Views & Interviews

Q&A: Conversations with Harshvardhan Neotia,
the guiding inspiration behind Ffort Raichak – Part 1

September 2012

The Ffort, Raichak is a dream come true for Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Realty. The resort is designed around an “old fort” theme, where contemporary blends with old world charm. Launched in 1997, The Ffort stands as an architectural marvel amidst 65 acres of landscaped greenery. The resort is framed by the picturesque Hooghly, with an expansive blue skyline as a visual backdrop.

In this episode, we talk to Harshvardhan Neotia about the many-splendored resort, often described as an all-time classic in theme and architectural expression.

Q: For the benefit of our readers, where exactly is The Ffort located?

A: Our resort is located in Raichak, Kolkata - 50 km to the South and just a 90-minute drive from the city, through green pastures. It is also 70 km from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. With the Diamond Harbour nearby, it is 20 minutes from the Export Promotion Zone of Falta.

The beautifully located luxury resort overlooks a dramatic bend of the river Hooghly and is set amidst 65 acres of landscaped greenery and artificial water bodies. We also have a moat running around the property complementing our fort theme.

Q: We’ve heard that your rooms are really, really beautiful?

A: Our luxury rooms have private balconies overlooking the river and the garden. Our guests have a really wide choice in terms of rooms - 2 Presidential Suites, 60 Superior Rooms, 31 Deluxe Apartments, 4 Duplex Cottages and 4 Studio Apartments.

The Presidential Suites have private terraces giving you a panoramic view of the river and garden. Exquisitely designed and tastefully decorated, the suites have all the amenities you can dream about and wish for. You can choose from a wide range of packages for a never before holiday experience - our bouquet of entertainment facilities includes adventure sport and leisure activities.

Q: Your restaurants are known to be a big draw at the resort?

A: We have The Orient, where you can savour delicacies from the Far East. Relax, sit back and let our service take over for authentic Japanese, Thai, Indonesian and Chinese cuisines in a setting that is truly magical. Reflections is an 8,000 square foot multi-cuisine restaurant that has an ambience all its own. One highlight here is an island buffet with a spread of over 40 dishes, a live cooking station and a private dining area for 16 people. The Reflective Pool Deck offers the perfect setting for romantic candle light dinners. The Alfresco Dining Deck, on the other hand charms you with its English character and has a small stage for live shows and performances.

Other exclusive F&B outlets include The Sunflower Café - a poolside pre-plated mini-meal eatery; The Indian Quarter - a fine dining restaurant serving traditional North West Frontier Cuisine; The Ffort Ramparts - an open-air restaurant at the ridge of the Ffort; And The Courtyard – our bar-cum-restaurant serving contemporary and traditional multi-cuisine food.

Q: We’ve been told that your Spa is another popular destination :)

A: Our Anaya Spa is set in lush surroundings with a breathtaking view of the Ganges. The spa redefines existing concepts of relaxation, rejuvenation, health and fitness. At Anaya Spa, we cater to each and every aspect of your being - offering spa therapies from ancient ayurvedic practices, as well as time-tested therapies from Thai, Chinese and Balinese programs.

The Club Magna Charta is our health club - offering a range of facilities that can be used by its members and their families.

(This is segment 01 in the two-part interview with Harshavardhan Neotia. Segment 02 will be featured in next month’s Q&A.)