Vikas Sood, GM, The Leela Gandhinagar

Luxury is increasingly being redefined by experiences rather than extravagance, these days and few hospitality leaders understand this shift better than the very dynamic Vikas Sood, General Manager at the very luxurious The Leela Gandhinagar.

Perched 77 feet above the ground and seamlessly blending architectural grandeur with serene natural surroundings, The Leela Gandhinagar has emerged as a foremost destination where sophistication meets stillness, and where luxury is measured not by excess, but by the emotions a stay evokes.

As modern travellers seek deeper connections, personalised experiences, wellness-led journeys, and meaningful moments of pause, Vikas Sood believes that the future of luxury lies in what he calls “quiet luxury” — an approach that places emotional wellbeing, authenticity, privacy, and intuitive service at the heart of hospitality.

Under his leadership, The Leela Gandhinagar has evolved into more than just a luxury hotel. It is a sanctuary where guests can slow down, reconnect with themselves, immerse in Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage, and experience the warmth of Indian hospitality through highly personalised service and thoughtfully curated experiences.

From wellness journeys guided by The Leela’s holistic philosophy, Aujasya, to immersive cultural storytelling, bespoke guest experiences, and sustainability-conscious operations, Vikas is helping shape a new narrative for luxury travel — one that values purpose as much as prestige.

In this exclusive conversation with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-chief, TheGlitz, Vikas Sood, GM, The Leela Gandhinagar, shares his perspective on the rise of quiet luxury, the growing importance of wellness and sustainability, the power of storytelling in hospitality, and why the next era of Indian luxury travel will be defined by personalisation, authenticity, and meaningful human connections.

Over To Vikas Sood, GM, The Leela Gandhinagar

The Leela Gandhinagar beautifully blends grandeur with serenity. How do you define “quiet luxury” in the context of modern Indian hospitality today?

Quiet luxury is about creating experiences that are thoughtful, impactful, and deeply meaningful. While grandeur and elegance remain important elements of luxury hospitality, today’s discerning travellers are increasingly drawn to experiences that offer a unique sense of calm, privacy, and emotional comfort.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, quiet luxury is reflected in the way we anticipate guest needs, create a sense of space, and deliver personalised service with warmth and discretion. It is found in the property’s magnificent architecture, its distinctive position 77 feet above the ground, the seamless connection between built spaces and nature, and the opportunity for guests to experience the destination at their own pace.

I believe true luxury is not measured by excess, but by the lasting impression a stay leaves behind. It is about creating an environment where guests feel genuinely cared for, completely at ease, and leave with a sense of fulfilment that stays with them long after their journey has ended.

Luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising emotional wellbeing, privacy, and slower experiences over traditional extravagance. How are you seeing guest expectations evolve at The Leela Gandhinagar?

I have observed a significant shift in guest expectations over the past few years. While exceptional service, comfort, and attention to detail remain fundamental to luxury hospitality, travellers today are increasingly seeking experiences that feel meaningful, memorable, and personally enriching.

Guests are placing greater value on personal time, intentional travel, and opportunities to disconnect from increasingly demanding lifestyles. There is a growing appreciation for stays that allow them to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and the destination. Experiences centred around wellness, beauty, and self-care have become equally important, reflected in the growing interest around offerings such as Tishya by The Leela.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, this evolution has inspired us to place greater emphasis on personalised experiences, wellness, and flexibility. Through Aujasya, our holistic wellness philosophy, alongside thoughtfully curated experiences and tranquil surroundings, we strive to create an environment where guests can unwind at their own pace and engage with experiences that feel truly relevant to their individual needs. Increasingly, luxury is being defined not by what is offered, but by how deeply it resonates with the guest.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in luxury hospitality. How do you approach sustainability at The Leela Gandhinagar?

I believe sustainability has become an essential part of responsible luxury hospitality. Today’s guests are increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices and appreciate experiences that are both thoughtful and environmentally mindful.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, we view sustainability as an integral part of how we operate rather than a standalone initiative. Our approach focuses on creating meaningful experiences through responsible practices, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for the natural environment that surrounds us.

The property’s expansive green spaces and open, tranquil surroundings play an important role in enhancing the guest experience, offering a sense of connection with nature while contributing to overall well-being. As we continue to evolve, our commitment remains focused on balancing sustainability with the exceptional comfort, personalised service, and attention to detail that define luxury hospitality.

As a hospitality leader, how important is storytelling in creating meaningful guest experiences, especially in a culturally rich destination like Gujarat?

Storytelling is fundamental to creating meaningful and memorable guest experiences. While luxury hospitality is often associated with comfort and service, what guests truly remember is the emotional connection they build with a place and its culture.

In a culturally rich destination like Gujarat, storytelling allows us to bring the region’s heritage, craftsmanship, traditions, and way of life to the forefront in an authentic and engaging manner. It transforms a stay into an experience that feels personal, immersive, and distinctive.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, storytelling is thoughtfully woven throughout the guest journey. Whether through curated art tours that celebrate regional heritage, our signature evening ritual, immersive staycation experiences, or our specially designed two-day wellness retreats, each touchpoint is created to deepen the guest’s connection with the destination. These experiences not only showcase the cultural richness of Gujarat but also create lasting memories that extend far beyond the stay itself.

Wellness is becoming deeply intertwined with luxury travel. How does The Leela Gandhinagar create moments of calm, restoration, and mindful indulgence for its guests?

Wellness today extends far beyond the traditional spa experience. It has become an integral part of how guests choose to travel, stay, and reconnect with themselves. Increasingly, travellers are seeking experiences that support their overall sense of well-being, both physically and mentally, while creating moments of balance amidst increasingly demanding lifestyles.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, our approach to wellness is guided by Aujasya, The Leela’s holistic wellness philosophy. Rather than viewing wellness as a standalone offering, we aim to weave it seamlessly into the guest journey through experiences that encourage relaxation, mindfulness, movement, and self-discovery.

Guests can engage with wellness in ways that feel natural and personalised to them, whether through rejuvenating spa therapies, guided yoga sessions, sound healing experiences, mindful culinary offerings, aqua wellness activities, or leisurely cycling through the property’s expansive green landscapes. In an increasingly fast-paced world, our focus is on creating an environment where guests can slow down, recharge, and experience a lasting sense of renewal.

Today’s discerning travellers seek authenticity alongside comfort. How do you ensure the guest experience feels rooted in local culture while remaining globally sophisticated?

Today’s discerning travellers are seeking experiences that are both authentic and sophisticated. They want to connect with the destination they are visiting while enjoying the comfort, refinement, and highly personalised service that define luxury hospitality. Increasingly, guests are looking for stays that feel tailored to their individual preferences, lifestyles, and travel aspirations.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, we believe luxury is most meaningful when it reflects a genuine sense of place. Our location, surrounded by expansive green landscapes and thoughtfully designed spaces, creates an immediate connection with the natural character of the destination. Alongside this, we curate experiences that allow guests to engage with Gujarat’s cultural richness in an authentic and meaningful way.

At the same time, every aspect of the guest journey is guided by the highest standards of luxury hospitality, complemented by attentive and intuitive service that anticipates individual needs. Through personalised guest engagement and the highly bespoke butler service that forms part of The Leela Palace Service philosophy, we strive to create experiences that feel effortless, distinctive, and memorable while delivering the comfort and elegance expected by the global traveller..

What do you believe will define the next era of Indian luxury hospitality — and how is The Leela Gandhinagar preparing for that shift?

I believe the next era of Indian luxury hospitality will be shaped by a deeper understanding of individual guest preferences. Travellers today are more diverse than ever, and their expectations vary significantly depending on their purpose of travel, lifestyle, and personal interests. Whether it is a business traveller seeking efficiency, a family looking for meaningful experiences, or a wellness-focused guest prioritising balance and restoration, luxury will increasingly be defined by the ability to adapt and personalise experiences to each guest’s needs.

At The Leela Gandhinagar, we are preparing for this evolution by continually enhancing the guest experience while staying true to the timeless values of Indian hospitality. Our focus remains on intuitive service, thoughtful personalisation, seamless technology, and the meticulous attention to detail that defines The Leela Palace Service. Alongside this, offerings such as Aujasya and our signature in-room amenities under Tishya by The Leela further enrich the guest journey in meaningful ways.

Our unique location within Gujarat’s capital region, combined with excellent connectivity and accessibility, allows us to cater to a diverse mix of business, leisure, and wellness travellers. As expectations continue to evolve, our objective is simple — to ensure every guest experiences a stay that feels personal, memorable, and reflective of the warmth, grace, and genuine care that have always been at the heart of The Leela experience.