Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Lands in the Maldives with Signature Glamourous European Spirit

The Paris-born Brand Brings a Touch of Nostalgia to the Famed Archipelago, Inviting Guests to Linger Longer and Savour the Good Life

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, along with Singaporean developer Chiu Teng Enterprises today announce the opening of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, marking the Paris-born brand’s debut in one of the world’s most captivating destinations. Located on Thilamaafushi, the southern pocket of Lhaviyani Atoll, the 141-villa resort celebrates the fabric of the Maldives, its people, nature and art, channeling its energy to uncover the charm of the destination through Le Méridien’s distinctive European-chic lens.

“With a nostalgic nod to the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1960s, Le Méridien inspires travellers to explore the world in style, savour the good life and enjoy experiences that offer something more than meets the eye,” said Jason Nuell, Senior Vice President, Premium Brands, Marriott International. “We are delighted to bring Le Méridien to this internationally desired destination, the perfect place for guests to step out of their daily routine and into a glamorous getaway where wandering sans agenda and lingering longer are encouraged.”

Spanning nine hectares, Thilamaafushi is defined as “island surrounded by vast lagoon” in Dhivehi, the local parlance of the Maldives. The natural island is an eco-conscious haven abundant with indigenous flora and fauna, enveloped by a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life, including pods of Manta Rays and turtles. Guests can easily access the resort by a 35-minute seaplane journey north of Velana (MLE) International Airport, Malé.

“We look forward to welcoming guests to unlock the sights, sounds and aromas of the destination, showcasing matchless hospitality and enriching experiences that bring to life the Maldives through Le Méridien’s distinct European-lens,” said Nilesh Singh, General Manager, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. “Along with Le Méridien’s focus on timeless midcentury design and signature brand programmes, guests are invited to savour the moment and delight in the discovery of everything the resort has to offer.”

NEW Opening | Fortune Hotels expands its footprint in Punjab with the signing of a new hotel

Set to be a ‘Fortune Park’ the new hotel would be the first branded first-class, full-service hotel of the city and will aim to cater to a mix of leisure, business and social clientele

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group has inked an operating agreement for a hotel in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. With this signing the premier hotel chain strengthens its footprint in the State.

Announcing the signing, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Limited, said: “We are pleased to announce our entry into Hoshiarpur and thank the promoters for their trust in us. This hotel enhances our portfolio mix. Our quality offerings along with the ITC’s Hotel Group legacy behind us, will give the city dwellers a premium address to host their celebrations and memorable events.”

Set to be a ‘Fortune Park’ the new hotel would be the first branded first-class, full-service hotel of the city and will aim to cater to a mix of leisure, business and social clientele alike.

Together with 57-rooms and suites, a restful spa, swimming pool, multiple food & beverage offerings and over 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet venues and extensive lawns, this regal property is located on NH3 just 6 km from Hoshiarpur town.

Poised to open later this year, the elegant hotel doubles up as a convenient getaway for the city residents to relax and rejuvenate over weekends. Its strategic location also makes it a great stopover for pilgrims enroute to religious places like Mata Chintpurni temple, one of the prime ‘Shakti Peethas’ in India.

IHG Hotels | IHG Hotels & Resorts expands footprint in Nepal with a new Holiday Inn Express and Suites signing in Kathmandu

IHG Hotels & Resorts expands footprint in Nepal with a new Holiday Inn Express and Suites signing in Kathmandu

The company continues to drive growth in South West Asia (SWA) through its mainstream portfolio 

New Delhi, August 2021:  Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with DMR APA Joint Venture to develop a new Hotel - Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan in Nepal. The brownfield hotel with 100 keys is expected to open by the first quarter of 2024. 

With eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and adventure seekers. Additionally, the Hindu and Buddhist heritage of the country and its pleasant weather are strong attractions for tourists to visit Nepal. With the signing of Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan, IHG will have 6 hotels in the pipeline in the country, across its mainstream brands -  Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, and will be well-positioned in the coming years to cater to the demands of the travelers visiting the destination. 

Holiday Inn Express is one of IHG’s fastest-growing hotel brands - a first choice for the increasing number of travelers who need a simple, engaging place to rest, recharge and get a little work done. The newly signed hotel in Nepal will feature modern guest rooms, equipped with all the necessities for a great stay experience. The hotel will also feature a ‘Great Room’, a bar and a lounge for guests to rejuvenate and unwind. Other facilities will include a fitness room, meeting rooms and signature amenities to reflect the brand’s promise of a comfortable and pleasant experience.

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan will be strategically located in Rabi Bhawan Kathmandu, near Soaltee Mode or Tahachal, and in proximity to ring road. The hotel will also benefit from proximity to Tribhuvan International Airport, and a 30-minute drive to the central business district and shopping area at Darbar Marg.  Additionally, several embassies, private businesses and tourist attractions of Thamel will be easily accessible to the guest staying at the hotel. Therefore, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan will cater to both leisure and business travelers. 

Commenting on the new development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to further expand our footprint in Nepal with the signing of our new hotel in Kathmandu. Nepal is a hotspot tourist destination in the region with growing popularity amongst travelers with different needs . With the airport being refurbished as well as rapid development of branded hotels, Kathmandu is expected to become a global tourism destination and the tourism sector in the country will consequently witness a healthy growth in the coming years. We, therefore, see a significant growth opportunity in the country. The new signing is also in line with our strategy to grow our ‘essentials collection’ across key markets in SWA.

He added: India is the single biggest source market for Kathmandu, where IHG has a strong and growing presence. Additionally, the fastest growing source market for country is China, where IHG is the largest international player. Across both markets, the Holiday Inn Express brand has a good presence and recall which will benefit our growing brand portfolio in Nepal.” 

Mr. Chiranjibi Thapa, Chairman, DMR APA Joint Venture added, “We are excited to partner with an internationally known and trusted hospitality brand like IHG for our very first hospitality venture. Moreover, Holiday Inn Express is a well-established brand, globally and has a strong base of loyal customer across markets. The brand is also a great fit for a city like Katmandu with a number of travelers looking for simple and smart stays. With an excellent location, IHG’s impressive experience and expertise in the region, we are confident that Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kathmandu Rabi Bhawan will emerge as a hotel of choice for travellers visiting Nepal.”

IHG® currently has 41 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® , Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and a strong pipeline of 50 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years. 

Numbers as of June 30th, 2021.

New Opening | Grand Victoria The Fern Resort & Spa, opens in Panchgani, Maharashtra

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has opened Grand Victoria The Fern Resort & Spa, in Panchgani, Maharashtra. This is the 19th hotel that the company is managing in the state and takes the company’s tally to 82 operational properties in India, Nepal and Seychelles.

Suhail Kannampilly, the CEO of the company said, “It is a moment of great pride for the entire Fern family. We have opened two hotels in two consecutive months in Maharashtra. After our huge presence in Gujarat, we have become the largest hospitality player in Maharashtra as well.”

Nestled among the picturesque and serene mountains, Grand Victoria The Fern Resort & Spa, Panchgani offers a breath-taking view of the valley.  The 81-room upscale resort’s room inventory comprises five different categories of rooms viz. Winter Green, Winter Green Valley View, Fern Club, Fern Club Valley View and Hazel Suite. The rooms are fitted with all the latest conveniences. Some of the facilities which the guests can enjoy include High-speed Wi-Fi internet, Complimentary in-room tea & coffee facility, Digital in-room safe, Eco-friendly room lighting and bathroom amenities, Rain shower etc.

The hotel offers a finely designed restaurant & banqueting facilities. The resort is situated in the heart of Panchgani, with easy access to the major sightseeing attractions. Guests can look forward to having an amazing time at the swimming pool overlooking the valley.  Others looking for some indulgences can visit the spa.   The resort boasts of open-air banqueting suitable for grand marriages. The resort also provides conducive ambience for indoor conferences as well.

DINING: Monarch- a multi cuisine restaurant serves flavourful Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean & Continental food.

Location: The hotel is 244 km from Mumbai, 101 km from Pune and 02 km from the Panchgani local market.

New Opening | Accor opens four new properties in Turkey

With the opening of these properties, the total number of properties in the country is 57

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has opened four new properties in Turkey: Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon, Mövenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa, Mercure Trabzon and ibis Styles Istanbul Merter, bringing the total number of properties in the country to 57.

Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon is located in a corner of paradise where the deep blue Black Sea meets the majestic mountains, offering 149 rooms, 29 suites and 1 "Presidential Suite". Located only 5 minutes from Trabzon Airport, the property offers a wonderful experience with its modern decoration integrated with the Black Sea culture, friendly staff, a unique beach, amazing delicacies, elegant and stylish rooms.

The hotel has 3 meeting rooms with a capacity of 20, 50 and 150 people that are ready to hold events and meetings. In addition, Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon offers one main restaurant with specialty gourmet tastes of the North Black Sea region and one specialty restaurant where guests can enjoy local specialties as well as exclusive meals of the Mövenpick brand. A la carte restaurant Cedrus can host up to 160 guests to host social gatherings, birthdays and small meetings.

The outdoor Axis Cafe can welcome up to 80 people where guests can breathe the fresh Trabzon air and enjoy their meals.

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa is located in the heart of the city and offers its guests an unforgettable experience on both business and leisure trips. Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa counts with 136 specially decorated elegant rooms, including 12 premium rooms, 6 suites and 2 "Presidential Suites". In addition to room offering the highest level of comfort to guests, the "Olympos Roof Restaurant & Bar", where one can taste delicious cocktails, offers a magnificent panoramic view of Bursa atmosphere.

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa promises an unforgettable experience in the Thermal SPA and Fitness Center where guests can pamper themselves. There is also a unique SPA facility with activities such as thermal pool, sauna, steam room, therapeutic massage treatments or aquarobics, pilates and group lessons.

New Opening | Radisson opens a new resort and spa in India

Radisson Hotel Group announced, the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, located a 15- minute drive from both Lonavala and Khandala railway stations. A drivable getaway with convenient air, rail and road connectivity from Mumbai and Pune, the hill destination offers tourist attractions such as Rajmachi Point, Lonavala Lake, Duke’s Nose and Karla Caves. The resort is spread over a 14,100 sqm hillside property in Lonavala, offering sweeping views of the majestic Sahyadri range and one of the largest venues for hosting off-site meetings and large weddings.

Radisson Hotel Group managing director and vice president, operations, South Asia Zubin Saxena said: “Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is a key opening for us in 2021. The resort’s perfect location and MICE facilities make it an attractive venue for guests looking to host destination weddings, large corporate or social functions.

The opening provides further momentum to our strategic expansion plans in West India where we are already present in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Alibaug, Karjat, Nagpur and will add Nashik to the list by the end of the year.” The 103-room Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is easily accessible by road or rail for guests travelling from Mumbai, Pune and Khandala. The resort offers easy access to tourist attractions such as Bushi Dam, Narayani Dham Temple, Lonavala Lake and the celebrity wax museum. The property, developed by Monarch Hospitality, named Alok Kaul as the general manager

New Opening | ITC Hotels Launch Welcomhotel Katra ‘Brand Welcomhotel forays in the heart of Katra’

ITC Hotels Launch Welcomhotel Katra 

‘Brand Welcomhotel forays in the heart of Katra’

‘A spirited holiday destination popular for its scenic beauty and adventure sports’

 New Delhi, August 2021: One of India’s most popular and fast-paced hospitality brands, ‘Welcomhotel’ launched its latest outpost in Katra. Welcomhotel Katra has 83 well-appointed guest rooms, a swimming pool, an array of sublime activities on-site to keep one joyfully engaged. 

Welcomhotel Katra offers a quintessential ITC Hotels culinary experience with signature dishes on offer. The WelcomCafe serves the best of gourmet flavors in international and regional vegetarian cuisine is one of a kind in its offerings and the finest in Katra. The traditional WelcomSthalika brings the best of this region’s vegetarian cuisine on a platter. The ingredients are sourced from the local farming community of the neighborhood and are fresh & seasonal. The WelcomSthalika represents regional fare from the Jammu region, and is prepared in Sattvik style bringing out the flavors predominant in Katra and adjoining areas. Some of these local preparations are Jammu Rajma, Ambal, Shingare ki Kadhi, Mewe ka kofta, and Tumba ajwain aloo. 

The curated menu uses locally grown ingredients like Jammu Rajma, walnuts, almonds, badi masala, tumba ajwain, shahi zeera, saunf, sonth and more in traditional style.  These Local Love meals will take guests on the expedition to the tastes of this rich temple cuisine recreating exclusive meal experiences.

One can discover holistic Ayurveda experiences and therapies for an overall reboot of the body and mind at the soon to open Kaya Kalp Spa. The hotel also offers an ideal space both outdoor and indoor, for events, weddings and celebrations with a seamless banquet space of 2750 sqft.

Just 45 kilometres away from the Jammu airport, Welcomhotel Katra is an idyllic destination nestled in the lush green valleys and panoramic views. Amidst the pine trees, breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the hotel stands tall like a crown jewel of Katra city. The hotel is dotted with miniature hand paintings created by budding artists from the region. 

Already, the finest property in the city, Welcomhotel Katra brings joy to travelers seeking a fulfilling destination experience. With spiritual tourism on a constant surge, this new addition to the city of Katra makes for a welcome change to the city’s inventory. While the mere mention of Katra brings to fore images of the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is much more to this high point destination.

Katra city is located in the foothills of Trikuta Mountains in Reasi district. It has been a preferred place for devotees for decades for its proximity to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has pilgrims visiting all year round. Katra is the base camp for aficionados not just going to Mata Vishnu Devi, the sanctum sanctorum but also nearby places of tourist attraction. 

Welcomhotel Katra is the base camp for those wanting to partake of the region’s picturesque attractions, including Patnitop. For the thrill seekers and nature lovers, Patnitop is just 85 kilometres drive away and the route to the hill station is truly poetic with the beautifully lined with pine and cedar trees. 

The Patnitop hill station is the only hill station where snowfall can be seen in the winters in Jammu and hence even the locals and guests from Katra come here during the winters. 

River rafting features high on the itinerary of Katra guests. The thrill of rafting in the white waters of Chenab is an unmissable experience. Katra has one of the best rafting stretches in the world with its fifteen-kilometer-long stretch bordered by lush green surroundings. Adventure lovers throng this place for water sports activities and the mesmerizing beauty.  

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anil Chadha, COO, ITC Hotels said, “Brand Welcomhotel continues on its expansion spree offering guests the most beautiful destination properties like Welcomhotel Katra- popular for its scenic beauty and spiritual air. Katra truly offers the best of enriching experiences, for both pilgrimage and leisure. The globally acknowledged DNV platinum certified ‘WeAssure’ health and hygiene protocol at our hotels enables travelers to enjoy their holiday with complete peace of mind. “

Welcomhotel Katra is a destination that offers a gleeful experience to the discerning traveller who are in search of some rest and rejuvenation. Should one wish to pick a memorabilia or a local produce, one can shop in Katra for dried apples, home-grown organic products, Kashmiri chilies, woollen garments, leather jackets and hand painted miniature paintings in the colourful and bustling local markets.

About WelcomHotel  www.itchotels.com/welcomhotel

WelcomHotel is a collection of premium hotels designed for those who demand more and seek bespoke experiences to make the most out of their stay, optimizing their travel intent. With an endeavour to provide immersive and enriching experiences, the brand is reflective of the warmth of Indian culture while upholding the benchmark service standards that ITC Hotels is known for. From curated journeys that enhance leisure trips, to those that help maximize the efficiency of business stays, at WelcomHotel, every effort is made to add value to the new-age traveller. Present in locations ranging from hills to beaches, and deserts to cities, the hotels skilfully blend together local aesthetics and modern day comforts along with ITC Hotels' renowned culinary expertise. At the heart of everything at WelcomHotel, lies the thought of ‘enrichment’. And it is this vision that helps enrich the lives of the guests, the community, and our hotel associates through integrated efforts and holistic initiatives. ITC Hotels manages and owns many hotels under the Welcomhotel brand including Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail, Welcomhotel Shimla(Himachal Pradesh), Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi, Welcomhotel  The Savoy (Mussoorie), Welcomhotel Jodhpur, Welcomhotel Fort & Dunes, Khimsar, Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay (Visakhapatnam), Welcomhotel Kences Palm Beach (Mammalapuram), Welcomhotel Coimbatore, Welcomhotel Pine n Peak (Pahalgam), Welcomhotel Amritsar, and Welcomhotel Bay Island,Port Blair.

About ITC Hotels  www.itchotels.in

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience, ITC Hotels is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains offering comprehensive hospitality solutions through more than 100 hotels in over 70 destinations in the country. Embodying ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its guiding premise, ITC’s hotels integrates India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services to reflect the culture and ethos of each destination, through a collection of hotels. The brand features opulent accommodations, state-of-the-art business facilities, renowned signature cuisine and award-winning wellness experiences. ITC’s hotel group operates under four distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ at the Luxury end, ‘Welcomhotel’ in the 5-star segment, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale segment and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment. Each ITC luxury hotel is certified with a *LEED® Platinum rating for its endeavours towards green building, using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. *LEED® - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

New Opening | Ramada by Wyndham announces opening in Sonipat

The proposed hotel will be located on National Highway 44, connecting Delhi to the North India states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

M/S Monika Associates Private Limited, a real estate and hotel development company based out of Delhi announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for new hotel development in Sonipat, Haryana under the Ramada by Wyndham brand.

The proposed hotel will be located on National Highway 44, connecting Delhi to the North India states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The location of this new property will offer guests great accessibility and connectivity.

Sonipat is a city and a municipal council in the state of Haryana, India. It comes under the National Capital Region and is around 44 kilometres from Delhi and 214 km from Chandigarh. Sonipat is a major industrial area with one of the largest bicycle-manufacturing centres in the country. It is a hub to the top educational institutions in the country including Ashoka University, O.P Jindal Global University, B.R Ambedkar National Law University. Sonipat is also famous for its monsoon time sweet dish Ghevar, which has its roots of origin here.

The hotel, scheduled to open by July 2024, will have a modern façade and will feature 101 contemporary rooms including six suites, a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, a business centre, refreshing wellness areas and an outdoor swimming pool.

“We are pleased to franchise our existing hotel with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under their popular Ramada by Wyndham brand and become part of its rapidly expanding hotel portfolio in India and particularly in the state of Haryana. We are working closely with Wyndham to build the hotel to high international standards and look forward to welcoming the guests to our hotel.” said Krishan Kumar Wadhwa & Vikram Wadhwa, Director, M/s Monika Associates.

New Opening | Tossin Pizza opens four new outlets in four cities

These include four each in Gurgaon (Haryana), New Delhi and Mumbai (Maharashtra) and two in Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and one each at Pune (Maharashtra) and Hyderabad (Telangana).

Tossin Pizza has launched four new outlets in New Delhi, Noida, Pune, and Mumbai. With these launches, not only has the homegrown gourmet Pizza brand entered the Pune market, it has also further expanded its presence in New Delhi, Noida & Mumbai.

Tossin Pizza now has Sixteen (16) outlets in five (5) states in India. These include four each in Gurgaon (Haryana), New Delhi and Mumbai (Maharashtra) and two in Noida (Uttar Pradesh) and one each at Pune (Maharashtra) and Hyderabad (Telangana).

Commenting about the launch, Chef Rohit Narang, Co-founder, and the Head Chef at Tossin Pizza said, “In spite of the pandemic, our delivery model helped us survive. Our partners have reposed faith in us seeing the appreciation for our gourmet Pizza. We already have leadership in the Gourmet Pizza category in North India and will be seeking to expand to every city that loves its gourmet delicacies.”

“It is indeed great to see the love we have received over the years for Tossin Pizza. We have been able to work with a 100% workforce without any layoff. Moreover, our employees have readily been vaccinated to ensure safe delivery to our customers. We look forward to serving lip-smacking gourmet pizza and much more to our customers in the same passion and hope to spread joy by curating the ultimate pizza experience,” added Honey Mehta, Co-founder at Tossin Pizza.

“We will continue seeking new partners and focus on expanding our presence in in the Tier-I & Tier-II cities. We are looking at doubling our presence in the next three years” further added Chef Narang.

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New Opening | Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai to open in October 2021

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai to open in October 2021

Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts is opening a property in Dubai. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai will open at Deira Islands in October 2021.

The beachfront family resort is a joint venture with Nakheel. Centara sees the move as a stepping stone onto further expansion in the Middle East.  

It is the third Centara Mirage property in the world, following openings in Thailand and Vietnam. 

The hotel is inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures and has 607 guest rooms and suites, each with a balcony.

The resort has a water park with lazy river, beachfront swimming pool, the Mirage Family Lounge for club level guests, dedicated kids’ spa, an outdoor playground, and three kids’ clubs. 

There will be nine F&B options, including a rooftop shisha lounge and a beach club, as well as a fitness centre, water sports facilities, and prayer rooms. 

The Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya opened in 2009 and has since become Thailand’s number one family destination hotel.

NEWS | Wat-a-Burger to touch 100 outlets by the end of current fiscal

Currently, the company is registering 50,000 orders every month and expects to recover 100 percent and see additional sales to touch a mark of one lakh orders per month by next year.

With 63 outlets currently, homegrown burger company Wat-a-Burger plans to touch a mark of 100 outlets by the end of the fiscal. The company’s target is to tighten the grip in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Currently, the company is registering 50,000 orders every month and expect to recover 100 percent and see additional sales to touch a mark of one lakh orders per month by next year.

“Currently, the primary challenge is the broken supply chain as most of the manufacturing units were disturbed during the lockdown. Hence, the turnaround time got pushed by a week for the orders at the manufacturing units. We are trying to streamline the same,” Farman Beig, Co-founder & CEO, Wat-a-Burger said.

Beig informed that after the second wave, the company is still signing at least two franchisees monthly. “Pre covid we were serving 80,000 orders on an average, per month. Currently, we have recovered to 50,000 orders per month. We are recovering,” he added.

Commenting on how prepared Wat-a-Burger is for the anticipatory third wave, Beig said “We have been following all the safety measures within the outlets. We had issued SOPs after the first wave itself, which we are still following anticipating the third wave. However, we all will have to move in accordance with the government guidelines. If there appears a scope of maneuvering through the difficult situation, we will close the dine-in option first. Nevertheless, the majority of the business is still being catered through online delivery options, we will focus on that only in case the situation becomes difficult. The idea is to mitigate any chances of infection spread.”

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Marriott International | JW Marriott Charlotte Debuts in North Carolina

Charlotte’s Newest Hotel is Set to Redefine Luxury Hospitality with Stunning Design, Exceptional Service and a Holistic Approach to Well-being

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, makes its debut today in North Carolina with the opening of JW Marriott Charlotte, located in the bustling Southern city’s dynamic Uptown neighborhood. The 381-room luxury hotel, including 34 custom suites, offers discerning guests an urban retreat with inspired surroundings in which to relax and be present.

“With the opening of JW Marriott Charlotte, we will make sure every detail is taken care of, so our guests can focus on themselves during their stay,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “With thoughtful details throughout the property, holistic programming, and an array of wellness offerings, guests will be encouraged to experience every moment to the fullest.”

Inspired Culinary Creations
JW Marriott Charlotte embraces the brand’s focus on authentic dining experiences that are gratifying and refined with three new concepts for guests and locals alike:

• Dean’s Italian Steakhouse – A classic American steakhouse with Italian expression set in a modern, rustic open space. Dean’s features a show kitchen where guests can watch American Wagyu beef and other prime cuts - as well as authentic homemade pasta dishes - being prepared.

• Caroline’s Oyster Bar – A fanciful take on coastal seafood celebrating the neighborhood charm and fresh flavors of the North Carolina coast. The scene is set by a 360-degree centerpiece bar and an 8-seat Carolina-style raw oyster bar.

• Aura Rooftop – Hidden atop the fifth floor, this lush botanical paradise includes a bar and pool serving up magnetic vibes and a regal tone. When night falls, the building’s mirror-like exterior reflects the city back onto itself, creating a powerful aura, softened by lush greenery, similar to English gardens and conservatories. The menu features botanical craft cocktails, boutique wines, and small bites.

“We couldn’t be more proud to introduce the JW Marriott brand to the Carolinas,” said David Malmberg, General Manager, JW Marriott Charlotte. “With its seamless integration into the bustling Uptown neighborhood, modern design, well-being amenities, and inspired culinary concepts, JW Marriott Charlotte brings excellence and legacy to life to another new city.”

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New Opening of 2021 | #10 Zulal Wellness Resort, opening in second half of the year 2021

A 90-minute drive north of Doha is the soon-to-open Zulal Wellness Resort, perched on its own private stretch of Arabian coastline over the Gulf. An entirely new concept by Thailand-born wellness brand Chiva-Som, it’s self-described as a pioneering destination in the Middle East, promising an immersive health and lifestyle reset in the surroundings of one of the largest wellness resorts in the region.

New Opening of 2021 | #9 Raffles Al Areen Palace, opening in second half of the year 2021

The debut Raffles hotel in Bahrain is a monumental transformation of the current Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor into Raffles Al Areen Palace. A collection of 78 pool villas set the five-star standard for guests checking in. Providing a holistic sanctuary for guests, it will also boast one of the largest spa and wellness centers in the region.

New Opening | Amintiri opens its first flagship cake store in Bangalore

Amintiri, an online cake store, the first of its kind in India has now opened its first flagship store in Bengaluru’s Museum Street. Priyanka Bhojwani, the co-founder of Amintiri spoke to ET Hospitality World about the journey from the online to the live store..

Amintiri was the first online, social cake store in India. They started operations 2 years ago as an online platform that delivered cakes in Bangalore and cake loaves to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Pune. This venture is the brainchild of Suraj Madhnani, a passionate foodie who decided to put his passion for food and entrepreneurial zeal combined with his love for feeding people into an online cake business, and Priyanka Bhojwani who began her tryst with business at 19 with Flaunt, a clothing line.

Speaking about the small beginnings they had, Priyanka Bhojwani says, “Suraj wanted to enter the restaurant space with specialty cakes, and we thought it was better to test the waters with an exclusive online store that caters to the Bangalore market. We decided not to tie up with any of the online delivery stores because we wanted our products to be delivered in a particular style. We would like to call ourselves an affordable luxury cake store because as decadent as our cakes are, they are easy on your pockets.”

This is a crowded market segment with many home bakers and bakeries offering cakes, but our cakes are professionally crafted, made with premium ingredients and packaged extremely well so we stood a better chance amidst the crowd. Also, since food needs to appeal to the senses of sight, feel and taste, initially we sent out samplers to many people to give them a glimpse of our cakes. With time this along with great word of mouth reviews, our business steadily grew,” reminisces Bhojwani.

“After two years of being an exclusive online store, we finally decided to be a little more daring and went for our first anchor store in Bangalore. This gave us a chance to display our offerings as smaller pastries that were single servings, along with this the freshly brewed coffees, cold chocolate, freshly made pasta etc. have gotten a tremendous response, our regular online shoppers are happy to see the brand presence in a store format. Our price points are what gets people’s attention to begin with, we offer cakes beginning from just INR 860. Our motto is, if there is a cause for celebration we are there and if there isn’t we can speak one,” adds Bhojwani.

New Opening | New Holiday Inn opens in Candolim, Goa

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced the grand opening of Holiday Inn Goa Candolim. Located in one of the most buzzing streets of North Goa, the hotel is just a few meters away from the pristine beaches, forts and other tourist attractions, creating a perfect setting for leisure and business stays.

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim features 106 spacious, stylish, modern rooms, all with an attached balcony, overlooking the scenic green landscapes of Sinquerim. The fully air-conditioned rooms are soundproof to allow for a great night’s sleep and are fitted with a smart TV plus tea and coffee facilities. All rooms include a dedicated work area with a desk and multiple device connection options is perfect for those who want to get some work done in their room. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and features an array of food offerings around the clock to ensure that all guests feel welcomed at any time of day or night.

The culinary experts at the hotel have put together a special menu at the Viva lounge & Bar, the all-day dining restaurant and the mixologist at the Atrium bar has created a range of handcrafted cocktails. The guests can also indulge with their favourite drink at the Shell Pool Bar while taking a dip in the swimming pool. The concierge team at the hotel curates customised experiences for guests to explore the tiny emerald state. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness centre and a business workspace.

The hotel is an ideal place for intimate weddings, social gatherings and conferences. Coral, the pillar less banquet hall at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim spans over 2,000 sq ft and 12.8ft clear ceiling height which can be converted into two separate venues. The outdoor lawn venue alongside the pool offers a perfect setting for exquisite events in the heart of the bustling Candolim.

Globally synonymous with offering guests an ideal setting to enable connections, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim features spaces to connect and unwind with friends and family. Its popular Kids Stay & Eat Free program welcomes families and ensures that our little guests are always well looked after.

Mr. Surajit Chatterjee, General Manager, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim said: “We are delighted to bring Holiday Inn to North Goa. Every aspect of the hotel from room decor, services and facilities to restaurant and bar offerings is strategically designed to provide guests with the unmatched comfort and hospitality that comes with staying at Holiday Inn. When visiting any IHG hotel, guests can be reassured that cleanliness is top of mind throughout each step of their stay. I am looking forward to present a world class experience for our guests.”

IHG Rewards members will receive exclusive member rates, earn points for future stays and save more when they book direct at ihg.com.

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and IHG Way of Clean

As part of the IHG family, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim will comply with IHG’s Way of Clean industry-leading standards, including the new IHG Clean Promise. IHG’s global Clean Promise was announced in May as part of an overhaul of IHG Way of Clean to introduce heightened cleanliness standards to protect guests in the wake of COVID. Using new, science-led protocols and service measures, partnering with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, these strengthened measures will give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.

New Opening | Minor Hotels Announces Upcoming Debut in Bahrain

Minor Hotels is pleased to announce its strategic entrance into Bahrain with the upcoming debut of its Avani and Tivoli brands.

Scheduled to open in 2024, Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort and Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort will be part of Bilaj Al Jazayer, a new waterfront leisure mixed-use masterplan owned by Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.

Bilaj Al Jazayer is located on the south-west coast of Bahrain and encompasses 1.3 million square metres of land with a three-kilometre beachfront. The new development will offer resorts, residential villas and apartments, food and beverage outlets, retail, offices and entertainment.

The new Tivoli and Avani hotels, each with 110 keys, will be located along the main boulevard of Bilaj Al Jazayer on the waterfront and will offer a selection of guest rooms and suites, multiple food and beverage outlets, swimming pools, leisure facilities including gyms, spa and wellness, plus meeting space. In addition, the hotels will share a beach club within the Bilaj Al Jazayer development.

Minor Hotels currently has 29 hotels and resorts in operation and in the pipeline in the Middle East region across its Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks brands, with the pipeline including the upcoming launch of two new brands to the region – NH Collection and NH Hotels.

New Opening of 2021 | #8 Nobu Hotel in Riyadh , Opening in second half of the year 2021

First announced in 2012, the hotly anticipated opening of Nobu Hotel in Riyadh has been pushed back several times, but is now set for this year. The luxury lifestyle hotel, the brainchild of actor Robert De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is a modern, design-led property within 23 story, glass-panelled skyscraper touted as the first five-star luxury boutique hotel in the kingdom. Inside, Nobu Hotel Riyadh will feature 119 stylish guestrooms and suites, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, executive club lounge. The Kingdom’s very first Nobu restaurant is already welcoming guests.

New Opening | SETTE MARA - A MIDDLE EASTERN LOUNGE, BAR and KITCHEN OPENS AT THE ST. REGIS MUMBAI

Sette Mara, the newest addition to the vibrant F&B offerings at The St. Regis Mumbai is a Lounge, Bar and Kitchen, at Level 9M.

Sette Mara takes inspiration from the rich coastline, linking the vibrant culture of Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Persia and Georgia.  Helmed by the charming Chef Reuben, the menu is curated with deep nuances of aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients originating from The Levant.  Chef Reuben, extremely passionate and creative about his craft, has shaped the experience, preserving and celebrating the tradition of the community and family sharing style of the middle eastern countries.   

The menu with ‘The Cold Kitchen’ and ‘The Hot Kitchen’, opens with appetizers of freshly tossed salads and tempting Mezzes that are crafted with a blend of contemporary and traditional recipes.  Cold and Hot Mezzes like Hummus Beiruti, Talatouri, Muhammarah, Garlic Labneh, Kataifi Prawns and Lamb and Bell Pepper Souvlaki begin your journey at Sette Mara.  ‘The Large Plates’ with dishes like Israeli Cous Cous Risotto, Eggplant & Sweet Potato Moussaka, Salt Baked Whole Seabass, Braised Chicken Maqlouba and Dijaj Bil Sanieh are brought fragrant and steaming hot to the table.  The Mangal Grill, a traditional middle Eastern charcoal grill, holds pride of place in the menu with a unique style of ‘grilling to perfection’ mastered by Chef Reuben and his team.  The soft and fluffy Georgian bread under the ‘The Khachapuri Bar’ is aromatic and served freshly baked from the ‘Tone’, a traditional stone oven. The menu closes with luscious desserts and house made ice-creams selections.

The energetic Bar and Lounge at Sette Mara features a collection of handcrafted cocktails and Negronis, freshly concocted by our interactive and spirited bartenders.  The Negroni, with equal parts Campari, Gin, and Sweet Vermouth are barrel aged and served from a barrel making the drink, bitter, sweet, dry and refreshing all at once.  The selection of a variety of cocktails like Oak Barrel Aged Negroni, The Luxury Boulevardier, Sette Mara Aromatic Spritz, Turkish Old Fashioned and Crystal Truffle Negroni can be relished at Sette Mara.

Sette Mara is an exhilarating, vibrant and energetic space set against the backdrop of deep, marine blues.   From azure to Prussian blue, Chef Reuben’s menu comes alive under the magnificent navigational constellation compass suspended above the dining area.  The Lounge and Bar are reminiscent of the exciting middle Eastern ports with burnished rusts, burgundies and cinnamon tones reflective of the precious cargo of spices, wines and perfume.  The intricate mural behind the long bar and the iconic motifs harken on the stories of dancing against flickering candlelight unbelievable adventure in exotic locales.  Welcome to Sette Mara.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained 

New Opening | Anantara Announces Upcoming Launch of New Resort on Dubai’s World Islands

We are pleased to announce an exciting addition to the brand’s portfolio in Dubai with the upcoming launch of Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort in Q4 of 2021. The new resort will be the first hotel in the South American continent of the World Islands development.

The island will be completely dedicated to the resort, with guests able to access by boat in just 15 minutes from the jetty at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. The property will feature 70 keys comprised of villas and suites. Villas will have a private pool, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach, making the perfect retreat for families and couples.

The new resort will offer multiple dining options, in addition to a stylish bar lounge with magnificent panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, including the famous landmarks Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab. In-room spa treatments, a gym and a kid’s club will also be part of the new resort's amenities.