As India’s hospitality industry increasingly embraces experience-led travel, integrated lifestyle destinations are redefining the meaning of luxury. Among the most compelling examples is Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, a sprawling nature-led retreat nestled in the pristine Shivalik foothills, District Mohali, where golf, luxury hospitality, wellness, adventure, farm living and celebrations come together in one thoughtfully curated ecosystem. Built on the philosophy of sustainable, low-density development, Forest Hill offers guests an opportunity to reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort or sophistication.
During High On Persona Magazine’s recent travelogue to Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, Barkha Arora, Editor, High On Persona Magazine, had the opportunity to experience the destination firsthand and engage in an insightful conversation with Mr. Devinder Sandhu, Senior Director, Forest Hill Golf & Country Club. A gracious host, Sandhu welcomed the team to one of the property’s beautifully appointed cottages, where the stay reflected the very essence of Forest Hill’s philosophy peaceful, immersive and deeply connected to nature. Surrounded by lush organic farms on one side and the verdant Shivalik hills on the other, the tranquil setting offered a refreshing escape from urban life and a glimpse into the destination’s distinctive lifestyle proposition.
In this exclusive interview, Sandhu shares the vision behind Forest Hill’s evolution from a golf destination into a comprehensive lifestyle ecosystem, discusses the upcoming FHR Wilderness Lodge, the growing opportunities in destination weddings and golf tourism, and the brand’s commitment to sustainability-led expansion. Drawing on decades of leadership across global operations, real estate and hospitality, he also reflects on the principles that continue to shape Forest Hill’s growth, with the long-term ambition of establishing it among India’s most respected nature-led luxury destinations.
HOP: Forest Hill isn’t just a resort—it is a golf destination, an eco-sanctuary, a farm living community and a luxury retreat. How would you define the Forest Hill concept in your own words?
Answer: Forest Hill is a complete nature-led lifestyle destination. It brings together golf, hospitality, recreation, wellness, celebrations and refined living within the Shivalik foothills. Our aim is to offer people the space to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy meaningful experiences without compromising on comfort or quality.
HOP: What inspired you to create a destination like Forest Hill in the Shivalik foothills, and what gap did you identify in North India’s hospitality and leisure market?
Answer: The inspiration came from the land itself—its scale, natural beauty and proximity to Chandigarh. We saw a gap for an integrated destination in North India where guests could experience nature, golf, outdoor recreation and premium hospitality in one place, rather than visiting a conventional hotel built around rooms alone.
HOP: Every hospitality brand needs a strong USP. What would you say is Forest Hill’s biggest differentiator compared to other luxury resorts and weekend destinations in the region?
Answer: Our biggest differentiator is the depth and diversity of the experience. Forest Hill is not a single-purpose resort; it is a vast, immersive destination where a guest can play golf, ride horses, explore nature, celebrate a wedding, enjoy adventure activities or simply retreat into quiet luxury—all within one ecosystem.
HOP: The project beautifully blends golf, nature, luxury accommodation, wellness and recreation. Was this integrated lifestyle always part of the master plan, or did the vision evolve over time?
Answer: The integrated lifestyle was always central to the vision, although its expression has evolved with time. As we understood the land better and observed changing guest preferences, we expanded the concept thoughtfully to include more hospitality, wellness, recreation, residential and experiential offerings.
Answer: Our current hospitality expansion includes FHR Wilderness Lodge, comprising eight cottages with sixteen bedrooms, designed for intimate luxury stays and close-knit celebrations. Alongside this, we are strengthening our wedding, wellness, recreation and lifestyle offerings. Future development will be phased carefully, with a focus on low-density experiences that respect the character of the land.
HOP: When you look at Forest Hill five years from now, how do you envision its identity?
Answer: I see Forest Hill as a complete lifestyle destination. Golf, weddings, wellness, nature, hospitality and residential experiences will each be important, but the real strength will lie in how seamlessly they come together under one distinctive identity.
HOP: Destination weddings are becoming increasingly experience-driven. How is Forest Hill positioning itself to attract the luxury wedding market?
Answer: Forest Hill offers the scale, privacy and variety required for experience-led weddings. Multiple indoor and outdoor venues, natural landscapes, premium accommodation, recreation and food and beverage services allow families to host every function differently while keeping the entire celebration within one destination.
HOP: Today’s luxury travellers are looking for authentic experiences rather than just beautiful rooms. How is Forest Hill designing such experiences?
Answer: We design the stay around the landscape rather than isolating guests from it. Golf, horse riding, nature walks, birdwatching, cycling, boating, adventure activities and open-air experiences allow guests to engage with their surroundings, while thoughtfully designed accommodation and personalised hospitality provide comfort and ease.
HOP: Sustainability is central to the Forest Hill philosophy. How do you balance conservation with expansion?
Answer: Our approach is to develop sensitively and at a low density. We work with the existing terrain, retain the natural character of the land, expand green cover and plan each intervention carefully. Growth is important, but it must never come at the cost of the landscape that makes Forest Hill special.
Answer: The greatest challenges were infrastructure, terrain-sensitive planning and maintaining consistency across a destination of this scale. They taught us patience, the importance of long-term planning and the value of building in phases rather than forcing development faster than the land or the experience demands.
HOP: Golf tourism is still evolving in India. How does Forest Hill plan to contribute?
Answer: We want golf to feel aspirational but not intimidating. Our golf course, driving range and academy create opportunities for experienced players as well as beginners, families and younger guests. By combining golf with hospitality and leisure, we can introduce the sport in a more relaxed and engaging environment.
HOP: What role will technology and innovation play in Forest Hill’s future?
Answer: Technology will help us improve personalisation, convenience, communication and operational efficiency. At the same time, we are careful not to let technology overpower the human or natural experience. Innovation for us means making the guest journey smoother while preserving warmth, privacy and authenticity.
HOP: What is the one experience that makes first-time visitors want to return?
Answer: I believe it is the feeling of arriving here—the sudden transition from the city into open landscapes, greenery and quiet. A day that combines the outdoors, a relaxed meal and sunset across the property often leaves guests with a sense of space and peace that they want to experience again.
HOP: Beyond hospitality, do you see Forest Hill evolving into a larger lifestyle ecosystem?
Answer: Yes. Forest Hill is already moving towards a broader lifestyle ecosystem that includes hospitality, golf, farm living, villas and estates, recreation, wellness, celebrations and membership-led experiences. The objective is to create a destination people can visit, belong to and, in some cases, make part of their everyday life.
HOP: Finally, what is your ultimate dream for Forest Hill?
Answer: My dream is for Forest Hill to become one of India’s most respected nature-led lifestyle destinations—known not only for luxury, but for its sense of place, thoughtful development and memorable experiences. I would like its legacy to show that world-class hospitality can grow in harmony with nature.
HOP: After decades of leading global operations at WWICS, what leadership lessons have proved most valuable while building Forest Hill?
Answer: The most valuable lessons have been to think long term, remain adaptable and build strong teams around a shared vision. Global operations also taught me that trust, systems and consistency matter enormously. In hospitality, however, these must be combined with attention to detail and a genuine understanding of people.
HOP: Your career spans immigration, education, real estate and hospitality. What common philosophy has guided your approach across such diverse industries?
Answer: The common philosophy has been to create lasting value by understanding what people genuinely need. Whether it is mobility, education, a home or an experience, the focus must remain on trust, quality and long-term relationships. Industries may differ, but responsible growth and customer confidence remain universal.
