Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
In the burgeoning Indian luxury vacation rental market, ELIVAAS has emerged as a transformative brand. Founded byRitwik Khare, Founder and CEO, ELIVAAS, whose hospitality acumen was honed through his leadership in building the hotels vertical at MakeMyTrip, ELIVAAS is a story of innovation and perseverance.
“Our journey began with a vision to redefine the luxury vacation rental experience in India,” says Khare. He recognized a gap in the market for curated, high-end vacation homes and set out to fill it. However, establishing ELIVAAS wasn’t without its challenges. “Two years ago, luxury vacation rentals were a novel concept in India. Guests were unfamiliar with the idea of short-term stays in opulent homes, and property owners were hesitant to embrace this model.”
Khare emphasizes that educating the market and building trust with property owners were among the most significant hurdles. “Convincing property owners to work with a professional team like ours was key. We had to demonstrate the value we could bring to their assets.”
Today, ELIVAAS has carved a niche, not only addressing these challenges but also thriving as a pioneer in the space.
ELIVAAS recently raised USD 5 million in funding. Khare elaborates on how this capital will propel the company forward: “The funds will be allocated strategically. A large portion will go towards enhancing our technology platform to make the entire booking process—from discovery to post-checkout—seamless and intuitive.”
Marketing and branding will also see a boost, with efforts to amplify ELIVAAS’s presence in domestic and international markets. “We aim to expand our portfolio by acquiring more properties across top Indian destinations. This will allow us to cater to the growing demand for personalized and sustainable luxury stays,” he explains.
The luxury vacation rental market in India is undergoing a rapid transformation. Khare highlights several key trends:
“Today’s travelers seek highly personalized experiences. They want more than just accommodation; they want tailor-made stays that reflect their unique preferences.” He also notes the increasing demand for sustainability in travel. “Eco-conscious guests prioritize properties that align with their values, from sustainable construction to minimal ecological impact.”
The rise of remote work has further shaped the market. “Workations are becoming a norm. Guests are looking for spaces that balance functionality with comfort,” Khare shares.
Family and group travel has also fueled demand for spacious, private villas. “People want meaningful shared experiences, and our properties are perfect for that,” he adds.
Khare attributes the company’s success to its meticulous attention to detail and guest-centric approach. “Every stay is personalized, from chef-on-call services to curated local experiences. We focus on creating memories, not just providing accommodation.”
Each property undergoes a rigorous 30-point quality check, monitored through an app to ensure consistency across the portfolio. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ongoing staff training further reinforce service quality.
“Our model is dual-sided,” Khare explains. “We help property owners monetize their second homes while offering guests exceptional stays. This balance ensures that both sides benefit from our expertise.”
ELIVAAS’s vision is deeply rooted in its Indian identity. “In the short term, we are focused on expanding our property portfolio within India. Our goal is to offer a wider range of high-end options to discerning travelers,” says Khare.
Long-term, ELIVAAS aims to expand internationally. “Southeast Asia and the Middle East are key regions for us. We want to cater to the growing demand for luxury vacation rentals and experiential travel in these markets,” he adds.
As second-home ownership grows in India, ELIVAAS sees immense potential. “We offer homeowners a hassle-free way to monetize their properties,” Khare says. “Our platform provides insights into market trends, pricing strategies, and end-to-end rental management.”
This segment represents a significant opportunity. “As more individuals invest in second homes, we foresee a growing demand for platforms like ours,” he notes.
Khare is clear about what sets ELIVAAS apart in a competitive market: “We are obsessive about quality. Whether it’s the design of a villa, the amenities, or the service provided by our staff, we ensure every detail exceeds expectations.”
The company’s 30-point checklist and adherence to SOPs ensure that every guest enjoys a consistent, high-quality experience. “This is how we’ve built trust and loyalty among our guests and homeowners,” Khare concludes.
As ELIVAAS continues to evolve, it stands at the forefront of a rapidly growing market, redefining luxury vacation rentals in India and beyond. With a strong foundation, strategic investments, and a guest-first philosophy, the brand is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
