Aaliya Ahuja: Building Mumbai’s Oleander Farms Into an Experiential Oasis

Nestled in the heart of Karjat, a mere 1.5-hour drive from Mumbai, Oleander Farms has emerged as an idyllic getaway that blends luxurious amenities with an immersive connection to nature. Founded in 2021, this venture is the brainchild of Aaliya Ahuja, a young entrepreneur whose passion for hospitality and a family farm's hidden potential converged during the global pandemic.

The idea for Oleander Farms sprouted during a time of unprecedented global pause. "The pandemic inspired me to start this business," Aaliya reveals. "When the world shut down in March 2020, my family and I moved away to our farmhouse in Karjat, and while being there for three months, it struck us that we could potentially develop a part of the 200 acres of my private farm to see how it would perform." Aaliya’s family background in travel retail had been affected by the suspension of flights, and in that stillness, they found an opportunity that would ultimately shape the future of Oleander Farms.

With a focus on creating a destination that appeals to a broad demographic, Oleander Farms offers something for everyone. "Convenient location. Something for everyone—children, young adults, adults, mature audience. Great quality food. 110 rooms designed to be immersed within nature, with no compromise on lifestyle and amenities. Unique landscape—we have three man-made lakes, a hilltop, massive lawns, and indoor banquets perfect for Indian weddings and celebrations," Aaliya explains.

The farm has already made a notable impact in the hospitality industry, having hosted 50 weddings during the high season of November 2024 to February 2025. "Being our first official wedding season with a room inventory of 110 rooms, this has been a great performance for us," Aaliya reflects proudly. "We've had check-ins and check-outs of wedding parties every weekend without any gaps for three months."

At the core of Oleander Farms’ clientele is an affluent audience, largely between the ages of 25-50, with a penchant for travel and indulgence. "We have a minimum ₹2000 spend at our flagship restaurant, Saltt, and our rooms are also priced at a premium," Aaliya explains. Digital platforms, especially Instagram, have been key in reaching this customer base. "Word of mouth has played a huge role in growing our business," she adds.

Despite operating in an industry notorious for its high stakes and fierce competition, Aaliya has managed to navigate the challenges with resilience and foresight. "Being a young founder, starting at the age of 22, to be taken seriously, hiring older and far more experienced professionals, and creating a functional working relationship was a challenge," she admits. "But patience, perseverance, and the eventual performance of the business brought it together."

Looking ahead, Aaliya is already thinking beyond Oleander Farms. "We’re looking at building a vertical retail village, similar to a Bicester concept, along with developing real estate projects providing interconnectivity to Oleander Farms," she shares. This expansion reflects the broader trends she’s noticing within the hospitality sector. "Hospitality is becoming more experiential. Guests are expecting an elevated experience beyond checking into a space and standard dining options. They want to visit unique spaces and are willing to spend on being delighted."

Aaliya's journey in the hospitality space is rooted in a personal passion for food, which led her to internships at prestigious hospitality groups like Yauatcha and Hakkasan in Mumbai. Yet, it was the pandemic and the serendipitous opportunity it presented that truly ignited her entrepreneurial spirit. "I was always passionate about food growing up, which led me toward the world of hospitality," Aaliya explains. "Everything came together when there was an opportunity during the pandemic."

Though the journey has not been without its hurdles, Aaliya remains steadfast. "The people in your organisation are more important than anything else," she says, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team. "Patience and perseverance have been my guiding principles, and as the business performs well, I’m learning more every day."

Her advice to aspiring founders is both practical and reflective. "Look for opportunities more than ideas. Try to give people what they need and want, not what you personally think is needed. Observe and listen more to find gaps that can be filled. Take advice from people with experience but go with your gut."

As the wellness sector surges in popularity, Aaliya is particularly excited about the possibilities within this space. "Wellness—being someone who is keenly interested in the well-being of mind, body, and soul—it’s an interesting space," she says. "India, being the epicenter of yoga and Ayurveda, has the opportunity for a lot of developments, especially as Western audiences are looking for such experiences."

For Aaliya, success is not just about financial growth; it's about making an impact. "Firstly, to be able to afford a lifestyle that keeps me comfortable. Secondly, making an impact by providing employment and bettering the life of a community. Thirdly, recognition for our work as a brand," she says.

Balancing the demands of being a founder with her personal life is a daily challenge, but Aaliya finds her rhythm through habits that nourish both body and mind. "Working out in the morning is non-negotiable," she insists. "It starts my brain. I also follow a clean diet throughout the week and carry my own lunch even to my restaurant just to keep my eating habits in check."

Looking ahead, Aaliya’s journey is far from over. She remains driven by the belief that every setback is a learning opportunity and that perseverance in the face of challenges is key to success. "I’m still learning. Detachment from the outcome and staying focused on the process is something I’m trying to imbibe," she shares.

Through hard work, vision, and a deep connection to the land, Aaliya Ahuja has built more than a hospitality business—she’s created a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, celebrate life’s milestones, and experience world-class luxury. And with the plans for expansion already in motion, it seems that Oleander Farms is only just beginning its journey.