Redefining Luxury: Jigar and Dil Patel on the Vision Behind Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection

Interview with Jigar and Dil Patel, Project Development Directors at Jit Group

Could you provide an overview of Jit Group’s overall activities and mission, and share what inspired you to establish Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection?

Jigar Patel: Jit Group was established by our father in 1990. We started with jewelry, gemstones, and local crafts in Nairobi. Initially, we focused on jewelry in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, and then expanded into various industries. This included supermarkets, diplomatic duty-free shops, and a drinking water factory, making our presence known throughout East Africa.

In 2017, we ventured into hospitality by establishing the Food Library by Jit, where we opened the first Mexican restaurant in Nairobi. Today, we have six different restaurants under the Food Library brand. This success in the F&B sector led us to our newest venture: Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi – MGallery Collection.

The idea of opening restaurants and hotels was a shared dream between Dil and I. Growing up, we found the restaurant business fascinating. Our interest in hotels stemmed from our travel experiences, where we always prioritized staying in nice hotels. Personally, I found the operation of hotels intriguing and pursued a postgraduate degree in International Hotel Management. So, hospitality is ingrained in me and now within Jit Group as well.

Did you notice the hotel industry’s growth and feel inspired to introduce something unique and innovative?

Jigar Patel: I think Nairobi is an ever-growing destination, not only for tourism but also for the corporate world. A lot of big companies are moving to Kenya, as it is an emerging market. Additionally, Nairobi is known as the safari capital of the world, making it attractive for both corporate and leisure travelers.

What sets Gem Forest Hotel apart from other luxury hotels in Nairobi?

Jigar Patel: Everything about Gem Forest Hotel is unique, beginning with its design, which is a key focus of the MGallery brand. Our location is also crucial, encompassing both the physical site and its surrounding environment. Each aspect of the hotel has been crafted distinctively, setting it apart from standard hotels in the area. We collaborated with the talented and world renowned Sundukovy Sisters, an interior design team based in Moscow & Dubai, to create this hotel. Their work has made every element truly magical.

Regarding the location, the uniqueness is evident as it sits at the edge of Karura Forest. You can see the forest in all directions from any room. Additionally, the hotel is located in the diplomatic enclave of Nairobi, surrounded by many UN agencies, embassies, and NGOs.

What is your assessment of the hospitality sector in Kenya?

Jigar Patel:  I think tourism in Kenya is always going to increase as more people become aware of its attractions, such as the Maasai Mara, known as the seventh wonder of the world. It is ever-growing, and more national parks in Kenya are being developed with nicer hotels and lodges. Kenya, and Nairobi in particular, is also becoming a culinary destination. Before COVID, the Ministry of Tourism released a video establishing Nairobi as a culinary hotspot. So, it is not just about tourism or sightseeing anymore; it is also about the food.

Who is your target clientele?

Dil Patel: We are targeting a lot of business travelers, but it is also a tourist hotel. Our fabulous location, as Jigar mentioned earlier, is right at the edge of Karura Forest with fantastic views. We have many amenities, including a Mediterranean rooftop lounge bar overlooking the forest with a skyline view, two different concept restaurants, a lovely pool bar, and a world-class spa. These features will appeal to the tourist market. Given our location close to the UN, embassies, and being in the diplomatic area, we have also designed the hotel around the business traveler. So, we are covering both markets, and that is our target.

Can you highlight some of the signature amenities and offerings that you have?

Dil Patel: Despite it being a boutique hotel, we have got three F&B outlets. We have Kahani, our modern Indian restaurant; Enchante Bistro, which offers French, Spanish, and Italian Riviera-style cuisine; and Troy, our rooftop bar and restaurant. It is like a mini resort within a boutique hotel, offering a variety of cuisines. We also have a different menu for in-room dining and a snack menu at the pool bar, so guests almost never need to leave the property. We have a fabulous, huge spa that will be managed by a world-class brand.

For business travelers, we also have a conferencing side with several meeting rooms within the building. All in all, it is a boutique hotel with all the services you would expect from a massive chain hotel.

Gem Forest has the atmosphere of a boutique hotel, thanks to its unique and remarkable design, which sets it apart from typical Accor Group hotels. How was your interaction with the Accor Group? Were you given the freedom to implement your innovations?

Dil Patel: We wanted it to be a unique property, which is why we approached Accor. Within the Accor portfolio, there are several softer brands like MGallery. Each MGallery across the world is unique and tells its own story. That is why we chose that brand, as it allowed us to tell our story.

As previously mentioned, Jit Group started with the jewelry and gemstone business, which is why “gem” is in the name. The “forest” part came from the location, which is quite unique and stunning, offering views like no other hotel. These two elements dictated the design and ethos of the entire property. This is what sets us apart from the standard chain.

Accor was very flexible. They allowed us to select the brand, and overall, it has been a great partnership. Unlike some of our friends who have worked with other brands and found them quite rigid, Accor has been very pleasant to work with. They have suggested many things that we took on board, as their suggestions were requests rather than demands.

We wanted this property to be a flagship, and it is. Accor has selected this MGallery to be the flagship globally, not just in Kenya or Africa, but globally. This has only been possible because they were flexible with us and we worked together to make this property stand out.

How do you envision the development of Gem Forest Hotel in the next two to three years?

Dil Patel: Looking ahead, given that it is a boutique hotel with 105 rooms and suites, Accor is quite confident that maintaining a high occupancy should be manageable. They are enthusiastic about the property, and everyone at Accor is excited to see it. For us as a group, the next step in our expansion is to develop a property outside of Nairobi. We have started early discussions with Accor to explore what kind of concept we can create, aiming for something as unique as this one. We want our next property to also stand out, and we will collaborate with Accor to make that happen. This will be our next expansion.

What trends are you currently observing in the hotel industry, and how is Gem Forest Hotel preparing to address them?

Dil Patel: One of the biggest trends is the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly travel options. Being part of Accor, this has been a major focus from the beginning. For example, we do not use plastic anywhere on the property. Everything from the restaurants to the rooms uses either reusable glass or recycled paper. Additionally, all the hot water for the building is powered by solar energy, making it completely renewable. We have also invested in a large water treatment plant that recycles all wastewater from the building for reuse.

Another trend we are seeing is a move away from standard, classic hotel chains. Many hotels around the world can feel very similar, regardless of location. People are now looking for more interesting and unique travel experiences. This property offers a personalized experience with the high level of service expected from a brand like Accor, but with a unique, culturally rich environment. We have captured this well with our property, which aligns with these trends and positions us strongly within the industry.

Could you share your thoughts on the launch and the overall process? Are you satisfied with how everything has turned out?

Dil Patel: We are excited. This project took a long time due to its uniqueness. In Kenya, there were certain limitations, so we had to be innovative and bring in some specialists from abroad. Even though we tried to support the local economy as much as possible, we occasionally had to tap into external markets. It has been a challenge to get to this point, but seeing it come to life is incredibly rewarding.

Jigar and I have been involved for a long time, and finally seeing the project come to fruition is a great fulfillment. We have experienced this with our restaurant projects, which typically take six to twelve months to complete. However, this has been in the making for several years, with COVID-19 causing a two-year delay. So, it has been five years in the making, and it brings a unique level of satisfaction. No other project will compare to this because of all the ups and downs we have faced. It is an amazing feeling.

Are there any additional features or initiatives you would like to highlight?

Jigar Patel: Just to expand on what Dil mentioned regarding sustainability, I would like to highlight that we are the first property in Africa aiming to achieve zero food waste. This is a significant milestone for us. We are also implementing an AI waste bin, which will monitor and analyze the waste generated within the property. This innovative technology will help us track and manage waste more effectively. MGallery, as a brand, has set a goal for 2025 to implement a comprehensive zero-waste plan. We are proud to be part of this initiative, bringing such advanced technology to Kenya and Africa. For some people, having an AI waste bin might seem like a small detail, but we think it is quite impressive to be able to say that our waste management is monitored by artificial intelligence. It is an exciting development for us and aligns well with our commitment to sustainability.

Sustainability is a major focus for us across various aspects of the property. In addition to the AI waste bin, we will be using electric cars for guest transportation. This includes picking up guests from the airport and moving them around Nairobi. By using electric vehicles, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We also have some other exciting features in line with our brand and sustainability goals. One of these is our branded matatu, which is a type of public transport van in Kenya. We are planning to decorate this van with artwork or graffiti to make it stand out. It will be used for transporting guests within the area, including trips to and from the UN headquarters, which is located in the diplomatic hub of Nairobi. This matatu will add a fun and unique element to our guest experience, making it a memorable part of their stay. It is a creative way to blend local culture with our high standards of service and sustainability.

What innovations are you bringing to the table that might be more advanced than what is found in Europe or the US?

Jigar Patel: One of the innovations we are introducing is related to our name, Gem Forest, and our location at the edge of the Karura Forest, one of the best-preserved urban forests in in the world. We plan to create a running trail within the forest, which guests can navigate using a dedicated app. Wellness is a key pillar of MGallery, so in addition to the running trail, we will offer yoga sessions at the poolside in the mornings, something that is not typically available at other hotels. We will also provide bicycles for guests to explore the forest. These are some of the unique ideas we are implementing, and they will be fully available in the future.

Something unique about the design, which relates to your earlier question, is that our hotel is very distinctive in its approach. We have incorporated elements of jewelry and gemstones into the interior design. For example, we use color-changing glass that shifts hues depending on the angle from which it is viewed. We also have paint on the pillars that changes color as you move around them. In our rooms, we have moved away from the conventional, unattractive desks you find in most hotels. Instead, we have designed the space to be functional for business use while avoiding a cold, impersonal feel.

Even the simple elements are unique; for instance, the sofas are curved, and the walls feature zigzag patterns. The glass throughout the property, whether in the bathrooms or the facade, also changes color. Additionally, we have decorative chains in the corridors that evoke the flow of the Nairobi River. Each floor has a distinct carpet design, making it feel like you are walking through the Nairobi River streams and Karura forest as you move through the hotel. Some of our lights even change color as you pass underneath them, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. It is truly a unique experience that you will have to visit Nairobi to fully appreciate.

What motivates you to get up in the morning and stay passionate about what you do?

Jigar Patel: Dil and I, as a family, have always wanted to create unique experiences. Our properties are designed to be distinct in every way. For example, our F&B restaurants are not just about the food; they offer a unique ambiance and interior design that makes you feel like you are somewhere special, not just in Nairobi. Each place we create is meant to be engaging and different. I look forward to going to work every day because of the unique atmosphere we have built. So, waking up in the mornings and staying motivated is never a problem for me.

Dil Patel: For me, it is about having the opportunity to start from a blank canvas and create unique spaces. Seeing these projects come to life is incredibly fulfilling. That sense of accomplishment and the excitement of starting something new is what keeps me motivated. Work is never a struggle; I always look forward to it. My wife calls me a workaholic, but it is simply because I love what I do and enjoy watching it all come to fruition.

FAIR USE POLICY
This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged.