Ankur Bhatia, the visionary behind Roseate Hotels & Resorts, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 48, leaving behind his wife, Smriti Bhatia. Married to the architect, Ankur’s life and legacy have prompted both mourning and admiration. Smriti, a professional in her own right, is now working to continue her late husband’s mission while balancing personal grief and public attention. Their story resonates deeply in the hospitality and travel industries, where Ankur was both a pioneer and a passionate leader.
Who Was Ankur Bhatia?
Ankur Bhatia was Executive Director of the Bird Group, a conglomerate he helped transform into a powerhouse in travel, technology, and hospitality. He is best known for launching the Roseate Hotels & Resorts brand in 2016, expanding the group’s portfolio with luxury properties across India and the UK.
Professional Journey
- Graduated from King’s College, University of London, with a computer science degree.
- Founded RDM, one of India’s first BPOs supporting airlines.
- Led Bird Group into hospitality, technology, retail, automotive dealerships, and electric mobility.
- Served as Honorary Consulate General for Liberia, and held leadership roles in CII and FICCI travel committees.
Roseate Hotels & Resorts: His Legacy
Under Ankur’s guidance, Roseate Hotels & Resorts was envisioned as a showcase of design excellence, luxury, and sustainable hospitality. The group established several high-profile properties and hosted events like Miss Diva 2018, where Ankur and Smriti appeared together as sponsors.
Personal Life and Smriti Bhatia
Ankur married Smriti Bhatia, an architect, with whom he had two children, Arnav and Saina.
Smriti’s Role and Challenges
- As an architect, Smriti brings technical expertise to maintain Roseate’s design-centric legacy.
- She now balances preserving Ankur’s strategic legacy with nurturing her children’s futures.
- Facing personal loss, she also navigates grief under public scrutiny, striving to honor both family and brand.
Industry Reaction and Condolences
The travel and hospitality sectors mourned Ankur’s passing. Associations like the Hotel Association of India, Travel Agents Association of India, along with leaders in trade and tourism, expressed deep sadness over his loss.
Leadership and Vision Acknowledged
- He received praise for his efforts to promote electric mobility in India through Bird Electric.
- Widely respected as an innovator and influencer within hospitality, aviation, and travel technology.
Roseate’s Future: Continuing His Vision
With Ankur’s unexpected passing, questions about the future of Roseate Hotels & Resorts emerged. Smriti, alongside other family and leadership members, is expected to steer the brand toward continued growth. Maintaining the balance between design excellence and market responsiveness will be key to honoring his legacy.
Key Priorities Ahead
- Uphold commitment to thoughtful, eco-conscious architecture and guest experience excellence.
- Expand selectively while preserving core values that set Roseate apart.
- Embrace innovation in hospitality and sustainable mobility, in line with Ankur’s diversified vision.
Ankur Bhatia’s achievements in travel technology, aviation services, hospitality, and electric mobility reflect a rare blend of entrepreneurial daring and creative insight. His sudden departure leaves a personal void for his family especially Smriti, Arnav, and Saina and a professional gap for the industries he helped shape. Yet his vision endures through Roseate Hotels & Resorts and Bird Group’s ongoing endeavors. As Smriti Bhatia expands her leadership and influence, she becomes both custodian and continuer of a legacy marked by elegance, innovation, and heartfelt service. Their shared story remains a testament to partnership in love, work, and enduring vision.
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