Ten years — that’s all it took for Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar to transform Cygnett Hotels & Resorts from a vision into one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands. Sitting down with him, what stands out is not just his strategic acumen, but his deep understanding of what modern travelers truly seek.
“This year has been pivotal,” he says, as we talk about the group’s footprint — nearly 50 hotels either operational, under development, or nearing launch. “We’ve signed new properties for Anamore, our luxury brand, and Ayurvyaas, our latest wellness concept. We’re not just adding numbers — we’re crafting experiences.”
That word — experience — keeps surfacing in our conversation. Sarkar is clear: he’s not in the business of rooms and restaurants. He’s in the business of memories.
“We follow a five-sense philosophy,” he shares. “Sight, smell, sound, touch, taste — we want our guests to feel at home, but also somewhere extraordinary. For our international guests, that even extends to personalized menus. We study their food habits and adapt accordingly.”
There’s pride in his voice when he talks about India’s non-metro cities — often overlooked, but brimming with potential.
“The real hospitality growth story lies beyond the metros. These cities are full of character, culture, and commerce. We want to be the first to welcome the world there.”
It’s a bold bet — but then, Mr. Sarkar has never played it safe.
And just when you think his focus is purely business, he brings the conversation back to well-being. Not just of guests, but of communities, ecosystems, and balance.
“Ayurvyaas is not just another spa add-on,” he insists. “It’s our way of offering transformative stays rooted in wellness. Guests today are seeking purpose and healing. Hospitality must answer that call.”
Looking ahead, he’s optimistic but clear-eyed.
“We’re expanding where it makes sense — places with tourism pull and business relevance. We’re not chasing a map. We’re building a network that respects local culture and offers global standards.”
And just like that, you see the arc of his leadership — grounded, thoughtful, ambitious. Cygnett’s rise isn’t a surprise when you hear him speak. It’s a reflection of where Indian hospitality is heading: inclusive, experiential, and deeply human.
In Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, we don’t just find a hotelier — we find a voice shaping the future of Indian travel. And that, truly, makes him a Voice of Influence.
