Our aim is to design spaces where the calming influence of nature permeates every facet of the visitor experience.
Mukund Goyal
Who says you can’t enjoy a mojito by the pool and rescue the earth at the same time? The founder of Ananta Hotels and Resorts, Mukund Goyal, is reinventing luxury travel to be more environmentally friendly. Goyal is planting huge forests, creating green havens where you can detox from city life and lower your carbon footprint. Forget about fluffy towels and pillow mints! This man knows it all, from embracing trees to guilt-free tanning in solar-powered suites. It resembles glamping, but with a greater worldwide influence and less glitz. Pack your bags (as well as your reusable water bottles), because the eco-luxe movement is beneficial to the environment and your Instagram feed.
Your philosophy appears to place a strong emphasis on nature. In what ways, in your opinion, can environments that value nature improve mental health?
Our focus is on incorporating natural features, such as expansive green spaces, aquatic bodies and natural light, to enhance visitors’ connection with their surroundings. This not only promotes a slower pace of life where people can unplug, recharge and gain clarity, but it also improves mental health by offering a sense of tranquility and balance. At Ananta Hotels & Resorts, we think that environments inspired by nature have a significant positive effect on mental health since they encourage rest and renewal, two things that are essential for general wellbeing.
In a world where everything is changing all the time, what trends in the hospitality sector do you think will have the biggest long-term effects on how we travel and enjoy our free time?
As travellers become more environmentally conscious, sustainable tourism practices—which include everything from eco-friendly infrastructure to reducing carbon footprints and promoting responsible tourism—will play a critical role in shaping the future of travel. Personalisation will also be a key driver, with guests expecting tailored experiences that meet their individual preferences and needs. Wellness tourism will continue to grow as more people prioritize their physical and mental well-being, seeking out places where they can unwind, rejuvenate and practice mindfulness. These trends will completely change the way we travel, emphasising meaningful experiences over ostentatious extras.
It might be difficult to incorporate sustainability into major projects. How do you strike a balance between elegance and environmental responsibility?
In order to reduce our environmental impact without sacrificing guest comfort, we place a strong emphasis on locally sourced materials, energy-efficient technologies, water conservation, and sustainable construction. By utilising green building techniques, recycling initiatives and renewable energy sources, we make sure that our visitors enjoy the utmost in comfort and elegance while also making a good environmental contribution. According to our concept, true luxury ought to take care of the environment as well as the senses.
You stress the value of trees. What influence do you think these areas have on contemporary architecture, particularly in metropolitan settings?
A fundamental component of our ideology is landscaping. In order to bring nature as close to the visitors as possible, we carefully curate green spaces with native trees and plant species, placing a strong emphasis on the use of trees. These trees not only contribute to a lush, peaceful setting but also aid in temperature control, air purification and the development of a calm, grounded feeling in our visitors. This immersion in nature serves as a potent therapeutic aid, encouraging calmness, lowering tension, and improving mental clarity. Our aim is to design spaces where the calming influence of nature permeates every facet of the visitor experience. We think that being in touch with nature is essential to providing our visitors with the restorative and healing experiences they seek, whether it is hearing birds sing in the morning or strolling through lush gardens.These layouts contribute to creating healthier, more sustainable living environments by bridging the gap between humans and environment. Incorporating nature into our developments not only results in visually arresting landscapes, but it also creates spaces that promote environmental harmony and well-being.
Plantation driveways and lush landscaping are hallmarks of your properties. What long-term ecological gains do you hope to accomplish with these projects?
Beyond aesthetic appeal, our landscaping and plantation projects seek to improve biodiversity and revitalise the surrounding ecology. We help local wildlife, enhance soil health and use less water when we plant native plants. These efforts eventually lead to a microclimate that is colder, has a lower carbon footprint, and has cleaner air. Our intention is for the landscapes we design to function as organic havens that benefit not only our visitors but also the local ecosystem in the long run. These initiatives uphold our dedication to sustainability and our goal of having a long-lasting impact.
How do you see travel in the future in terms of its effects on the environment and local communities, given the growing popularity of eco-tourism?
We see a movement in travel habits toward more responsible ones that respect local ecosystems and help local communities as eco-tourism gains traction. We hope to deepen visitors’ connection to the location by encouraging meaningful interactions between tourists and the local environment and culture through the promotion of sustainable tourism. We prioritise eco-friendly development, patronising nearby companies and teaching our visitors about sustainable habits in our homes.
How do you interact with the communities that surround your properties to make sure that the locals as well as tourists benefit from your developments?
Interacting with the community is an essential component of our development strategy. We think that by incorporating local expertise and culture into our operations, we may have a good social and economic impact. We collaborate closely with regional suppliers, artists and craftspeople to make sure that our properties offer job and training possibilities while also capturing the true essence of the area. We make sure that our developments benefit both tourists and the local population by supporting community-driven activities like local education and conservation efforts.
The meaning of “luxury” is ever-changing. What does “modern luxury” mean in the context of a society that values mindfulness more and more?
We view luxury as the capacity to provide calm settings that put a high value on solitude, tranquility and a close relationship with nature. It involves designing areas where visitors can experience meaningful activities that enhance their well-being, discover peace and go back to nature.
Experiences are prioritised over material pleasures in many resorts. What experiences, in your opinion, ought hospitality brands to provide to encourage a closer bond with the natural world and cultural traditions?
Experiences that go beyond the surface should be provided by hospitality brands in order to encourage a closer relationship with nature and culture. This covers wellness-focused activities like yoga retreats, neighbourhood treks and guided tours of neighbouring cultural sites. Wildlife safaris, where guests can engage with nature, provide a deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem. Learn about traditional crafts and cultural practices through participatory workshops with local craftsmen and farm-to-table cooking sessions.
