Wellness-Focused Hotels Leading Biophilic Design & Guest Experience

Vikram Cotah, CEO, of GRT Hotels & Resorts shares his perspective on how biophilic design is transforming the hospitality industry and enriching guest experiences. He has spent the last decade building not just properties, but places of purpose—soulful sanctuaries where wellbeing, sustainability, design, and storytelling intersect.

In the current market, how do hotels incorporate biophilic design values to improve guest wellness?

Biophilic design is at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. We integrate nature into our spaces through vertical gardens, natural ventilation, water features, and locally sourced materials.

To further enhance guest wellness, we’ve adorned our corridors with terrariums, creating a tranquil, nature-inspired ambiance. This thoughtful design helps guests seamlessly transition from the demands of their workday to a state of relaxation, offering a true "home away from home" experience.

2. What technology influence do luxury hotels bring along with biophilic design to create holistic wellness experiences?

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing biophilic design and creating holistic wellness experiences. At Radisson Blu Hotels & Suites GRT Chennai, we use automated lighting with sensors that activate as guests enter, fostering a natural rhythm and ambiance. Our advanced air purification systems maintain a healthy 25 AIQ, ensuring optimal air quality throughout the guest journey. Additionally, our interactive digital features personalize luxury wellness experiences through one-touch services and body sensors that adjust room settings. To further elevate comfort, our fully automated toilets and jacuzzi bathtubs offer natural, adjustable lighting, allowing guests to tailor their environment and seamlessly integrate luxury with wellness.

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3. Based on your experience, how do biophilic designs connect with cultural heritage and local identity in hotel projects?

Biophilic design is more than just bringing nature indoors—it’s about celebrating and preserving the local heritage. We are committed to being truly local: we source materials locally, empower local talent, and collaborate with regional designers who deeply understand our cultural roots. By blending traditional architectural elements with modern design and native flora, we craft a sense of place that authentically connects guests to the destination. Sustainability is integral to our approach, seamlessly incorporating biophilic elements into our architecture with a touch of luxury—all while keeping the guest at the heart of every decision we make.

4. How does a partnership role play with wellness experts or environmental organizations in hotel design?

Partnerships with wellness experts and environmental organizations are essential to the success of our GReat Biophilia program at Radisson Blu Hotels and Suites GRT Hotels. These collaborations bring together experts in sleep, movement, cultural experiences, emotional well-being, nutrition, air quality, and focus, ensuring that every element of our design and programming aligns with holistic guest wellness. Working with local environmentalists helps us integrate native species and sustainable landscaping, while wellness professionals guide the incorporation of therapies and practices that support every pillar of our biophilic approach. This synergy ensures that our hotels deliver an authentic, guest-centric, and sustainable experience—balancing luxury with a deep sense of place and well-being.

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5. What are the lighting, air quality, and sound quality innovations that the hotels are embracing to balance biophilic design?

We focus on circadian lighting that aligns with natural daylight rhythms, enhancing sleep quality and mood. Our advanced HVAC systems integrate HEPA filters and green technologies to maintain pristine air quality. For sound, we incorporate water features and natural acoustics to mask urban noise, creating a serene ambiance.

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6. How do you think the current evolving trends in wellness and biophilic design will redefine luxury hospitality in the future?

Wellness and biophilic design are no longer optional but essential pillars of luxury hospitality. The future of luxury will be defined by spaces that prioritize mental well-being, physical health, and environmental responsibility. Guests increasingly seek meaningful connections to nature and culture, and hotels that deliver these experiences will set new benchmarks in hospitality excellence.