Vara5 is India’s first luxury travel platform catering to the affluent, globe-trotting Indian. India is set to become the world’s fifth-largest outbound travel market by 2027, with luxury travel growing from $9 billion in 2024 to $100 billion by 2034.

Indian luxury travelers are open to inspiration and are pursuing their passions, willing to spend on extraordinary experiences. They are showing up in large numbers in top European ski resorts, luxury cruises and expeditions, top diving destinations, Michelin-starred restaurants, F1 races, and Coldplay concerts. At 400 million, India’s GenZ population is the largest in the world and is already driving over $50 Billion in annual travel spending, both directly and through influencing their affluent parents. Multi-generational and extended family trips are the norm, with a very strong preference for extended stays in luxury suites and private villas. Expect highly personalized and curated end-to-end itineraries with the highest level of VIP service and additional privileges, and are willing to pay for exclusivity, privacy, and status.

Keeping this in mind, Vara5 will launch with three products:

Beyond the itinerary. Into the extraordinary: Vara5 will launch its brand with four travel verticals within which we will curate bespoke itineraries. The verticals are Ascent (skiing, snow, and mountains), Aqua (luxury on water including expeditions to the Arctic Circle, Antarctica, Galapagos), Terra (safaris), and Pulse (headlining events such as FIFA, F1, Tennis Grand Slam).

For those who seek what few will ever find: A white glove travel concierge service that’s focused on travellers who have an annual travel spend more than $250,000. This service will be invitation only, with membership limited to 250 clients in the first six months and then expanded to 1,000 within eighteen months.

A private circle of journeys, curated by AI, guided by us: A subscription-based app with AI powered conversation capabilities that will allow travellers to book flights, accommodations, cruises and unique experiences by just speaking to it like they would with a human being. Customers will be able to search and book faster than any travel app today. The app will use the latest technology to hyper-personalize its content and recommendations and members will have access to exclusive privileges and 24/7 concierge support.

Founding Team
Vara5 is founded by Nikhil Nath and Ravneet Bhandari, serial entrepreneurs with experience in hospitality, technology, venture capital and private equity.

Nikhil Nath began his career at Goldman Sachs, leading international IPOs, before founding Monitor Company’s India office. He later launched Knowcross, a globally recognized hospitality technology company serving luxury clients like Rosewood, Oetker, and LVMH. Knowcross expanded to 40+ countries before being acquired by a leading private equity firm in 2021.

Ravneet Bhandari brings over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, commercial strategy, and AI-driven travel technology, holding senior roles at Hyatt International, Caesars Entertainment, and Trump Entertainment. He later founded LodgIQ, an AI-powered revenue optimization platform, and has driven multi-billion-dollar hospitality ventures and global brand turnarounds for firms such as Starwood Capital, Fortress Investment Group, and HPS Investment Partners.

They are supported by an elite team of board members and executives with prior experiences at companies such as American Express, Leading Hotels of the World, Taj Hotels, Sabre, and Reliance.

Benefits of Partnering with Vara5

● Exclusive and direct access to India's most affluent travelers driving unparalleled brand value for global luxury partners.

● Consistent demand for top end products driving ADR and RevPAR, repeat business and cross property bookings. Larger party sizes with multiple rooms and higher ancillary spends.

● A highly selective approach to partnerships – Vara5 will establish only a select number of deep collaborations in each vertical and/or destination thereby ensuring partners receive maximum market share.

● A highly collaborative approach – our marketing and product teams will work closely with partners to customize their offerings and create the right product for the Indian market.