As luxury travel evolves beyond indulgence toward meaningful experiences, wellness, sustainability, and authentic connections have become the defining pillars of modern hospitality. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nandi Hills, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, has emerged as a distinctive boutique retreat that seamlessly blends nature, mindful living, and refined luxury. Under the leadership of Dushyant Singh, the resort is creating immersive experiences that encourage guests to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and discover the essence of the destination. In this exclusive interview with Mr. Dushyant Singh, Hotel Manager, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort shares his vision for experiential hospitality, the growing influence of wellness tourism, sustainable luxury, and how Mulberry Shades is setting new benchmarks for destination-led travel in South India.
Mulberry Shades has positioned itself as a boutique wellness retreat that blends nature, luxury, and mindful living. In an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape, what do you believe truly differentiates the resort and makes it a memorable destination for today’s discerning traveller?
What truly differentiates Mulberry Shades is the way we seamlessly blend luxury with a genuine sense of place. While many resorts offer beautiful accommodations and premium amenities, our focus is on creating an environment where guests can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Nandi Hills.
The resort’s design is inspired by the landscape around us, allowing nature to become an integral part of the guest experience. Whether it’s waking up to panoramic views, enjoying thoughtfully curated wellness activities, or simply experiencing the tranquillity of our setting, every aspect is designed to encourage mindful living.
Today’s travellers are looking for meaningful escapes rather than just stays. At Mulberry Shades, we offer a sanctuary where luxury is defined not only by comfort and service, but also by authenticity, personalization, and emotional connection. That is what makes the experience memorable and encourages guests to return.
Luxury travellers today are seeking authentic experiences over conventional indulgence. How is Mulberry Shades curating immersive experiences that connect guests with the culture, wellness traditions, and natural beauty of the Nandi Hills region?
Modern luxury is increasingly about discovery and meaningful engagement. At Mulberry Shades, we curate experiences that allow guests to connect with the destination beyond the confines of the resort.
Our wellness offerings draw inspiration from holistic wellbeing philosophies, incorporating mindfulness, yoga, fitness, and restorative experiences that help guests achieve balance during their stay. At the same time, we encourage exploration of the Nandi Hills region through flora walks at the resort, outdoor activities, and experiences that celebrate the unique landscape and biodiversity of the area.
Culinary experiences also play an important role. We strive to highlight local flavours (zero miles thali) and regional influences while presenting them through contemporary interpretations that appeal to global travellers. By combining wellness, nature, culture, and gastronomy, we create a journey that feels both enriching and deeply personal.
As wellness tourism continues to evolve into one of the fastest-growing travel segments, what emerging trends are you witnessing, and how is Mulberry Shades adapting its offerings to meet the changing expectations of modern travellers?
We are seeing wellness evolve from a niche offering into a holistic lifestyle choice. Travellers today are looking beyond traditional spa experiences and are seeking comprehensive wellbeing programs that encompass physical health, mental wellness, emotional balance, nutrition, and meaningful human connections.
Another notable trend is the growing demand for personalised wellness experiences. Guests want flexibility and programmes tailored to their individual goals, whether that involves fitness, mindfulness, digital detox, stress management, or simply reconnecting with nature.
At Mulberry Shades, we continuously adapt by creating wellness-led experiences that are immersive yet accessible. We focus on offering spaces and programmes that encourage relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-discovery. Our approach is not about prescribing wellness but enabling guests to pursue wellbeing in a way that feels natural and relevant to them.
Having spent over two decades with Marriott International and played a key role in multiple hotel openings, what leadership philosophies have remained constant throughout your journey, and how do they influence the culture and guest experience at Mulberry Shades?
Over the years, one principle has remained constant: people are at the heart of hospitality. Exceptional guest experiences are created by engaged, empowered, and passionate associates. My leadership philosophy has always centred on fostering trust, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Having been involved in multiple hotel openings, I have learned the importance of building a strong culture from day one. Processes and infrastructure are important, but culture ultimately determines long-term success. A team that shares a common purpose and takes pride in creating memorable experiences can consistently exceed guest expectations.
At Mulberry Shades, we strive to cultivate an environment where associates feel valued and motivated to bring their authentic selves to work. This translates directly into warm, intuitive service and genuine guest connections, which are key pillars of our brand experience.
Sustainability has become a defining pillar of contemporary hospitality. How do you balance environmentally responsible practices with the expectations of luxury guests, and what initiatives at Mulberry Shades best reflect this commitment?
I believe sustainability and luxury are no longer competing priorities; they are increasingly complementary. Today’s luxury travellers are conscious of their environmental impact and appreciate responsible practices when they are thoughtfully implemented.
Our approach is to integrate sustainability into operations without compromising guest comfort or experience. This includes responsible resource management, reducing waste, supporting local sourcing wherever possible, and encouraging environmentally conscious practices throughout the property.
What is particularly important is ensuring that sustainability feels authentic rather than performative. At Mulberry Shades, our commitment is reflected in the way we respect the natural environment around us, engage with the local ecosystem, and make operational decisions that support long-term environmental stewardship. The goal is to create meaningful luxury experiences that are both memorable and responsible.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, and how do you see the property contributing to the growth of experiential, wellness, and destination-led tourism in South India?
My vision is for Mulberry Shades to be recognised as one of India’s leading wellness and experiential luxury destinations. We want to be known not only for our exceptional hospitality but also for our ability to inspire transformative guest experiences that foster wellbeing, connection, and discovery.
As travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer authenticity and purpose, Nandi Hills has tremendous potential to emerge as a premier leisure and wellness destination. Mulberry Shades is uniquely positioned to contribute to that growth by showcasing the region’s natural beauty, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating experiences that encourage guests to engage more deeply with the destination.
Moving forward, we will continue to innovate, strengthen our wellness offerings, and enhance the personalised experiences we provide. We aspire to set new benchmarks for destination-led hospitality in South India while contributing positively to the local community, the tourism ecosystem, and the broader wellness travel landscape.
“At Mulberry Shades, luxury is not defined by excess but by meaningful experiences. Our focus is on creating a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, embrace wellbeing, and experience the authentic spirit of Nandi Hills through thoughtful hospitality and personalised service.”
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