Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group and Founder & President of CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing, has strategically positioned the real estate powerhouse to make a significant mark in India’s hospitality sector. With an ambitious INR 1,000 crores investment in Rajasthan, Manglam Group is redefining luxury in tier-II and tier-III cities by integrating eco-conscious practices into premium hospitality projects.
Gupta’s vision goes beyond traditional luxury, focusing on biophilic design, sustainability, and innovation to address the rising demand for responsible tourism. The group is already setting benchmarks through collaborations like the Westin Jaipur Resort and plans to expand its footprint with boutique hotels, heritage properties, and eco-friendly resorts in emerging markets.
In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Gupta shares insights into Manglam Group’s transformative journey in hospitality, its commitment to sustainable development, and the role of women in shaping the future of real estate and hospitality industries.
What inspired Manglam Group’s foray into the hospitality sector, and how does this align with your vision as a leader in real estate?
Manglam Group’s INR 1,000 crore investment into hospitality is a strategic expansion, blending luxury with sustainability in tier-II and tier-III cities. As a leader in real estate, we have always focused on creating high-value spaces that are both commercially viable and environmentally responsible. Hospitality extends this vision, offering premium experiences while promoting green building practices.
Our collaboration with Westin has already set new benchmarks, and we aim to replicate this success by developing eco-conscious, design-forward properties that cater to evolving traveler preferences. As demand for responsible tourism rises, our hospitality footprint will continue to grow with innovative, sustainable projects that redefine premium accommodations.
What sets Manglam Group’s hospitality projects apart in a competitive market? Are there any unique design or sustainability elements that define your projects?
Manglam Group’s hospitality projects differentiate themselves through innovation, sustainability, and a focus on emerging markets. While metro cities dominate the luxury space, tier-II markets are the next frontier, and we are leading this shift by developing premium properties that merge world-class hospitality with environmental responsibility.
We incorporate solar-powered energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and locally sourced materials to ensure our developments are both high-end and eco-friendly. Our properties are designed with energy-efficient layouts, reducing operational costs and enhancing long-term value for investors. Sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every aspect of our projects, ensuring a seamless blend of luxury and environmental consciousness.
How do your initiatives, like ‘Heal My Earth’ and the focus on biophilia, translate into Manglam Group’s hospitality ventures?
Manglam Group’s ‘Heal My Earth’ initiative drives sustainable hospitality, creating properties that prioritize well-being, efficiency, and eco-conscious living. Biophilic design is embedded in every project, featuring abundant greenery, natural airflow systems, and organic materials that enhance both guest comfort and environmental sustainability.
Our properties go beyond traditional luxury by integrating carbon footprint reduction strategies, eco-friendly landscaping, and biodiversity conservation. This vision aligns with the future of hospitality—one that is not only premium but also socially and environmentally responsible.
Could you elaborate on how vertical gardens or green community concepts are being integrated into your hospitality properties?
Manglam Group integrates vertical gardens and green community concepts to enhance sustainability and guest well-being. Vertical gardens on façades and courtyards improve air quality, provide natural insulation, and reduce energy consumption. Our green community approach includes landscaped spaces, organic kitchen gardens, and rainwater harvesting, ensuring an eco-conscious hospitality experience. These elements create a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Partnerships play a vital role in hospitality. Could you share insights on your collaboration with brands like Westin? How have such partnerships enhanced the value and appeal of your projects?
Our collaboration with Westin has been critical in elevating Manglam Group’s presence in the hospitality sector. The Westin Jaipur Resort, one of our flagship hospitality projects, will feature over 140 elegantly designed rooms and suites. These partnerships bring not only world-class amenities and wellness-focused hospitality but also operational expertise, helping us refine our service offerings to meet international standards. By aligning with renowned brands, we strengthen investor confidence and brand credibility while catering to the rising demand for high-end accommodations in Rajasthan’s fast-growing tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industries. As Rajasthan solidifies its position as a premier wedding and business tourism destination, such collaborations enable us to provide seamless experiences that appeal to discerning travelers.
Are there plans to collaborate with other international or local brands to expand Manglam Group’s presence in hospitality?
Yes, we are actively engaging with both international and homegrown hospitality brands to expand our footprint. Our upcoming projects will include luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and business accommodations across Rajasthan. While partnerships with global hotel chains help us bring world-class service standards to our properties, we also see immense value in collaborating with regional brands that offer authentic cultural experiences. Our focus is on developing a diverse portfolio of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and premium business accommodations that cater to the growing demand for high-end tourism experiences.
As the Founder and President of CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing, how do you see gender inclusivity transforming both real estate and hospitality industries?
Gender inclusivity is reshaping both real estate and hospitality by fostering diverse leadership and innovative perspectives. When women have a seat at the table, design, planning, and community-building become more holistic and people-centric. In real estate, this means creating more inclusive, sustainable spaces, while in hospitality, it translates into guest experiences that prioritize comfort, wellness, and accessibility.
Through CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing, we’ve empowered women with mentorship, networking, and leadership opportunities, breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. As more women enter these fields, we’re witnessing a shift toward balanced decision-making and progressive workplace policies. True transformation will come when inclusivity is not just encouraged but embedded into the very foundation of these industries.
What initiatives are you driving to encourage more women to take on leadership roles in these industries?
We are driving mentorship programs, industry exposure initiatives, and leadership training through CREDAI Rajasthan Women’s Wing to empower women in real estate and hospitality. By fostering a strong support network, we provide opportunities for skill development, networking, and career advancement. Additionally, we advocate for inclusive workplace policies and collaborate with organizations to create women-friendly work environments. Hosting industry events, panel discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions further boosts confidence and visibility. The goal is not just to bring more women into these industries but to ensure they rise to leadership roles, shaping the future of real estate and hospitality.
How do you envision the role of women evolving in the hospitality and real estate sectors over the next decade?
Women are already making significant strides in hospitality and real estate, taking on leadership roles in development, design, and sustainability. This momentum will only grow over the next decade as businesses prioritize inclusivity, mentorship, and equitable opportunities.
In hospitality, women will drive guest-centric, eco-friendly innovations, while in real estate, they will play a crucial role in sustainable urban planning and development. With continued advocacy and supportive policies, the industry will shift from breaking barriers to embracing women’s leadership as an integral part of its future.
How does your expertise as a sustainable interior designer influence the design of Manglam Group’s hospitality projects?
My expertise in sustainable interior design ensures that Manglam Group’s hospitality projects balance elegance with environmental responsibility. We focus on eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and nature-inspired spaces to create luxurious yet sustainable experiences. Passive cooling, strategic landscaping, and responsible sourcing minimize environmental impact while enhancing guest comfort. By prioritizing sustainability at every stage—from concept to execution—we aim to redefine hospitality with designs that are both timeless and environmentally conscious, setting new industry standards in India.
What are the key design elements you focus on to create memorable guest experiences while maintaining sustainability?
As a real estate-driven hospitality venture, our designs prioritize biophilic elements like vertical gardens, open courtyards, and ample natural light to create a serene and refreshing environment. Locally sourced materials highlight regional craftsmanship while reducing environmental impact. Energy-efficient solutions such as passive cooling, solar energy, and smart lighting enhance comfort with minimal resource use. Signature features like infinity pools are designed to blend with natural landscapes, offering breathtaking views while maintaining eco-conscious water management. Thoughtful spatial planning ensures a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
What are Manglam Group’s plans for scaling its hospitality portfolio? Are there specific regions or markets you are targeting for expansion?
Manglam Group is focused on expanding its hospitality portfolio by strengthening its presence in tier 2 cities, where the demand for premium yet sustainable accommodations is growing. Following our successful collaboration with Westin, we aim to partner with more global and domestic hospitality brands to bring world-class experiences to emerging markets.
Our expansion strategy includes luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and eco-conscious properties that blend sustainability with hospitality. With significant investments planned over the next few years, we are committed to creating landmark destinations catering to business and leisure travelers while maintaining our focus on sustainable development.
Could you share any upcoming hospitality projects or initiatives that we can look forward to?
Our upcoming projects include a collection of high-end wedding resorts, boutique heritage hotels, and business accommodations that cater to the evolving needs of luxury travelers. Given Jaipur’s reputation as a top-tier wedding destination, we are developing exclusive venues that blend regal grandeur with modern amenities, ensuring seamless and memorable celebrations. Additionally, we are tapping into Rajasthan’s thriving MICE industry by introducing premium conference and business hotels designed to attract corporate travelers and global events. Sustainability remains integral to our approach, with our properties incorporating eco-conscious design, energy-efficient operations, and responsible sourcing practices.
What are your investment plans, hotel development strategies, projected growth, and geographic focus for the next decade?
Our investment plans include an allocation of INR 1000 crore for Rajasthan, with a strategic focus on developing hotels in popular tourist destinations like Goa, Ranthambore, and other similar locations. Additionally, we aim to target smaller districts that currently lack five-star facilities but have significant pilgrimage and tourist inflows. While we cannot disclose specific locations at this time, we plan to develop 5-6 hotels within the next two years as part of our growth strategy.
Beyond Rajasthan, we are keen to expand into other regions of India and are open to exploring international opportunities in the future, leveraging emerging market potential.
