JW Marriott Goa has announced the appointment of Yojan Gandha Das as Director of Operations. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, Das brings a proven track record in operational excellence and guest service to the luxury resort in Vagator.
Das began her career in guest relations, where her intuitive approach to service and natural leadership capabilities quickly distinguished her from her peers. Her commitment to excellence propelled her through progressively senior operational roles at some of India’s most prestigious hospitality brands, including Accor, Taj Hotels and Marriott International.
Her journey through luxury hospitality has included positions at Grand Hyatt Goa and Novotel Goa Resort and Spa, building her expertise in rooms division management and guest experience enhancement. Most recently, she served as Director of Rooms at The Westin Hyderabad Hitec City, a promotion announced in April 2024 that recognised her consistent ability to streamline processes, elevate standards and drive measurable results.
Das’s dedication to excellence earned her top honours in the Marriott International APEC Region in 2024. She received the Highest Guest Voice, Highest Maintenance and Highest Cleanliness Awards, while also achieving the Highest Marriott Bonvoy Occupancy in Q2 2024. Her recognition as Passionate Hotelier at the Accor South Asia awards in 2021 further underscores her standing within the industry.
In her new role, Das will oversee JW Marriott Goa’s primary operational departments – Front Office, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage Service, Culinary and Spa. Her responsibilities will include championing initiatives to enhance revenue performance and brand presence, while empowering the operations team to deliver exceptional guest journeys.
Her strategic focus will encompass improving guest satisfaction indicators, driving Brand Standard Audit performance and enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. Das’s extensive experience within Marriott International strengthens her alignment with the brand’s values and operational standards.
JW Marriott Goa opened in 2023 and has rapidly established itself as a premier luxury destination in North Goa. The 151-room property is situated in Vagator, offering views of the famous Chapora Fort and proximity to the region’s celebrated beaches. The resort features four dining venues – JW Kitchen, Agua, Heliconia and Perola – alongside Spa by JW with L’Occitane treatments and the JW Family Entertainment Centre with virtual reality games and a bowling alley.
The property has accumulated 27 industry accolades since opening, including Travel + Leisure India’s Best Staycation Hotel 2024, HICSA Hotel of the Year 2024 and Condé Nast Traveller India recognition for its rooftop bar. Its nearly 19,000 square feet of event space, including a 4,500-square-foot ballroom, has positioned it as a destination for luxury weddings and corporate gatherings.
Das’s appointment comes as Marriott International continues aggressive expansion across India. The company signed contracts for 42 new hotels in 2024, adding 7,000 rooms to its pipeline, and aims to operate over 350 hotels across India by 2025. India is set to become Marriott’s third-largest market globally within the next two to three years.
Outside her professional achievements, Das is a former Mrs. India Worldwide 2018 finalist and shares a passion for travel with her husband, seeking out new destinations and experiences around the globe.
