In a dynamic demonstration of the growing bond between celebrities and India’s startup ecosystem, Bhumi Pednekar has ventured into the hospitality industry as an investor. The accomplished actor has partnered with Mumbai-based Chrome Asia Hospitality to unveil KAIA, an exclusive boutique hotel located at the serene Ashwem beach in North Goa. This exciting collaboration signifies a trend where celebrities are either launching their own brands, backing startups, or initiating innovative products to support entrepreneurial endeavors.
Chrome Asia Hospitality, the brainchild of Pawan Shahri, Dhaval Udeshi, and Nikita Shahri, is renowned for curating experience-driven restaurants like EVE!, Shy, Donna Deli, and Demy in Mumbai. Initially scouting for a suitable spot to open a restaurant, the team unexpectedly stumbled upon a property in Goa, leading them to embark on an unprecedented venture.
Nikita Shahri, co-founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality, recounted the journey to find the perfect location, stating, “We knew we needed to add about 10 to 15 rooms.” Despite the surge in tourism, Ashwem beach remains an unspoiled gem due to its status as a turtle nesting beach, forbidding the operation of shacks. Nikita emphasized that inviting visitors to Ashwem without offering accommodation would have been detrimental to their business.
KAIA stands divided into two distinct sections: the KAIA village and the KAIA villa. The village boasts a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and ten meticulously crafted rooms. Across the road, the four-bedroom villa offers breathtaking views of the beach. This symbiotic fusion of nature and luxury has been met with enthusiasm from patrons.
For Bhumi Pednekar, known for her roles in movies like “Dum Laga Ke Haisha,” the synergy between her personal ethos and KAIA’s sustainable principles made the collaboration irresistible. An advocate for sustainable development goals under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India, Pednekar shared her excitement about KAIA’s philosophy aligning with her beliefs.
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The hotel’s target audience comprises individuals aged 25 to 40, seeking solace from urban chaos to indulge in a tranquil existence. As Nikita Shahri explains, “For many of our guests, it’s like a work-away-from-home experience.” To cater to this desire for serenity, KAIA offers an array of experiences, including sound healing meditation, handpan music workshops, bio-energy meridian massages, breathwork, and diverse yoga practices.
Looking ahead, Chrome Asia Hospitality envisions expanding its footprint to more unconventional destinations, fostering a market for offbeat travel experiences. Nikita Shahri affirmed, “The plan is to open two more KAIA’s by the end of the next one to two years.” With room prices ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 14,000 and the villa priced between Rs 35,000 and Rs 45,000, KAIA strives to offer a premium yet affordable escape to those who crave sustainable luxury.
