Resorts

This Oktoberfest, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, invites guests to raise a pint, grab a slice and settle into an afternoon of easy-going celebrations with Pints & Pizza, an Oktoberfest special at Asri, the pool bar. Running from 25th September to 4th October 2026, the experience brings together two crowd-pleasing favourites — chilled domestic beers and freshly baked pizzas — in a relaxed poolside setting overlooking the resort’s lush surroundings. Designed for unhurried afternoons and casual gatherings, the offering captures the convivial spirit of Oktoberfest with a simple pairing made for sharing. Guests can enjoy three domestic beers paired with a pizza of their choice at INR 1,800++, making Pints & Pizza an easy addition to a weekend at the resort or a laid-back afternoon escape from the city. With freshly baked pizzas served alongside refreshing brews, the experience is all about good food, cold pours and the pleasure of lingering a little longer. At Asri, the pool bar at Mulberry Shades, the Oktoberfest celebration takes on a relaxed resort character, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy the festive season at their own pace. Whether gathering with friends, unwinding after a day at the resort or simply looking for a leisurely afternoon by the pool, Pints & Pizza brings together the flavours and easy camaraderie of Oktoberfest in a setting surrounded by the Nandi Hills landscape.

As live events increasingly influence travel decisions, Guwahati is emerging as a destination where concerts can bring together entertainment, hospitality, food and local experiences. Ahead of BURPP Festival 2026 on October 10–11, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, is partnering with the festival to welcome visitors travelling to the city and offer them an opportunity to experience Assam beyond the concert venue. The two-day festival will feature DIVINE on Day 1 and Lucky Ali on Day 2 at Sarusajai Stadium. The association comes as Assam strengthens its focus on concert-led tourism and the wider economic activity generated by large-scale live events. The state’s Concert Tourism Policy, notified in 2025, recognises the potential of concerts and music festivals to drive visitor movement and create demand across hotels, restaurants, transport and other tourism-linked businesses. Assam’s concert economy is estimated to generate more than ₹700 crore in cumulative economic impact over five years through a structured pipeline of events. Assam’s Concert Economy Supports Tourism and Economic Growth Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also positioned the concert economy as part of the state’s wider tourism and economic development strategy. Speaking about the state’s concert plans, he has highlighted the potential for large-scale live events to generate economic activity across sectors including tourism, hospitality, transport and accommodation. The state’s concert-tourism blueprint similarly identifies live entertainment as a means of driving economic growth, attracting visitors, creating opportunities for young people and strengthening Assam’s visibility as a destination. As the hospitality partner for BURPP Festival, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort will cater to visitors travelling to Guwahati for the event, while its dining and hospitality experiences can serve as an introduction to the region’s food and cultural traditions. The association also reflects the expanding role of hotels in supporting event-led travel, where accommodation, meetings, dining and leisure experiences collectively contribute to the visitor economy. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Brings Hospitality to Concert-Goers Pardeep Siwach, General Manager, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, said, “The growth of concert tourism is creating an interesting opportunity for destinations such as Guwahati because large events bring people into the city who may otherwise not have travelled here at that time. Our experience of hosting international delegates and large-scale engagements has shown us the role hospitality can play in making Guwahati a comfortable and compelling destination for visitors. With the BURPP Festival, we are extending that experience to concert-goers by bringing together comfortable stays, regional food and the cultural character of Assam. Events such as these can create new reasons to visit the region while encouraging travellers to spend more time discovering what Guwahati and Assam have to offer.” For Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, the association builds on its experience of hosting visitors and delegates for engagements that bring people to Guwahati from across India and overseas. In July 2026, the resort hosted the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting, organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau under India’s BRICS Presidency, accommodating international delegates and facilitating the official sessions. With 260 rooms, cottages and villas and dedicated event facilities, the property has also been positioning Guwahati as a capable destination for conferences, government engagements and large-format gatherings. The development reflects Guwahati’s growing MICE and events ecosystem, with Mayfair Spring Valley Resort extending its experience of hosting international delegates and large-scale engagements to concert-led travel.  With BURPP Festival bringing audiences to Guwahati for two days of live music, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort’s association highlights how the city’s hospitality infrastructure can support the next phase of Assam’s event economy, from international delegates and business gatherings to concert-goers, while giving visitors more opportunities to experience the state’s food, culture and hospitality.

The resort curates “The Way to Wellbeing”, an immersive day of wellness experiences set against the serene landscape of Nandi Hills Wellness takes centre stage at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa this World Wellness Weekend with “The Way to Wellbeing”, a day-long programme bringing together movement, nourishment, skin wellness, sound healing and mindful creativity. Set against the natural landscape of Nandi Hills, the experience reflects the resort’s approach to wellbeing as an integral part of the resort stay, rather than a singular activity. Wellness has long been woven into the experience at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire, with its expansive green spaces, tranquil lakeside setting and Spa by JW offering guests spaces to slow down, restore and reconnect. The resort’s surroundings naturally lend themselves to moments of movement, reflection and relaxation, creating an environment where wellbeing extends from the spa to the wider resort experience. Building on this philosophy, “The Way to Wellbeing” brings together varied dimensions of wellness across a single day. The programme moves from an energising Sculpt Workout and Wellness Breakfast to Skin Analysis, Sound Healing, an Asian Brunch at East and Mindful Art Activities, allowing guests to experience wellbeing through movement, nourishment, personal care, restoration and creativity.  Taking place on 19 September 2026, the programme is designed to encourage a more mindful pace while making the most of the resort’s expansive outdoor spaces and serene surroundings. With wellness partners Phytomer, Ignite + Aliign and Sarveda contributing to the programme, the day brings together different approaches to wellbeing while staying rooted in the resort’s philosophy of creating meaningful experiences around mind, body and surroundings.  “Wellbeing is increasingly about creating space to pause, reconnect and be more mindful of how we care for ourselves. With ‘The Way to Wellbeing’, we wanted to bring together different dimensions of wellness from movement and nourishment to skin health, sound and creativity within the natural setting of Nandi Hills. The programme is designed to give guests the opportunity to experience wellbeing in a way that feels personal, unhurried and meaningful,” said Utami Indah Dewi, Director of Spa, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. Set amidst the scenic surroundings of Nandi Hills, The Way to Wellbeing is envisioned as a holistic day away from the pace of the city, allowing guests to move, nourish, restore and create at their own pace. 

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has signed a franchise agreement with Yamini Marketing’s (OPC) Pvt. Ltd for the development of voco Resort Kanatal, under the management of United Hospitality Management (UHM) India, one of IHG’s third-party management partners in the country. Set to open in 2030, the 92-key resort will strengthen IHG’s premium portfolio in India and bring a world class hospitality experience to one of North India’s emerging leisure destinations. The signing reflects the continued expansion of IHG’s relationship with UHM India as both companies work together to grow internationally branded hospitality offerings across India’s emerging business and leisure destinations. voco Resort Kanatal to Strengthen IHG’s Premium Portfolio in India Nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district, voco Resort Kanatal is envisioned as a premium mountain resort for travellers seeking nature-led escapes, wellness-led stays and intimate celebrations in a scenic setting. Located on the Chamba-Mussoorie route, the resort will offer access to nearby attractions including Kaudia Forest, Surkanda Devi Temple and Tehri Lake, while creating a relaxed base for guests to experience the region’s quieter pace, natural beauty and growing leisure appeal. Well suited to resort, urban and leisure destinations, voco combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a trusted global brand. Its flexible proposition and broad guest appeal make it a strong fit for Kanatal, where travellers are increasingly seeking distinctive stays that balance comfort, character, wellness and a strong sense of place. Centred around the brand hallmarks of ‘Come on in’, ‘Me time’ and ‘voco life’, voco hotels are known for thoughtful touches, distinctive character and consistently premium guest experiences. IHG Highlights Growing Resort Opportunities in India Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “India continues to present strong opportunities for resort development, particularly in destinations where travellers are looking for shorter breaks, wellness experiences, nature-led escapes and premium stays with character. Kanatal is one such market, with its scenic setting, improving appeal as a hill getaway and proximity to key demand centres. voco Resort Kanatal reflects our focus on bringing the right brands to the right destinations, while further strengthening IHG’s ability to deliver compelling resort experiences for guests and owners. We are delighted to partner with Yamini Marketing’s (OPC) Pvt. Ltd and UHM India on this development, supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems and commercial expertise.” Designed as a well-rounded resort experience, the property will feature 92 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms, meeting and event spaces, and three dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant and bar. Guests will also have access to a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and kids’ play area, creating a compelling proposition for leisure travellers, wellness guests, families and boutique events in a scenic mountain setting. UHM India Expands Partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management (UHM), India commented: “voco Resort Kanatal represents an important addition to our growing partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and reflects our shared vision of bringing globally recognised brands to high-potential destinations across India. By combining IHG’s globally trusted brand standards with UHM’s operational expertise, we look forward to delivering a distinctive resort experience that creates lasting value for our ownership partners while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s leisure traveller.” Ms. Yamini, Director, Yamini Marketing’s (OPC) Pvt. Ltd added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce voco Resort Kanatal. The destination presents a compelling opportunity as demand for premium resorts, wellness-led travel and memorable mountain stays continues to grow. Combined with IHG’s global scale, strong brand reputation and commercial capabilities, voco Resort Kanatal is well positioned to become a preferred choice for travellers seeking a distinctive and memorable resort experience in the hills of Uttarakhand.” voco Resort Kanatal underscores IHG’s focus on expanding its premium portfolio in strategically important leisure and resort destinations through brands that meet evolving guest expectations while delivering strong value for owners. Combining voco’s distinctive personality with the natural beauty and rising appeal of Kanatal, the signing strengthens IHG’s position to capture resort-led demand across one of North India’s emerging hospitality markets. IHG currently has 53 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. 

An immersive evening of coastal luxury, South Indian culture, music and spectacle marks a memorable celebration for 800+ EEMA delegates. EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner at InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort brought together over 800 delegates for an immersive evening of coastal luxury, South Indian culture, music and entertainment. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, hosted the Gala Dinner for EEMAGINE 2026 on 8 August 2026 at Vaibhava Lawn and Beach Lawn, welcoming over 800 delegates from across India’s wedding, events, experiential and business events ecosystem. The EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner showcased the resort’s ability to deliver immersive, large-scale celebrations in a distinctive beachfront setting. EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner: A Spectacular Celebration by the Sea Organised by the Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA), EEMAGINE 2026 brought together some of the country’s leading wedding planners, event planners, Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) and experiential industry professionals. The Gala Dinner at the resort served as an immersive celebration of the community, bringing together industry leadership, creativity, culture and exceptional coastal hospitality against the backdrop of the Coromandel Coast. A Cultural Welcome Rooted in South India The experience began with a grand traditional welcome designed to immerse guests in the region’s rich cultural traditions. Guests were greeted with an energetic Chenda Melam, a traditional flower welcome, live flute music and a vibrant Bamboo Band from Kerala, setting the tone for an evening that brought together heritage and contemporary celebration. From the welcome, guests journeyed through the resort’s bridge pathway, where they were treated to an elegant High Tea experience before witnessing a captivating fire performance. The journey culminated at the beachfront, where the setting of the Bay of Bengal became the backdrop for the evening’s most spectacular moments. The cultural elements of the EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner reflected the traditions of South India while creating an engaging experience for delegates. A Spectacular Celebration by the Sea The highlight of the evening was a mesmerising Samudra Aarti, presented against the ocean and accompanied by traditional music and dance. The spiritual and cultural spectacle seamlessly transitioned into a celebration of light and technology, with fireworks illuminating the night sky followed by a striking drone visual of EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner against the sea. The celebrations then continued on the resort’s expansive lawn by the beach, offering guests an open-air setting overlooking the coastline. The specially curated entertainment programme featured a headline performance by acclaimed musician Lydian Nadhaswaram, alongside the Staccato Music Orchestra, renowned musicians and dancers, creating an energetic celebration against the backdrop of the sea. Entertainment at the EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner brought together music, dance and spectacle against the scenic coastal backdrop. The evening culminated in a grand Gala Dinner, featuring a selection of specially curated dishes crafted for the occasion. The bespoke culinary experience brought together thoughtful menus, refined presentation and the resort’s signature hospitality, underscoring its ability to create personalised dining experiences for celebrations and large-scale gatherings. A Destination for Extraordinary Celebrations Set across 15 acres of landscaped beachfront on the East Coast Road, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort combines contemporary luxury with the cultural richness of Mahabalipuram. The resort offers over one lakh square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including the sea-facing Vaibhava Ballroom and expansive Vaibhava & Beach Lawns, designed to host large-scale celebrations and events. With its ocean-facing setting, expansive event venues and personalised approach to hospitality, the resort provided a distinctive canvas for EEMAGINE 2026, allowing the Gala Dinner to unfold as a multi-sensory celebration that brought together the best of India’s events community with the cultural and coastal character of Mahabalipuram. The EEMAGINE 2026 Gala Dinner also highlighted InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort as a destination for large-scale events and celebrations. From the traditional Kerala-inspired welcome and the journey towards the shore to the Samudra Aarti, fireworks, EEMAGINE drone spectacle and Lydian Nadhaswaram’s performance, every element of the evening was thoughtfully curated to create a memorable celebration for the EEMA community.

Indian destination weddings in Kenya are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking memorable celebrations combined with travel, culture and unique experiences. As Indian destination weddings increasingly evolve into multi-day celebrations centred around experiences, Sarova Hotels & Resorts is strengthening its offering for the Indian market, bringing together beachfront celebrations, personalised hospitality and Kenya’s diverse leisure and safari experiences. Indian Destination Weddings in Kenya: Sarova’s Experiential Wedding Offering With a portfolio spanning city hotels, beach resorts, and safari lodges, Sarova offers Indian couples the flexibility to combine their wedding celebrations with a wider Kenyan holiday. The proposition allows families and guests to experience the destination together, from the Indian Ocean coastline and cultural attractions to Kenya’s renowned wildlife destinations. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa is among the group’s popular properties for Indian weddings, offering a beachfront setting for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Wedding programmes can be tailored around traditional functions including Mehendi, Haldi, Sangeet, the wedding ceremony and reception, with options covering customised décor, entertainment, bespoke dining, spa experiences and curated activities. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa offers a distinctive setting for Indian destination weddings in Kenya, combining beachfront celebrations with personalised hospitality and curated guest experiences. The resort’s three wedding packages, Coastal Elegance, Signature Indian Ocean Wedding and Ultimate Sarova Celebration, offer varying levels of accommodation, experiences and inclusions, while allowing couples to customise the celebrations around their requirements. Beyond the wedding, guests can enjoy sunset dhow cruises, spa and wellness experiences, marine activities, Mombasa Old Town, Fort Jesus and Haller Park, while the wider Sarova portfolio enables couples to add stays in destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Nairobi. Sarova’s experience in the Indian wedding market is supported by its Indian heritage and understanding of the traditions associated with these celebrations. The group can facilitate Indian wedding planners, Hindu priests and temples in Mombasa, alongside customised Indian, Jain, vegetarian and international menus. Sarova has also hosted several Indian weddings, including the celebrations of Indian television personality Rannvijay Singha and Priyanka Vohra. Commenting on the opportunity, Mita Vohra, Board Director, Sarova Hotels & Resorts, said: “Indian weddings are becoming increasingly experience-led, with couples looking to create memorable journeys for their families and guests rather than simply a wedding celebration. Kenya offers a wonderful combination of natural beauty, culture, hospitality, and adventure, and through Sarova’s portfolio, couples can bring all of these elements together. We see significant potential in offering the Indian market a wedding experience that is distinctive, personal, and uniquely Kenyan.” At Sarova Whitesands, wedding celebrations can be fully customised to suit the scale, style and requirements of each couple, with tailored accommodation, dining, décor, entertainment, and guest experiences designed to create a seamless and memorable celebration. As Indian couples increasingly seek destinations that offer celebration, experience and discovery in one journey, Sarova Hotels & Resorts is positioning its Kenyan portfolio as an option that goes beyond the traditional destination wedding, allowing the wedding itself to become part of a broader Kenyan experience.

Independence Day is a celebration of India’s journey as a nation, but it is also an opportunity to reconnect with the many histories, traditions and cultural influences that have shaped the country. Across India, heritage continues to live beyond monuments and museums, in architecture, local traditions, food, stories, and landscapes that remain part of everyday life. This Independence Day, a long-weekend escape can offer a chance to experience this living heritage first-hand, through stays that bring travellers closer to the character and history of their destinations. 1. Evolve Back, Hampi Set amidst the boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi, Evolve Back Hampi draws inspiration from the architectural grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire. Its Palace Suites and Private Pool Villas reflect the distinctive forms of Vijayanagara architecture, while the resort’s experiences take guests beyond the property to explore the history, mythology and cultural life of the region. The Raya Trail offers insights into the lives of the Rayas of Vijayanagara, while the Vittalapura Walk follows the historic bazaar towards the Vitthala Temple, known for its musical stone pillars and iconic stone chariot. The Virupaksha Trail takes travellers across Hemakuta Hill and to some of Hampi’s best-known monuments, including the Virupaksha Temple and the Narasimha monolith. The experience extends to the stories behind the ruins as well. At Story Corner, historians bring the Vijayanagara Empire to life through evening storytelling, while trails to Anegundi and Anjanadri introduce travellers to the villages, temples and landscapes surrounding Hampi. 2. RAAS Jodhpur, Rajasthan In the heart of Jodhpur’s walled city, RAAS Jodhpur combines contemporary hospitality with the architectural character of an 18th-century haveli. Original stone carvings, arches, shrines and restored structures sit alongside the property’s newer architecture, creating a setting where the history of the building remains an integral part of the stay. The property’s Darikhana, originally built as the haveli’s guest house in the late 18th century, now serves as an alfresco dining space, while Baradari,  an entertainment pavilion built in the 1850s,  continues to serve as a gathering and dining space. The original stables have been adapted into intimate reading and relaxation spaces, while an 18th-century temple remains part of the courtyard. Rather than recreating Rajasthan’s heritage as a backdrop, the property incorporates elements of its original architecture and history into the everyday guest experience. 3. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad Once the residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace offers a glimpse into the city’s royal past through its architecture, interiors and traditions. Perched high above Hyderabad, the palace has retained the character of its former royal residence while being adapted into a luxury hotel. Guests can arrive at the palace in a horse-drawn carriage and walk through spaces once frequented by the Nizams, visiting dignitaries and members of the royal household. The palace’s restoration, undertaken under the stewardship of Her Highness Princess Esra, has preserved its historic character while adapting its 60 rooms and suites for contemporary stays. Its culinary experiences also draw from Hyderabad’s rich gastronomic traditions, while curated city experiences allow guests to explore the art, culture and historic landmarks that continue to define the city. 4. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala On the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Lake Resort offers a window into Kerala’s architectural and cultural heritage against the backdrop of the state’s famed backwaters. Spread across 25 acres, the property combines traditional Kerala design elements with contemporary hospitality, creating a setting rooted in the region’s architectural identity. The resort’s heritage character extends beyond its architecture through experiences centred on Kerala’s food, wellness and traditions. Its Ayurvedic offering draws from the state’s longstanding healing practices, while the surrounding backwaters provide an opportunity to experience the landscape and slower rhythms that have long shaped life in Kumarakom. For travellers looking to experience Kerala beyond its better-known tourist attractions, the resort offers a base from which the region’s cultural and natural heritage can be experienced together.