Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

Great hospitality design goes beyond aesthetics—it creates experiences that stay with guests long after they’ve left. For Alisha Chitalwala, Associate Designer at Designers Group, the focus is on crafting spaces that seamlessly blend comfort, functionality, and brand identity.

“My role revolves around ensuring each project exudes a distinct character, setting the property apart with its unique charm,” she shares. From conceptualization to execution, every detail is carefully curated to enhance the guest experience, making hospitality spaces more than just places to stay—they become destinations in themselves.

A Commitment to Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Designers Group has been at the forefront of integrating eco-conscious practices into hospitality design without compromising on luxury. “We believe in delivering luxury through a thoughtful, sustainable approach,” Alisha explains. “By prioritizing environmentally conscious practices, we contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the design industry.”

With travelers increasingly valuing responsible tourism, hotels and resorts are now looking at design as a way to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high-end appeal. This shift is shaping the next generation of hospitality spaces—ones that are both indulgent and environmentally responsible.

Innovation & The Role of AI in Hospitality Design

Technology is revolutionizing the way designers conceptualize and execute spaces, and AI is leading the charge. “The future of design is being reshaped by AI-driven solutions, offering boundless opportunities to push creative boundaries,” Alisha shares.

From AI-assisted space planning to immersive 3D visualizations, technology is making it easier to create more precise, functional, and engaging hospitality interiors. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows for greater customization, ensuring every space meets the evolving expectations of modern travelers.

Fostering Inclusivity & Women in Design

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The design industry has long been a space where creativity thrives, and at Designers Group, gender is never a barrier to success. “Creativity knows no gender,” Alisha states. “We champion equal opportunities and take immense pride in having a significant number of female professionals who bring innovation, passion, and excellence to every project.”

As more women step into leadership roles, the industry is witnessing a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation. By fostering talent without bias, hospitality design continues to evolve as a field where fresh perspectives and diverse voices shape the future.

A Vision for the Future

The hospitality industry is embracing change, with sustainability, adaptive reuse, and immersive experiences leading the way. Looking ahead, Alisha envisions smart, responsive spaces that elevate guest interactions while prioritizing eco-conscious luxury. “Opportunities lie in redefining hospitality through a forward-thinking approach,” she says.

As hospitality design continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity will be at the heart of the industry’s transformation.

A Message for Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Alisha shares an empowering message:
“We are empowered women shaping the world, and our strength multiplies when we uplift and support one another. Together, we create, inspire, and lead with unwavering confidence.”

A fitting reminder that when women support each other, the industry—and the world—flourishes.


Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim Appoint Resha Naik as Marketing & Communications Manager

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim Appoint Resha Naik as Marketing & Communications Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim have announced the appointment of Resha Naik as Marketing & Communications Manager, reinforcing the hotels' commercial leadership as they continue to strengthen their presence in North Goa.

Returning to the twin properties, Resha brings extensive hospitality marketing experience along with a strong understanding of both brands, having previously contributed to their market positioning and marketing initiatives.

Resha began her hospitality career in Leisure Reservations before moving into Sales, eventually transitioning into Marketing & Communications. This diverse career path has given her a well-rounded commercial perspective, combining operational knowledge with strategic brand-building expertise.

Throughout her career, she has held marketing and commercial roles with leading hospitality companies, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels in Dubai. Her experience spans integrated marketing, brand positioning, digital strategy, content development, public relations, media engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Welcoming her back, Amit Sangwan, Cluster General Manager, Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim, said Resha's familiarity with the hotels, combined with her creativity and strategic approach, makes her a valuable addition to the leadership team. He added that her expertise will play an important role in strengthening the positioning of both properties, enhancing brand engagement, and supporting their continued growth.

In her new role, Resha will focus on strengthening the positioning of Novotel Goa Candolim as a preferred destination for leisure and MICE travellers in North Goa. She will also lead strategic marketing initiatives for the relaunch of the newly renovated room product at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, scheduled for October 2026.

Working closely with the leadership team, she will oversee integrated marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, and guest engagement initiatives aimed at enhancing the visibility and commercial performance of both hotels.

The appointment reflects the continued focus of Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim on strengthening their marketing leadership while supporting the next phase of growth and guest experience enhancement.


Suba Hotels Appoints Kevin Ashley Martis as Vice President – Sales & Marketing

Suba Hotels Appoints Kevin Ashley Martis as Vice President – Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Suba Hotels Ltd. has announced the appointment of Kevin Ashley Martis as Vice President – Sales & Marketing, strengthening its leadership team as the company continues to expand its presence in the Indian hospitality sector.

In his new role, Kevin will oversee the sales and marketing functions across Suba Hotels Ltd.'s diverse brand portfolio, which includes Suba Hotels, Click Hotels & Resorts, GenX Hotels, RnB Hotels, and the Choice Hotels brands – Clarion, Quality, and Comfort.

Kevin brings more than two decades of experience in the Indian hospitality industry, with expertise spanning strategic sales, marketing, business development, revenue management, brand positioning, and market expansion.

Prior to joining Suba Hotels Ltd., he served as Associate Vice President – Sales & Marketing (West) at Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., where he led sales and marketing initiatives for The Fern Hotels & Resorts and the Series by Marriott portfolio across Western India. During his more than ten-year tenure with the company, he progressed through several leadership roles and was recognised for driving business growth and strengthening market presence.

Kevin began his hospitality career with the Bawa Group of Hotels before moving to SunCity Hotels. He later held positions with Sahara Star Mumbai, VITS Hotels & Resorts, and Lotus Resorts under Kamat Hotels India Ltd. He also worked at Meluha The Fern – An Ecotel Hotel, the flagship property of Concept Hospitality, further building his expertise in hospitality sales and marketing.

As Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Kevin will be responsible for formulating and executing sales and marketing strategies aimed at strengthening the company's market position across key business segments. His responsibilities will include driving revenue growth, enhancing brand visibility, expanding strategic partnerships, and supporting the continued expansion of Suba Hotels' portfolio across India.

The appointment reflects Suba Hotels Ltd.'s continued focus on strengthening its leadership team while accelerating growth across its multi-brand hospitality portfolio.


Udaipur Marriott Hotel Announces Leadership Promotions in HR and Engineering

Udaipur Marriott Hotel Announces Leadership Promotions in HR and Engineering

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2026

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has strengthened its leadership team with the promotion of Khushboo Sharma as Director of Human Resources and the appointment of Naveen Shekhawat as Director of Engineering.

Khushboo Sharma Promoted as Director of Human Resources

Khushboo Sharma began her journey with Marriott International in April 2021 as Human Resources Manager in Ahmedabad. She later progressed to the role of Assistant Director of Human Resources, where she played a key role during the transition of the property from Courtyard by Marriott to Le Méridien Ahmedabad. In December 2024, Khushboo joined Udaipur Marriott Hotel as the pre-opening Human Resources leader and was among the first two associates to become part of the hotel's team. She played an important role in the successful opening of Udaipur's first Marriott-branded hotel, helping build its people-first culture and associate experience from the ground up.

With over 14 years of experience in hospitality human resources, she has worked with leading brands including Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, The Oberoi Group, and Marriott International. Her expertise spans talent management, organisational development, associate engagement, and operational excellence. In her new role, Khushboo will continue to focus on talent development, leadership growth, associate well-being, and fostering a workplace culture that supports both employees and exceptional guest experiences. Her promotion reflects Marriott International's continued commitment to recognising and developing internal talent.

Naveen Shekhawat Joins as Director of Engineering

Udaipur Marriott Hotel has also welcomed Naveen Shekhawat as its new Director of Engineering. Bringing more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Naveen has built a strong career across pre-openings, hotel operations, renovations, energy conservation, and fire and life safety. He started his hospitality journey with The Oberoi Group and has since worked with several leading hospitality brands, including Taj Hotels, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and Hilton Hotels. At Udaipur Marriott Hotel, Naveen will oversee engineering operations, with a focus on operational efficiency, technical excellence, and creating a seamless experience for both guests and associates.

As Udaipur's first Marriott-branded hotel continues to strengthen its presence in the city, the appointments of Khushboo Sharma and Naveen Shekhawat further reinforce the hotel's focus on building a strong leadership team and delivering outstanding hospitality experiences.

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