In an exclusive interview with Mr. Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS, we explore the transformative changes taking place in the luxury vacation rental industry. ELIVAAS has set the standard for offering personalized, high-end vacation homes, and the company’s trajectory is just beginning. From groundbreaking AI-powered services to the company’s expansion plans in India and internationally, ELIVAAS is redefining how travellers experience luxury stays.
Could you share the key focus areas where the $5 million Series A funding will be invested?
The $5 million Series A funding marks a significant milestone for ELIVAAS, enabling us to further elevate our growth and operations. Here’s how we plan to allocate the funds:
- Technology Infrastructure: We will develop more tech capabilities that focus on AI-driven solutions for better operations and customized experiences both for guests and property owners.
- Marketing Expansion: The investment will help broaden our marketing reach, ensuring we connect with a larger audience and increase brand visibility across key markets.
- Supply Growth: As demand for luxury vacation rentals grows, we will scale our supply, expanding the number of unique properties and enhancing the overall guest experience.
- With this funding, coupled with expert guidance, we are hoping to accelerate our growth and redefine the luxury vacation rental market, continuing to innovate and lead the industry.
How does this funding align with your vision for expansion in India and internationally?
We are actively exploring new markets, both within India and internationally, to broaden our footprint. As part of this expansion, we are rapidly acquiring new properties to meet the increasing demand. By the end of FY25-26, we plan to expand our supply to 1,500 properties in India while also launching operations in four exciting international markets: Bali, Thailand, Dubai, and Sri Lanka.
What shifts are you noticing in the preferences of travellers opting for premium vacation homes?
The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with private stays and homestays playing a pivotal role in this transformation. Travelers are increasingly seeking unique, personalized experiences, and vacation rentals offer the perfect mix of luxury, privacy, and comfort. This growing demand is reshaping how consumers travel and encouraging property owners to explore short-term rentals as a smart investment opportunity.
Firstly, travellers are seeking more personalized and exclusive experiences, moving away from traditional hotel accommodations. The freedom to enjoy their private retreat, complete with personalized services, has become a coveted luxury for many travellers, especially young millennials, who are willing to spend on unique experiences.
In the age of social media and influencer culture, staying in aesthetically pleasing and distinctive short-stay properties has become highly sought after. Luxury rentals not only provide luxurious accommodations but also the opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and experience a destination like a local.
Another reason for the increase in demand for luxury rental villas is the flexible work culture, which allows people to choose their living arrangements more freely. Luxury rentals fit perfectly into this lifestyle. With private amenities such as swimming pools, fully equipped kitchens, and personalized services, these properties offer a compelling alternative for remote work and relaxation.
How is ELIVAAS leveraging AI and data-driven personalization in its services?
ELIVAAS is currently leveraging AI and data-driven personalization to enhance the property rental experience, with several innovative features already in place:
- AI-Powered Booking & Chatbot: Streamlines bookings and offers personalized property recommendations. The AI chatbot provides instant, efficient responses to customer queries.
- AI Self Check-In Portal: A secure, contactless check-in system for added guest convenience.
- Referral & Loyalty Program: Data-driven rewards and personalized offers tailored to user preferences.
Looking ahead, ELIVAAS plans to roll out: the Property Management & Finance System/App which is a new system that will allow homeowners to manage their properties and finances in real time while providing guests with accurate, up-to-date information. The other feature will be an AI Voice Chatbot that will assist with seamless, hands-free interaction with the platform.
Through these current and upcoming tech innovations, ELIVAAS is setting new standards for a seamless and highly personalized property rental experience.
What key factors are influencing travellers to choose villas and vacation homes over traditional hotels for group travel?
Travellers are choosing villas and vacation homes over traditional hotels for group travel due to several key factors like Personalized Experience, Space and Privacy, social media Appeal, Local Immersion, Flexible Work Options and Cost Effectiveness.
- Personalized Experience: Villas offer private retreats with tailored services, ideal for groups seeking exclusive, unique experiences.
- Space and Privacy: Larger spaces allow groups to stay together comfortably, with private amenities like pools and gardens.
- Social Media Appeal: Aesthetic, distinctive properties in picturesque locations are highly desirable for travellers seeking shareable experiences.
- Local Immersion: Villas offer an authentic local experience, allowing groups to connect more deeply with their destination.
- Flexible Work Options: With remote work becoming common, villas provide the necessary amenities for combining work and leisure.
- Smart choices: Choosing a villa is a smart choice for those seeking privacy, space, and flexibility. With exclusive amenities, the convenience of home-cooked meals, and a personalized experience, villas offer a seamless and comfortable stay—perfect for families, groups, or those looking for a refined retreat.
These factors make villas and vacation homes the preferred choice for group travel, offering privacy, space, and a more personalized, immersive experience.
What sustainable practices are incorporated into ELIVAAS properties, and how do they enhance the luxury experience?
At ELIVAAS, sustainability is an integral part of our commitment to delivering exceptional luxury experiences. While our focus remains on curating bespoke stays, we also integrate eco-conscious practices that enhance both comfort and responsibility. Our properties feature glass bottles, bamboo toothbrushes, jute slippers, and organic toiletries—small yet impactful choices that elevate the guest experience while reducing environmental impact.
How do wellness trends influence the design and features of ELIVAAS vacation homes?
As people increasingly seek vacations that offer a break from the demands of daily life, wellness has become a key focus. Travelers now prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, looking for experiences that allow them to escape daily stresses and embrace self-care. At ELIVAAS, we have villas located in destinations that promote a holistic approach to wellness, offering guests the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and restore their well-being.
We curate activities and experiences that support a healthy lifestyle, such as spa treatments, fitness classes, meditation sessions, nature walks, healthy cuisine, and mindfulness practices. Our properties provide a tranquil, nurturing environment where guests can detach from their routines and focus on self-care. With ELIVAAS, you’ll find numerous options that can help you unwind and recharge, tailored to enhance your wellness journey.
How do vacation villas provide a more personalized experience compared to luxury hotels?
Vacation villas provide more personalized experiences than luxury hotels as they focus on creating a tailored, intimate stay for each guest. At Elivaas, guests are managed by smaller, dedicated teams, providing a level of personal attention that large hotel chains simply cannot match. This hands-on approach allows for better communication and a more bespoke service, catering specifically to the preferences of the guests.
Other exclusive, bespoke services at Elivaas allow guests to enjoy the privilege of a private swimming pool, garden, and service packages adjustable to an individual’s needs. Whether that sightseeing schedule is a last-minute affair or an unexpected need, 24/7 concierge coverage at Elivaas Villas means that whatever the problem may be, there will always be a solution and support. For each villa, a different homely atmosphere is provided. It is this kind of atmosphere that makes the guests feel they are staying in a unique private home rather than a standard hotel room.
Finally, with around-the-clock support, Elivaas ensures every need is fulfilled promptly, be it arranging local tours or supporting special requests. This is what makes a normal vacation into a memorable one. All these elements come together to give a more personalized, comfortable, and luxurious stay that makes vacation villas stand out as the best choice for something more than what traditional hotels can offer.
Could you share insights into the challenges and opportunities in India’s luxury vacation rental industry?
Among the many challenges the luxury vacation rental market in India is exposed to are evolving regulations and the need to comply with diverse local laws, which differ from state to state. Consistent quality and service standards would also be required to meet luxury traveller expectations across such diverse properties. The industry is extremely competitive, as too many players are trying to acquire market share; differentiation and brand loyalty will play a key role in helping businesses stay ahead of the game.
On the other hand, the Indian luxury vacation rental market has immense scope because it is anticipated to expand over the coming years. It also provides room for visibility on digital platforms and streamlines processes to attract tech-savvy travellers. Bespoke services and unique experiences will attract more discerning travellers, in addition to the exceptional, tailored stay promised by ELIVAAS.
How do you see the group travel segment evolving in the next 5–10 years?
The group travel segment is poised for steady growth, driven by the rise of online travel booking systems, which have become a significant factor in the market’s expansion. Additionally, the increasing demand for personalized experiences and the ability of travel agencies to cater to specific group needs with tailored packages are contributing to the sector’s growth. Overall, the group travel market is expected to thrive, fueled by technological advancements, a desire for shared experiences, and the growing importance of personalized travel options.
What is ELIVAAS’s vision for shaping the future of group travel in the luxury vacation rental sector?
With plans to enhance both user and owner experience through innovative technology, ELIVAAS is set to redefine the vacation rental experience. The addition of Privé to its portfolio further elevates its offerings, providing exclusive, luxurious stays. Privé distinguishes itself by featuring bespoke villas designed for affluent travellers. Each villa is a destination in itself, offering stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and unparalleled comfort. These properties redefine luxury for those seeking privacy and sophistication.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, ELIVAAS is set to embrace eco-friendly initiatives with its upcoming collection, Amayah. As the brand grows, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of authenticity, quality, and connection. With a vision to expand internationally, ELIVAAS strives to maintain the personal touch that defines its service, positioning itself as an intuitive travel counsellor dedicated to ensuring that every journey is an unforgettable ELIVAAS experience.
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