Shah Rukh Khan, Virat Kohli, Anushka, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone have built their dream palaces. Other stars also bought land

Alibaug, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea near Mumbai in Maharashtra, has become a new hotspot for celebrities. Shah Rukh Khan's 'Déjà vu Farms', Virat-Anushka's Rs 32 crore villa and Ranveer-Deepika's dream bungalow are in the spotlight. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aaryan, Gautami and Ram Kapoor have also bought land in Alibaug. Then the question arises, why is Alibaug becoming the new destination of luxury life? We spoke to hospitality industry veteran Nakul Anand about this. Nakul Anand was previously the Executive Director of ITC Limited and is now the Chairman of the Advisory Board of Tricon Luxury Resorts. Tricon Luxury Resort is working on luxury hotel and residential projects in Alibaug, which will include luxury hotels as well as high-end villas. Currently, stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Virat-Anushka, Ranveer-Deepika are going to Alibaug. This has become everyone's second home. What do you think, what is the reason? Answer: Now not only celebrities but also other people want to buy houses in Alibaug. The government is working on transport and infrastructure, which has brought Alibaug closer to Mumbai. The houses in Mumbai are small, as a result of which people want to build a second house there. Alibaug will be filled with a new enthusiasm and a new life. Q: What do you find special about Alibaug, which is why people are choosing to visit there? Answer: I think flats in Mumbai are small and very crowded, whereas the most special thing about Alibaug is that there is open space and close to the sea. The air there is fresh, the sea view and it is just an hour's drive from Mumbai. Question: Alibaug was previously famous only for the expensive bungalows and villas of the rich and celebrities. Now that new facilities, including the Seven Star Resort, are coming up there, what do you have to say about it? Answer: Alibaug is no longer just limited to celebs. Earlier, it used to take two-and-a-half to three hours to reach there from Mumbai, but now with the improvement in infrastructure, it has become nearer and easier. Now even the common man goes there on weekends because of the open air, clean air and the shorter distance. Question: As soon as you hear the name of Alibaug, there is an assumption that only super rich people can buy a house there. Will ordinary people also be able to buy houses there? Answer: Our project is spread over 235 acres like a new city. There are houses of 3000-4000 square feet, not big houses of 2-3 acres, so that more people can afford them. Tricon's idea is to build good quality affordable houses and not just for the rich. Question: Earlier, celebrities used to go to Alibaug so that they could stay away from the media and spend their personal time. Now that the crowd increases and the rest of the people also buy property, will their privacy end? Answer: No, because they have their own big property and estate there. Their houses are so spacious that it doesn't matter to the crowd outside or the media. So their privacy will be maintained and Alibaug will remain a special place for everyone. Q: You are a brand and a big name yourself, but have you heard that one more celebrity is going to join Tricon Luxury Resorts? Answer: Not yet confirmed. I've heard it too, I'm not sure. Some celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan have bought land in Alibaug. Don't you think this area is now becoming an investment hub? Answer: Absolutely, because it has become easier to reach Alibaug. The price will be stable in the beginning but in the long run the price of land always rises, so it is a wise decision to invest there. Q: Will celebs also be able to buy or live in the project in this project? Answer: Absolutely, everyone is welcome. There is also an affordable option for the general public and celebs can buy land in large plots or acres if they want. The township will have all the facilities like medical, school, shopping, hotel and laundry. You can also rent the house like an Airbnb if you want. This will be a completely self-contained township so that there is no need to go out on weekends. Q: Will there be any separate facilities for celebrities? Answer: There will be separate facilities for them. If their plot is big, they will automatically fall apart. They can also take up space near the access point if they want. Q: Can you tell us something about the 'Araya' project? A: 'Araya' is a huge and special project that we have been working on for the last two-three years. It will be spread over 235 acres and will have villas of various sizes and two luxury hotels. Tricon, an American company, is combining its construction expertise and my hospitality experience to create a new lifestyle project. There is a special focus on sustainability and wellness. Post Covid, people have realised how important home, health and environment are. Therefore, at Araya, we are creating an environment where people can live a healthy and sustainable life. Q: What is new and special that people will see in 'Araya'? Answer: 'Araya' is becoming a special lifestyle space where people will be able to see open parks, beautiful roads and gardens. It will have facilities like two hotels, clubs, gym and wellness centre. The project will collect rainwater and use local materials. There will be art galleries and workshops to encourage local art. About 70 per cent of the area is kept under greenery and being close to the sea will be a new experience to live here. Question: Big players like Oberoi and Hiranandani are also coming up in real estate, how do you see this? A: We enjoy the competition. The more companies are coming up, the better the options will be available for the people. If we all work together, India will move forward. Q: Is Alibaug now turning into a city like Miami? Answer: Yes, absolutely. Alibaug is developing very fast and is going to become a gem of Mumbai. Earlier people used to say that houses are small in Mumbai, now people will proudly say that they have both the city and Alibaug, where they can work and relax. Now the travel has also reduced, so many people will prefer to live in Alibaug. This is becoming a peaceful, clean area of Mumbai.