Under the leadership of Dr. Kishor Navandar, the group has envisioned 300 rooms across seven unique locations across the country. For years, Blue Billion Group has been synonymous with innovation, leadership, and success across industries. The group has now embarked on a new journey – one that would redefine luxury hospitality in India. With a vision to blend opulence and authenticity, Blue Billion Hospitality is setting the stage for a transformative experience across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.
At the helm of affairs is Dr. Kishor Navandar, Chairman and Managing Director of Blue Billion Group, who has been a visionary and a philanthropist. Hospitality is not a new subject for him. During his earlier days, he has had close association with Indian hospitality icon PRS Oberoi and Sir Ratan Tata. For him, it has been an ongoing, continuous journey toward creating resorts and setting standards for luxury.
With seven sites under its portfolio, Blue Billion Hospitality hasn’t merely been acquiring properties – it has been setting the path for curating immersive luxury experiences. Of these, five locations had been owned for over a decade, while two were secured on long-term lease agreements. With a collective vision, the group envisioned nearly 300 rooms, spanning breathtaking landscapes, each promising exclusivity and serenity.
From heritage retreats to eco-sanctuaries, from river islands to boutique resorts, the group’s vision was clear: to exceed tourist expectations, elevate hospitality standards, and craft experiences that resonated beyond staycation dreams.
The company’s future holds innovations and horizons where partnership strategies have put the company at the forefront of hospitality change in India.
Navandar’s vision is not limited to luxury; it is structured to change the face of Indian hospitality so that tier-2, tier-3, and tier-4 cities could become hospitality hubs. The growth of medical tourism, the rise of pilgrim destinations, and urban expansion encroaching into new and uncharted markets leave the Blue Billion Group at the threshold of a revolution.
Emphasizing the strategic placement of each of their holdings, Dr Kishor proudly introduced his bouquet of offerings:
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
The first three sites are in Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s prized hill station – a destination that exuded heritage, grandeur, and tranquility. The city would soon be home to three distinct sanctuaries of indulgence, ensuring travelers experience the regal spirit of Rajasthan like never before.
∙Site 1 – A 225,000 sq. ft. expanse, would host 25 opulent villas, soon to be secured through a leading industry player’s operation and management contract.
∙Site 2 – 300,000 sq. ft. signed with Araiya Hotels & Resorts, is on its way to host 30 exclusive villas.
∙Site 3 – The most expansive, 700,000 sq. ft., sets the stage for a 100-villa retreat, with revenue-sharing negotiations in advanced discussions.
Dhari, Gujarat
Moving westward, the Blue Billion vision took root in Dhari, Gujarat – a land of unexplored potential near the Ambardi Lion Safari Park.
∙Site 4 – A 200,000 sq. ft. land parcel, positions the group as a first mover in a newly planned tourism hub. With 500 thriving mango trees, the property blends eco-tourism with luxury, ensuring an unparalleled escape into nature. A contract has been signed with Araiya Hotels & Resorts.
Tapola, Maharashtra
Nestled amidst Mahabaleshwar’s untouched beauty, Tapola has long been known as Mini Kashmir – a name that hints at its scenic grandeur.
∙Site 5 – A waterfront retreat of 200,000 sq. ft., is poised to offer 25 villas with mesmerising lake views. Not only has a contract been secured with Araiya Hotels & Resorts, but it also came with a minimum revenue guarantee, ensuring financial stability while delivering unforgettable stays.
Karjat, Maharashtra
Closer to bustling cities yet deeply embedded in nature’s embrace, Karjat presented an ideal setting for luxury rejuvenation.
∙Site 6 – A 9-acre riverfront escape, is set to house 40 exclusive villas that would epitomise boutique luxury. Search is on for a distinguished operator to bring the vision to life.
Mavinkurve, Karnataka
But perhaps the most exclusive and breathtaking of all properties is a hidden treasure in Karnataka – a 12-acre virgin river island in the heart of the Sharavati River.
∙Site 7 – This one is unlike any other. With no formal land valuation, its significance is in its untouched splendor. Plans to create a nature-themed resort with 50 villas, a spa, and wellness activities are already underway. We are actively seeking a strategic operator, one that could translate the island’s raw beauty into a heavenly hospitality experience.
Blue Billion Partners with Araiya Hotels to Redefine Ultra-Luxury Hospitality
In a step toward shaping a new era of ultra-luxury travel in India, Blue Billion Hospitality has partnered with Araiya Hotels & Resorts to create three boutique resorts across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. More than just a business alliance, this collaboration is rooted in a shared vision: to craft spaces that offer not only world-class comfort but also unforgettable experiences that reflect the soul of each destination.
At the heart of this partnership is the ambition to elevate what luxury means, transforming it from opulence into a deeply personal, immersive experience. “We’re not just building resorts – we’re creating stories, destinations that people will carry in their hearts,” said Dr. Kishor Navandar. He expressed his joy at teaming up with Amruda Nair, Founder of Araiya and a proud torchbearer of the Leela Group legacy.
“This partnership is just the beginning. Behind the brands and business plans lies a journey of passion, resilience, and purpose,” he shared. With warmth and sincerity, Dr. Navandar also paid tribute to his late family friend and mentor, Akshay Kulkarni, whose guidance helped shape his path in hospitality.
Together, Blue Billion and Araiya Hotels aim to set new standards – where luxury isn’t just about amenities, but about meaning, memory, and the magic of truly feeling at home, even in the most extraordinary places.
Redefining Hospitality with a Lease Model
Beyond the luxury, Blue Billion Hospitality has also pioneered a new operational paradigm – the lease model. In a sector where management and franchise contracts are the trend, Navandar saw that leases were not being market-optimized. Europe has long used the lease model for brands like Mövenpick and Steigenberger, and now the Indian market is ready for structured hotel investments.
“The future of hospitality is ultimately in our very own capability to adapt,” said Navandar. “Lease agreements ensure future dated stability to all the developers, owners, and operators involved. They put risk off the table while ensuring consistent revenue streams along with a planned exit strategy – all aspects that would be hugely relevant in an evolving industry.”
