The Leap of Faith That Created ALTR NATIV

December 13, 2024

Most of us have been there, stuck in a job that feels like it’s grinding us down, waiting for the next project or paycheck while the days blur into weeks. A corporate job can often

feel like a perfectly designed cog in a machine; efficient but lifeless. But some wheels are meant to be broken.

That’s where our journey began. I’m Jaiwardhan, someone who spent years mastering the art of selling. Arshiya, my partner, is a design genius with an eye for detail that leaves nothing unnoticed. Together, we dreamed of something different ; a space where creativity, community, and authenticity could thrive.

And so, We took the leap.

Leaving the safety of our corporate lives behind, we packed our bags and moved to Morjim, Goa. But it wasn’t long before we realized that building something meaningful takes more than two people.

That’s when Himanshu joined us. With extensive experience in supply chain management, he brought structure to our chaos. And as the dream began to take shape, we were joined by Aatmbodh, our fourth partner, whose energy and perspective completed the team.

In the last few months, we welcomed Chef Ravina, an alumnus of Le Cordon Bleu, whose culinary expertise elevated our vision. With her came a growing team of locals—people whose skills, passion, and heart turned this dream into reality.

Together, we knew we were ready to create something extraordinary.

Why Morjim?

Goa is synonymous with beaches, beers, and parties. But for us, that wasn’t the Goa we wanted to create. Morjim offered something different—a quieter, more authentic side of the state. It’s the alternative to the typical Goa experience, where the focus isn’t on quick getaways but on meaningful stays.

We didn’t want a place where people show up for free beers and leave with nothing more than a hangover. We wanted to build a community—a space where travelers could connect, unwind, and leave with stories, not just souvenirs.

Morjim felt like the perfect canvas to bring ALTR NATIV to life.

Building from the Ground Up

When we say we built ALTR NATIV from the ground up, we mean it—literally.

We didn’t take over a ready-made space or just fix up a few rooms. Every brick, every beam, every detail was placed with intention. We wanted the hotel to reflect our values, and that required starting from scratch.

But building in Goa came with its challenges. The monsoon rains were relentless, halting work for weeks at a time. There were multiple delays, unexpected costs, and more moments of frustration than we’d like to admit.

There were days when we questioned whether we’d taken on more than we could handle. But every delay reminded us why we started. Every struggle reinforced our belief that something meaningful is never easy.

And eventually, after months of hard work and countless setbacks, ALTR NATIV began to take shape.

Our Ethos

ALTR NATIV isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a way of living.

Community at the Core: We’re here to connect people. Whether it’s through thoughtfully curated events or just conversations by the pool, our focus is on creating experiences that bring people together.

Local Partnerships: From fishermen to bakers, we work with Goa’s local community to source the best for our guests while supporting the people who make this place special.

Empowering Our Team: We’re building a team that grows with us. From skill-based training to opportunities for advancement, we believe everyone—from housekeepers to managers—deserves a chance to thrive.

Travel, Redefined: For us, travel isn’t about transactions. It’s about connections. It’s about making people feel at home, even when they’re far from it.

A Dream Realized

Today, ALTR NATIV stands as more than just a hotel. It’s a dream realized, a vision brought to life.

In Morjim, amidst the beauty of North Goa, we’ve created a space where travelers become part of a community. It’s a place where every detail, from the design of the rooms to the events we host, reflects the values we hold close.

This isn’t just about breaking away from routine. It’s about building something that matters. Something that feels alive.

So here’s to the leap of faith that started it all—and to the many stories waiting to unfold here at ALTR NATIV.

– Jaiwardhan Saraf, Founder, ALTR NATIV

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