The Paul brand to expand presence in Karnataka

Also considering options abroad

Gayatri Vijaykumar - Mumbai

In a bid to expand its presence in Karnataka, Paul John Enterprises, the promoters of the Kumarakom Lake Resort are looking to set up properties in Coorg and Hampi in the near future. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Shelley Thayil, director (operations), Kumarakom Lake Resort said, "After the completion of The Paul Bangalore, we are now looking at resort destinations both nationally and internationally. We are therefore looking at setting up five to six properties in the next three years, each with an investment of Rs 75 to Rs 90 crore. We will be financing the projects through internal accruals and debt from financial institutions." Each property will be a boutique resort of 50 to 75 rooms each and the projects are slated to be completed by 2011. All properties will come under The Paul brand and will target the luxury segment. According to Thayil, Mysore is also being viewed as a city with immense potential. The Paul group is also considering going international and is looking at good beach destinations abroad. Maldives, according to Thayil is being considered as an option.

Paul John Enterprises recently launched The Paul Bangalore, an all-suite luxury hotel, their second property, after the Kumarakom Lake Resort. "The response towards The Paul, Bangalore has been very positive and we are currently running at 60 percent occupancy," explained Thayil.