Ethos

SETTING THE STANDARD

The essence of who we are, what we want to do and how we plan to provide an experience like no other, is rooted in our name – Araiya. The word simply means ‘something beautiful and divine’. And what other adjective could illustrate anything that has to do with the hospitality industry? Araiya stands for what we believe we want to achieve and how we want to serve our guests and deliver stakeholder value.

With Araiya, we want to be the flagbearers of an experience that is engaging and immersive. With our hotels, the adaptive designs, our intuitive service, our expertise, we want to be seen as retreats that are true to our name. We are also firm believers in embracing technology, which is reflected in everything that we do to add to customer delight. When we put all of these together, what we give you are stories and experiences that stay with you.

DIRECTOR, ARAIYA HOTELS

Amruda has hospitality in her DNA. From her grandfather, the late Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, founder of The Leela Group, she inherited a maverick streak and an eye for opportunities. An Economics graduate, she gained qualifications in International Hospitality Management at CHN University, The Netherlands, as well as a Master’s degree from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, New York and Nanyang Business School, Singapore.

After a stint with Mandarin Oriental New York, Amruda joined Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Singapore as a full-time analyst on the hospitality brokerage team and was involved in investment sales mandates in Indonesia, Japan, China, India and Thailand. In 2008, she joined the corporate advisory division, conducting pre-opening budget reviews, management contract negotiations and operations audits for hotels in Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing and acted as an owner’s representative managing three trading assets in Singapore and Shanghai, for properties operated by IHG, Fairmont and Starwood.

Returning to join the family business in India, Amruda served as Head of Asset Management for The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts during a period of major growth, which included the opening of new properties in Gurgaon, Udaipur, Delhi and Chennai. In her role, Amruda was responsible for conducting financial reviews for the luxury group’s eight operating properties, reviewing pre-opening budgets for upcoming projects and annual business plans.

As Director of Araiya, Amruda brings a global perspective along with experience with leading international hospitality brands. She looks to bring unparalleled value and authenticity to the smart lifestyle segment by offering a unique blend of the best global practices and a warm Indian service ethos.