BENGALURU – In a strategic move to strengthen its position within India’s burgeoning luxury leisure market, The Serai & Barefoot Resorts has appointed veteran marketer Prachi Tandon as its new General Manager – Marketing & Communications. The appointment signals a focused effort to elevate the brand’s narrative and deepen its connection with a new generation of discerning, conscious travellers.
Tandon arrives with a formidable track record, bringing over 16 years of expertise forged at the highest echelons of luxury hospitality and entertainment. Her impressive portfolio includes shaping brand stories for iconic names like The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Raffles (Accor), Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Her proven ability to blend strategic precision with creative excellence is expected to bring a new dynamism to the celebrated resort brands.
Malavika Hegde, Director at Café Coffee Day Hotels & Resorts, which operates the brands, expressed her confidence in the new leadership. “We are delighted to welcome Prachi Tandon to The Serai & Barefoot Resorts leadership team,” she stated. “Her proven expertise across marketing, digital innovation, and brand storytelling, combined with her ability to elevate luxury experiences, makes her an invaluable addition as we continue to strengthen our presence.”
In her new role, Tandon’s primary focus will be on sharpening the brand’s identity, which is already rooted in nature-centric, meaningful luxury. She plans to strategically align the narratives of “place, people, and purpose,” positioning the resorts as benchmarks where indulgence and sustainability seamlessly converge. This vision includes enhancing digital storytelling and amplifying brand visibility in key markets to ensure that “when travellers think of transformative journeys in India, The Serai and Barefoot Resorts stand out as the natural choice.”
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Her strategy is deeply informed by the evolving mindset of the modern luxury consumer. “I’ve had the privilege of shaping compelling, authentic, and purpose-driven brand stories that truly resonate with people,” Tandon explained. She notes that today’s travellers are seeking more than just an escape; they desire immersive and meaningful journeys. “Increasingly, travellers are seeking getaways that offer mindful exploration, whether through sustainability, cultural authenticity, or deeper connections with nature.”
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Accepting her new position, Tandon shared her enthusiasm for the path ahead. “I am truly excited to join The Serai & Barefoot Resorts at such a dynamic time for the industry,” she said. “With the leisure segment witnessing remarkable growth, there is immense opportunity to craft elevated experiences that resonate with discerning audiences.”
The Serai & Barefoot Resorts, the luxury and sustainability hospitality expressions of Coffee Day Enterprises, redefine leisure through experiences that are as authentic as they are indulgent. Rooted in breathtaking destinations, The Serai unfolds across Chikmagalur’s lush coffee plantations, Kabini’s riverfront wilderness, and Bandipur’s iconic tiger reserve, offering journeys that weave nature with refined comfort. Completing the portfolio, Barefoot at Havelock in the Andaman Islands invites guests to embrace barefoot luxury on the pristine shores of Radhanagar Beach, one of Asia’s finest. Together, The Serai & Barefoot Resorts embody understated elegance, immersive storytelling, and a promise of unforgettable luxury escapes.
