By Shereen Shabnam

Fragrant Nature, the creator of premium lifestyle hospitality experiences in Kerala recently showcased three exceptional hotels and resorts in Kerala at the Arabian Travel Market. The award-winning hospitality operator has also strengthened its new ‘Kerala Golden Trio’ package, especially for visitors from the GCC region, promising them three authentic lifestyle experiences just in time for summer.

Fragrant Nature has three resorts in Kerala in Fort Kochi, Munnar and Kollam. Each resort has a unique architecture and an unmatched choice of lifestyle amenities.

Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa in Paravur, Kollam, stands out for its location by the pristine backwaters of Kerala. Fragrant Nature Fort Kochi is for the culturally discerning tourists, who also want to experience the exotic location of the town, tucked a little away from Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Fragrant Nature Munnar, located in Pothamedu, offers scenic vistas at its best.

I met with Anne Sajeev, Managing Director of Fragrant Nature Hotels & Resorts who mentioned that the ‘Kerala Golden Trio Package’ has been specially created for visitors from the region, who want to experience the diversity of Kerala’s natural beauty and also have memorable and authentic hospitality choices.”

Below are some insights we spoke on with Anne Sajeev, Managing Director of Fragrant Nature Hotels & Resorts:

How has the visitor response been to Fragrant Nature from the Gulf markets?

The Gulf region is increasingly becoming one of our top source markets with visitors especially from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. That is why we have now launched the ‘Kerala Golden Trio’ package, especially for visitors from the Gulf region – not only Arabs but also expatriates – so that they can experience three diverse lifestyle experiences in Kerala in one visit. Typically, we have seen that guests from the region are hurried through tourism packages, and they often do not have the opportunity to savour the true flavours of the state and its diversity.

With Fragrant Nature, we are offering three hotel and resorts experiences in three vibrant tourism hotspots – Munnar, Fort Kochi and Kollam. Each of these properties are set in unique locations that visitors from the region admire. Over the past year, we have a seen an increase in visitor numbers from the Gulf region by about 30 per cent. That is why we are focusing on ATM to reach out further to visitors from the Gulf.

Tell us more about Kerala gaining ground as tourist destination for visitors from the Gulf.

We are seeing stronger interest from visitors in the Gulf for Kerala as a summer destination. The effortless connectivity – Kerala being less than four hours flying distance away – is one factor. Secondly, visitors have a culturally enriching experience in the state. What excites us is that Fragrant Nature is being increasingly called on by family visitors from the Gulf region – and we have tailored our properties to meet the needs of families with large spacious rooms and interconnecting rooms. Further, we understand the aspirations and needs of visitors from the Gulf – because I personally am based in Dubai. I interact a lot with our guests and ensure that they have a positive and memorable experience during their stay with us.

What has it been like bringing the Fragrant Nature brand to the UAE?

We are exploring the potential to launch our Fragrant Nature brand in the UAE and other high-growth markets in the Gulf region. In fact, we have been in discussions with some developers and hotel owners for management contracts. Our focus on wellness of guests – such as by providing pesticide-free food, yoga and Ayurveda treatments – have been a big draw among them. We will announce the plans once they are finalised.

What makes the Fragrant Nature properties in Kerala special?

Each of our properties has a distinct value proposition.

Fragrant Nature Munnar, located in Pothamedu, offers scenic vistas at its best. The only five-star hotel now in the renowned hill station, its architectural elements are drawn from the surroundings. Reminiscent of planters’ bungalows, it has cosy fireplaces, specialty restaurants serving the choicest grills and a spa offering Ayurvedic and modern therapies. Private balconies open to the mist-laden hills.

Fragrant Nature Fort Kochi is for the culturally discerning tourists, who also want to experience the exotic location of the town, tucked a little away from Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala. Set in the same locale as the erstwhile office of East India Company, the hotel is also a landmark, featuring the first clock tower in Fort Kochi. The biggest five-star hotel in Fort Kochi, it houses a period Trompe-l’œil art work in the lobby by two popular artists from England. A state-of-the-art spa rejuvenates guests while organic food, sourced locally, is cooked afresh at the hotel’s signature dining outlet.

Fragrant Nature Backwater Resort & Ayurveda Spa in Paravur, Kollam, stands out for its location by the pristine backwaters of Kerala. Set by the Mala lake, the four-star classified resort is nestled amidst coconut groves in live acres of landscape gardens. The serenity of the resort, with its rich yoga, Ayurveda and wellness therapies, soothes the soul and body.

What is your expectations from ATM 2017?

We are very upbeat about our participation at ATM 2017. In fact, we had showcased our projects earlier at the World Travel Market too, and the response has been extremely positive. We saw a strong increase from European travellers, and we are confident that ATM will drive further visitor arrivals from the Gulf region. The Kerala Tourism department is doing a wonderful job in promoting the destination and we are happy to support them in all ways.

How is it like being being a female entrepreneur?

I think the best part of being in Dubai – and being a woman entrepreneur in the hospitality industry is that I can understand the needs of family visitors. I integrate that in every property of ours – and that is why we have repeat guests from the GCC, especially family tourists. I am very passionate about wellness and at every property we ensure that our guests have a delightful experience.