both body and mind.
While speaking about their USP Sharma points out, “What sets us apart is this seamless integration—where world-class infrastructure meets personalised service, allowing our guests to experience luxury not just as an indulgence, but as a way of life.”
Sharma’s focus on experiential travel extends to every property. “Whether it’s wellness rituals, culinary escapades, or cultural immersions, we aim to craft journeys that are deeply personal and memorable,” she explains.
Sharma is equally committed to sustainability. “All our properties are LEED-certified, and we continually innovate to reduce our carbon footprint,” she notes. By integrating green practices into everyday operations, Jaypee Hotels demonstrates a commitment to responsible luxury.
Digital transformation is another pillar of her strategy. “Technology is enabling us to offer seamless, personalised guest experiences. From AI-driven room preferences to digital check-ins, we are staying ahead of the curve,” she highlights.
Competing with modern global giants in hospitality is no small feat, but Sharma thrives in this challenging environment. “We understand that travelers today have endless options. What sets us apart is our ability to combine Indian hospitality’s warmth with the efficiency and precision of international standards,” she asserts.
This ethos is evident in Jaypee’s culinary offerings. “Our collaborations with award-winning chefs allow us to serve exquisite global cuisine, tailored to local preferences,” she explains.
Sharma envisions Jaypee Hotels as a benchmark in Indian luxury hospitality. “To strengthen this positioning, we are investing strategically across three core pillars: personalization, digital innovation, and sustainability. This includes enhancing guest journeys through intuitive service, leveraging technology for seamless experiences, and embedding responsible practices into every facet of our operations. We are also focused on nurturing talent and forging impactful collaborations that align with our values.
Ultimately, we’re building a hospitality brand where luxury is thoughtful, immersive, and deeply relevant to the evolving aspirations of modern travellers,” she says. This vision includes plans to expand properties modeled after the success of Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort and exploring new locations that align with the brand’s values.
“We are committed to creating spaces that are not just places to stay, but places to connect, rejuvenate, and rediscover oneself,” Sharma adds, emphasising her passion for meaningful travel experiences.
Explaining her expansion plans, Sharma stated, “Our expansion strategy is guided by a commitment to delivering differentiated, high-quality hospitality experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation. We are taking a thoughtful, multi-dimensional approach—choosing locations with strong potential, crafting distinct guest offerings, and ensuring financially sustainable growth.”
Sharma’s leadership is underpinned by her belief in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning. “The human connection is at the heart of hospitality. It’s our people who make Jaypee Hotels what it is today,” she remarks.
Sharma is not just managing properties but crafting legacies. “For us, hospitality is not just about service—it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime,” she concludes.
