Hotels

As India’s monsoon travel season approaches, EkoStay, one of the country’s rapidly growing professionally managed vacation home brands with over 160+ villas across India, has announced a significant expansion of its premium private villa portfolio across Maharashtra and Karnataka. The expansion includes the launch of new boutique villas and experiential stays across Nashik, Wada, Igatpuri, Lonavala and Chikmagalur, further strengthening EkoStay’s footprint across some of India’s most popular drive-to leisure destinations and nature-led weekend getaway markets. The newly launched and recently added properties include Vana Mora in Nashik, Wada Crest in Wada, Casa Elara in Igatpuri, Casa Bella in Lonavala and Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur. The launches form part of EkoStay’s broader strategy of building immersive, design-forward private stay experiences tailored for modern travellers seeking privacy, comfort and experiential escapes close to nature. The properties span a diverse mix of hospitality experiences, from forest-facing retreats and scenic hill villas to luxury pool homes and large-format group stay destinations. Located amidst lush greenery and peaceful landscapes, Wada Crest in Maharashtra has been designed as a serene 3BHK retreat focused on wellness, slow living and intimate group getaways, complete with a private pool and expansive outdoor spaces. Casa Elara in Igatpuri offers a more luxurious 5BHK hospitality experience surrounded by tranquil mountain views, while Casa Bella in Lonavala has been positioned as a premium large-group and celebration villa spread across a sprawling 10,000 sq. ft. garden with luxury amenities and entertainment spaces. In Karnataka, Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur marks EkoStay’s growing presence in South India’s experiential travel market. Nestled amidst the misty coffee landscapes of Chikmagalur, the villa has been designed as a peaceful forest hideaway blending contemporary aesthetics with nature-centric hospitality experiences. The expansion comes at a time when travellers across India are increasingly shifting toward private villas, immersive nature stays and short-format driveable holidays over conventional hotel-led travel. Speaking about the expansion, Varun Arora, CEO & Co-Founder, EkoStay, said, “Over the last few years, we have seen a very visible shift in the way people travel, especially during monsoon and short leisure breaks. Travellers today are looking for experiences that feel more private, immersive and emotionally connected to the destination itself rather than simply transactional stays. Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to emerge as very strong leisure markets because they offer accessibility, natural beauty and year-round travel demand, especially from urban audiences looking for quick but meaningful escapes. With properties like Casa Bella, Casa Elara, Wada Crest and Forest Cube, our focus has been on creating hospitality experiences that combine comfort, design, privacy and a strong sense of place. Every property has its own personality, whether it is a forest-facing retreat, a luxury celebration villa or a peaceful countryside escape. As a brand, we are consciously building a portfolio that feels experiential rather than standardised.” Husain Khatumdi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, added, “The demand for professionally managed private villas has evolved tremendously in recent years. Guests today are not only seeking luxury, but also reliability, operational consistency and curated hospitality experiences. Our expansion strategy is focused on identifying destinations that have strong long-term leisure potential and building a high-quality villa ecosystem around them. We believe the future of hospitality lies in highly personalised stay experiences that still maintain strong operational standards.” Speaking on operational scalability and market growth, Sohail Mirchandani, COO & Co-Founder, said, “As we continue expanding across multiple destinations, a strong operational backbone becomes extremely important. We have been heavily investing in standardisation, SOP-led execution, guest servicing systems and internal operational processes to ensure that the experience remains consistent across every EkoStay property. Scaling boutique hospitality successfully requires both emotional hospitality and strong backend systems working together.” Commenting on the company’s acquisition and destination strategy, Zishan Khan said, “One of our biggest focus areas has been identifying destinations and properties that have strong experiential value and long-term hospitality relevance. Whether it is a misty coffee estate in Chikmagalur, a scenic villa in Igatpuri or a luxury celebration property in Lonavala, we look at how travellers emotionally connect with a destination. Beyond acquiring inventory, our larger vision is to build highly curated villa clusters that deliver memorable stay experiences while also helping homeowners professionally monetise their properties.” Founded in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, EkoStay has rapidly expanded its presence across India’s alternative accommodation segment through professionally managed villas, experiential stays and boutique hospitality offerings tailored for modern leisure travellers.

The Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai has unveiled two sustainability initiatives that are helping to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint, by minimising food waste, saving water and improving operational efficiency. Located adjacent to the Ibn Battuta Mall, the 411 room five-star property which is owned by Seven Tides International and operated by Minor Hotels, now sources its own produce locally at the Khawaneej Farm in Dubai. The initiative enhances the quality, freshness, and sustainability of the hotel’s food offering through a direct farm-to-table approach. “Our organic produce includes cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, radish, green bell peppers, yellow peppers, red bell peppers, coriander, parsley, dill, spring onions, and lettuce. All of our vegetables are cultivated using sustainable farming practices to ensure high quality, freshness, and environmental responsibility,” said Gari Abdelmjid, Executive Chef at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai.   Production volumes are carefully aligned with hotel occupancy levels and seasonal needs  while reducing reliance on external supply chains. The initiative also supports the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility by minimising food miles, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable farming practices. “Through demand-based harvesting, we can significantly reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation, packaging, and external supply chains. Using locally grown produce can reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 30–70% compared to conventionally sourced produce that requires import, refrigerated storage and distribution,” added Abdelmjid. The hotel also benefits from cost-efficiencies too, the initial setup and operational expenses, are balanced over time by consistent supply, reduced purchasing fluctuations, and improved produce utilisation. Overall, the farm supports a more efficient and sustainable procurement model, aligning cost management with environmental responsibility. Another initiative that the management team at Oaks has embarked upon is its water re-bottling operation, which is carried out on-site at the hotel.  A dedicated area was created to produce both still and sparkling water. The in-house approach allows for full quality control, reduces reliance on external suppliers, and supports sustainability efforts by once again minimising transportation and packaging waste. Bottle production is also directly aligned with hotel occupancy levels to ensure efficient and demand-based supply. On average, production ranges from approximately 500 bottles per day during low occupancy periods and to up to 1,500 bottles per day during peak demand.  “This initiative was launched to provide a high-quality, sustainable, and self-sufficient water supply for in-house guests. By establishing an on-site water plant, the hotel ensures greater control over quality standards, consistency, and operational efficiency,” said Abdelmjid. “The on-site water bottling initiative contributes to a significant reduction in carbon emissions by eliminating the need for external transportation, large-scale bottling logistics, and single-use packaging,” he added. While exact carbon savings depend on occupancy and production levels, in-house bottling systems typically reduce emissions by an estimated 40–80% compared to externally sourced bottled water. By producing water in-house, the hotel also reduces external supply chain costs, with the primary ongoing expense being reusable glass bottles.  In addition, with the initiative operating on a zero single-use plastic model, further reductions in environmental impact can be achieved and support the hotel’s overall commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management. For more information, visit https://www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-ibn-battuta-gate-dubai.

The 100-key hotel will cater to growing business, leisure and transit demand along the Chandigarh–Manali corridor IHG®️ Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Mandi. The 100-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s presence in the state and support its continued expansion across high-potential commercial and transit destinations in North India. As one of IHG’s most recognised brands globally, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts®️ is built around delivering warm, welcoming stays that help guests make the most of their journey. The brand continues to resonate strongly with both travellers and owners, supported by its trusted service proposition and global scale. In India, Holiday Inn is seeing strong momentum, with 17 open hotels and 34 in the pipeline, reflecting its relevance across business, leisure and emerging destination markets. Strategically located in Mandi on the Chandigarh–Manali corridor, Holiday Inn Mandi benefits from strong connectivity between the National Capital Region and key leisure destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The hotel is well positioned to serve a mix of business, leisure and transit travellers, supported by the city’s role as an administrative and commercial hub and improving regional connectivity. The hotel will feature 100 well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by three F&B options, and versatile event spaces including a ballroom. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We continue to see strong opportunities to expand our presence across emerging destinations in India, supported by improving infrastructure and growing travel demand. The signing of Holiday Inn Mandi marks an important step in strengthening our footprint in Himachal Pradesh, as we bring globally recognised brands to high-potential commercial and transit markets.” Mr. Amit Bajaj, Director, Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited added: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the globally recognised Holiday Inn brand to Mandi. The city’s growing importance as a commercial, administrative, and transit hub presents a strong opportunity for quality branded hospitality. With IHG’s global expertise and trusted brands, we are confident that Holiday Inn Mandi will deliver consistent, high-quality experiences and emerge as a preferred choice for travellers visiting the region.” IHG®️ currently has 52 hotels operating across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®️, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza®️, voco™️ Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort®️ and Holiday Inn Express®️, and a strong pipeline of 98 hotels due to open in the next 3–5 years.

A wedding may be marked by a single ceremony, but it is shaped by days of preparation, rituals, laughter, late nights, and a hundred little moments that families will talk about for years. Which is why choosing the right venue has never been just about the space. Couples today want a place that holds everything: warm hospitality, great food and beverages, stunning spaces, a spa to breathe through the chaos and a salon to look picture-perfect.Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE is built for exactly this, a celebration that lives up to every expectation. At Four Seasons, no detail is too small and no request is too big. From the very first conversation, the hotel’s dedicated wedding specialists work closely with the couple and their families to shape a celebration that feels truly personal. Whether it is an intimate mehendi gathering, a vibrant sangeet or a grand multi-day wedding, every element is planned with care and executed with precision. The team coordinates everything from the schedule of events and custom menus to floral arrangements, working seamlessly with the couple’s preferred vendors or connecting them with trusted partners. Superior linens, cutlery, china and glassware come as standard, and can be tailored to reflect the wedding’s colours and theme. Transportation for the couple and their guests can also be arranged, ensuring every arrival is as graceful as the occasion. The result is a celebration that unfolds effortlessly, allowing families to stay present for every moment rather than worrying about logistics. “The most memorable weddings are not defined by a single grand moment, but by how effortlessly every part of the celebration comes together. Families want to honour their traditions while ensuring their guests feel comfortable and cared for throughout the journey. At Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, we have brought together elegant venues, exceptional culinary experiences, wellness facilities, and a dedicated team that understands the significance of every detail. This allows families to celebrate with ease knowing that each moment will unfold just as they envisioned,” says Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE. The event spaces are versatile and meticulously designed. The Grand Ballroom,  spanning 546 square metres and accommodating up to 300 for a banquet or 1,000 for a reception can also be divided into two more intimate halls, each with its own dedicated pre-function area for a welcome reception. The open-air Terrace, equipped with live cooking counters, brings energy and theatrical flair to celebratory gatherings, while the Garden Room’s floor-to-ceiling windows and direct Terrace access make it ideal for indoor-outdoor events. More intimate occasions find their home in the Nectar and Lotus rooms which are warm, inviting spaces nestled adjacent to the Grand Ballroom, perfect for close-family rituals. All venues sit conveniently on the same floor, making transitions between ceremonies seamless. Beyond the function spaces, the hotel’s lush gardens, serene waterfall and dramatic staircase offer picture-perfect backdrops for wedding portraits, with the Butterfly Ribbon garden providing a particularly enchanting setting. Food holds a special place at the heart of every wedding, and at Four Seasons Bengaluru, the culinary experience is approached with the same care and attention as every other part of the celebration. The hotel’s talented chefs craft custom menus drawing on regional Indian specialities, pan-Asian delicacies and international favourites or design something entirely bespoke to reflect the couple’s tastes and wedding theme,including a made-to-order wedding cake from the pastry team. CUR8, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, can host private dinner parties for groups of 12 to 40 in its two separate dining rooms. Far & East, the Pan-Asian restaurant perched with sweeping 360-degree views of the city, is a natural choice for a celebratory dinner with a difference. The Lobby Lounge & Terrace provides a graceful setting for a pre-wedding afternoon tea or a relaxed post-wedding brunch. For an elevated evening, Copitas, the hotel’s award-winning cocktail bar on the 21st floor, keeps the energy alive with handcrafted cocktails and DJ nights, while The Collection, a dedicated whisky lounge, offers a sophisticated end to the celebrations. For those who prefer a leisurely daytime setting, the Pool Bar offers light bites and refreshing drinks in a tropical, greenery-wrapped space. Beyond the ceremonies and feasts, the hotel ensures that the entire wedding party is well taken care of with curated wedding wellness experiences. Infuse Spa, the hotel’s poolside luxury spa, is a haven for the bride, groom and their families to recharge ahead of the big day. Drawing on ancient Indian wellness traditions as well as modern therapeutic techniques, the spa offers everything from Ayurvedic rituals and signature massages to couple’s spa retreats. For the final touch before stepping into the celebration, the hotel’s in-house salon provides expert hair styling, colour and beauty treatments and the housekeeping team stands ready to assist with any last-minute wardrobe alterations or pressing needs. And when the festivities draw to a close, Four Seasons ensures the celebration continues seamlessly into the honeymoon. Newlyweds can ease into their new chapter right here in the Garden City, waking to a champagne breakfast in the privacy of a luxurious suite unwinding with a couple’s spa experience, or exploring Bengaluru through a personalised itinerary crafted by the hotel’s local experts. For those setting off to farther shores, the team is equally at hand to arrange a stylish send-off to any Four Seasons destination around the world. A wedding at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is more than a ceremony, it is an experience woven together with warmth, beauty, and the kind of attention to detail that turns a single day into a lifetime of memories. Get in touch with wedding specialist:  +91 8050524006