Hotels

Infinity Experiences, a global certification and curation authority for extraordinary experiences and hotels, made its debut at The Quorum Club, Gurugram, on 21 August 2026, introducing a discovery-first, experiences-led platform for a small, discerning global audience of HNI and UHNI travellers. Built around “Global Experiences, One Standard,” Infinity Experiences brings together the world’s most unique and extraordinary experiences and hotels under one trusted mark, guided by a simple philosophy: significance, not luxury. Infinity Experiences is not just a booking platform. It is a certification and curation authority — a single, uncompromising standard for extraordinary travel. Membership to The Founding Collection is by invitation, never by application. Through its three commitments — Certify, Curate and Connect — Infinity Experiences brings trust, discovery and seamless delivery with intuitive service to a fragmented experiences landscape. The Founding Collection spans Conservation & Community, Culture & Heritage, Landscape & Adventure, The Table, Wellness and a rare ‘From the Infinity Vault’ series across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas and beyond. Experiences include Private Louvre After Hours in Paris, Dive Like a Scientist in Mozambique and Conservationist for a Day in South Africa, alongside rare encounters such as the A Glacier Collapsing into a Turquose Lake in Patagonia, witnessing a Lightning Volcanic Storm in Iceland, A Total Solar Eclipse from Antarctica and Free Diving with Humpback Whales in the Indian Ocean to name a few. Founded by Sashank Vemparala and Ashish Chadha, Infinity Experiences draws on five decades of experience in extraordinary travel. Sashank brings close to two decades at American Express, most recently as Director & Product Head, Consumer Cards India, while Ashish, Founder of Leisure Ways, brings three decades in experiential travel and more than 5,000 journeys crafted for discerning travellers. Mr. Sashank Vemparala, Founder, Infinity Experiences, said: “The most discerning travellers are not necessarily looking for more; they are looking for better judgement and trust. They want someone to understand what matters to them, what is worth making the journey, and what will genuinely stay with them. That has always been the most interesting part of this market for us, and it is what we are trying to build into Infinity Experiences, a point of view that helps people discover what they may not have known to look for. The question was never where to travel; it was always why!” Mr. Ashish Chadha, Co-Founder, Infinity Experiences, added: “After three decades of experiential travel, one thing has become clear: true curation begins with understanding the traveller – what genuinely drives them, what they value and what moves them. Our diagnostic approach, combined with deep relationships with the world’s finest hotels and experiences, has taught us that the truly exceptional is rarely defined by a rating. It lies in the people, the sense of place, the intent and the way an experience is delivered – and ultimately, in what remains afterwards. Curation is as much about what gets left out as what gets included. Infinity Experiences brings that judgement into a collection where every experience has earned its place.” Infinity Experiences does not rate luxury. Luxury is a matter of taste, and taste is an argument nobody wins. Infinity Experiences recognises significance — a matter of record. The experiences and hotels in The Founding Collection are those that have reshaped how the world travels and left a lasting mark on the communities they touch and on the imagination of the traveller. As Infinity Experiences begins its journey, the company aims to build beyond a collection of experiences, develop Infinity Conversations, published research and a community of leaders and travellers around its perspective on extraordinary travel. The ambition is to build an institution around the Infinity Standard, The Infinity Collection and Infinity Conversations — one that continues to shape the conversation around what makes travel truly extraordinary.

As wellness travel defines 2026 and India tops global wellness destination rankings, the vacation home brand’s nature led expansion signals where the restorative holiday is headed EkoStay Private Villas are emerging as a natural answer to the defining travel story of 2026: the pursuit of calm. Leading lifestyle and travel media have spotlighted the rise of the calmcation, a slow, restorative holiday built around rest, privacy and deliberate disconnection rather than packed itineraries. The shift is being read not as indulgence but as a response to urban exhaustion and rising stress levels in India’s cities. It comes at a moment when industry estimates place global wellness tourism at nearly a trillion dollars, and global travel industry rankings have named India the world’s leading wellness destination for 2026. EkoStay, one of India’s fastest growing professionally managed vacation home brands, believes the country already has a homegrown answer to the calmcation: the private villa stay. EkoStay Private Villas Redefine the Calmcation in India Where the traditional holiday was measured in sightseeing checklists, the calmcation is measured in slow mornings, unhurried meals and unstructured time. What distinguishes it is intent, fewer choices, minimal schedules and the freedom to do nothing at all. Private villas lend themselves naturally to this format, offering travellers an entire home to themselves, with space to rest, cook, swim or read, away from the crowds and rhythms of conventional hospitality. EkoStay Private Villas are increasingly aligned with travellers seeking hills, forests, privacy and slower, more restorative holidays. EkoStay Private Villas Expand Across Nature-Led Destinations EkoStay Private Villas’ growth this year reads like a map of where India is going to find its calm. Established in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, the brand today manages over 160 villas across more than 15 destinations, and its 2026 expansion has been weighted decisively toward nature led geographies. The company has announced a targeted 40 villa boutique cluster across the Nilgiris, spanning Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri, entered Karnataka with the Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur, and launched new homes across Nashik, Wada, Igatpuri and Lonavala, including Wada Crest, a retreat designed expressly around wellness, slow living and intimate getaways. Alongside, the brand’s EKO Gold and EKO Luxe collections and its membership programme cater to travellers who return to villa living as a habit, not a one off. Why EkoStay Private Villas Fit the Rise of Wellness Travel “The most telling change in Indian travel is what guests are no longer asking for,” said Husain Khatumdi, Co Founder, EkoStay. “Five years ago, the first question was what is there to do nearby. Today guests ask whether the villa has a quiet view, a private pool, a space to truly unwind. The holiday is no longer about the destination. It is about how rested you feel when you leave, and that is exactly what a private home is designed to deliver.” “Our expansion choices this year are a direct reading of this demand,” said Varun Arora, Co Founder and CEO, EkoStay. “The Nilgiris cluster, our entry into Chikmagalur, homes like Wada Crest built around slow living, none of this is accidental. Travellers are seeking hills, forests, coastlines and quiet, and we are deliberately building a portfolio of design led homes in exactly those geographies, restored thoughtfully so each villa keeps the character of its region.” “Operationally, the calmcation guest behaves very differently, and we have built for it,” said Sohail Mirchandani, Co Founder and COO, EkoStay. “These travellers value seamlessness above all, smooth check ins, curated meals and support that is responsive without ever intruding on their privacy. Our proprietary backend, app driven guest services and real time maintenance ecosystem exist precisely so the guest experiences calm while the operations work quietly behind the scenes.” “The calmcation is also changing how people book, not just where they go,” said Zishan Khan, Co Founder, EkoStay. “We see families and friend groups adopting one villa as their recurring escape, guests extending stays once they arrive, and travellers blending work and rest in the same trip. As we invest in AI driven personalisation, smart lock integrations and an upgraded app, the goal is simple, to remove every point of friction so the only thing a guest has to focus on is switching off.” EkoStay Private Villas Look Ahead to the Future of Calmcations With wellness travel expected to maintain momentum through the festive season and beyond, EkoStay Private Villas are positioned to serve travellers looking for private, nature-led and restorative escapes. With wellness travel expected to hold momentum through the festive season and beyond, EkoStay plans to continue expanding across emerging leisure destinations while deepening its food and experience verticals, ensuring that as India seeks calm, there is a well managed home waiting wherever it looks.

Fairmont Jaipur, a sanctuary of unparalleled grandeur and regal majesty, invites guests to step away from the everyday hustle and enjoy a leisurely escape amidst the Aravalli hills. With long weekends offering the perfect opportunity to pause, reconnect and travel, the hotel brings the experiences combining thoughtful hospitality, dining and wellness for a memorable long weekend in Jaipur. The stay includes daily breakfast at Zoya and a four-course lunch or dinner at Zoya once during the stay. The guests can enjoy INR 2,500 spa credit for a revitalizing wellness experience, along with a complimentary room upgrade and late check-out until 4:00 PM, both subject to availability. Adding the value to stay, the guests can also take advantage of a 15% discount on food and soft beverages outside the package. They can also avail 30% discount on the second night, redeemable directly at the hotel, if they are looking to extend their getaway Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Fairmont Jaipur and Raffles Jaipur said, “Long weekends are a wonderful opportunity to slow down and make time for the things that matter. At Fairmont Jaipur, we want guests to experience more than just a stay- from our culinary offerings and wellness experiences to the beauty and tranquillity of our surroundings. This experience has been designed to offer a relaxed and enriching escape, where every detail allows our guests to simply unwind and enjoy their time with us”. Located in the Aravalli hills, Fairmont Jaipur provides visitors with an experience influenced by Rajasthan’s architectural and cultural legacy. From leisurely mornings and curated dining experiences to restorative spa treatments and unhurried afternoons, the long weekend experience invites guests to embrace the slower pace of a well-deserved getaway. Whether it is a family outing, a weekend with friends or simply some time away to recharge, Fairmont Jaipur provides the perfect setting to make the long weekend special.

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a management agreement with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd. for voco Karjat in Maharashtra. The property will be converted to IHG’s premium brand by early 2028, adding over 200 rooms to the company’s portfolio and establishing its presence in one of Maharashtra’s emerging leisure destinations. Located in the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range, Karjat is gaining momentum as a leisure and weekend destination, benefiting from its accessibility to both Mumbai and Pune. Located approximately 62 km from Mumbai and 102 km from Pune, the destination offers scenic landscapes and strong potential for leisure travel, destination weddings, social celebrations and MICE retreats. Its proximity to two of Maharashtra’s key urban centres, combined with growing demand for premium getaways and experience-led travel, makes Karjat an attractive market for branded hospitality. voco combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. With its distinctive character, reliable service and focus on thoughtful details, the brand offers owners the flexibility to create an individual hotel experience while benefiting from IHG’s global distribution, loyalty platform and commercial expertise. voco Karjat will feature three dining options, including a 200-seat all-day dining restaurant, a 50-seat pool bar and a 150-seat rooftop offering. The property will also feature a fitness centre and spa, parking facilities, pet-friendly amenities, a kids’ zone and salon, creating a comprehensive offering for leisure travellers, families and groups. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Karjat is emerging as an exciting leisure market in Maharashtra, with its proximity to Mumbai and Pune creating a strong opportunity to serve the growing demand for weekend travel, weddings, celebrations and MICE. At IHG, our approach is to bring the right brands to the right markets, while working closely with owners to build new hotels or unlock the potential of existing assets and create compelling propositions for guests. voco is well suited to a destination like Karjat, where travelers are looking for a premium experience that feels distinctive, relaxed and connected to the character of the place. We are pleased to partner with Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd. on this conversion and look forward to bringing voco’s distinctive hospitality to Karjat.” Naqisa Chaudhary, CEO Discover Resorts Neral Pvt. Ltd., added: “Karjat has strong potential as a premium leisure and events destination, and we see an opportunity to build on the existing property and create a differentiated hospitality experience. Our partnership with IHG and the introduction of voco will combine the character of the property with the strength of a globally recognized brand, creating a compelling proposition for travellers, weddings and MICE.” The signing reinforces IHG’s strategy of growing its premium portfolio through a combination of new-build developments and conversion opportunities, bringing globally recognised brands to high-potential markets while enabling owners to benefit from IHG’s enterprise platform, commercial expertise, distribution network and loyalty ecosystem. voco’s rapid global growth has been supported by its flexible conversion proposition, with the brand reaching 100 open hotels globally within seven years of its launch. IHG® currently has 53 open 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 110 hotels due to open in the next 3-5 years.

Outletcity Metzingen, Europe’s largest outlet, is enhancing its visitor experience with a series of new culinary concepts and seasonal experiences, introducing fresh reasons for visitors to spend more time exploring the destination beyond premium shopping. The latest additions reflect Outletcity Metzingen’s continued focus on creating a well-rounded experience that combines shopping, dining and lifestyle in one destination. Outletcity Metzingen Introduces New Culinary Experiences One of the key highlights is the opening of 60 Seconds to Napoli this October. Bringing its innovative fast-casual concept to Outletcity Metzingen, the restaurant combines authentic Neapolitan pizza traditions with modern technology. Every pizza is baked in just 60 seconds in a 485°C (905°F) oven using dough rested for up to 72 hours and premium ingredients, including San Marzano DOP tomatoes and Fior di Latte mozzarella, delivering an authentic taste of Naples. The restaurant’s contemporary setting makes it an ideal place for visitors to enjoy a meal during a day of shopping. Janina Wittmann, Destination Marketing & Partnership Manager, Outletcity Metzingen, said, “Our goal is to continually evolve the experience at Outletcity Metzingen, giving visitors new reasons to return and spend more time at the destination. Alongside Europe’s largest outlet, we are creating a place where shopping is complemented by exceptional dining and seasonal experiences. India is one of our most important international source markets, and we look forward to welcoming more Indian visitors to discover everything Outletcity Metzingen has to offer.” Alongside the opening of 60 Seconds to Napoli, continues to introduce new experiences throughout the year. Since June, visitors have been able to enjoy CINNAMOOD, an exclusive pop-up concept created for Outletcity Metzingen. Founded in Cologne in 2022, the lifestyle brand offers 17 cinnamon roll variations alongside signature coffees, matcha specialties and fresh fruit smoothies, making it an ideal stop for a sweet break during a shopping trip. The seasonal calendar continues with the Motel a Miio Sample Sale from 20–22 August at The Gallery, Kanalstraße 6, where visitors can discover the Portuguese ceramics brand’s colourful, handcrafted collection with discounts of up to 80%. In September, Outletcity Metzingen will also host exclusive Michael Kors and MCM Sample Sales, giving shoppers additional opportunities to discover premium brands through limited-time shopping experiences. With these latest additions, Outletcity Metzingen continues to strengthen its position as a destination where premium shopping is complemented by exceptional dining, lifestyle experiences and seasonal highlights, encouraging visitors to make the most of their time at Europe’s largest outlet.

Honouring India’s Heritage with a Special Culinary Experience Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Independence Day celebrations bring a special culinary experience to Tamra this 15th August. This Independence Day, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi welcomes guests to relish a rich celebration at Tamra, the hotel’s award-winning world cuisine restaurant. Known for its signature “World on Your Plate” concept, Tamra will present an expansive buffet that brings together flavours from across the globe, alongside a dedicated space honouring the nostalgic tastes of the Army Mess, a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of camaraderie and service. Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Independence Day Celebration at Tamra Tamra’s chefs have curated a delectable spread where every dish expresses pride and tradition. Guests can appreciate the slow-cooked richness of Fauji Cantt Ambala Mutton Curry, the rail journey classic Railway Chicken Curry, and the homely comfort of Matar Paneer. The spread also features festive favourites such as Choley Bhature, tender Roast Chicken, and crisp, creamy Russian Salad, each prepared with immaculate quality and Tamra’s charm. The global offerings further enhance the celebration, with delicacies that span the incredible spices of Southeast Asia, the sophisticated techniques of European kitchens, and the diverse culinary traditions of India, all brought together to create a truly memorable feast. No celebration of freedom is complete without a sweet finale, and Tamra delivers with timeless indulgences. Guests can savour the boozy charm of Tipsy Pudding and the irresistible combination of Jalebi with Rabri, ensuring the meal concludes on a note as sweet as the occasion itself. Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Independence Day celebrations offer guests a memorable way to honour India’s heritage through food and togetherness. Set within Tamra’s lively yet refined backdrop, the Independence Day buffet is a perfect gathering for families, friends, and colleagues to come together and praise the nation’s journey. The experience is priced at INR 3200 plus taxes for lunch and INR 3500 plus taxes for dinner per person. For more information and reservations, guests may call +91 88008 04541 or email tamra.slnd@shangri-la.com Shangri-La Eros New Delhi Independence Day celebrations offer guests an opportunity to enjoy India’s heritage, culinary traditions, and the spirit of freedom.. This 15th August, join Shangri-La Eros New Delhi in honouring the colours of the tricolour with a dining experience that blends history, heritage, and the joy of freedom.

Independence Day has increasingly become more than a date on the calendar for Indian travellers — it has become an occasion to reconnect with the country’s history, culture and heritage. The Independence Day offer gives travellers another reason to explore India’s rich history and heritage. Long weekends around the 15th of August are seeing a growing number of travellers choose destinations that reflect India’s story: its palaces, forts, havelis and landscapes that have witnessed the country’s journey firsthand. Independence Day Offer at WelcomHeritage In step with this growing sentiment, WelcomHeritage has announced a special Independence Day offer across its entire portfolio of heritage hotels, palaces, havelis, wildlife resorts and nature retreats spread across India. Guests booking a stay around the occasion can avail 10% off Best Available Rates, making it easier for travellers to experience heritage hospitality at destinations that carry a piece of the country’s history within their walls. From forts and palaces that once hosted royalty to colonial-era residences, hillside and wildlife resorts nestled in nature, the offer gives travellers the freedom to choose the kind of heritage experience that speaks to them — whether that means waking up to birdsong in a jungle retreat, exploring the courtyards of a centuries-old haveli, or spending the holiday in the quiet grandeur of a former royal residence or spending the holiday in the quiet grandeur of a former royal residence, as part of the Independence Day offer. The Independence Day Offer is valid for a limited period around 15th August 2026 and is subject to availability across participating WelcomHeritage properties. Guests can book directly through the WelcomHeritage website, the central reservations team or authorised travel partners.

Embrace the essence of the Independence Day weekend with a thoughtfully curated staycation at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. Set against the backdrop of a 1000-acre forest, the experience offers a tranquil retreat where refined comfort and thoughtful details come together for a serene getaway. Savour a welcome platter upon arrival before unwinding in well-appointed accommodations overlooking lush greenery. Begin each day with an indulgent buffet breakfast at Spectra, the award-winning all-day dining restaurant, while evenings are marked by the traditional diya-lighting ceremony. On Independence Day, take part in the hotel’s flag-hoisting ceremony, accompanied by patriotic melodies and refreshments. As a meaningful keepsake, take home a fragrant incense souvenir handcrafted from upcycled flowers. Celebrate the long weekend in the spirit of true Indian luxury with stays available from 13th to 18th August 2026. For bookings, please visit our website, https://www.theleela.com/the-leela-ambience-gurugram-hotel-residence.