Newstrack

Six Senses bets high on second innings

Neeti Mehra - Mumbai

Betting high on its second innings in the Indian marketplace, Six Senses Resorts & Spas is scouting for partners for its boutique resort brand Evason Hideaway and yet-to-be-launched resort brand Evason Latitude, after its lukewarm initial foray into the country.

Following close on the heels is the re-start of the development of the Six Senses Spa at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi which was stopped due to concerns by the Heritage Committee, and is open to developing the spa brand in other properties on a non-exclusive basis. It will also open a full-fledged sales office by the end of next year.

Revealing this to Express Hospitality, Raymond W S Hall, its chief marketing officer, says, "We are renewing our commitment to the Indian market and are gung-ho about the prospects. We are looking for opportunities and are open to enter both the investment and management route." The Bangkok-based resort and spa management and development company had previously announced its foray in the Indian market nearly four years ago, but no concrete developments had taken place. Out of its current resort brand portfolio of the super luxury Soneva and Evason, it is looking to introduce brand extensions of Evason (the Evason Hideway, a high-end accommodation and retreat with private pool villas not exceeding 50-80 rooms) and Evason Latitude for the Indian market.

He adds, "We are approaching the market methodically with the same template that was successfully implemented in Russia, following a dual strategy of establishing awareness complemented with development." In line with its focus, the group has created a position of managing director for development (India and East Africa) to zero in on opportunities.