Exclusive Interview | Yatharth Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Stunning Stays
/“By combining nature, innovation, and sustainability, your venture can offer luxurious stays that highlight the best of India while contributing to local economies and protecting the environment.”
What was the "aha" moment when you knew Stunning Stays could be more than a concept—it could scale?
The "aha" moment came when I saw China manufacturing and exporting luxury prefab structures like Apple Pod Cabins and Space Capsule Homes globally at a high cost. India wasn’t utilizing these products due to a lack of awareness and the high import cost. This sparked the idea: Why not manufacture them locally? We focused on sustainable, eco-friendly tourism solutions, aligning with India’s growing demand for experiential tourism.
As demand for eco-tourism and sustainable resorts surged, we saw the potential to scale these products in India, manufacturing them locally at 60% lower cost than imported alternatives, while also adapting them to Indian weather conditions. The realization that these innovative, modular prefab structures could not only enhance tourism but also have multiple use cases in sectors like healthcare, education, and public infrastructure was a turning point.
These products are ideal for creating eco-luxury stays in remote or rural areas, supporting wildlife retreats, homestays, and pilgrimage sites, and driving India’s eco-tourism vision. But beyond tourism, with government support and PPP initiatives, we can also deploy these structures as mobile health pods, student housing in remote areas, kiosks, cafes, disaster relief shelters, and even digital learning hubs.
In addition to prefab structures, we also specialize in creating traditional eco-tourism projects like Mud Houses, Bamboo Houses, and other natural building techniques that align with eco-conscious values and enhance the authenticity of the guest experience.
The moment we realized that we could create a nationally scalable, sustainable ecosystem through public-private partnerships (PPP) was when we knew Stunning Stays could do more than just exist—it could scale and make a tangible difference across industries.
You’ve described Stunning Stays as solving for more than just hospitality—it’s about land utilization, rural income, and sustainable tourism. How do you prioritize what to solve first?
At Stunning Stays, we recognize that most of the land in serene tourist destinations is owned by local communities, who are often reliant on farming—a highly uncertain and climate-dependent source of income. Many of these lands are in rural, remote areas where traditional farming alone cannot sustain families. Our priority, therefore, is to optimize land utilization in these areas by integrating sustainable tourism with agriculture. By doing so, we not only empower rural communities but also create economic opportunities that are more resilient to climate change.
Our model focuses on developing eco-tourism projects in such locations, which allows local farmers to leverage their land for luxury, nature-based experiences. These can range from stay units near lakes, waterfalls, mountains, or forests, where tourists can enjoy the best of both worlds—immersing in nature and enjoying ultra-luxury stays. This approach not only enhances the local economy but also preserves the natural landscape and integrates it with the local community, creating a win-win scenario.
By focusing on sustainable, experiential tourism, we aim to unlock the potential of these rural areas while ensuring that the community directly benefits through alternative livelihoods. This approach addresses rural empowerment, land utilization, and the creation of tourism experiences that are deeply connected to nature and the local culture.
There are other players entering the prefab and boutique stay space. What’s your competitive edge?
Our competitive edge lies in a combination of proprietary techniques, cost-effectiveness, and localized innovation that sets us apart from other players entering the prefab and boutique stay space.
Cost Efficiency: We manufacture Space Capsule Homes and Apple Pod Cabins at 60% of the cost compared to the high prices of similar imports, without compromising on quality or finishing. Our products are specifically designed and engineered to cater to Indian weather conditions and local requirements, making them more durable, sustainable, and comfortable for Indian consumers.
Eco-Tourism Product Range: Along with our signature products, we offer a wide range of eco-tourism products such as Mud Houses, Bamboo Houses, and Glamping Domes, giving us the flexibility to cater to diverse preferences and landscapes while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
End-to-End Service Offering: We provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution for setting up eco-friendly and sustainable tourism units. From site feasibility and concept planning to landscaping, architectural design, manufacturing, and operations setup, we simplify the process for landowners and operators, ensuring an effortless transition into the tourism market.
Sustainability and Innovation: Our focus on sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs ensures that our products have minimal environmental impact. We incorporate solar power, rainwater harvesting, and other green technologies, making our products ideal for eco-conscious tourism.
Versatility Across Use Cases: Apart from tourism, our products are highly adaptable for multiple use cases—from student and staff housing in rural educational zones to sanitation pods, urban kiosks, pop-up cafes, and site offices in remote areas. This broad range of applications makes our offerings a unique solution for government initiatives and public-private partnerships (PPPs).
Local Manufacturing Support: We support the Make in India initiative by manufacturing locally, thereby reducing reliance on imports, supporting the local economy, and ensuring quicker delivery times and more responsive customer service.
Customizability & Scalability: Our products are designed to be modular, scalable, and customizable, allowing for easy expansion or modification to meet the specific needs of different tourism destinations or urban projects.
With these strengths, Stunning Stays is uniquely positioned to lead the market in affordable, high-quality, and sustainable tourism infrastructure that meets the evolving demands of the industry and the local environment.
How do you identify the right landowner to partner with, and what makes a location “Stunning Stay” material?
At Stunning Stays, our approach begins with collaborating with landowners who share a vision for sustainable development and eco-tourism. The right partner is deeply invested in the land’s long-term success and committed to community upliftment.
The ideal location for a Stunning Stay project is defined by:
Essential Geographic Features: Scenic landscapes like lakes, waterfalls, mountains, forests, or proximity to wildlife reserves are key. These unique features provide the perfect foundation for memorable eco-tourism experiences.
Tourist Footfall: A high-traffic location near popular tourist destinations or pilgrimage sites ensures consistent demand and revenue potential, whether through domestic or international visitors.
Government Support: We prioritize locations where government policies and incentive schemes foster eco-tourism development, providing financial support and subsidized loans from lending institutions.
Land Location & Accessibility: Proximity to key roads and accessibility for tourists plays a crucial role in ensuring the site is easily reachable. We look for locations with clear transportation links and easy connectivity to major hubs, making the destination both convenient and attractive to visitors.
By combining these elements, we can develop luxurious, sustainable, and unique eco-tourism resorts that offer immersive experiences while promoting rural empowerment and environmental conservation
If a new entrepreneur came to you with a bold idea in hospitality, what advice would you absolutely insist they consider?
If a new entrepreneur approached me with a bold idea in hospitality, I’d advise focusing on India’s serene natural beauty and eco-tourism potential. Here’s my core advice:
Leverage India’s Natural Beauty: India is rich in landscapes—from beaches and mountains to forests and lakes. Focus on creating nature-oriented, luxury stays that immerse guests in the beauty of these environments, offering unforgettable experiences.
Minimize Capital, Maximize Impact: Luxury doesn’t have to be costly. Utilize innovative, low-capital solutions like prefabricated structures (e.g., Space Capsule Homes and Apple Pod Cabins) that offer eco-friendly and luxurious experiences while being cost-effective.
Luxury Amidst Nature: Blend luxury with nature. The best stays don’t just focus on high-end decor but on creating seamless experiences in stunning, natural surroundings, ensuring comfort, security, and quality.
Sustainability: Embrace eco-tourism principles by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies, ensuring your business has a minimal ecological footprint while offering a luxury experience.
Support Local: Utilize local resources and artisans to bring authenticity to your offerings, while promoting economic growth in surrounding communities.
Innovation and Efficiency: Look for cost-effective, smart solutions that allow you to scale efficiently, such as modular, prefab designs that are easy to install and maintain.
Government Schemes: Align your business with government incentives for eco-tourism, rural development, and public-private partnerships (PPP) to reduce initial costs and speed up project implementation.
By combining nature, innovation, and sustainability, your venture can offer luxurious stays that highlight the best of India while contributing to local economies and protecting the environment.
to know more visit www.StunningStays.in
