Harnil Shah Steps Into a Bold New Era of Experiential Innovation

From Building Skylines to Crafting Experiences: Setu Group Director Expands Design Ethos into Strategic Hospitality and Indulgence

Udaipur (Rajasthan) [India], November 25: For the past twenty years, Harnil Shah has built a reputation for engineering finesse and forward-thinking design, helping steer Setu Group—an iconic four-decade-old name in Gujarat’s real estate world. Today, the Director of Business Development is channeling that same mastery into a dynamic new chapter, demonstrating how excellence, deep domain experience, and refined aesthetics can seamlessly evolve beyond conventional sector lines.

A New Philosophy of Place and Purpose

Shah’s new venture, the Barmer Wines and Gogunda Whisky estate near the serene lake of Madarda village in Udaipur, is not merely a diversification; it’s a strategic reinterpretation of the Setu Group’s design-forward ethos. The project is conceived as a masterclass in experiential living, where architecture, nature, and hospitality blend seamlessly.

“Environments should be crafted with intention,” is the unspoken philosophy behind the estate. Just as Shah championed nature-integrated designs like the celebrated Ananya Villas in Gandhinagar, the Udaipur project is rooted in its locale. Every element—from the spatial layout of the retreat to the promise of fine dining and luxury villas—is shaped to foster tranquillity, indulgence, and a deep connection to place.

Translating Design into New Destinations

This new direction showcases Shah’s entrepreneurial agility and his ability to apply a high-level design language to entirely new business models.

Architectural Innovation Meets Hospitality: The estate will eventually introduce luxury villas for extended stays, complete with curated experiences. This marks a strategic transition from designing structures that shelter to designing destinations that inspire and immerse.

Rooted Identity: The venture establishes a refined yet deeply regional identity. While the initial wine vintages are sourced from Nashik, the ultimate plan to cultivate on-site vineyards (including a unique pomegranate wine) and develop Gogunda Whisky draws direct inspiration from Rajasthan’s cultural richness and unique terroir.

Building Beyond Bricks: By focusing on the sensory journey and the refined identity established through branding and label design, Shah is moving beyond the traditional brick-and-mortar industry. He is building a legacy not of static structures, but of curated, high-end experiences designed for connoisseurs and discerning travellers.

Barmer Wines and Gogunda Whisky are therefore more than just new ventures; they represent the next chapter in a design language that Harnil Shah has helped shape—one that consistently prioritises thoughtfulness, authenticity, and a dynamic dialogue with its surroundings, regardless of the industry.