Two weeks ago, we hosted a networking event in one of Gurugram’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. After the session, when we stepped onto the terrace for cocktails and dinner, “The Camellias”— the ultra-luxury residence caught my eye amidst the skyline.
The much advertised and talked about, INR 100 crore houses soon became the topic of discussion at dinner.
What are the amenities offered? What edge do the residences have? Who owns flats here? Is it worth INR 100 crores?
There were multiple questions I overheard.
I’m sure you have wondered about these aspects as well.
Having lived in Mumbai, steep real estate prices don’t surprise me, but INR 1,50,000 for a square foot definitely piques my interest.
Welcome to the world of ultra-luxury residences – the new-age first-world islands.
They are not just residences! They are a lifestyle.
From their 9-hole private golf course, vitality pools, in-house bakeries, salt therapy rooms, concierge services and exclusive clubs, these ultra-luxury residences are fast becoming status symbols for India’s wealthy.
In this blog, we’ll explore –
1. The rise of ultra-luxury real estate in India
2. Factors driving this surge
3. Cost of living in these luxury apartments
4. Inside India’s most premium houses
Let’s dive in.
Why is luxury real estate booming in India?
Over the past two decades, iconic developments have redefined luxury living in India. From The Camellias in Gurugram to Three Sixty West in Mumbai, APR in Bengaluru, and Trump Towers in Pune, ultra-luxury residences have emerged as private sanctuaries for the wealthy.
India’s luxury real estate market is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Sales of homes priced above INR 10 crore surged by 8% between January and June 2024.
Mumbai, in particular, has emerged as the epicentre of ultra-luxury residences. In 2024, the city accounted for 84% of ultra-luxury property sales across India, with 21 units worth ₹2,200 crore sold.
Factors driving this surge of ultra-premium residences
1️. A new generation of wealth creators
There is a new generation of wealth creators, such as founders, entrepreneurs, and CXOs, who have created significant wealth through ESOPs and other liquidity events. This has created an appetite for luxury real estate amongst these new wealth creators.
2. Demand for experiential lifestyle
Ultra-luxury residential projects offer unparalleled privacy, exclusivity, and comfort. With amenities like concierge services, wellness facilities and technology-led security features, the wealthy are completely enticed by the lifestyle these residences offer.
After the Covid pandemic, the allure of all-inclusive townships with multiple faculties and large spaces has further increased.
3. Creation of tight-knit communities and networking
For the ultra-wealthy, such residences create a tight-knit community to socialise and network without leaving one’s residence.
4. Lucrative investment opportunity
According to India Sotheby’s International Realty, 44% of HNIs and UHNWIs consider capital appreciation the primary reason for investing in luxury properties, with an annual appreciation of over 15% in most top-end markets over the past three years.
NRIs are also investing heavily in Indian luxury real estate. NRIs now make up about 15% of sales in new residential projects by top developers; they are consolidating their real estate portfolios by selling older properties and switching to newer, more secure, and well-managed homes.
With the growing wealth creation and demand for luxury and amenities, the luxury real estate market is set to expand further.
Recognising this demand, developers are building ultra-luxury residences with innovative features and amenities.
So, what are these ultra-luxury residences offering?
While the sky is the limit, here are a few aspects that are exciting for the wealthy –
1. Global architecture and interiors
Global ultra-luxury residences have set the gold standard for the wealthy. The One Palm in Dubai, with its Jenga-like architecture and private beaches, has set a new standard for opulent living. In Monaco, the Tour Odéon’s sky penthouse, comes with a water slide connecting to an infinity pool while Singapore’s Eden at Draycott Park has hanging gardens and nature-inspired aesthetics.
To match global standards, Indian developers are collaborating with world-class architects and designers.
For instance, The World Towers in Mumbai, developed by Lodha Group, was designed by Giorgio Armani.
‘Yoo Pune’ was designed by the renowned French industrial designer and architect Phillippe Starck, who redefined luxury for the elite.
2. World-class amenities
When it comes to amenities, while most gated communities also offer features such as swimming pools, recreational rooms, gyms, play areas, ultra-luxury residences go the extra mile. Think dedicated concierge services, private chefs, temperature-controlled wine cellars, sky lounges, etc.
For example, at Lodha Altamount in Mumbai, the Les Clefs d’Or certified concierge team can secure tables at Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide or arrange private jet charters at a moment’s notice.
The Trump Towers in Pune offer residents access to sommeliers for private wine tastings and personal stylists for wardrobe consultations, catering to the most refined tastes.
Embassy One Residences in Bengaluru offers Four Seasons Hotel services, a rooftop infinity pool, private fitness centers, and lush gardens.
Rajapushpa Regalia Hyderabad is a luxury gated community that boasts a rooftop sky lounge, boutique cinema, Olympic-sized pool, co-working spaces, and wellness zones.
These are a few examples of projects that offer a range of services and amenities that can fulfil every whim and fancy of the wealthy.
3. Environment-friendly and tech-enabled residences
These two aspects have become very important selling points for developers. They are adapting different technologies and practices to give the ultra-wealthy an edge in their homes. For example, Gurugram’s ‘The Camellias’ is the first residential development in India to be accredited with LEED Platinum certification by US Green Building Council (USGBC) for its sustainability and energy conservation efforts.
India’s affluent are looking to upgrade their homes with the latest technologies like voice-controlled systems, smart security and lighting, virtual assistants and home automation.
That brings me to the most important question? How much does it cost to buy ultra-luxury residences?
Cost of living in one of India’s ultra-luxury apartments
The additional maintenance and associated costs are significant and ensure only a select few can afford to live here.
Many developers also offer access to private clubs, fitness centres, in-house restaurants, wellness spas, and golf courses. These memberships, included or optional, add to the overall cost.
Despite the costs, luxury residences are in high demand amongst the wealthy.
Let’s look at a few ultra-luxury residences —
1. The Camellias, Gurugram
Nestled in the prestigious Golf Course Road area of Gurugram, The Camellias by DLF stands for luxury and exclusivity. Spread across 17.5 acres, this ultra-luxury development blends cutting-edge architecture with opulent amenities.
Apartments at The Camellias range from 7,300 sq. ft. to 16,000 sq. ft., with prices starting from INR 30 crore and exceeding INR 100 crore for penthouses.
Key features that set The Camellias apart include:
- Luxury facilities: The property boasts a 9-hole private golf course and a residents-only clubhouse featuring gourmet dining, a wellness spa, and premium recreational spaces.
- Amenities: From state-of-the-art fitness centres to temperature-controlled swimming pools and private cinema halls, every aspect of luxury is carefully curated.
- Personalisation: Residents have the opportunity to design their own rooftop pools and private terraces. Each residence is a blank canvas, allowing owners to commission bespoke art installations or incorporate private gyms and spas.
2. Adarsh Palm Retreat, Bengaluru
Nestled in the heart of Bellandur, Adarsh Palm Retreat offers expansive villas and apartments amidst lush greenery. Villas and apartments in Adarsh Palm Retreat range from 2,500 to 6,000 sq ft, with prices for apartments starting from INR 3 crore and for villas starting from INR 13 crore. (
Key features that set Adarsh Palm Retreat apart include:
- Community living: The 100-acre gated community features landscaped gardens and a clubhouse with sports facilities.
- Amenities: Residents enjoy a wellness centre with a spa and yoga studio, tennis courts, and a golf course.
- Sustainability: The development emphasises eco-friendly practices, incorporating green spaces and sustainable building materials.
3. Three Sixty West, Mumbai
Three Sixty West is located in the upscale Worli area of Mumbai. This development comprises two towers, one of which is a Ritz-Carlton hotel, offering residents unparalleled luxury and service.
The 4 BHKs and 5 BHKs apartments in Three Sixty West range from 5,600 sq ft to over 17,000 sq ft, with prices starting from INR 1 lakh per sq ft.
Here’s what it offers:
- Luxury facilities: Residents have access to Ritz-Carlton services, including a spa, fine dining, and concierge.
- Amenities: The property boasts a private cinema, sky lounge, and an infinity pool with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Exclusivity: The integration with Ritz-Carlton ensures a level of service and exclusivity unmatched in the region.
In summary
This has been a very long newsletter edition but I went down a rabbit hole when I started reading about ultra luxury residences.
What is fascinating to me is how ultra-luxury residences are becoming first-world islands for the wealthy.
Entrepreneurs, actors, investors, founders – those who can afford it are making a beeline for those residences!
From the likes of Radhakishan Damani, founder of DMart, to actors Abhishek Bachchan and Shahid Kapoor, have chosen the opulent Three Sixty West in Mumbai. In Gurugram, the DLF Camellias houses Deep Kalra of MakeMyTrip and Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt.
Looking ahead, we can expect further innovations in design, technology integration, and sustainability practices. The trend of branded residences and celebrity-designed spaces is also gaining momentum.
Luxury homes will become more luxurious and bespoke and as the demand increases, it will be interesting to see what developers do to impress their patrons. (I just read: One Noida developer is offering a free Lamborghini with the purchase of an INR 26 crore villa!)
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as soliciting, advertising, or providing any advice. This material is based upon information which was sourced from reliable third party sources, however, Dezerv does not represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product, project, properties and service names used herein are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brand logos does not imply endorsement.