Nayan Seth, General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai

In the latest episode of GN Talks, Nayan Seth, General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai, shared insights into luxury hospitality, leadership, sustainability, and the evolving expectations of modern travellers in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Seth began by reflecting on his journey in hospitality, which started at the grassroots level in food and beverage before progressing through front office roles and senior leadership positions across iconic Taj properties, including the Lake Palace in Udaipur and Taj Palace in New Delhi. His appointment at Taj Exotica marked his first international posting, bringing decades of experience across leisure, corporate, and MICE hospitality segments to Dubai.

Discussing Dubai’s luxury hospitality landscape, Seth described it as a mature and rapidly growing market, driven by strong tourism growth and aligned with Dubai’s long-term economic vision. He highlighted the city’s strategic global connectivity and its role as a preferred destination for leisure travelers, noting that hotels remain key beneficiaries of this expansion.

At Taj Exotica, Seth emphasized that guest experience is rooted in the Indian hospitality philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning “the guest is God.” He explained that the resort blends modern design and technology with traditional warmth and personalized service, creating emotional connections that go beyond physical luxury. This approach resonates strongly with multi-generational travelers and international guests seeking both comfort and cultural authenticity.

Wellness also plays a central role at the resort, with the J Wellness Circle spa offering treatments inspired by Indian healing philosophies alongside popular regional therapies. The resort additionally caters to large-scale weddings and events, providing versatile indoor and outdoor venues suited to diverse cultural celebrations.

Seth defined luxury as an emotional experience rather than just infrastructure, stressing the importance of personalised attention, sensory engagement, and understanding individual guest preferences. He noted that many guests stay for extended periods, making consistency, human connection, and attention to detail critical to long-term satisfaction and loyalty.

Operational excellence and sustainability were also key themes of the discussion. Seth shared how Taj Exotica focuses on efficiency without compromising guest experience, implementing initiatives such as food waste composting and greywater recycling to reduce environmental impact. These efforts support Dubai’s sustainability goals while improving operational efficiency and long-term cost management.

Addressing competition in Dubai’s hospitality sector, Seth acknowledged the challenges of operating in a market dominated by luxury properties, particularly on Palm Jumeirah. He emphasized that retaining talent, motivating teams, and delivering consistently high service standards are essential to encouraging repeat visits, one of the strongest indicators of success in leisure hospitality.

Culinary authenticity further distinguishes the resort, with chefs from India ensuring traditional flavors and high-quality dining experiences across its restaurants. Seth also highlighted the Tata Neu loyalty program, which offers guests benefits across Taj Hotels and the wider Tata ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Seth outlined Taj Exotica’s vision to strengthen its position within the luxury segment while expanding into new markets, all while remaining aligned with sustainability goals and Dubai’s broader tourism strategy.

This interview offers a comprehensive look into how Taj Exotica Resort & Spa balances tradition and innovation, operational efficiency and emotional luxury, positioning itself as a destination that delivers meaningful, memorable experiences for today’s global traveller.

Tune in to the full episode.