Where can I sit and use my mind to create something? Can anyone write a book? Build a good product? Can I find a space that fosters innovation or creativity? These thoughts inspired Deepali Sikand to start MindEscape at Ketti in Udhagamandalam. At the Retreat, a picture-perfect property situated on a hill overlooking a beautiful view of the seven-tiered hills, individuals and teams can focus on developing new ideas and strategies. The immersive platform includes exposure to prolific thinkers, networking, and access to funding and investment options for start-ups and businesses.
Deepali reiterated that a nurturing environment, tools and mentors are prerequisites for fostering innovation. They have included a panel of thinkers – called guardians – like Sam Patroda for technology, Ashok Khosla for environment, Ramesh Manjrekar for CSR labs, to name a few. “I have been working in the hospitality and concierge industry for over 25 years, handling requests from thousands of Indians. I noticed that people were no longer engaging in civil society dialogues and that respect for institutions was waning. I used to think that if there are clubs for golf, health and sports, why not clubs for the mind? And thus, the idea for MindEscapes was born.”
Cerebro Space at MindEscapes | Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
A driveway and a sloping front garden lined with colorful blooms, greenery and native species of vines welcome guests to seven suite rooms known as Tangerine, Sunny, Azure and Lavender. Luxury suites designed with smart use of technology (yes, you can ask Alexa to play music, manage lights and curtains) and optimum use of sustainable solar power, promise a refreshing haven for buzzing minds . There’s also a pond in the common bay where guests can spend a few quiet moments before progressing to the exotic view rooms – Biblio, Novus, Cognito and Cerebro – which also offer a well-stocked library, lounge space and spectacular sunset views. are equipped with. , “Corporate can send teams in small groups of four or six or maximum 14 people and literally contemplate in the lap of nature. If the CEOs decide to use the space, they can reach out to our parents physically or via Zoom can also be reached by car,” says Dheeraj Agarwal, director of accommodation and customer experience. A little further is an open-air fireside called ikigai (inspired by a Japanese concept) that offers panoramic views of the valley.
View from the side of an ikigai or open-air fire. Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
Rajeev Kumar, co-owner, says that Ideation Center implements the principle of hyper focus which allows the mind to spark creativity. “Corporate, banks or IT companies can bring in their teams, brainstorm, and reach out to think tanks if they need to push an idea,” he says.
Recently, MindEscapes partnered with multinational professional services network KPMG to bring its KPMG Innovation Centre. “As a knowledge partner, they will provide resources and support to entrepreneurs and start-ups to turn their ideas into successful businesses,” said Deepali, drawing attention to the fact that Nilgiris has always been a hotspot for innovation. It’s where the cure for malaria was discovered and where snooker, and the gin and tonic, originated. “Apart from parents, we have created a circle of boffins (experts and leaders), sleep, food and bio fitness experts to provide services. We would like to thank Wing Commander (Retd) Rakesh Sharma, India’s first man in space, or IIM Bengaluru K Manoj Chakraborty, who is here to share his thoughts on leadership,” explains Deepali
Celeste Restaurant | Photo Credit: Satyamurthy M
The food at MindEscapes is locally sourced. “I have been coming to Udhagamandalam since the 1970s and the Nilgiris needed a standalone restaurant that serves delicious food,” says Vikram Malhotra, F&B manager and one of the guardians who started Celeste Restaurant which is a European-inspired restaurant. and serves Pan Asian cuisine. , Vino Bar, and now Nirvana, has added Indian restaurant which offers North West Frontier cuisine, Dal Bukhara, Kebabs and Rotis. Vikram’s family has been in the hotel industry including F&B for over eight decades in Kolkata. His hotel Skyroom’s famous prawn cocktail was so famous that it was flown in a freezer from Kolkata to Delhi for the late Indira Gandhi. Over delicious, creamy mushroom cappuccino and chicken tetrazzini, Vikram says the menu goes back 60 years, featuring Golden Baked Chicken, Chicken Sicilian, Chicken alla Kiev. “No one does old-fashioned dishes like we do,” he says, adding that the menu also features pasta, risotto, steaks and the popular old-fashioned mixed grill.
While the restaurants are open to anyone, people can take single memberships to stay and consider retreats. This gives them access to face-to-face advice with parents, as well as a network with over 3000 clubs worldwide. Dipali says post-pandemic, people are consciously choosing experiential travel and eco-friendly destinations that have a different story to tell. “We fall under the ’boutique niche ideation regime’,” she says. I wanted to leave a legacy behind where people can come and think.
To know more you can follow their Instagram page @experience.mindescapes or visit mindescapes.in