From Corporate Corridors to Mountain Serenity: The MoShams Story

What started as a shared dream between two passionate hearts has blossomed into something truly special. We sat down with Sharmila and Mohit, the visionaries behind MoShams, to understand what drives their commitment to creating unforgettable mountain experiences.

After spending over two decades in the prestigious corridors of corporate hospitality with renowned brands like Hyatt, Marriott, Taj, and Four Seasons, this dynamic duo discovered that their hearts were calling for something deeper, more meaningful than conventional luxury.

Read here to know more about their vision with MoShams.

Question: After spending over two decades in corporate hospitality with prestigious brands like Hyatt, Marriott, Taj, and Four Seasons, what was the defining moment that made you both realize you needed to create something entirely different? Was there a specific guest interaction or experience that crystallized your vision for MoShams?

MoShams: After two decades in hospitality, we realized that while we were delivering “luxury” in conventional terms, what many guests truly craved was presence, peace, and personal connection. The defining moment came during a conversation with a guest who said, “The best part of my stay was the ten quiet minutes I had sitting under a tree with no one around.” That simplicity struck us. We wanted to create a place where moments like that weren’t accidental—they were the essence. MoShams was born out of a desire to strip away the excess and focus on what really nurtures people.

Question: MoShams champions the concept of ‘slow living’ and reconnecting with nature’s rhythms. In an era where luxury is often defined by speed and convenience, how do you convince today’s time-pressed travelers to embrace the art of doing ‘absolutely nothing’? What does this philosophical shift mean for the future of luxury hospitality?

MoShams: Time-pressed travelers often arrive carrying the weight of schedules, devices, and noise. Our approach is not to “convince” but to gently guide—by designing spaces that naturally invite pause. Floor-to-ceiling windows, unhurried meals, or a sunrise walk—all subtly remind guests that luxury isn’t about speed, but about depth. For the future of hospitality, we believe true luxury will be defined not by how fast something can be delivered, but by how meaningfully it allows you to reconnect—with yourself, with people, with nature.

Question: Your property demonstrates that majority of energy comes from solar power, you’ve implemented sewage treatment, and maintained a significant tree cover with native species. How do you balance these rigorous environmental commitments with the expectations of luxury travelers who may not want to compromise on comfort? Can you share a specific example where sustainability enhanced rather than limited the guest experience?

MoShams: At MoShams, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of how we live and host. The retreat was designed with deep respect for the land, its flora, and fauna, ensuring that natural topography and vegetation remain intact. We’ve conserved site contours and introduced ramps to make the property universally accessible. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in daylight and fresh air while offering uninterrupted outdoor views from every room and balcony. Wherever possible, we use GreenPro-certified materials. Nearly a quarter of the premises are under tree cover, with most being native and endemic species, complemented by seasonal vegetables and herbs that fuel our farm-to-table dining. Solar energy, a sewage treatment plant that recycles wastewater, and vermicomposting for organic waste further reinforce our commitment to responsible luxury.

Question: MoShams features floor-to-ceiling windows and ‘outdoor nooks that are practically begging you to sit down.’ How did you approach the architectural design to ensure guests feel they’re truly ‘living in nature’ rather than just observing it? What role does biophilic design play in your vision of hospitality?

MoShams: We didn’t want guests to just “see” the mountains—we wanted them to feel embraced by them. That’s why we used glass expansively, kept furniture low, and carved out outdoor nooks where guests naturally linger. Biophilic design, for us, is more than aesthetics—it’s a philosophy. The rustle of trees, changing light through the day, or the sound of rain on the roof isn’t just backdrop; it’s the central experience of staying at MoShams.

Question: As a married couple who transitioned from corporate careers to entrepreneurship together, how do you navigate the unique challenges of being both life partners and business partners? What complementary strengths do each of you bring to MoShams, and how do you handle disagreements about the property’s direction?

MoShams: Being both life partners and business partners is a dance. Mohit brings operational rigor and strategic planning, while I, Sharmila, bring guest experience curation and storytelling. We complement each other because one thinks in systems, the other in emotions. Disagreements? We handle them the way we do in marriage—through conversation, perspective, and humor. The property is not “his” or “hers”; it’s a shared dream that keeps us aligned even when our methods differ.