Amruda Nair, a scion of the iconic Leela Group, is introducing a completely new brand of hospitality with her recently launched Aiana Hotels and Resorts.

A third generation hotelier and coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Nair is looking to inject freshness into the hotel sector with her ‘Hospitality 2.0’ concept, and plans to create a presence across The Middle East and South East Asia.

The new independent brand, which is based in Qatar, has been created in response to the needs of tomorrow’s traveller. “Every aspect of the brand – from its intuitive service and local inspired design to its engaging operating philosophy is geared to exceed the expectations of a new generation of savvy travellers,” she tells TradeArabia.

“Our guest will be the global traveller who is a smart user of technology, environmentally and socially conscious, and expects exceptional value. We aim to cater to the growing demand of this segment for value added offerings in the upper upscale hospitality segment. We are looking at achieving a positioning into that niche market because we can offer a slightly more consistent product offering across multiple locations,” she says.

With nine properties currently under its portfolio, Aiana Hotels and Resorts will see its flagship hotel open in Makkah next year, with the 611-room Aiana Makkah opening in the first quarter of 2017. The hotel, which has been designed specifically for families and groups that visit Makkah for Holy pilgrimage, will provide travellers with adequate amenities, efficient and friendly service as well as a varied cuisine featuring signature dishes from the Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Far East and North Africa.

Doha will see the opening of the brand’s second property in Q2 2017. Aiana Suites and Residences, Doha will be located in the prestigious central business district of West Bay, surrounded by embassies and government offices, and with attractions like the Majestic Corniche Promenade and the famous City Centre Mall being a short walk away.

The location is ideal and will also catch the eye of tourists and future residents of Doha, as the Hamad International Airport is a mere 25 minutes away. Currently under construction, the project will consist of 180 keys with sea-facing and city views, and will measure between 73-sq-m to 250-sq-m.

“What this property offers in terms of uniqueness to this region, is that it meets all the requirements for contemporary living and includes some India-inspired facilities such as a specialty Indian restaurant and modern Indian spa concept, in addition to a fitness centre and pool,” she adds.

Other properties in the pipeline are Munnar, India (1 hotel opening in 2017), Karnataka, India (5 hotels. First hotel opening in 2019) and Agra, India (1 hotel opening in 2019).

When asked about collaborating with the legacy family group, she said: “Aiana Hotels & Resorts is an independently owned company. I am a member of the Nair family, the promotors of The Leela, and it shall remain my legacy, heritage and continual source of inspiration. As of now my energies are focused towards building Aiana Hotels & Resorts to be a global hospitality player.”

Nair, who finds a spot among the role models for women in executive positions, concludes with a word of advice to young women entrepreneurs in the region: “In a work environment, you must never hesitate to grab an opportunity. Raise your hand, ask for what you want, share an idea or like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg says in her book Lean in, ‘take a seat at the table’,” - TradeArabia News Service