Translating luxury into business

BUSINESSWOMEN OF GUJARAT/ Neelu Gupta

For Neelu Gupta, finding a quality resort and spa to relax with family in Gujarat was a problem. There was none in the state. And this precisely led her to establish Cambay Spa and Resort, the state's first such venture, in Gandhinagar.

Gupta says she always wondered why there was not a single spa and resort in the state. And then this struck her as a potential business opportunity.

A perfectionist, Gupta says she spent 10 years preparing and conceptualising this spa and resort. "I want Cambay to be the best resort in the state and before starting the project, I gauged the market here and studied the mechanics and dynamics of hotel and spa business," she says.

Today, Cambay Spa and Resort, located at Gandhinagar, is five months old and is the only spa and resort in the state.

Gupta also spends a lot of time updating herself on the new techniques and innovations in the hospitality industry.

"I try and keep myself updated on all the new techniques that is being used in other countries in the field of spa and resort," she says. To stay ahead and have an edge over others, knowledge is necessary, she adds.

But why Gandhinagar and not Ahmedabad? This management diploma holder says, "I identified Gandhinagar as commercial hub. And people have no place here where they can relax and unwind after work. So, a spa and resort was the perfect solution and a tremendous business opportunity."

Her spa, which started in January 2005, caters to clients from all over Gujarat and even from abroad.

Gupta says her experience as a customer has helped her a lot in making her resort more comfortable and enjoyable for women in children.

"From my personal experience, I found that in resorts or in hotels, children and women really do not have too many options for recreation and enjoyment. Here at Cambay Spa, we have made a wholehearted attempt to ensure that the entire family can enjoy," she says.

So, does she find it difficult to manage her household along with running this business? Gupta says being a woman, the art of management comes naturally to her. A homemaker, Gupta says, "I always strive for perfection. For women, time-management comes naturally, as they have to juggle many things."

Gupta, however, attributes her success to her husband, CEO of the Adani group. "Sanjay inspired me to manage things and we both learnt a lot from each other, " she reflects.

Spurred by the success of Cambay, Gupta is now planning to venture into other locations and Ahmedabad is next on her list.

"We are focusing more on the spa at the moment. I also have chalked out plans to open up more spas in the state where people can avail this facility at reasonable rates. Ahmedabad is next in the list," she reveals.