“The art of luxury lies in the details,” muses Vikas Sharma, CEO of Encalm Hospitality, a brand that specialises in curating exceptional airport experiences through VIP lounges, concierge services, and airport hotels.

Under his visionary leadership, Encalm Hospitality has redefined airport luxury through its portfolio of premium services—from the sophisticated Encalm Privé lounges and transit hotels to bespoke Atithya meet-and-greet services and the rejuvenating Encalm Spa experiences. If you happen to be at New Delhi, Hyderabad, or Goa airports, you’ll find yourself wrapped in luxury—quite literally!

The INSEAD graduate might have countless awards to his name, including 2019’s General Manager of the Year award by HOSI in association with Sheraton Hotels and resorts, but today he’s more excited about showing us how an airport experience can feel less like a journey and more like a destination in itself. His mission? To prove that exceptional service isn’t just about the destination—it’s about anticipating needs before they arise.

In an exclusive conversation with TheGlitz co-founder Rajeev Mokashi, Vikas Sharma, the award-winning veteran and CEO of Encalm Hospitality, shares his journey of transforming airport terminals into luxurious havens of indulgence.

Over to Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality

Rajeev Mokashi: Having shaped luxury experiences across iconic brands like Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, what inspired you to transition to revolutionizing airport hospitality with Encalm?

Vikas Sharma: My career has always been driven by the desire to craft exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impact. At Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, I learnt how meticulous attention to detail and personalised service could redefine luxury. When I looked at airports, I saw immense untapped potential. Airports are gateways—often the first and last impression of a destination. However, they’re usually seen as functional, transactional spaces rather than experiential ones.

When I looked at airports, I saw immense potential for creating elevated experiences that mirror the sophistication of luxury hotels. Airports are gateways—often the first and last impression of a destination. With Encalm, I envisioned reimagining these spaces to reflect elegance, comfort, and personalisation. Our goal is to transform airports into places of rejuvenation and indulgence, creating memorable experiences that travelers associate with joy and ease.

Airport hospitality exists in a unique intersection of luxury, efficiency, and time constraints. How do you envision transforming these traditionally transitional spaces?

Airports are unique environments where efficiency meets opportunity for premium experiences. At Encalm, we are transforming these spaces by creating environments that seamlessly blend luxury and functionality.

Our flagship offering, the Encalm Privé lounge at Delhi International Airport, epitomizes this vision. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the lounge offers a host of premium amenities, including live cooking stations, wellness zones, curated libraries, fitness centers, sleeping pods, private nap rooms, shower facilities, and an in-house spa. These services allow travelers to pause, recharge, and enjoy a sense of indulgence that aligns with their lifestyle.

By offering bespoke dining, wellness-focused spaces, and areas for relaxation, we are redefining airports as destinations in their own right—places where travelers can unwind, connect, and elevate their journey.

In an era where technology and information are readily available, what role does personalized service play in enhancing airport experiences?

While technology has undoubtedly made travel more convenient, it often lacks the human touch that creates memorable experiences. At Encalm, we focus on blending the efficiency of technology with the warmth of personalized service. This balance ensures that travelers feel both cared for and valued.

For instance, our team proactively anticipates traveler needs, whether it’s providing tailored wellness services, offering curated dining options, or creating quiet spaces for rest. It’s this level of personalization that sets us apart. We don’t just address the functional aspects of travel; we craft experiences that elevate the journey itself.

With your extensive luxury hospitality background, how have you witnessed Indian luxury travelers’ appetites for premium airport experiences evolve over the years?

Over the years, Indian luxury travelers have become increasingly sophisticated and discerning. Earlier, most travelers viewed airports as mere transit points. However, today’s luxury travelers expect these spaces to reflect their elevated lifestyles.

There’s a growing demand for exclusivity, wellness-focused amenities, and curated experiences. Travelers now seek more than just comfortable seating; they want access to world-class cuisine, serene spa zones, personalized attention, and innovative services like sleeping pods or private meeting spaces.

This shift aligns perfectly with Encalm’s vision. We’re seeing immense appreciation for offerings like live cooking stations, wellness zones, and curated libraries at our lounges, which cater to these evolving preferences.

What have been the most in-demand and frequent services requested by travelers, and which offering has generated the most buzz?

Our travelers frequently request services that provide privacy, wellness, and bespoke culinary experiences. Among our offerings, the sleeping pods and wellness zones at Encalm Privé have generated significant buzz. These amenities cater to the growing demand for comfort and rejuvenation during long layovers or hectic travel schedules.

Additionally, our live cooking stations, where chefs prepare gourmet meals tailored to traveler preferences, have become a standout feature. These experiences not only meet functional needs but also create memorable moments, which travelers deeply value.

You’re known for building synergies across functions. Share a transformative instance where cross-functional collaboration sparked breakthrough innovation at Encalm.

Launching Encalm Privé was a landmark moment for us, and it was only possible through cross-functional collaboration. From ideation to execution, the project brought together diverse teams—including design, culinary, wellness, and customer experience experts.

One breakthrough innovation was the creation of our wellness zone. By collaborating with wellness specialists and interior designers, we transformed a section of the lounge into a serene space offering spa services, fitness centers, and sleeping pods. This synergy ensured that every detail, from ambiance to functionality, resonated with travelers’ needs and desires.

The result is a space that not only redefines luxury airport hospitality but also sets a benchmark for what’s possible in transitional spaces.

What project or initiative are you most proud of successfully delivering?

The launch of Encalm Privé at Delhi International Airport is a project that I’m particularly proud of. It embodies everything we stand for—luxury, technology, functionality, and personalization. Spanning 30,000 square feet, the lounge is equipped with premium amenities like live cooking stations, curated libraries, wellness zones, sleeping pods, and more.

What makes it even more rewarding is the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from travelers. Many have shared how the lounge has transformed their perception of airport experiences, turning layovers into enjoyable and even productive moments. Seeing our vision come to life in such a tangible and impactful way has been deeply fulfilling.

What’s the most unique or memorable challenge you’ve encountered in redefining airport hospitality?

The most memorable challenge has been bringing international standards of luxury to Indian airports while ensuring they resonate with the preferences of our guests.

At Encalm Privé, we have created a space that incorporates world-class amenities like gourmet live cooking stations, wellness zones, sleeping pods, spa services, and private nap rooms. These offerings have been designed to cater to the evolving demands of global travelers, while still celebrating the distinct hospitality ethos of India.

Striking this balance required innovation, collaboration, and meticulous planning. It’s a challenge that has not only shaped Encalm Privé into a benchmark of luxury airport hospitality but has also set the stage for elevating airport experiences across the country.