Ashutosh Goyal, Director, Ananta Hotels & Resorts, shares his unique perspective on leadership
BY RACHNA VIRDI
Family-owned businesses that are steeped in tradition have thrived for decades and been an integral part of the Indian hospitality sector. The younger generation leaders and entrepreneurs carry on the legacy by embracing strategic approach and forward thinking to fuel business growth.
One such individual is Ashutosh Goyal, the third-generation leader of Ananta Hotels & Resorts. The Ananta Group was founded in 2010 in Pushkar, Rajasthan, by Mukund Goyal as a legacy of excellence and taken forward by his son Sanjay Goyal. The third generation leaders Mohit, Ashutosh and Raghav, came into the business and transformed Ananta into a destination that is more than just a retreat.
At 28 now, Ashutosh holds multiple roles as the director, partner, and brand head in various ventures at Ananta Hotels & Resorts, wherein he is intersecting tradition and innovation within the legacy of Ananta to achieve greater success. His role encompasses the management of finance and procurement, and formulating offline marketing strategies for the brand.
BEGINNING OF A JOURNEY
Looking back, Ashutosh has plenty of memories as a part of his growing up years that shaped his connection with Ananta. “My earliest memories include visiting Ananta Spa & Resort, Pushkar during its development. The spiritual atmosphere, the scent of roses and the sunrise chants, created a magical experience that deeply resonated with me. I also recall being part of The Ananta Udaipur’s early phases, observing how every detail was planned to blend Balinese architecture with nature. These moments shaped my connection to the brand and taught me the importance of preserving Ananta’s essence while innovating for the future,” he recalls.
Having completed his schooling at the renowned Doon School in Dehradun, Ashutosh spent his undergraduate years at Indiana University and specialised in management and human organisation — being the first graduate in the university to pursue this major. He then pursued his minors in psychology, economics, and entrepreneurship before finally stepping into the family business.
Ashutosh strongly believes that his education has helped him in his career as hotelier. “My education provided me with a balanced perspective, combining strategic management skills with a deep understanding of human dynamics. My schooling at Doon School instilled discipline and leadership qualities, while my undergraduate years at Indiana University’s management and human organisation program sharpened my business acumen, particularly in team management and organisational behaviour. Furthermore, the exposure to international business environments and a diverse curriculum equipped me with the skills to drive innovation while maintaining the core values, and prepared me to manage the complexities of the hospitality industry effectively,” he states.
THE ANANTA PORTFOLIO
Currently, Ananta Hotels & Resorts manages over 15 franchises across strategic locations in India, with a total inventory of 1,200 room keys. Of these, which one is he most proud of? “Among these, the property I feel most proud of is The Ananta Statue of Unity. It stands as a symbol of modern India’s growth and heritage, offering guests a chance to stay near one of the world’s tallest statues and immerse themselves in the region’s cultural and natural beauty. This location is not only a testament to our brand’s ability to create impactful experiences but also aligns with our goal of contributing to the development of iconic destinations that promote tourism and local engagement,” he affirms.
The group has seen a momentous performance in the last fiscal year, and is anticipating significant growth in future. Ashutosh has had his innovations and expansion strategies under his wing to capture new markets for growth. “Ananta has embraced sustainability, wellness tourism, and digital transformation to capture new markets and enhance guest experiences. We have expanded into eco-luxury resorts, incorporating renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly architecture. Our focus also includes ‘workcation’ amenities, blending work and leisure for remote professionals. We have bolstered our online presence, leveraging digital marketing, and enhancing guest interaction through personalised technology solutions to attract global travellers,” he divulges.
Ashutosh’s expansion plans underscore his dedication and commitment to making an impact on the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. “There are plans to expand our portfolio with the aim to own and operate 50 properties within the next five years with focus on new regions such as Jaisalmer and Karjat. We plan to increase our footprint in eco-tourism, spiritual retreats, and wellness properties, capturing a diverse audience. We also aim to leverage our digital marketing strategy, sustainability efforts, and unique experiential offerings to enhance brand visibility and attract domestic and international markets, thereby ensuring a steady and robust growth trajectory.”
DISTINCTIVE TOUCH
The third generation founder believes in adding a unique touch to the hospitality landscape to foster personal excellence and contribute to the group’s holistic growth. Ashutosh explains, “Hospitality is not just about luxury; it’s about creating enriching experiences that leave a positive impact on people’s lives. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, aiming to connect with people – whether they are guests, employees, or community members on a meaningful level. Personal excellence for me is about understanding and nurturing these relationships, and ensuring that everyone associated with us feels valued and motivated.”
He also believes in being adaptive and forward-thinking, while keeping heritage and commitment to quality at the forefront of their growth. This comprehensive understanding and calculated approach helps him to integrate contemporary elements into Ananta. The approach also extends to his leadership style and business sense, and has helped him preserve the legacy of the group. “My leadership style is rooted in innovation and respect for tradition. I aim to blend Ananta’s core values – authenticity, sustainability, and luxury with modern business strategies. I encourage open communication, collaboration, and innovation within teams, ensuring that each member feels empowered to contribute their best,” he says.
By empowering his team and fostering a culture of collaboration, Ashutosh ensures that each property of Ananta maintains its unique character while meeting contemporary demands. “This not only helps in personal development but drives holistic growth, aligning with our vision of making a positive impact on the world through hospitality.”
LEADER WITH A VISION
The young entrepreneur’s aim is to turn the esteemed legacy business into a future-forward brand while honouring its long-standing traditions and preserving its cultural richness that make it unique. “My vision is to evolve Ananta as a leader in sustainable luxury, blending innovation with our deep connection to nature and culture. We aim to integrate renewable energy, eco-friendly practices, and modern design into all properties, ensuring that our guests experience luxury while remaining eco-conscious. By embracing immersive cultural experiences and wellness tourism, we aim to adapt to the modern traveller’s preferences and yet stay true to Ananta’s legacy. This approach allows us to maintain our core values and expand thoughtfully in the industry,” he elaborates.
Ashutosh is all for curating rejuvenating experiences that make it a revered the brand in the industry. “We offer wildlife safaris, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion experiences that connect our guests with their environment. At our properties like The Baagh Ananta Elite in Ranthambore, guided safaris provide thrilling wildlife encounters while promoting conservation,” he says. These cultural experiences allow their guests to engage with local traditions, thereby making their properties more than just stays – they are holistic retreats that rejuvenate and inspire.
With this deep focus on wellness and sustainability, the aim is to build properties that provide a space for rejuvenation and self-discovery, fostering a sense of well-being. “Our wellness offerings include spa facilities, yoga, and meditation, set in nature-rich environments to enhance relaxation,” Ashutosh points out. This extends far beyond local horizons and he aspires to elevate Indian hospitality to international acclaim.
COMMITTED TO HIS AMBITION
Ashutosh’s unwavering commitment drives his pursuit of ambitious goal, as he actively engages in the development of two significant hotel projects amidst the picturesque Rajasthan landscape. Ajabgarh, a wellness resort spanning 30 acres, offers a unique experience with 144 keys and Jaisalmer, encompassing 35 acres and boasting of 180 keys and featuring indigenous materials and a distinctive dune-shaped structure, has garnered two international awards,.
“The development of these projects has been both challenging and rewarding, as they are set in culturally rich yet ecologically sensitive regions. For Ajabgarh, we meticulously designed the property to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, incorporating natural materials and ensuring that the architecture harmonises with the historic fort in the background. This project is a reflection of our commitment to offering immersive experiences that highlight the area’s heritage while prioritising sustainability. Jaisalmer, on the other hand, is an endeavour to capture the mystical desert essence of Rajasthan, with plans to create a luxury desert experience mimicking the landscape that offers both adventure and tranquillity,” he avers. The brand focusses on eco-friendly practices such as solar energy and water conservation, to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
With development come challenges and competition too. In the dynamic hospitality industry, crises often emerge unexpectedly, whether they are related to market fluctuations, operational hurdles, or competition. The smart entrepreneur strongly relies on his key skills of adaptability, strategic thinking and resilience to overcome challenges and manage competition in the market.
“My ability to remain adaptable allows me to respond quickly and find innovative solutions. The greatest lesson I have learned is the importance of remaining grounded in our values, especially during challenging times. Staying true to our principles of authenticity, sustainability, and luxury has allowed us to differentiate our brand and maintain a loyal clientele, even in the face of fierce competition,” Ashutosh believes.
STRIKING PERFECT BALANCE
Ashutosh’s multifaceted approach shapes his promising future in the world of hospitality. Beyond his professional endeavours, his life is enriched by a diverse range of hobbies and interests encompassing stamp collecting, aero modelling, badminton, and extensive travel, which provide him with moments of relaxation and inspiration.
How does he strike a balance between his professional and personal life? “Finding balance is important to me, and I prioritise time for personal interests like trekking, reading, and practising yoga. Trekking allows me to reconnect with nature and recharge, providing me with the clarity and inspiration needed for my work. Reading broadens my perspective and keeps me informed about global trends in hospitality and sustainability. Practising yoga not only helps me relax but also aligns with my focus on wellness, both personally and professionally. I believe, these moments of relaxation are crucial for maintaining creativity and motivation, enabling me to bring fresh ideas and energy back into my role at Ananta,” concludes the young leader.
