Chalet Hotels Launches Athiva With 900+ Rooms Across Six Hotels

The brand’s first property, Athiva Resort and Spa in Khandala set to open on October 16, is a reimagined version of the iconic Dukes Retreat, featuring 147 rooms, including 11 suites.

CHL has also identified five additional properties to transition into the Athiva portfolio over time, including a renovated business hotel in Navi Mumbai, The Resort at Aksa Beach, and three greenfield projects—two in Goa and one in Thiruvananthapuram. The company aims to double Athiva’s capacity within three years.

Speaking to this correspondent about local employment opportunities, CHL managing director and chief executive officer Dr Sanjay Sethi said the company was working with local agencies to train talent from nearby communities. The trainees undergo a 45-day programme funded entirely by Chalet Hotels, followed by on-site refinement at the respective properties. Several batches have already joined the workforce across multiple hotels, he said.

Sethi told this correspondent that Athiva would also highlight local cuisine and involve women from surrounding communities to bring authentic regional flavours to its menus. These women collaborate with hotel chefs, operate live counters at buffets and gain hands-on experience in food safety and hygiene. The initiative, he said, fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among local women while helping preserve traditional recipes.

Targeted at millennial and Gen Z travellers, Athiva introduces several experiential offerings such as Breakfast@Anytime, Binge Box (a healthy minibar alternative), Dollops of Joy (surprise in-room treats), and Local Immersions that connect guests to regional cultures.

Executive director Shwetank Singh in conversation with this correspondent, said “We started with the guest and then conceptualised the product, not the other way around. The younger generation looks for clean, uncluttered living, neutral tones, and comfort. That clarity defined our design approach.”

“We’ve built in space for sports like golf putting, basketball and paddle tennis and are exploring tie-ups for curated walks, nature trails and adventure sports around the property. It’s a work in progress but very much on our agenda.

He also confirmed that the company was also exploring opportunities to expand the Athiva brand to Hyderabad.