The Serai

The Serai

The Serai is a premier luxury resort chain in Karnataka, India, established by Coffee Day Enterprises and pioneered by V.G. Siddhartha. Originating in Chikmagalur, it features 30-70 acres of, often plantation-based, nature-focused properties, with notable locations including Chikmagalur, Kabini, and Bandipur, designed for high-end, immersive nature experiences. 

Key aspects of The Serai's history and development include:

• Founding & Ownership: The Serai was developed by Coffee Day Global Limited and The Serai and Barefoot Resorts, owned by the late billionaire businessman V.G. Siddhartha, expanding his coffee empire into luxury hospitality.
• The Serai Chikmagalur: Known as the first luxury resort of its kind in the coffee heartland, it opened on a massive plantation, providing, often, 29+ private pool villas.
• Design & Architecture: The Chikmagalur property was designed by Gayathri and Namith Architects to be a mix of contemporary and traditional styles, offering a minimalist, "understated elegance" that integrates with the natural landscape.
• Expansion & Brand: The brand expanded to include specialized wildlife and nature-focused locations like The Serai Kabini (near Nagarhole Tiger Reserve) and

  The Serai Bandipur

  
  .
• Evolution: Currently, the luxury brand focuses on "immersive storytelling" and experiential travel, including in-depth, "bean-to-cup" coffee tours and wildlife experiences in South India. 

Other Properties & Ownership:

• Barefoot at Havelock: Part of the same company, this resort is on

  Radhanagar Beach in the Andaman Islands.

• Financial Details: The resorts have, at times, had significant investments.