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After handing the reins of his sustainable hospitality empire to his family members, Jose Dominic, founder and former CEO of CGH Earth Group, is now reviving the legacy of Jew Street in Kochi. The doyen speaks about the evolution of luxury and the importance of heritage in the future of travel.

- Pooja Naik

FORT KOCHI’S tranquillity has always been a sanctuary for me, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its charming cafes, picturesque Chinese fishing nets, and winding streets adorned with colonial-era residences are hard to miss. Yet, the tales that truly captivate me, as a lifelong resident of this town, originate from a bygone era.

The Origin Story

In 1975, I left accounting for my dad’s hotel venture. By 1978, I was at Casino Hotel on Willington Island. Armed with my Chartered Accountancy experience, we made modest expansions.

In 1987, PM Rajiv Gandhi’s Lakshadweep visit sparked privatisation. Despite fierce competition, our strategic location in the port city of Cochin earned us an invite. We were flown in on a helicopter and we gasped at Bangaram’s untouched beauty. The next day, at Government House, business giants discussed extravagant budgets. When asked, I cut to the chase: give me three months. I planned to emulate the islanders. Thatch roofs, minimalism—it’s what draws people here. In just three months, we preserved the island’s authenticity. We met all tender criteria, clinching the contract in October 1988. Despite lacking modern amenities, our resort emphasised pristine nature. Rigorous environmental standards were embraced, setting a new industry standard. Despite fixing tariffs on par with The Oberoi Mumbai, guests flew in from across the world. Bangaram Island Resort’s minimalist approach was a hit, redefining hospitality.

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