Beaufort’s Desai Family: A Legacy of Hospitality and Community Engagement Thrives

Beaufort: A Legacy Thrives in the Lowcountry

Ahoy, Beaufort! This picturesque city is buzzing with heartfelt stories, and one that’s catching everyone’s attention is that of the Desai family. Leading the family hotel business is Vimal Desai, who sees this role not just as a job, but as a way to honor the rich history and hard work of his parents. “It’s always interested me,” Vimal shares, “and it would have been stupid not to become part of a business my parents worked so hard to build.”

The Family Legacy

Vimal’s family story is nothing short of inspiring. His father, Mahesh Desai, was born in Gujarat, India, where his mother was a dedicated midwife and his father a teacher, principal, and a freedom fighter. At the age of 21, Mahesh emigrated to Canada, chasing the American dream. Meanwhile, his mother, Vilas Desai, hailed from Nairobi, Kenya, growing up in a family of entrepreneurs.

In 1978, after a few years in Canada, the Desai family moved to Beaufort. With the help of Mahesh’s college buddies, they embarked on an exciting journey into hotel entrepreneurship. What started as a single property in Beaufort blossomed into a business with properties in Savannah, Perry, Hinesville, Georgia, and even Michigan!

Hard Work and Family Values

“Growing up, my dad worked seven days a week, and my mom pretty much had to raise us on her own,” Vimal reveals. The sacrifices made by his parents have always been a guiding force in his life. Despite their grueling work schedules, the family always found time for vacations, often road-tripping to visit relatives—carry on their family’s tradition. “It really instilled the importance of family in us,” he shares.

The Desai siblings have woven a tapestry of familial bonds. Sister Hina has cherished her role as a retired school counselor in Bluffton. Brother Mitul has also entered the hospitality fray as a franchisee of Firehouse Subs in Beaufort and Georgia. Vimal himself took numerous paths before returning to Beaufort, including a stint with Hyatt Hotels and eventually managing properties before assuming full responsibility of the family business.

Challenges and Triumphs

As Vimal took the reigns from Mahesh, he encountered a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. “The world has changed so much since my dad first started,” Vimal explains, noting challenges such as increased competition and the impact of COVID-19 on businesses. During the height of the pandemic, the Desai family was deep into building and renovating hotels, facing heavy expenses with little income. Thankfully, things are on the upswing now, and business is flourishing again!

A typical day for Vimal begins at the crack of dawn—5:15 a.m. to be precise. After hitting the gym, he often clocks in over 12 hours at work. He fills his downtime with travel, discovering new restaurants, and yes, indulging in the culinary delights of local hotspots like Old Bull Tavern and Blacksheep. “I love good food. I research the restaurants when I travel before I research the destination,” he jokes around friends.

Giving Back to the Community

The Desai family’s commitment to the Beaufort community is an extension of their dedication to family values. Vimal actively participates in local events, even organizing a Valentine’s Ball for the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Giving back to Beaufort was a huge part of my parents’ life, and I’m proud to continue that passion,” he says. Their donation of LifeVac choking rescue devices to every school in Beaufort County stands out as a notable act of compassion.

Moreover, Vimal’s commitment extends beyond just his family relations. He also contributes to the Sea Island Rotary Club, assisting with efforts to provide scholarships and uniforms to underprivileged students. His work isn’t only about business; it’s about fostering growth in the community that he holds dear.

Family Above All

While Mahesh and Vilas enjoy their well-deserved retirement, Vimal understands that the responsibility to care for them now falls squarely on his shoulders. “It’s a cultural thing,” he explains. “In Indian culture, it’s the son’s responsibility to take care of his elders.” But he knows he’s not alone; the Indian community is tightly knit, always ready to lend a helping hand.

A Bright Future Awaits

As Vimal moves forward, the future beckons with promise and challenges alike. With his family’s legacy driving him, he looks forward to adding his own chapters to the Desai story in beautiful Beaufort, where moments are cherished and family ties run deep.