PEAKLIFE
24-Jul-2026
Vinay Singh, Founder & CEO of Cedarmint Global, is shaping a new era of destination-led hospitality, driven by design, purpose, and authentic experiences.
Vinay Singh has spent decades shaping some of India's most celebrated luxury hospitality brands, building a career that spans leadership roles across Marriott International's iconic portfolio before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey of his own. Today, as the founder and CEO of Cedarmint Global, he is bringing together hospitality, architecture, design, and destination development to create immersive luxury experiences rooted in purpose.
With The White Resort & Spa Pawna as the company's flagship project, Singh is championing a vision of hospitality that goes beyond traditional hotel stays, focusing instead on meaningful destinations that celebrate culture, nature, and thoughtful design. In this conversation with PEAKLIFE, he reflects on his transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, the lessons that shaped his journey, his vision for the future of luxury hospitality, and why building people remains as rewarding as building destinations.
1. Looking back, how would you describe your journey from GM to entrepreneur, and how has it shaped the leader you are today?
My journey has always been about building institutions, nurturing people, and creating experiences that stand the test of time. As General Manager at Le Méridien Jaipur, I learned that excellence is never accidental. It is built through discipline, empathy, and attention to detail.
Earlier, as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing for Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments, followed by my operational training, my role as the first Director of Sales & Marketing for St. Regis South Asia, and later leadership assignments across Marriott brands including The Westin Mumbai, I developed a deep understanding of brand building and business growth across diverse markets. Entrepreneurship changed my perspective on leadership. It is no longer about authority but about responsibility. Responsibility towards people, purpose, and every promise you make. That belief continues to guide every decision I take.
2. What was the biggest challenge in stepping away from stability to build Cedarmint Global, and how did you push through it?
Walking away from professional stability to embrace uncertainty was the biggest challenge. Hospitality often rewards scale, but I consciously chose a boutique, design-led, experience-first approach. That meant saying no to easier opportunities and trusting long-term value over short-term success. There were moments of doubt, but clarity of purpose became my anchor. Patience, informed decisions, and conviction helped me stay the course.
3. Was there a pivotal turning point that changed your trajectory as an entrepreneur, perhaps the decision to develop The White Resort & Spa Pawna?
Absolutely. Building a resort from the ground up changed the way I defined success. Instead of asking how big we could become, I began asking how meaningful we could be. The White Resort & Spa Pawna reflects that philosophy. It is a destination shaped by thoughtful design, authentic experiences, and a deep connection with nature. I remain deeply grateful to my principal partners, whose trust and belief made this vision possible. Their confidence reinforced my belief that hospitality is built not only on remarkable spaces but also on shared purpose and lasting relationships.
Spread across 23.5 acres, the resort's first phase features 75 rooms, three F&B outlets, a 6,000 sq. ft. banquet hall, and five expansive lawns covering seven acres. With a riverfront, helipad, nine-hole putting green, lawn tennis courts, and sky villas overlooking the mountains and river, it has been envisioned as a complete luxury destination. The four-year journey, from design and construction to building the team and bringing the vision to life, tested every aspect of resilience and rewarded every ounce of belief.
4. What makes you most proud when you reflect on your journey so far, whether in building resorts or mentoring teams?
Watching people grow into leaders gives me the greatest sense of fulfilment. When those you have mentored begin shaping culture, making confident decisions, and inspiring others, you know your impact goes beyond buildings.
5. What advice would you give to young hoteliers or entrepreneurs who aspire to build something of their own?
Own your ambition. Competence earns credibility, consistency builds trust, and courage creates opportunity. Invest continuously in your craft, your voice, and your ability to think independently. Preparation will always be your greatest advantage.
6. How are you consciously giving back through consulting, mentorship, or destination marketing to shape the next generation of hospitality leaders?
Through Cedarmint Global, I mentor emerging leaders while creating opportunities for diverse talent to step into meaningful leadership roles. Consulting and destination marketing are important parts of that journey, but what matters most is building cultures where merit, respect, and continuous growth are non-negotiable.
7. What excites you most about the future of luxury hospitality globally?
Luxury is no longer defined by service alone. It is defined by meaningful experiences. Today's traveller seeks authentic stories, curated journeys, and seamless technology that enhances rather than interrupts the experience. The future belongs to destinations that create emotional connections, not just memorable stays.
8. And closer to home, how do you see hospitality and hotels in India transforming over the next decade?
India is poised for a hospitality boom. Domestic tourism is surging, weddings and events are evolving into global-scale productions, and wellness-driven resorts are increasingly in demand. If we compare globally with the US and China, India has just over 2,000 branded hotels, representing only 8 to 10% of their scale, according to Howarth HTL and STR Global. Encouragingly, more than 200 hotels are currently under development and are expected to open over the next five to seven years.
Over the next decade, India will redefine itself as a destination where culture, nature, and luxury come together. I see our hotels not only expanding in number but also raising the benchmark for quality, competing with the world's finest while preserving a distinctly Indian soul.
