Parth Sharma, a name synonymous with refined elegance and intuitive service, is reshaping India’s luxury hospitality landscape. Featured in Business Viewpoint Magazine’s exclusive edition, “The Most Innovative Growth Chiefs Shaping India’s Premium Resort Landscape in 2025,” Sharma (Director, Whitestone Hotels and Resorts ) is celebrated for his visionary yet understated approach to creating unparalleled guest experiences.
His resorts transcend mere destinations; they are immersive journeys woven with the vibrant threads of cultural authenticity, deep guest connection, and a blend of heart, heritage, and modern elegance. Parth Sharma has masterfully carved out a unique niche in the industry, where every detail, from design aesthetics to service philosophy, reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this exclusive feature, Parth Sharma shares the captivating story behind his acclaimed hospitality empire and unveils the signature elements that define his namesake brand, consistently raising the bar for premium resort experiences across India.
1. What first inspired your journey into the hospitality industry, and how did it lead to your current role as Director of Whitestone Hotels and Resorts?
I’ve always been captivated by the transformative power of hospitality—how it creates lasting impressions through comfort, emotion, and thoughtful experiences. From early on, I saw hotels not merely as structures, but as living spaces where stories unfold and communities are built.
My professional journey began at the grassroots level, gaining hands-on experience in hotel operations. But my ambitions were always broader—I envisioned shaping a distinct identity within India’s premium resort landscape. That vision culminated in the founding of The Whitestone Hotels and Resorts. Today, as Director, I steer the brand’s strategic growth, operational excellence, and cultural ethos, ensuring every guest encounter is both meaningful and memorable.
2. Can you share a defining moment or significant challenge that influenced your leadership style or strategic outlook?
One of the most pivotal chapters in my career was leading through the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitality industry came to an abrupt standstill, and the challenge was not just to recover—but to reinvent. We had to reassess everything, from our cost structures to how we connected with guests.
This period demanded agility and innovation. We pivoted to leaner operations, accelerated our digital integration, and focused on hyper-local markets for guest acquisition. The crisis reshaped my leadership to be more resilient, compassionate, and systems-driven. It was a test of endurance, but also a masterclass in adaptation—and it’s left an indelible mark on how I lead today.
3. What were some of the biggest hurdles you faced while scaling Whitestone Hotels and Resorts , and how did your team overcome them?
Scaling in mountainous terrain presented logistical and human resource challenges. The scarcity of trained manpower in remote areas and infrastructural constraints could have hindered us. However, we transformed these into strengths by focusing on hiring locally, providing intensive training, and fostering a culture of mutual growth. COVID-19 was, of course, a massive obstacle. Yet, we used survival as our springboard; our team united, adapted, and we emerged stronger with even greater focus.
4. What sets Whitestone Hotels and Resorts apart in India’s premium resort segment? What core strategies do you believe have helped position it as a market leader?
Our differentiation comes from blending premium infrastructure with deep emotional storytelling. Each property offers a distinct sense of place, deeply rooted in its natural surroundings. Our core strategies include a tech-integrated guest journey, personalized experiences, a strategic balance between OTA and direct channels, and a team culture centered on guest delight. We’ve built our brand on long-term consistency and sincere service.
5. How do you stay ahead of market shifts and guest expectations in a landscape that’s evolving so rapidly?
Active listening—both digitally and in person—has been crucial. We constantly monitor trends, guest reviews, and data patterns. I personally engage with guests and frontline staff regularly. Furthermore, participating in industry circles and networking with fellow hoteliers helps us benchmark, learn, and adapt swiftly.
6. Are there any signature strategies or unique internal practices you’ve helped implement that have driven consistent growth across properties?
Yes, our “Every Stay, a Story” program charts emotional touchpoints in a guest’s journey, empowering staff to deliver tailored experiences. We also introduced a decentralized decision-making model—property managers are encouraged to innovate locally while staying true to the brand ethos. This balance has fueled both agility and consistency.
7. How do you personally define sustainable growth, and how is that principle reflected in the resort’s day-to-day and long-term plans?
Sustainable growth means creating value that lasts—financially, socially, and ecologically. At Whitestone, this shows in our low-impact operations, local hiring, responsible pricing, and community ties. We also refuse to trade guest satisfaction for short-term gains. Long-term, we scale with care to preserve our brand identity.
8. Have you been involved in any industry forums, mentoring initiatives, or speaking engagements where you’ve shared your expertise with peers or upcoming leaders?
Yes, I’ve mentored emerging professionals and spoken at regional entrepreneurship forums. I also actively participate in hospitality panels across Himachal and North India, where I advise aspiring hoteliers on boutique growth strategies and sustainable resort development.
9. What kind of internal culture have you cultivated at Whitestone Hotels and Resorts to ensure alignment between innovation, service quality, and brand identity?
Our culture is built on trust, growth, and accountability. We encourage our team to take initiative, innovate, and advance within the brand. Many who began at entry-level roles now hold leadership positions. We value creativity, reward consistency, and maintain open communication at all levels.
10. Have you or Whitestone Hotels and Resorts received any awards, recognitions, or endorsements that reflect the impact or credibility of your work?
Yes. Whitestone Hotels and Resorts has proudly earned:
• TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards (2019–2025)
• Best Resort in an Exotic Location by BookingJini
• Himachal Highflyer Award
• Wedding Wire Couples’ Choice Awards (2022, 2023, 2024)
These honors reflect our focus on quality, guest delight, and strong team collaboration.
11. Are there any strategic partnerships, collaborations, or market expansions currently in the pipeline that you’re excited about?
Yes, we’re pursuing key expansions and brand extensions aimed at elevating our presence in luxury hospitality. While full details remain confidential, we’re developing a multi-format model that fuses wellness, experiences, and premium stays in new destinations.
12. How do you ensure ethical practices, data privacy, and guest trust are protected while scaling operations and introducing new technologies?
Guest trust is central to our values. We’ve enforced strong data protection systems, rely on consent-based communication, and train teams regularly on ethics and security. As we grow, we ensure every tech upgrade strengthens—rather than replaces—our personal guest engagement.
13. Have there been any notable features, interviews, or third-party mentions of you or Whitestone Hotels and Resorts that we could mention in our cover story?
Yes, Whitestone Hotels and Resorts and I have been featured in:
• CEO Weekly
• The Print
• Outlook Traveller
• Times Travel
• Hospitality Biz
These mentions highlight our leadership and growth as a rising force in India’s boutique luxury resort space.
Quick Takes
1. One tool or app you would recommend to professionals in your industry:
Trello – ideal for streamlining daily tasks, team alignment, and tracking property-level projects.
2. One quote that motivates you the most:
“No price too big, no sacrifice too great.”
3. One piece of advice for upcoming entrepreneurs or business leaders:
Invest in your people. When they grow, your brand naturally scales with them.
4. One movie or book you recommend everyone in business or leadership should experience:
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – a raw, inspiring journey of resilience and brand-building.
