Deepak Nangla, Managing Director, Premier by Brightsun               

Luxury travel is undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days when extravagance alone defined an exceptional journey. Today’s discerning travellers seek something far more meaningful… authentic experiences, emotional connections, cultural immersion, wellness, personalization, and memories that linger long after the journey ends.

At the forefront of this evolution is Deepak Nangla, Managing Director, Premier by Brightsun, a travel visionary who understands that true luxury lies not in what money can buy, but in how a journey makes one feel.

With years of experience in the global luxury travel ecosystem, Deepak Nangla has built a reputation for crafting bespoke experiences that go beyond itineraries and destinations. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: every traveller has a unique story, and every journey should reflect that story. Whether it’s a multi-generational family holiday, a secluded wellness retreat, a romantic escape, or an adventure off the beaten path, his focus remains on creating deeply personal experiences that resonate on an emotional level.

As technology, sustainability, and evolving traveller expectations reshape the future of travel, Deepak continues to champion a more thoughtful approach to luxury… one that seamlessly blends innovation with authenticity, exclusivity with responsibility, and comfort with meaningful human connection. His insights into the changing landscape of luxury travel offer a fascinating glimpse into what the future holds for affluent travellers around the world.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Deepak Nangla, Managing Director of Premier by Brightsun, shares his perspectives on modern luxury travel, the growing importance of personalization and storytelling, the rise of conscious travel, and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped his own philosophy of hospitality and exploration.

Over To Deepak Nangla, Managing Director of Premier by Brightsun    

Luxury travel today is evolving beyond opulence into something far more personal and experiential. How do you define modern luxury travel in 2026?
Deepak Nangla – Modern luxury travel is no longer defined only by extravagance or exclusivity, it is about personalisation, authenticity, and meaningful experiences. Today’s luxury traveller seeks journeys that are tailor-made, seamless, and emotionally enriching, with a strong focus on comfort, cultural immersion, wellness, and flexibility.

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is playing a transformative role in shaping this new era of travel. AI enables highly personalised recommendations, intelligent itinerary planning, and real-time concierge support, allowing travel experiences to feel intuitive and effortless while still preserving the human touch that remains essential in luxury hospitality.

At the same time, sustainability and conscious travel are becoming central to the luxury segment. Travellers are increasingly choosing experiences that are responsible, locally connected, and environmentally mindful without compromising on quality or exclusivity.

India’s growing global influence also presents significant opportunities for the sector. As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the country is witnessing a rise in affluent travellers and corporate mobility, driving demand for premium outbound travel experiences.

Through Premier by Brightsun, you focus heavily on bespoke travel experiences. What do today’s affluent travellers seek most — exclusivity, privacy, wellness, authenticity, or emotional connection?
Deepak Nangla – What today’s affluent travellers are seeking is far more than luxury. While exclusivity and privacy remain important, the real shift is toward authenticity, wellness, and emotional connection. Modern luxury travellers want experiences that feel personal, meaningful, and reflective of their individual lifestyles and aspirations.

We are seeing a growing demand for bespoke journeys that combine comfort with cultural immersion and unique storytelling. Travellers are looking for private and seamless experiences, but they also want genuine connections, whether it’s through curated local encounters, wellness-focused retreats, culinary exploration, or transformative experiences that create lasting memories.

Wellness has also become a major priority, extending beyond spa experiences to include mental wellbeing, slow travel, digital detox, and holistic lifestyles. At the same time, privacy and flexibility continue to be highly valued, especially among high-net-worth travellers who expect personalised service and complete convenience.

Having worked closely within the luxury travel ecosystem, how have post-pandemic travel behaviours changed among high-net-worth Indian travellers?
Deepak Nangla – In the post-pandemic world, there has been a significant shift towards seeking meaningful travel experiences. People, regardless of budget, have grown to value quality time with friends and family more than ever before. As a result, we’ve noticed an increase in average spending as travellers seek out off-the-beaten-path destinations and distinctive experiences that allow them to fully embrace life. 

Personalisation seems to sit at the heart of Premier by Brightsun’s philosophy. How important is storytelling and emotional connection when designing unforgettable travel experiences today?
Deepak Nangla – Personalisation is at the heart of everything we do, and storytelling plays a vital role in creating meaningful travel experiences. Today’s travellers are looking for more than just a holiday, they want moments that feel personal, memorable, and emotionally connected to their journey. We make sure to focus on the finer details that turn a trip into a lasting memory.

Whether it’s arranging early check-ins and family-friendly support for a holiday, planning a private helicopter proposal for a couple, or tailoring a luxury escape around a client’s dietary preferences, we ensure every experience feels unique and thoughtfully curated. These personalised touches not only enhance the journey but also create strong emotional connections that clients remember long after they return home.

Luxury travellers today are increasingly balancing indulgence with conscious travel choices. How do you see sustainability shaping the future of premium and experiential travel?
Deepak Nangla – Sustainability is becoming an integral part of luxury and experiential travel so it’s a key focus at Premier by Brightsun. We offer eco-conscious travel experiences like the Tim Ecological Tour in Brazil and Singita Grumeti in Tanzania where clients can explore the natural beauty of the location while also supporting conservation efforts. We believe the future of luxury travel lies in creating authentic, transformative experiences that leave a positive impact on both travellers and the destinations they visit.

As someone deeply immersed in global luxury travel, what has been your own most unforgettable travel experience — a journey that completely changed your perspective on travel and hospitality?

Deepak Nangla – The journey that changed everything for me was a sailing trip through the Maldives. I’ve visited some of the world’s most iconic resorts, but exploring the atolls by boat, anchoring at uninhabited islands, dining under the stars, waking up to nothing but the horizon, redefined freedom for me.

One afternoon, our local captain prepared a simple meal on a sandbank. Just natural fresh ingredients – no finery, no elaborate setting – simple yet authentic. It reminded me that travel is not luxury but an experience. It’s those moments that you find freedom, make a connection, and when you close your eyes years later you can relive the moment. That trip shifted my philosophy entirely.

So even today, when I craft itinerates,  I look for experiences that strip away noise and bring travellers back to themselves. True luxury, I learned, is not found in what surrounds you, but in what stays with you long after you return home.

TheGlitz Verdict

Deepak Nangla, Managing Director, Premier by Brightsun, represents the new face of luxury travel… one that places people, purpose, and personalization at the heart of every journey. In an era where travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences over material indulgence, his vision for travel is both timely and inspiring. His ability to blend exclusivity with authenticity, innovation with human connection, and luxury with sustainability makes him a standout voice in the global travel landscape.

TheGlitz truly believes that through Premier by Brightsun, Deepak Nangla is not merely curating holidays; he is crafting transformative experiences that enrich lives, create lasting memories, and redefine what it means to travel well. TheGlitz applauds his thoughtful approach to luxury and his unwavering belief that the most extraordinary journeys are the ones that stay with us long after we return home.