Managing Director
San Diego, California
Phone: 858-692-5392
Vikram@NuPala.com
The Company
NuPala is a full service Destination Development and Hospitality Management company that blends entrepreneurial creativity and financial discipline with environmental and cultural sensitivity to each of its projects.
The company focus is on:
 Asset Management
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Sales and Marketing Planning and Implementation
Concept and New Product Development for Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Staff Training and Development
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Operating Platform development
Construction Management services
 Pre-Opening and Management services for Luxury Estates and Homes
The mission is to provide on-going guidance to lenders and owners of hotels, resorts, private lodges, and exclusive residences during both the pre-opening and operational phases of each project. Nu Pala differentiates itself in the market by offering property owners, developers and managers one stop shopping for a vast range of expertise in marketing, construction, operations, finance, information technology, and staff training.
NuPala, led by its Managing Director, Vikram Sood, and an outstanding team of associates and contacts, has successfully developed and operated hotels and resorts that have earned many of the international hospitality industry’s most prestigious awards.
Project Highlights include
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The $500 million development known as Terranea resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
NuPala provided pre-opening services as the Consulting General Manager.
Providing opening support for Private estates in Mexico and Italy which were developed as
Ultra-luxury residences for the owner. NuPala was engaged to develop the operating standards, provide staff selection and training, develop marketing plans, and provide a security platform.
 Management of the iconic La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. NuPala was engaged to manage the hotel on behalf of the ownership group.
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Operational rebranding of the Island Hotel Newport Beach for the Resort Properties Division of the Irvine Company
Project work with Scripps Health Systems to improve their patient experience in the area of
Food and Nutrition Services, Environmental Services , and ancillary support departments.
Hired to rebrand the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort into an independent boutique property in the role of General Manager.
Management
Vikram Sood-Managing Director
After graduating from the University of British Columbia and the University of Massachusetts (Master of
Science, Hotel Restaurant and Travel Administration), Vikram commenced a long and productive association with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. Over a 28-year span of history he has been an integral part of the pre-opening management teams for some of the most renowned luxury hotels and resorts in
North America and Hawaii. These include the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Four Seasons Resort Aviara,
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, and most recently as the opening General Manager of San Diego’s first luxury destination resort, The Grand Del Mar.
In addition to his finance, pre-opening planning, sales and marketing and staff training experience,
Vikram has a passion for impeccable service. He has assumed the role of General Manager for the opening of two independent luxury resorts which have garnered great accolades. The Sanctuary at
Kiawah Island was awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award in its second year of operation along with a top 10 ranking in both Conde Nast Traveler and Andrew Harpers’ Hideaway. The Grand Del Mar was awarded the AAA Five Diamond award in November 2009. In addition, its signature restaurant,
Addison, was awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award and the Mobil Five Star Award for 2009.A first for
San Diego County.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts- Senior Leadership Roles in Boston, Toronto, Santa Barbara, Hualalai
(Opening Team), Aviara (Opening Team) over a period of ten years with the company
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua- Held the role of Senior Operations Leader for AAA Five Diamond, 550 Room
Luxury Golf Resort Host to annual Mercedes Championships.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island- Appointed General Manager for the opening of a new luxury resort within the development of Kiawah Island and General Manager for Residential component of the resort.
Resort is AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star. Property was voted Number One Golf Resort in the U.S. by Golf Magazine. Top 10 U.S. Resorts in Andrew Harper Hideaway.
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The Grand Del Mar- Appointed General Manager for the opening of San Diego’s first luxury Golf Resort.
Resort was awarded the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star award.
Current and Completed Projects
Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa (290 Rooms, 34 Villas), Scottsdale, AZ
Assignment- Performed as Owners representative and Asset Manager for the first Intercontinental resort in the U.S. on behalf of the lender.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach (64 Rooms), Laguna Beach, CA
Assignment- Currently engaged as Owners representative and Asset Manager for the re- launch of an iconic Laguna Beach golf resort. Responsible for the oversight of all pre-opening activities, development of business plans, and hiring of key staff.
Operations Consulting and Planning: Luxury Resorts and Private Estates
Triada Palm Springs/ Pier South Imperial Beach-Autograph Collection by Marriott – Pacifica Host Hotels
Assignment- Engaged to manage all pre-opening activities for the launch of two boutique properties including the recruitment of General Managers, creation of business plans, I.T. coordination, and procurement of operating equipment.
Island Hotel Newport Beach- Irvine Company –Resort Properties Division
Assignment- Hired to facilitate the rebranding of entire property by refreshing all operating standards in
Rooms, Spa, and Food and Beverage areas. Responsible for developing new concepts for restaurant, lounge, Club Lounge, weddings, and banquet operations.
La Valencia Hotel- La Jolla, California- Pacifica Host Hotels
Assignment- Hired by the owner of a historic luxury property to assume the role of Managing Director and develop a business plan for an iconic luxury property that changed hands after 46 years. NuPala is providing on-site management and is developing a comprehensive plan to revive the property.
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Washington School House-Park City, Utah
Assignment- Hired by the owner of a historic 1800’s era building in the heart of Park City to manage the pre-opening and launch activities of an ultra-luxury boutique property. Developed business plan along with financial projections for property. Developed operating criteria and training manuals for entire project.
Sycuan Golf Resort – San Diego, California
Assignment- Hired by the General Manager and Tribal Council to serve as the interim Director of
Marketing for the property and prepare property for the 2011 Business Plan presentation. Implemented new tactical plan for 2011 and interviewed new public relations and marketing firm for the project.
Terranea Resort- (360 Rooms, 110 Villas, Luxury Spa, Golf Course), Palos Verdes, CA
Assignment - Performed role of “General Manager “Pre-Opening. Managed all pre-opening activities for the project including : the recruitment and hiring of key staff members, development of operating platform, and assistance with procurement of operating equipment.
Imanta Resort- Punta Mita, Mexico
Assignment- Developed operating platform, branding initiatives, and sales and marketing Plan for luxury mixed use project of 14 Villas and 37 Residential Lots ranging in value from $1.5 Million to $8 Million
Casa Noctiluca- Punta Mita, Mexico
Assignment- General Manager /Pre-Opening for a $45 Million private estate and resort project opening in early 2010. Currently involved with the development of the Operating Platform, Critical Paths, Sales and Marketing Plan, procurement and delivery plan, and hiring of all key staff. Developed a comprehensive Crisis Management and Security Plan in a high risk destination.
The Ranch at Rock Creek- Philipsburg, Montana
Assignment- General Manager Pre-Opening/ Owner representative for 6,500 acre luxury guest ranch in
Montana. Responsible for assisting Owner with the search for a General Manager and development of budget development, sales and marketing planning, staff training and development of information technology platform.
Convento di Capuccini- Umbria, Italy
Assignment- Hired by the owner of a 12 th century convent in Umbria to develop the operating platform, create pre-opening budgets, procure all operating equipment , develop sales and marketing plan, and hire the General Manager.
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