In this exclusive interview, Riyaz Somani, the visionary founder of RIO Luxury Homes, takes us through his journey of redefining luxury living.
By blending global architecture with impeccable design, Somani has created homes that not only offer unparalleled comfort but also reflect the beauty of nature and culture.
RIO Luxury Homes stands apart in the industry, offering bespoke properties that embody elegance, exclusivity, and sustainability.
Can you share with us your journey and how you decided to start RIO Luxury Homes?
Riyaz Somani: In 2009, I was looking to buy a home here in Goa. I didn’t see anything that appealed to me. All the existing homes looked the same. The windows were small. It was all brick and mortar. You couldn’t appreciate the beauty of the Goan outdoors from these spaces.
So instead of getting an apartment, I thought, why don’t I build a small project where I could offer unique apartments to my friends and relatives? The idea of Red Rock Constructions came about. We bought the adjoining properties, and it became a full blown project.
Red Rock allowed me to identify gaps in the real estate market. The market in Goa wasn’t ready for uber luxury. There was no single definition of luxury; it meant different things for different people. Through my travels, I’ve experienced villas across the world.
I researched the possibilities that premium living could hold and the kind of standards in design and innovation upheld by the best of the best. Nothing of the kind was available in India.
I envisioned excellent craftsmanship and design, coupled with nature and living spaces complementing each other. I envisioned exclusivity and seamless service. I envisioned redefining the term “luxury.” And that is how RIO was born.
What inspired you to start the brand, particularly focusing on hospitality?
Riyaz Somani: The journey of RIO Luxury Homes began more than a decade ago. I wanted to build a company that focused on building homes that no one had seen before, one-of-a-kind properties that not only highlighted the beauty of Goa’s lush outdoors, but also properties that appreciated in value.
Goa recently went through a boom in luxury real estate; I saw it coming. This was an excellent opportunity to leverage.
Maintenance, rental services, housekeeping, property upkeep, you name it and we take care of it. At every step of the client’s journey with RIO, we want them to have a seamless experience, so that post handover, they can sit back, relax, and watch their investments grow.
Could you describe RIO Luxury Home’s unique selling proposition (USP) within your industry?
Riyaz Somani: First, no two properties look or feel the same; this is a result of our focus on quality, unique design, and global architecture and craftsmanship.
Through the synergy of contemporary art and decor with elevated fundamentals, we continue to be synonymous with elegance, confidence, and the unattainable.
Second, we are the only real estate company in India that collaborates with international landscape architects for each project.
Third, our team ensures client satisfaction prior to, during, and after the handover, along with the assurance of appreciating investments.
In what ways do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your industry to ensure the brand remains competitive?
Riyaz Somani: I’ve been looking at various properties abroad, from Miami to Bali. I follow the work of various architects, like Chris Clout and Gary Fell. Together, we’ve been seeing where the design language is going for the ultra luxury segment.
We get updates on a daily basis because we are also working with these architects on projects in Phuket and Dubai.
We are learning from them everyday. The idea is to understand what the luxury segment truly deserves and deliver what we promise, time after time.
Can you discuss any challenges you’ve faced in marketing and how you’ve overcome them?
When RIO started out, it was all hands on deck. References and word-of-mouth allowed us to grow with consistency. At the time, focused marketing wasn’t a priority because we didn’t need it.
However, as we grew exponentially, the scale of our expansion required a targeted effort towards marketing.
Over time, we were able to recognize the growing needs of our organization. Now, I’m proud to say that we have built a robust in-house marketing team.
How does your brand implement ethical practices?
Riyaz Somani: One of our properties, RIO Royale Phase 2, is being designed around a centuries old banyan tree. Additionally, at Casa Brilhante, one of our flagship properties, we use upcycled and vintage pieces sourced from around Goa, reflecting local culture without compromising on style.
In keeping with the villa’s Indo-Portugese theme, the architects have used locally sourced stone and terracotta tiles.
The cushions in Casa Brilhante’s living room have been made from upcycled and handpicked Koshra cotton and Mashru fabric. The crockery cabinet is also vintage and upcycled. In the bedroom, upcycled vintage kantha on silk is used as a bedcover. Lastly, in the powder room, the mirror is a vintage piece surrounded by a hand-painted mural by the students of the Goa College of Art.
Future vision and expansion plans of the brand?
Riyaz Somani: This is a great question. We are setting up new properties in Dubai and Phuket. A sea-view, uphill property for a premium luxury villa in New Zealand will be closed by the end of this December.
Our next target is Vietnam; a huge influx of tourists is taking place there, similar to what happened to Thailand a few years ago.
In the next two years, we are also thinking of Mauritius and Montenegro for uber luxury. There is a lot of demand and very little supply in Montenegro. In that way we enter Europe, because Montenegro is on its way to join the European Union.
What are your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs?
Riyaz Somani: Have the gumption to take calculated risk; there are no gains without it. Have the passion to show up and work every single day. R&D has to be a complete priority because that helps you know whether you’re doing the right stuff or the wrong stuff. R&D, hard work, and risk.
Riyaz Somani’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and global design standards has truly set RIO Luxury Homes apart in the luxury real estate market.
Through his visionary approach, RIO continues to redefine what luxury means, creating spaces that are as unique as their owners.
With plans for global expansion, the future of RIO Luxury Homes promises to be as groundbreaking as its past, offering timeless properties that stand as true works of art.
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