Hospitality

The ultra luxury brand will introduce an extraordinary new pinnacle of high-altitude luxury in Courchevel, opening in 2030 Kerzner International Holdings Limited (“Kerzner”) is proud to announce One&Only in Courchevel, the brand’s first resort in the French Alps. Set to welcome its first guests in 2030 within the legendary Courchevel 1850, One&Only will bring its celebrated approach to ultra-luxury hospitality to one of the world’s most coveted mountain destinations. The landmark opening will redefine the experience of elevated alpine living through exceptional design, immersive wellness, vibrant culinary experiences, and a rare collection of branded residences. It also marks a significant milestone in One&Only’s alpine strategy, building a presence in the world’s most exceptional mountain destinations following the successful debut of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana. Through this expansion, One&Only is extending its distinctive philosophy of immersive luxury resorts into iconic alpine environments, creating extraordinary retreats rooted in adventure, wellbeing, authenticity and a deep connection to place. Recognised globally as the benchmark of alpine luxury, Courchevel occupies a singular position within the world of mountain hospitality; not simply as a ski destination, but as an international symbol of splendour, exceptional service and refined social culture. Renowned for its unparalleled ski terrain, Michelin-starred gastronomy, luxury boutiques and vibrant après-ski scene, Courchevel attracts an ultra-luxury international clientele seeking the very highest standards of hospitality and experience. The resort will rise on the site of the much-loved and historic Courcheneige Hotel, an address long woven into the story of Courchevel. Through a complete and thoughtful transformation, the property will be reimagined to reflect One&Only’s exacting standards of design, comfort and service, while honouring the heritage and enduring spirit of this iconic alpine location. Positioned at the summit of the exclusive Jardin Alpin, the resort will boast one of the most private and prestigious addresses in the destination; elevated above neighbouring properties and surrounded by panoramic mountain vistas, offering direct ski-in/ski-out access to the renowned Bellecôte slope, placing guests at the heart of Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest ski area. Combining seclusion with effortless connectivity, One&Only will be both an intimate sanctuary and the social pulse of the destination. Designed to embody the spirit of modern alpine glamour synonymous with Courchevel itself, the resort will balance intimacy and discretion with the vibrant energy and sense of occasion that have long defined the destination’s global appeal. A Landmark Moment for One&Only “Courchevel, one of the most iconic mountain destinations in the world, has long set the standard for luxury mountain travel globally, attracting a sophisticated international audience who value not only extraordinary skiing, but exceptional dining, vibrant social experiences, impeccable service and a true sense of occasion. The arrival of One&Only marks a defining milestone not only for our brand, but for the future of luxury hospitality in the Alps, as this project has been conceived to honour and elevate the legacy through our distinctive lens” said Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “One&Only has always been about creating truly one-of-a-kind resorts that are deeply rooted in their destination, where exceptional design, genuine hospitality, transformative wellness and unforgettable experiences come together in a way that feels both personal and extraordinary. Following the tremendous success of the opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana just last year, we are proud to continue our expansion into the world’s most remarkable mountain destinations. With One&Only, we will bring a new spirit of alpine luxury to Courchevel, one that celebrates the beauty, energy and soul of the French Alps, while inviting guests to experience the rare sense of freedom that defines One&Only.” A New Benchmark for Alpine Hospitality One&Only in Courchevel will feature a mix of elegant guest rooms and expansive suites, each intentionally designed to maximise natural light, breathtaking views and a profound sense of warmth and privacy. Blending the timeless language of alpine architecture with the understated glamour synonymous with One&Only. The design will carefully frame mountain vistas, creating spaces that feel both residential and deeply connected to the landscape. Exceptional Dining and Social Experiences Dining at One&Only in Courchevel will be a defining pillar of the guest experience, with a collection of restaurants, bars and lounges curated to bring energy, sophistication and a vibrant sense of mountain living. From relaxed slope-side lunches and elegant evening dining to the most sought after après-ski destination and intimate late-night gatherings, the culinary offering will capture the spirit of Courchevel’s celebrated social scene. Signature venues throughout the resort will combine refined cuisine, stylish surroundings and the warmth of One&Only hospitality, creating a destination in their own right for guests and residents alike. Reflecting Courchevel’s status as one of the world’s leading destinations for gastronomy and alpine lifestyle, the resort’s culinary programming will be designed to appeal to a globally discerning clientele for whom dining, entertainment and social connection are as integral to the experience as the slopes themselves. A Destination for Wellness and Recovery At the heart of One&Only in Courchevel will be an expansive wellness sanctuary, designed as a serene counterpoint to the exhilaration of the mountains. Inspired by altitude, fresh alpine air, silence, snow and the restorative contrast of heat and cold, the spa will offer a deeply immersive wellbeing journey for guests and residents alike. Facilities will include a striking indoor/outdoor wet circuit, thermal experiences, private treatment spaces, beauty and recovery facilities, and dedicated areas for movement and relaxation. Tailored therapies will focus on recovery and rejuvenation, from post-ski muscle restoration and contrast bathing to mindfulness, sleep support and holistic renewals designed to recalibrate body and mind. High-performance wellness spaces will complete the offering, allowing guests to maintain performance on the slopes or simply reconnect with themselves in a spectacular natural setting. One&Only Private Homes in Courchevel Complementing the resort will be an exceptionally limited collection of One&Only Private Homes, set to become among the most desirable branded residences in the French Alps. An ownership opportunity of this calibre is seldom available in Courchevel, combining one of the world’s most renowned mountain destinations with the

P.F. Chang’s, the globally celebrated American Pan-Asian dining destination, opened its newest restaurant at World St, Worldmark, Aerocity, further strengthening its presence in Delhi NCR. Renowned for its signature high-heat wok cooking, bold flavors and elevated dining experiences, the new restaurant brings P.F. Chang’s distinctive culinary offering to one of most premium and dynamic hospitality districts in the capital. From the house of Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG) – the hospitality and dining arm of the Bharti Enterprises family who have been introducing Indian to iconic international dining brands, PF Chang’s latest restaurant marks a strategic milestone in the brand’s continued expansion across India’s leading urban markets. With its vibrant mix of corporate professionals, discerning residents, international travellers and lifestyle-led consumers, World St, at Worldmark presents a natural fit for P.F. Chang’s premium casual dining experience. The new location reinforces the brand’s focus on entering high-growth destinations that align with evolving consumer preferences for globally benchmarked food and immersive dining environments. Founded in 1993, P.F. Chang’s has spent over three decades honoring the 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking, bringing together high-heat techniques, scratch preparation and layered Asian flavors across 300+ restaurants in 20+ countries. Rohan Pewekar, CEO – Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said: “This launch reflects our long-term vision of introducing India’s increasingly discerning diners to the world’s most compelling global flavors and dining cultures. World St. at Worldmark, Aerocity, as one of Delhi’s most dynamic dining districts, sits at the crossroads of global travelers, corporate audiences and an evolved local audience, making it a strategic anchor for our expansion. For us, this opening is about building deepen relevance in high-intent markets and shaping preferences, not merely adding locations. P.F. Chang’s has always stood for bold flavors and a distinctive dining experience, and this location allows us to deliver this experience to the right audience ensuring a lasting relationship between our customers for the brand.” Taylor Viersen, VP, Global Brand Development, P.F. Chang’s, stated: “Our debut in Aerocity is a pivotal step in P.F. Chang’s growth within India, and broader global expansion, bringing our storied legacy and signature American Pan-Asian flavors to one of Delhi’s most premium dining destinations. By mastering the ancient 2,000-year-old tradition of wok cooking, we ensure every dish maintains the perfect balance of flavors that has defined our brand’s footprint across the world.” At the heart of the P.F. Chang’s experience is its signature high-temperature 700-degree wok cooking technique, designed to lock in flavor, texture and nutritional integrity. Guests can enjoy globally loved dishes such as Chang’s Lettuce Wraps, Dynamite Shrimp and Orange Chicken, alongside a thoughtfully curated menu adapted for Indian diners, including extensive vegetarian offerings. Signature favorites such as Lo Mein and the iconic Great Wall of Chocolate continue to anchor the menu, offering both familiarity and indulgence. Refreshing sushi, salads, gelatos and thirst-quenching carafes of delicious summery drinks are also available. All dishes are prepared completely MSG-free, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and mindful cooking. Jerry Thomas, Culinary Head – Restaurants, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), said: “At P.F. Chang’s, the wok is not just a technique, it’s where flavor comes alive. High heat gives us intensity, but it’s the balance of flavors: sweet, savory, spicy and umami; that defines the experience. Every dish is built to be bold yet balanced. With World St., we’ve stayed true to our global menu while making sure it resonates with local tastes.”  S. K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate said: “We are delighted to welcome P.F. Chang’s to World St. at Worldmark, Aerocity. Globally celebrated brands like P.F. Chang play an important role in shaping vibrant social and culinary destinations, enhancing the experience for professionals, travelers, and the wider urban community. Envisioned as the social spine of Worldmark, World St. is a dynamic, walkable destination that brings together some of the world’s most loved brands and experiences. The addition of P.F. Chang’s further enriches this curated mix, strengthening World St.’s position as a preferred destination for Asian fusion dining in Delhi.”  Beyond its culinary offering, the new restaurant at World St at Worldmark has been designed to deliver a refined yet inviting dining environment. With contemporary interiors, warm service and versatile seating, the space is ideal for business lunches, after-work gatherings, family occasions and social celebrations, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating memorable moments beyond the plate. As P.F. Chang’s continues its measured expansion across India, the focus remains on honoring tradition, embracing innovation and delivering bold Asian flavors with purpose.

A seasoned and dynamic hospitality professional with a career spanning several decades, Younis Khan has been appointed as the new Hotel Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bangalore. Bringing with him extensive experience in hotel operations, guest relations, revenue growth, and strategic leadership, Younis has worked with leading hospitality brands including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, The Grand Hotels and Resorts, and Radisson Hotel Group. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in managing large-scale hotel operations while leading high-performing teams. With a strong foundation in Front Office operations, Younis has developed expertise across operational management, sales and marketing strategies, revenue optimisation, guest experience enhancement, team development, and service excellence. His strategic and guest-centric approach, coupled with seamless interdepartmental coordination, has played a significant role in driving business performance and elevating hospitality standards across the properties he has been associated with. Younis began his journey with The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group in 2024 as Resident Manager – Delhi NCR, and most recently served as Resident Manager at The Lalit Mangar. In his new role as Hotel Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bangalore, Karnataka, he will oversee the hotel’s day-to-day operations, lead strategic initiatives in sales and guest engagement, and further strengthen the property’s positioning in the market while ensuring exceptional and personalised guest experiences. On his appointment at The Lalit Ashok Bangalore, Younis Khan remarked, “I am delighted to join The Lalit Ashok Bangalore and be a part of such an iconic hospitality brand known for its excellence and guest-centric approach. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s continued success, collaborating with the talented team, and creating memorable experiences for our guests. This is an exciting new chapter in my professional journey, and I am eager to make a meaningful impact.” Vivek Shukla, CEO of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, said, “At The Lalit, we strongly believe in nurturing talent from within and creating leadership pathways for our people. We are delighted to promote Mr. Younis Khan, who has been an integral part of The Lalit family and most recently served as Resident Manager at The Lalit Mangar, to the role of Hotel Manager at The Lalit Ashok Bangalore. His strong operational acumen, people-centric leadership style and deep understanding of luxury hospitality make him an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, The Lalit Ashok Bangalore will continue to set new benchmarks in guest experience while staying true to our ethos of refined Indian hospitality.” An alumnus of Mangalore University, Younis completed his graduation in Hotel Management and has received several prestigious industry awards and recognitions throughout his career for his contribution to hospitality and operational excellence. Beyond his professional commitments, Younis is a nature enthusiast and enjoys playing football during his leisure time.

The event celebrated Angelina’s debut book, ‘Navigating The Storms of Life’, written during a deeply personal phase of her stay in India.  Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida today hosted “Strength in Words”, a book reading and conversation session with South African author Angelina Govender, whose book ‘’Navigating The Storms Of Life’’ was shaped during her time in India. The event brought together literature and culture enthusiasts, hospitality representatives, and guests for an intimate and engaging conversation centred on caregiving, resilience, recovery, and the power of writing through life’s challenging moments. For Angelina, the story behind the book is deeply intertwined with India. During a particularly challenging phase of her life, she stayed at Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida while caring for her son. Throughout this period, the hotel team became a reassuring part of her daily routine, offering warmth, care, and a genuine sense of home. The quiet comfort and consistency they provided gave her the space, stability, and reassurance she needed while navigating an emotionally demanding personal journey. That experience eventually shaped her writing. Navigating the Storms of Life captures Angelina’s reflections from this period written through the lens of a mother, caregiver, and writer as she searched for strength, clarity, and hope amid uncertainty. Commenting on the event Priyanka Ahluwalia, Cluster General Manager, Portfolio of Holiday Inn Express-By IHG, said, “Angelina’s story stayed with us because it reflects what hospitality can mean beyond a regular hotel stay. At Holiday Inn Express, we focus on getting the essentials right and a team that is present around the clock when guests need support. Her book is a reminder that strength is often built quietly, through routine, care and the spaces that help people keep going.” Through Strength in Words, Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida brought to light a powerful story where hospitality became an integral part of a guest’s healing and creative journey. The event was conceived as an intimate gathering centred around a guest experience one that seamlessly wove together travel, hospitality and the deeply personal search for a sense of home away from home. Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida is thoughtfully designed to cater not only to business travellers but also to long-stay guests. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a complimentary breakfast, a 24×7 gym, a complimentary self-service laundromat, and seamless access to Greater Noida’s key business and institutional hubs.

Novotel Vijayawada Varun is pleased to announce the promotion of Mohammed Akhil to the role of Operations Manager. Akhil has been an integral part of the hotel’s leadership team, most recently serving as Director of Sales & Marketing for over three years. In this role, he played a key role in driving revenue growth, strengthening market presence, and building strategic partnerships. With over 19 years of hospitality experience across operations, sales, and marketing, Akhil brings a strong balance of guest focus and commercial understanding. He has worked with leading hotel brands and was part of the pre-opening team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun, supporting the hotel’s successful launch. He has also completed industrial training in quality and hospitality operations. “Mohammed Akhil’s journey with Novotel Vijayawada Varun has been defined by consistency, commitment and a strong understanding of both business and guest expectations. His contributions over the years have been invaluable. I wish him all the best for his new role as Operations Manager,” says Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun. As Operations Manager, Akhil will lead day-to-day hotel operations with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and guest satisfaction. He will manage cross-functional teams, streamline workflows, and oversee budgets to support performance and service standards. He will also strengthen coordination between departments to deliver consistent execution across the hotel. The management at Novotel Vijayawada Varun is confident that his leadership will further strengthen the hotel’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experience.

India’s bootstrapped homestay hospitality brand delivers 43% YoY growth, remains EBITDA-positive, and targets 220+ properties with continued double-digit margins Mumbai,  April 23rd,2026: At a time when growth in hospitality startups is often equated with capital raised, EkoStay is charting a fundamentally different trajectory, one anchored in profitability, operational discipline, and consistent guest demand. The Mumbai-based alternative accommodation brand has reported ₹40 crore in revenue for FY 2025–26, marking a 43% year-on-year growth, while continuing to remain EBITDA-positive with ~10% margins. But beyond revenue, the scale of the business tells a deeper story. From its inception in 2018, EkoStay has grown into a network of 150+ professionally managed villas across 12+ leisure destinations, translating into hundreds of operational rooms and guest units serving travellers across India’s most in-demand holiday markets. The brand currently operates at an average occupancy of 56%, with a strong and growing base of repeat customers. Looking ahead, the company is targeting ₹52+ crore in revenue in FY27, alongside a 30%+ growth trajectory and plans to scale its footprint to 220+ properties nationwide. A Bootstrapped Model That Prioritised Fundamentals Over Funding Founded by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora, and Zishan Khan, EkoStay has been built without raising external capital, relying instead on internal accruals, measured expansion, and sharp operational control. “Being bootstrapped meant every decision had to be efficient and accountable. That discipline is what continues to define how we scale today,” said Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay. This approach has enabled the company to grow sustainably, while maintaining profitability in a segment often characterised by high burn and fragmented supply. Repeat Behaviour, Not Discounts, Driving Growth A defining lever of EkoStay’s growth has been repeat bookings and organic referrals, significantly reducing dependence on paid acquisition channels. “Consistency in guest experience has been critical in building trust. A large part of our growth today comes from guests who choose to stay with us again or recommend us within their network,” added Sohail Mirchandani, COO & Co-Founder. This repeat-driven model has allowed the brand to strengthen unit economics while scaling demand in a capital-efficient manner. Scaling Supply Where Demand Already Exists EkoStay’s expansion strategy has remained sharply demand-led, focusing on high-traction leisure micro-markets rather than aggressive, undifferentiated inventory addition. The brand has seen particularly strong growth across South India, including the Nilgiris region, where demand for private villa stays continues to rise alongside evolving travel preferences. “Our focus has always been on identifying destinations where demand is structurally strong and aligning our supply accordingly,” said Zishan Khan, Chief Acquisition Officer & Co-Founder. A Standardised Yet Personalised Hospitality Model Operating at the intersection of hospitality and vacation rentals, EkoStay combines the reliability of branded hospitality with the privacy and comfort of homestays. Its model also enables homeowners to unlock value from their properties through professional management, without the operational complexities of hosting, creating a parallel supply pipeline that supports scalable growth. What ₹40 Crore Represents For EkoStay, this milestone is not just about topline growth. It reflects a business built with zero external funding, zero dilution, and no reliance on debt, driven entirely by customer demand and internal reinvestment. “₹40 crore is not just a revenue milestone, it validates a model that has been built sustainably, with long-term value creation at its core,” said Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director & Co-Founder. Positioned for the Next Phase of Category Growth India’s alternative accommodation segment is witnessing a structural shift, driven by rising domestic travel and increasing preference for private, curated, and experience-led stays. With a strong foundation of profitability, repeat demand, and a growing supply base, EkoStay is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum. As the company scales towards 220+ properties and ₹52+ crore in revenue, its focus remains clear: disciplined growth, stronger operations, and delivering consistently high-quality guest experiences at scale.

On the occasion of World Earth Day, the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence (CPKF) has launched a White Paper titled ‘The Future of the Himalayas’ in New Delhi. The initiative underscores the critical importance of the Himalayan region, which directly impacts nearly one-fourth of the global population—around 2 billion people—who depend on it for water, food security, and ecological balance. The launch was graced by Chief Guest Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. The White Paper is the outcome of a multidisciplinary Himalayan Roundtable convened by the Foundation, bringing together experts across governance, infrastructure, ecology, governance, engineering, and social science to address the increasing complexity of development challenges in the region. At a time when climate volatility, rapid infrastructure expansion, and ecological fragility are converging, the publication underscores the urgent need to rethink prevailing development paradigms in the Himalayas. It highlights that the Indian Himalayan Region has witnessed a 15–20% rise in extreme rainfall events since the 1950s, accompanied by growing landslide risks and mounting stress on infrastructure systems. The report positions these, not as isolated occurrences, but as interconnected consequences of a deeper structural misalignment between development approaches and the realities of fragile mountain ecosystems. The White Paper calls for a fundamental shift in how development in the Himalayas is conceptualised and executed. Key recommendations include transitioning from project-led interventions to system-level planning, aligning development strategies with watershed and basin-scale ecological processes, integrating scientific data into governance frameworks, and adopting terrain-responsive, context-specific infrastructure design. It also underscores the importance of recognising ecological carrying capacity as a critical, non-negotiable parameter. Importantly, the report reframes the Himalayas not as isolated geographies but as interconnected systems that directly impact nearly 1.3 to 1.5 billion people downstream across South Asia. Introducing the White Paper, Dikshu C. Kukreja, Director, CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, said, “Launching the White Paper ‘The Future of the Himalayas’ on World Earth Day, the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence underscores the urgent need to rethink our approach to this critical ecosystem that supports nearly 2 billion people. While development across roads, hydropower, and tourism is essential, the irreversible damage being caused calls for a shift from fragmented decision-making to a more holistic, science-led policy framework. The White Paper advocates moving beyond siloed thinking towards long-term, sustainable design and resilience. Climate change is a consequence of human overreach, and unless we act responsibly, its impacts will only intensify. Protecting the Himalayas is not just an environmental priority—it is central to securing our collective future.”   Speaking at the launch, Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh emphasised the need for a balanced approach to development in mountain states, highlighting that ecological preservation and economic progress must go hand in hand to ensure long-term sustainability. He expressed, “The Himalayas are at a critical juncture today, where the need for development must be carefully balanced with ecological sensitivity. While local communities seek growth and opportunity, it is essential that we adopt a calibrated, middle-path approach that safeguards this fragile ecosystem. The White Paper, ‘The Future of the Himalayas: Rethinking Development and Resilience,’ launched by the CP Kukreja Foundation for Design Excellence, is a timely step in this direction. Much like complex challenges require a coordinated, multi-pronged strategy, development in the Himalayan region must be approached through an integrated framework—combining scientific assessment, responsible planning, sustainable infrastructure, community participation, and strong policy alignment. It is important that institutions like NITI Aayog, along with policymakers, developers, and global stakeholders, work together in a mission-mode approach to embed long-term resilience and contextual understanding into every development decision.” Positioned as a strategic framework rather than a prescriptive document, the White Paper identifies key structural gaps that continue to challenge Himalayan development. These include fragmented governance systems, underutilisation of scientific data, misalignment between engineering practices and terrain realities, and increasing pressures from tourism and rapid urbanisation. A panel discussion on the sidelines of white paper release “Resilient and Sustainable Futures for the Himalayan Region”, featured an eminent line-up of experts, including: Anil Wadhwa, who has served as India’s Ambassador to Italy, Poland, Oman, and Thailand, bringing deep diplomatic and geopolitical insights into regional development Pradeep Sangwan, Environmentalist and Mountaineer, Founder of Healing Himalayas Foundation, known for his grassroots work in ecological restoration and waste management in the Himalayas Nar Bahadur Khatiwora, Regional Programme Head (Asia), International Solar Alliance, Renewable Energy Specialist and Programme Leader, with extensive experience in sustainable energy transitions across developing regions Virendra Kumar Paul, Director, School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, a leading voice in urban planning, policy, and sustainable built environments Siksha Swaroopa Kar, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR–Central Road Research Institute and Associate Professor at the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, specialising in infrastructure resilience and transportation systems Mili Majumdar, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Research, U.S. Green Building Council, and Managing Director, Green Business Certification Institute, a key advocate for sustainable building practices and green certifications in India CP Kukreja Foundation emphasised that addressing these challenges will require coordinated, cross-sectoral efforts anchored in data-driven governance, community-informed planning, and a long-term resilience lens rather than short-term gains. The document concludes with a call for a new Himalayan development framework—one that is grounded in ecological limits, responsive to cultural contexts, and supported by institutional coherence.