Luxury hospitality is undergoing a profound shift, moving beyond grand architecture and lavish amenities toward meaningful, immersive experiences that resonate with today’s discerning traveler. Redefining experiential luxury hospitality means creating stays that engage the senses, celebrate local character, and offer deeply personalized moments rather than standardized opulence. From curated activities and intuitive service to thoughtfully designed spaces that foster connection with nature and culture, this new paradigm prioritizes authenticity, privacy, and emotional value — transforming a hotel stay into a memorable journey in itself.
In this conversation with Mr. Ajay Badekar | Director – Stone Water by Zuper shares insights into the inspiration, philosophy, and future roadmap of a retreat that aims to set a new benchmark in experiential luxury hospitality.
1. What inspired you to create Stone Water, and what gap in the hospitality market were you trying to fill?
We wanted to create a space that feels raw, rooted, and restorative, a place where nature is not just a backdrop, but the main experience.
Karjat is blessed with beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. With Stone Water by Zuper, our vision was to offer a boutique-style retreat that blends natural stone elements, flowing water, and mindful design with warmth and comfort.
The inspiration came from the region’s rugged terrain and serene surroundings. We ensured the architecture integrates seamlessly with nature rather than overpowering it.
At its core, Stone Water by Zuper is about creating an atmosphere where families bond, couples unwind, and guests truly slow down and reconnect without having to travel far from the city.
2. Can you share the story behind the name “Stone Water”? What does it symbolize for the brand?
Before architecture, before luxury, before design, there was stone and there was water.
Stone Water is born at the meeting point of these two eternal elements.
In a world that moves fast, Stone Water invites you to return to simplicity, to balance, to what truly endures.
Our resort is designed where strength meets serenity. Grounded architecture rises from the land as if it has always belonged there, while flowing water brings calm to every space it touches. Together, they create a rare harmony, luxury that feels powerful yet peaceful, refined yet deeply natural.
Stone Water is not just a destination.
It is a state of being.
3. Stone Water positions itself as an experiential luxury retreat. How do you define “experiential luxury” today?
For us, experiential luxury goes beyond marble floors or premium amenities, it’s about how a space makes you feel.
Today, true luxury is no longer just about opulence, it’s about meaning, personalization, and emotional connection. Guests are not just looking for a room, they’re looking for moments. They want to wake up to natural light, hear water flowing, dine under the open sky, disconnect from noise and reconnect with themselves and the people they’re with.
At our resort, experiential luxury means designing every touchpoint intentionally. From architecture that blends with the land, to curated spaces that encourage slow living. It’s about privacy without isolation, comfort without excess and elegance without losing authenticity.
Luxury today is time, space, and presence & that is the experience we aim to deliver
4. What makes Stone Water different from other resorts near Mumbai and Pune?
What makes Stone Water different is our philosophy of balance and immersion.
We don’t just create stays, we create experiences shaped by nature. Every element, from our stone-led architecture to the presence of flowing water and open landscapes, is designed to feel organic and intentional.
One of our most unique experiences is the River Nest, a private space set right between the flowing river, where guests can truly slow down. It’s a place to sit with loved ones, enjoy gourmet offerings, listen to the rhythm of the water and feel completely present in the moment. It captures the essence of what we stand for connection, calm, and curated luxury.
At the same time, we thoughtfully blend relaxation with recreation. From our bowling alley to pickleball and paddle courts, we offer engaging activities that allow families and groups to bond, unwind and create joyful memories together - all within a refined setting.
Stone Water by Zuper is intentionally boutique and intimate. Guests aren’t just checked in, they are hosted. It’s not about scale, it’s about depth, detail, and creating memories that feel personal and meaningful.
That emotional connection is what truly sets us apart.
5. How do you see the luxury resort segment evolving in India over the next five years?
Over the next five years, luxury resorts in India will evolve with changing ideas of travel and well-being.
Experiential depth will matter more than material opulence, with guests seeking immersive, place-rooted stays. Personalization and sustainability will become essential, and privacy and emotional connection will define true luxury.
At Stone Water by Zuper, this is exactly the direction we are building towards creating immersive, nature-led experiences where luxury feels meaningful, mindful, and deeply restorative.
6. Are there plans to expand to other destinations or launch additional properties?
Yes, we are currently planning a Phase 2 expansion of Stone Water. The idea is to extend the experience to the other side of the river, allowing us to create new immersive spaces while preserving the intimacy of the existing property.
This expansion will not just add inventory, it will introduce new experiential elements and curated environments that deepen our philosophy of balance between stone, water, and nature.
Our focus remains thoughtful growth. We want to scale the experience without losing the soul of the brand.
7. Feel free to add about your associates or any interesting insights.
For us, Stone Water is not just a business venture - It’s a passion project built with intention and heart. Every detail reflects our vision of creating a space where nature, design and emotion come together seamlessly.
We are truly encouraged by the way guests are responding to our conceptual stays and the overall experience. Hearing how refreshed, grounded and connected they feel after their time with us reassures us that we are building something meaningful.
Our goal now is to reach more people who resonate with this philosophy and invite them to experience Stone Water for themselves. We believe the right guests don’t just visit - they truly feel it.
