In the world of travel, luxury is changing. It’s no longer about the thickest towels or the most extravagant buffet spreads -it’s about the feeling you take home.
For Chithra Nair, Founder & Director of Travel Saga Holidays, that feeling is everything. “Luxury used to be about indulgence. Now, it’s about intention,” she says. “It’s a son watching his mother see snow for the first time in Hokkaido, or a father planning a quiet celebration for his daughter in an overwater villa in the Maldives. It’s not just about where you go – it’s how you feel when you get there.”
From Cochin’s Shores to the World’s Finest Resorts
Travel Saga Holidays was born in Cochin, Kerala’s historic port city, where hospitality is almost a cultural reflex. Chithra’s own background in human-centric design and service gave her an edge – she built the company not as a transaction-based travel agency but as an experience architecture studio.
“We come from a place where details matter – where hosting is a ritual,” she says. “That’s how we approach travel.”
In less than a decade, Nair has taken the brand from a boutique operation in a small coastal city to one of India’s fastest-rising names in luxury travel, catering to clients from Mumbai to London. The company has handled over 7,000 travelers across 35+ countries, with 70% of trips falling into premium and ultra-luxury segments.
The Maldives: Where Kerala Hospitality Meets Island Bliss
It’s no coincidence that Travel Saga’s strongest market is the Maldives. Kerala’s own backwaters and coastal charm have primed the team to understand the nuances of island luxury.
With over 1,000 curated Maldives itineraries and 150+ resorts personally vetted, Chithra’s team offers everything from private yacht transfers and vegan menus to sunset serenades.
“For many of our clients, the Maldives isn’t just a destination – it’s an emotional escape,” she says. “We make sure it feels like home, even if it’s on the water.”
A Woman-Led Success Story
Travel Saga is more than just a travel company – it’s a platform for women-led innovation. Over 70% of the planning team is women, many of whom are mothers, solo travelers, and caregivers.
“As women, we understand the emotional undercurrent of travel,” Chithra notes. “We know what it means to feel safe, seen, and supported – especially while abroad.”
This female-first approach has become a quiet differentiator in the luxury market, where empathy and emotional intelligence are just as important as technology.
Luxury Powered by Emotional Tech
In 2025, Travel Saga will launch its proprietary platform – an AI-assisted, memory-driven concierge system. It will store guests’ preferences (from food allergies to anniversary dates), suggest destinations intuitively, and provide real-time WhatsApp assistance worldwide.
“True luxury isn’t about being sold to – it’s about being remembered,” Nair says.
Beyond the Metros: Rising Luxury Demand from Smaller Cities
Interestingly, 30% of Travel Saga’s business now comes from non-metro cities like Coimbatore, Indore, and even smaller towns in Kerala. This reflects a nationwide shift in aspirational travel – where smaller markets are now booking private villas in Bali and ski holidays in Japan.
Looking Ahead: Vision 2026
By 2026, Travel Saga plans to serve 15,000+ travelers annually, build partnerships with 300+ luxury resorts, and expand into South Africa, Scandinavia, and New Zealand. The company also aims to establish offices in UAE, Singapore, and the UK to serve NRI communities.
For ChithraNair, however, the growth is not just about scale. “We believe luxury is redefined not by possessions but by the memories and emotions we create,” she says. “Travel Saga will be at the heart of this evolution – where high-end travel meets human connection.”
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