A Thali Trip to Chennai at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai

Mumbai’s dining scene gets a taste of Chennai as South of Vindhyas at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai presents its Chennai Express Festival, a limited-period culinary celebration showcasing the diverse flavours and traditional delicacies of Tamil Nadu, on until 1st November 2026.

The festival features an elaborate selection of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and seafood thalis, with a rotating menu that highlights the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Diners can indulge in traditional favourites such as Pachakari Stew and Vathal Kuzhambu on the vegetarian thali, while non-vegetarian selections feature Meen Fry, Kozhi Sukka, and Vadagam Meen Kuzhambu. Seafood enthusiasts can savour regional specialities including Nandu Milagu Rasam, alongside prawn and squid preparations.

Complementing the feast are South Indian staples such as Appam, Kal Dosa, Parotta, Sambar, Payasam, and authentic South Indian filter coffee, bringing together the comforting and vibrant flavours of Chennai on a single thali.

Perfect for leisurely family lunches, dinners with friends, and food enthusiasts looking to explore regional Indian cuisine, the Chennai Express Festival makes for a delightful addition to Mumbai’s dining calendar this week.

Where: South of Vindhyas, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Near Domestic Airport, Vile Parle East, Mumbai – 400099When: Until 1st November 2026
Reservations: +91 75060 10316

THE SERAI RESORTS – Introducing ‘Living Sanctuaries’

‘Where nature sets the pace and graceful hospitality creates space to simply be’

There are places we travel to, and there are places that become a part of us. A place can stay with you in the quiet of a morning, in the memory of a meal, in the sound of the forest after dusk, or in the feeling of having nowhere else to be. It is these unhurried moments, often unplanned and understated, that makes a journey truly memorable.

At The Serai Resorts, this belief has always been at the heart of the experience. Set across some of South India’s most evocative landscapes, The Serai invites guests to slow down, look closer, and discover a deeper connection with the places they visit.

Living Sanctuaries is a latest expression of this philosophy- one that brings together the distinctive landscapes, experiences, and spirit of nature at The Serai Resorts across Chikmagalur, Bandipur, and Kabini, with each destination holding its own character, rhythm, and way of inviting you to pause.

In Chikmagalur, the landscape is shaped by the mist-covered hills and coffee estates of the Western Ghats. Mornings unfold slowly, surrounded by forests, rain, and the scent of coffee wafting in the cool breeze. It is a place for long walks, sounds of nature, quiet contemplation, and discovering the pleasures of the hills at an unhurried pace.

In Bandipur, the experience is defined by the wilderness. The forest has its own rhythm, which cannot be hurried. The call of birds, movement of wildlife, and changing light through the trees create a sense of being immersed in nature rather than simply observing it. Here, stillness becomes an experience.

In Kabini, the river forms the heart of the landscape. Its waters, open skies, and surrounding wilderness create a sense of anticipation and discovery. From quiet moments by the water to encounters with the wildlife that inhabits the region, Kabini reminds us that some of the most remarkable experiences of the expanses of land, water and skies and the beauty of its changing rhythms, one that we cannot plan.

While each sanctuary is deeply rooted in its surroundings, a shared philosophy connects them: nature sets the pace.

The landscape is not merely a backdrop to the experience. It influences how guests spend their time, what they see, what they taste, and how they connect with the destination. From the architecture and design to the culinary experiences and ways of exploring the surroundings, every element is considered to allow the character of the place to come through.

Then there is graceful hospitality.

For The Serai Resorts, hospitality is not about doing more; it is about knowing what matters and doing it well. It is the warmth of being welcomed, the attentiveness of a team that remembers the little things, and the instinct to know when to be present and when to simply give a guest space.

Hospitality is natural to its surroundings, thoughtful without being intrusive, personal without being performative.

Today, perhaps, the idea of luxury is changing.

It is less about abundance and more about space. Space to breathe. Space to disconnect from the pace of everyday life. Space to have a meaningful conversation, to savour a meal, to spend time with the people who matter, or simply to be alone with one's thoughts.

At The Serai Resorts, these moments do not interrupt the experience. These are experiences.

A misty morning in the coffee plantation.

A slow breakfast overlooking the landscape.

The anticipation of a wildlife sighting.

A meal inspired by the region.

The sound of rain against the forest.

A conversation that carried late into the evening.

Or the quiet pleasure of doing absolutely nothing.

These moments become part of how we remember a place. How it becomes etched and core to our memories.

Living Sanctuaries is an invitation to experience travel at a different pace-to move beyond simply visiting a destination and instead allow the destination to become part of you.

Across Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini, The Serai Resorts creates spaces where nature, place and graceful hospitality come together, offering guests the freedom to experience each landscape in their own way.

Because a sanctuary is not simply a place where we retreat to.

It is a place that gives something back.

Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply having the time and space to notice it.

Super Age Collaborates with World of Hyatt to Champion Longevity and Welcome Athletes to Hyatt Regency Times Square

NEW YORK, NY (October , 2026) — Super Age, the longevity media company, today announced a collaboration between World of Hyatt, Hyatt’s loyalty program, and the Super Age Games, a live longevity fitness competition testing the eight markers of healthspan. The collaboration brings Hyatt's hospitality together with Super Age's science-backed longevity fitness training platform, The Super Age Standard, to help travelers stay on track before, during, and after their trip to the Games. 

The collaboration will include:

• A streamlined Games booking process, using World of Hyatt FIND experiences platform

• Discounted room blocks reserved for Games Athletes at Hyatt Regency Times Square

• A set of travel wellness protocols in the Super Age Standard, Super Age’s longevity fitness training app and the official training platform of the Super Age Games. 

“The Games were always about more than a single day at the Armory. It’s the whole arc of getting there, competing, and going home. Hyatt gets that,” says Super Age Founder David Harry Stewart. “With a travel protocol built into The Super Age Standard, your training doesn’t stop when you leave home. Members can book the experience on World of Hyatt FIND with points or cash, and Hyatt Regency Times Square gives participants a home base for the weekend.”

The Super Age Games: An Event Worth Traveling For

The Super Age Games is the world’s first whole-human longevity fitness competition. The single-day event was designed in partnership with experts from The Buck Institute for Research on Aging to test eight trainable longevity markers: grip strength, aerobic capacity, agility, balance, functional strength, and endurance under load, plus two trials that most fitness events skip entirely—working memory under physical stress, and your relational capacity in real time. 

The Games draw a genuinely global field. This year's competitors, ranging in age from 21 to 81, are traveling from 14 countries and 40 states and competing across more than 100 teams. It underscores that the drive to train for longevity has no single age or zip code—and that travel will be part of many Founding Athletes’ Games Day stories. 

The Super Age Games will take place on November 7, 2026 at the Armory Track in New York City. 

Plan the Games Experience with World of Hyatt FIND and Hyatt Regency Times Square

With a single click, World of Hyatt members can book tickets to Super Age Games directly through the World of Hyatt FIND Experiences platform using World of Hyatt points by visiting here. The listing combines event access with Hyatt’s booking tools, making it easier for members to plan travel around the competition.

Located in heart of New York, Hyatt Regency Times Square is expected to serve as a natural home base for many Games attendees, offering convenient access to the competition and positioning Hyatt at the center of this first-of-its-kind event. 

“Travel can be a powerful catalyst for wellbeing, and World of Hyatt is committed to helping our members find meaningful ways to care for themselves wherever their journeys take them,” said TJ Abrams, Vice President Global Partnerships and Wellbeing, Hyatt. “Through FIND and our collaboration with the Super Age Games, we are expanding access to experiences that inspire movement, mindfulness and connection, both on the road and at home.”

Super Age Launches Travel Wellness Collection with World of Hyatt for Game Participants 

Travelers attending the Super Age Games can now digitally access a set of wellness protocols designed to help them maintain their strength, recovery and sleep routines while on the road. Developed by World of Hyatt and Super Age, the collection is built into The Super Age Standard, Super Age’s longevity fitness training app and the official training platform of the Super Age Games. While the collection launches alongside the Games, it’s designed for anyone who cares about training for longevity, whether they’re traveling to compete, for work or for fun.

The collection helps travelers stay on track before, during and after competition with four practical protocols:

• The Arrival Reset: A recovery-focused sequence for the first hours after landing

• The 4×2 Strength Session: A compact strength workout designed for hotel gyms

• The Midday Reset: A short recovery break to use between meetings or event sessions

• The Sleep Hygiene Guide for Travel: Guidance for protecting sleep across time zones

The collection is available now in the Super Age Standard. Whether athletes are settling into Hyatt Regency Times Square ahead of the Games or travelers are checking in anywhere else in the world, the collection reflects a shared belief between Hyatt and Super Age that travel shouldn’t interrupt the habits that help people live well longer.

The Rameshwaram Cafe Reimagines Mumbai’s Iconic Bun Maska with a Nostalgic Badam Milk Twist

MUMBAI, India : The Rameshwaram Cafe has announced the Mumbai launch of its viral culinary sensation: freshly baked Bun Maska served with piping-hot Badam Milk poured right over it. Developed in collaboration with Thirtha, a pure-vegetarian North Indian brand from Bangalore by The Rameshwaram Cafe team, the new pairing pays homage to Mumbai’s classic tea-time culture while introducing an indulgent, nostalgic twist.
The concept originated at Thirtha, where master bakers craft daily batches of pillowy, golden-crusted buns spread generously with rich, velvety maska using top-tier ingredients. Honouring Mumbai's deep connection to the classic bun maska, The Rameshwaram Cafe elevated the ritual by soaking the butter-laden bun in aromatic, slow-simmered Badam Milk infused with real nuts and warm spices. The result is an opulent melt-in-the-mouth treat that combines the comfort of old-school bakery traditions with the rich flavours of a classic Indian sweet milk recipe
"Mumbai’s love affair with Bun Maska is legendary, and we wanted to celebrate that timeless bond while offering something uniquely memorable," said the leadership team at The Rameshwaram Cafe. "Thirtha brought the foundation of exceptional in-house baking and premium maska, and together we introduced the warm Badam Milk pour. It captures pure nostalgia while delivering a fresh culinary experience that food lovers of all generations can enjoy.
"Now serving in Mumbai, this indulgent creation invites patrons to rediscover a city favorite reimagined through warmth, butter, and rich badam milk. Drop by to experience the comforting pour firsthand and taste how nostalgia meets modern indulgence in every bitea

Vietnam Golf Coast Serves Up an Autumn to Savour

New dining concepts, seasonal menus and major golf events add flavour to the fairways

DANANG, VIETNAM (Oct. , 2026) – Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC) clubs are whetting the appetites of visiting golfers this autumn, pairing world-class golf with fresh culinary experiences as Central Vietnam continues to strengthen its appeal both on and off the course.

Leading the charge is Montgomerie Links, which is preparing to unveil The 19th Coffee & Beer, a completely refreshed dining destination overlooking the driving range and first tee. The new concept will combine contemporary design with indoor seating and a spacious outdoor terrace, providing an inviting setting for golfers before or after their round.

The menu will straddle East and West, combining contemporary Western dishes with authentic Vietnamese flavours and locally sourced ingredients. The opening complements Birdies Restaurant, overlooking the 18th green, as Montgomerie Links continues to develop the experience surrounding its championship layout.

“Great golf is still at the heart of everything we do, but the experience doesn’t begin and end on the course,” said Le Vo Hoang Van, Club Manager at Montgomerie Links. “The 19th gives golfers somewhere they can settle in before a round or linger afterwards, with good food, a relaxed atmosphere and views that keep them connected to the course.”

Ba Na Hills Golf Club is also sharpening its culinary offering for September and October with a new clubhouse menu mixing Vietnamese and international favourites. New signatures include beef short-rib phở, truffle creamy rigatoni with crispy chicken, Korean sundubu jjigae and crispy Vietnamese pancakes.

Seasonal specials further reflect the diversity of visitors to Central Vietnam, ranging from Phu Quoc-style bún quậy (seafood noodle soup) and Hoi An-inspired herbal tea to Korean kimchi jjigae. Mooncakes and Korean songpyeon will mark the autumn festival season, while new cocktails add another reason to linger at the clubhouse after golf.

“Food has become an increasingly important part of the golf experience in Central Vietnam,” said Andrew McGregor, General Manager at Ba Na Hills Golf Club. “Our golfers come from across Asia and around the world, so we want the clubhouse to reflect that diversity while retaining a strong sense of place through Vietnamese dishes and ingredients.”

The culinary activity coincides with a busy period on the fairways. Ba Na Hills will host the IMG Trophy 2026, bringing another major competitive occasion to the Luke Donald-designed course.

Beyond the clubs, food is an increasingly compelling part of Central Vietnam’s appeal. Danang’s dining scene spans local seafood and street-food favourites to restaurants recognised by the MICHELIN Guide, while nearby Hoi An remains one of Vietnam’s great culinary destinations, renowned for specialities such as cao lầu and cơm gà.

For visiting golfers, the combination adds another dimension to a region already celebrated for its championship courses, beaches, luxury resorts and UNESCO-listed heritage.

“Central Vietnam has always offered much more than golf,” Van added. “The quality and variety of dining is another part of what makes the destination so rewarding. A great round followed by a memorable meal is a combination that’s difficult to beat.”

EDITION Expands Its Global Footprint with a Landmark Debut in Cape Town

 Framed by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is defined by the interplay of nature and urban life, heritage and artistic spirit, and local identity and global influence. EDITION marks its African debut with The Cape Town EDITION – a gathering place poised to become a social nexus and a gateway to discover the city.

Cape Town joins EDITION's global portfolio of hotels in some of the world's most sought-after destinations ranging from Lake Como and Tokyo to London, New York, Riviera Maya and beyond, where thoughtful design, carefully curated culinary experiences and a strong sense of cultural relevance come together in a way that is distinctly EDITION.

“Cape Town has a distinctive energy shaped by extraordinary landscapes, diverse influences and an exceptional culinary scene,” said George Fleck, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, EDITION. “As one of the world’s most compelling cultural capitals, it is a natural home for EDITION. This opening marks an important milestone for the brand as we continue to grow in destinations that sit at the intersection of culture, creativity and global influence.”

Opening at Quay 7 on the V&A Waterfront, The Cape Town EDITION occupies a coveted position within Cape Town’s historic working harbor, a gateway that has connected cultures for centuries. Overlooking the V&A Waterfront’s new superyacht marina and facing Table Mountain, the hotel sits at the intersection of the city’s maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene, surrounded by leading museums, art galleries, acclaimed restaurants, elevated retail and the dynamic atmosphere of the Waterfront neighborhood.

“The opening of The Cape Town EDITION is an important milestone in the V&A Waterfront’s continued evolution and a strong expression of confidence in Cape Town as a globally competitive tourism and investment destination,” said Graham Wood, Chief Executive Officer of the V&A Waterfront. “At Quay 7, the EDITION brings an exceptional international hospitality brand into a working harbor and connects it to the wider Waterfront neighborhood through new dining, cultural and public-facing experiences. It also signals the next chapter for Granger Bay: a well-connected waterfront district that creates long-term value for Cape Town, our visitors, and the communities we serve.”

Where Minimalistic Design Meets Maritime Heritage

Designed by Neri&Hu in collaboration with Cape Town-based architects and professional firms, The Cape Town EDITION draws on the industrial maritime character of Quay 7. The architecture references the warehouse structures that previously occupied the site through a long, low-slung form, pitched rooflines and a material language inspired by the working harbor. More than six million bricks were laid by hand in shifting patterns that bring texture to the façade, transforming a humble material through meticulous craftsmanship and creating a distinctive architectural identity rooted in place.

At the center of the hotel is The Drum, a soaring cylindrical space open to the elements above. Here, Cape Town's shifting light and sea air are welcomed in. A spiraling staircase ascends to an outdoor viewing platform, gradually revealing the city: the harbor, Table Mountain, the Atlantic and the rhythm of the Waterfront below. Part arrival experience, part public lookout, The Drum invites guests, visitors and locals alike to discover Cape Town from a new vantage point.

The hotel's 142 guestrooms and suites balance refined comfort with a distinctly residential sensibility. Bespoke furniture, natural finishes and cleverly integrated joinery inspired by 19th-century travel trunks create warm, layered interiors designed to feel both intuitive and deeply comfortable, while large windows frame sweeping views. Custom furnishings and rugs woven by KwaZulu-Natal-based Shuttleworth Weaving layer local craft into the experience. The 240-square-meter Penthouse and 112-square-meter Harbour Suite crown the hotel, with generous living spaces and panoramic outlooks.

Throughout the hotel, art and design serve as a reflection of Africa's creative landscape, connecting guests to the people, stories and traditions that shape the destination. Design Network Africa sourced progressive pieces from makers across the continent, including Zulu ukhamba vessels and mouth-blown recycled glass from Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa. Cape Town’s Southern Guild curated an art collection of established and emerging African voices, including Zanele Muholi’s black-and-white photographic portraits in Punch Room, EDITION’s contemporary take on the traditional punch house; Usha Seejarim’s Fading Dish Cloth, assembled from hundreds of wooden clothes pegs, appears in the spa; and Chuma Maweni’s smoke-fired ceramics lend a sculptural presence to the lobby and dining spaces.

The Cape Gathered Around the Table

With experience spanning Berners Tavern at The London EDITION and some of the Cape's leading restaurants, Executive Chef Phil Carmichael and award-winning South African beverage partner George Hunter lead the hotel's food and beverage program across a collection of distinct restaurants and bars, shaping experiences that move seamlessly from morning through late night.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Shale, brings the Cape to the table through a seasonal menu, drawing on farmers, coastal fisheries, winemakers and independent producers. Meat is dry-aged in-house, while a predominantly South African wine list carries the regional story into the glass. Dishes are recognizable yet quietly unexpected, such as Saldanha Bay mussels in a curry velouté with seaweed salad and braised black rice. On the rooftop, EAVE offers a relaxed, yet refined, setting with broad views. Set beside the heated pool, the indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar moves from leisurely afternoons to sundowners, dinner and curated music programming after dark. The menu pairs refreshing cocktails and a thoughtful wine list with small plates that showcase the flavors of the Winelands and the surrounding coastline. The adjoining Pool Terrace follows the sun, from breakfast and easy midday bites to sunset cocktails and light dinners.

On the ground floor, EDITION’s signature Lobby Bar takes on the warmth and ease of a Cape Town living room, where hotel life and local rhythm meet. Anchored by a striking bar and pool table, the space seamlessly transitions from morning coffee meetings to light bites and evening drinks. Punch Room revives a centuries-old drinking ritual once carried along the trade routes that passed through the Cape. Wood paneling, velvet banquettes and low lighting create an intimate, opulent retreat, where punches are served in generous bowls for sharing. Local character finds expression in Brandewijn, a punch combining brandy, Pinotage, rooibos, pineapple, lemon and winter spice, offering a modern interpretation of the region's rich cultural and culinary heritage.

Moments of Renewal

The spa sits below sea level, cocooned from the energy of the waterfront above. Alongside five treatment rooms and a couples’ suite, the spa features a sauna and steam room, while infrared beds and Therabody recovery boots offer targeted support for rest and recovery. The treatment menu combines skincare, massage, fascia work and aromatherapy with Omorovicza’s mineral-rich formulations. The focus on wellbeing continues with a 24-hour gym and a daily program of yoga, breathwork, sound baths and movement sessions beside the heated rooftop pool and sun deck.

The hotel offers a collection of light-filled areas for meetings, gatherings and celebrations. At its heart is the flexible ballroom with a capacity of up to 200 people, complemented by a boardroom, two meeting studios and a private event terrace. Wellness programming, destination dining and social venues offer a more flexible approach to events, from harborside receptions and rooftop cocktails at EAVE to exclusive gatherings at Vantage, the hotel’s rooftop event space, and dinners at Shale. 

“We want The Cape Town EDITION to feel as relevant to a Capetonian as it does to someone visiting the city for the first time,” said Leonie Andereya, General Manager at The Cape Town EDITION. “Inspired by the warmth and authenticity of South African hospitality, we have created a place where locals and travelers come together through food, culture, creativity and conversation. Sophisticated but never formal, it offers a distinct lens on Cape Town and the feeling that you have discovered a side of the city, and a community within it, that you genuinely want to be part of.”

ITC Maratha Marks World Sustainability Day with a Continued Commitment to Responsible Luxury

Mumbai, October 2026: On World Sustainability Day, October 26, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, highlights over a decade of integrating sustainability into luxury hospitality. From reusing or recycling over 99% of solid waste to meeting approximately 80% of its energy requirements through renewable sources, the hotel continues to demonstrate how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Part of ITC Hotels, recognised by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for having the highest number of LEED Platinum-certified properties in its portfolio, ITC Maratha further strengthens its environmental credentials with the LEED Zero Carbon Certification from USGBC.

Sustainability at the hotel extends across dining, banqueting and everyday operations. Responsible Dining encourages mindful food choices, Alert Meets offers wholesome gourmet fare centred on seasonal produce, while One Bite Wonder features thoughtfully prepared bite-sized creations. Through Green Banquets, the hotel incorporates locally sourced menus and resource-conscious practices into meetings and celebrations.

The hotel also uses 47% less water than the USGBC benchmark for large luxury hotels and harvests rainwater across 100% of its area. Its Sunya Aqua initiative enables drinking water to be purified and bottled in-house, helping reduce transportation-related emissions. An in-house biogas plant converts wet waste into kitchen fuel, diverting approximately one lakh kilograms of organic waste from landfills. Organic Waste Converters further support responsible waste management, while alternatives such as glass bottles, paper straws and bamboo amenities have replaced single-use plastic products.

Extending its commitment to events and celebrations, ITC Maratha offsets event-related carbon emissions through carbon credits at no additional cost to guests.

On World Sustainability Day, ITC Maratha reaffirms its commitment to responsible luxury, demonstrating how thoughtful choices, efficient resource management and measurable environmental action can contribute to a more sustainable future for hospitality.

Ramee Group Announces Premium Sea-View Resort with 70-Key Property in Dapoli, Maharashtra

~Positioned as the Ultimate Coastal Getaway for Mumbai and Pune Residents, the New Property Offers Sea-View Rooms, Premium Wellness Amenities, and Expansive Destination Wedding Venues~

National, October 2026 - Ramee Group of Hotels, a globally acclaimed hospitality brand known for its vibrant lifestyle experiences and guest-centric service has officially announced the extension of its leisure portfolio with the launch of its new resort property in the coastal town of Dapoli, Maharashtra. Featuring 70 keys comprising premium rooms and serviced apartments, every single guestroom commands panoramic and unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea.

Commenting on the landmark launch, Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President – India, Ramee Group of Hotels, stated: "Our robust expansion plan lays emphasis on delivering immersive experiences wrapped in authenticity. You will see that with all our new upcoming property launches. Dapoli is rapidly emerging as India's next prominent weekend getaway, strategically serving major urban clusters including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and surrounding regions. The addition of the Dapoli property marks an exciting milestone in our resort portfolio. By offering sprawling sea views from every room and comfortable, thoughtfully designed stays, we are creating a unique sanctuary for guests.”

"We are delighted to partner with Ramee Group of Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality brands in the lifestyle & leisure space. Phatak Developers is committed to elevating Konkan’s tourism, and this collaboration marks an exciting step toward bringing world-class hospitality to Dapoli. We have complete trust in Ramee Group's operational expertise and we look forward to setting a new benchmark for coastal hospitality together” said, Akshay Phatak, Owner of Agatsya Hospitality (a subsidiary of Phatak Developers)

Designed to meet the growing demand for experiential upscale and leisure, the property features an array of premium hospitality facilities. Culinary experiences are centered around a flagship All-Day Dining restaurant serving a curated mix of global favourites and authentic local coastal cuisine. For recreation and relaxation, guests can access a fully equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium, a rejuvenating spa, an expansive swimming pool, and a dedicated indoor/outdoor Kids Play Area. Furthermore, the property addresses a major market gap in the region with its massive indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, specifically configured for corporate retreats and large-scale celebrations.

The resort is designed for modern experiential travellers, families, and destination wedding planners seeking a deeper connection with nature and coastal heritage. With its pristine coastal beauty and Ramee Group’s signature standard of hospitality infrastructure, the new Dapoli resort is poised to redefine Western India’s tourism landscape.

Sterling Opens Bandhavgarh Resort , Bringing Together Tiger Country, Heritage and Culture

New addition strengthens Sterling's Central India wilderness portfolio and creates opportunities for connected journeys across Bandhavgarh and Kanha.

Chennai, October 2026: Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has announced the opening of Sterling Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh, strengthening its presence across Central India's leading wildlife destinations and adding another distinctive forest experience to its growing wilderness portfolio.

With resorts across 15 celebrated wildlife landscapes of India, Sterling is deliberately building wilderness travel as a distinct leisure category. Bandhavgarh strengthens this strategy by bringing one of India's most recognised tiger destinations into a portfolio designed to offer travellers different forests, different experiences and more reasons to explore.

The opportunity goes beyond the excitement of a tiger sighting. Bandhavgarh combines dense sal forests, open meadows and rich biodiversity with an extraordinary historical landscape. Ancient sculptures, caves, the heritage of Bandhavgarh Fort and the reclining Vishnu at Shesh Shaiya reveal a destination where wilderness and centuries of human history coexist.

For families, this creates a more complete holiday proposition. The anticipation of a safari can be combined with birdwatching, village walks, nature trails, regional cuisine and relaxed time together, allowing travellers of different generations to discover Bandhavgarh in their own way.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL), said: " “India's wilderness destinations are far more diverse than the wildlife they are famous for. Every forest has its own landscape, history, culture and cuisine—and therefore a different story to discover.

Bandhavgarh is particularly compelling because it brings together one of India's celebrated tiger habitats with centuries of heritage and the distinctive culture of Baghelkhand. As Destination Architects, our ambition is to bring these dimensions together so that a safari becomes part of a richer, more memorable holiday for families.

With Sterling's growing presence across wildlife and nature destinations, we also have the opportunity to connect individual forests into compelling journeys, such as Bandhavgarh and Kanha.

We are not simply adding destinations to our wilderness portfolio. We are giving travellers more reasons to discover India's forests—and more reasons to return.

With Bandhavgarh joining our growing presence across Central India, we also see the opportunity to develop richer journeys that connect different wilderness landscapes.

Our ambition is to make wildlife holidays about discovering the forest and everything around it, not just the sighting."

Located in Tala village, approximately 2.5 km from Tala Gate of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Sterling Bandhavgarh offers an intimate retreat with 26 rooms across four distinctive categories - its Machan Suites feature private machans and outdoor showers, while Courtyard Rooms with Balconies offer garden-facing outdoor spaces. Safari Tents with Private Sit-outs bring a sense of adventure to the stay, complemented by comfortable Forest Rooms. A swimming pool, gardens and outdoor relaxation spaces create easy downtime between excursions.

Speaking on the launch Mr. Pranav Sharma, owner of Mahalaxmi Commercial Service Pvt Ltd, said :  “Our association with Sterling at Kanha has given us the confidence to extend this partnership to Bandhavgarh. Sterling brings strong operating expertise, brand reach and an understanding of how to create distinctive destination experiences. We are delighted to build on this successful relationship and bring another compelling wilderness retreat to travellers”

The resort's location provides convenient access to Tala Gate, with opportunities to explore other safari zones such as Magadhi and Khitauli, subject to Forest Department permits and regulations. Birdwatching, village walks, nature trails and cycling offer additional ways to experience the surrounding landscape, while the region's historical and cultural attractions add depth to longer stays.

Baghelkhand's culinary heritage provides another connection to the destination.

At The Sal, regional preparations such as Birra ki Roti, Saal Patta Murgh, Baans Mein Pakaya Chawal and Kumhde ki Kheer draw on traditional cooking methods, local grains and forest-inspired ingredients. Alongside Indian and international favourites, the resort's culinary proposition explores experiences such as the Jungle Thali, showcasing the flavours of Baghelkhand, and Gaon ki Rasoi, inspired by the cooking traditions of local communities. Outdoor dining and bonfire evenings add to the experience of being close to nature.

Bandhavgarh also opens up opportunities for travellers to explore more of Madhya Pradesh's wilderness. With Sterling's presence in Kanha, the two destinations offer the potential for a Bandhavgarh–Kanha forest journey, bringing together distinct habitats, landscapes and wildlife experiences within a single holiday.

With Bandhavgarh joining its growing wilderness network, Sterling is moving beyond individual wildlife stays towards a more connected way of discovering India's forests. From the tiger landscapes of Central India (Madhya Pradesh) to the distinctive wilderness of Rajasthan  , Maharashtra, Uttarakhand  each destination adds a different experience to the portfolio—giving travellers more choice, families more reasons to explore together, and Sterling greater opportunity to build journeys that extend beyond a single safari or destination.

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Announces Nearly 900-Room Expansion, Enters Hotel Ownership with 241-Key Udaipur Project

Hospitality group targets six upcoming hotel openings, with signed projects in Jim Corbett and Vrindavan marking its expansion beyond Rajasthan

Jaipur, October 2026: Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has unveiled an expansion pipeline of approximately 900 rooms, marking a significant new phase for the Rajasthan-based hospitality company as it moves beyond third-party hotel management into hotel ownership and enters new markets across North India.

The company, which currently operates seven hotels with approximately 950 rooms, is targeting six additional hotel openings through 2027. The expansion includes its first owned hotel in Udaipur, two signed properties in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand, and a hotel project in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. The proposed additions are expected to take Black Rock's total inventory close to 2,000 rooms, subject to development and opening schedules.

The centrepiece of the expansion is Kingsbury, a 241-room hotel under development in Udaipur, which will mark Black Rock's entry into hotel ownership. Located alongside a lake and surrounded by hills, the property is scheduled to commence operations with approximately 160 rooms in March 2027.

The project has been designed with substantial infrastructure for destination weddings, conferences and large social gatherings. Its planned facilities include two ballrooms measuring approximately 4,000 sq. ft. and 14,000 sq. ft., an 11,000 sq. ft. courtyard, a 6,000 sq. ft. pool deck, a 10,000 sq. ft. rooftop event space and three lakeside venues. The property will also have five garden spaces ranging from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 sq. ft.

Beyond Rajasthan, Black Rock has signed two hotels in Jim Corbett, comprising 115 and 135 rooms respectively, with openings indicated for October 2027. The company has also signed a project in Vrindavan, establishing a foothold in Uttar Pradesh.

Commenting on the expansion, Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, “We have built our business around operating hotels where weddings, conferences and leisure contribute substantially to revenue. Our next phase is about taking that experience into new markets while also developing assets of our own. Udaipur will be an important milestone because we have been able to plan the property around the operational requirements of these segments. With a sizeable pipeline ahead, we are moving towards a larger, geographically diversified portfolio while remaining focused on commercial viability and operating performance.”

The expansion also reflects Black Rock's distinctive management approach. Unlike conventional hotel management agreements based primarily on management fees, the company operates through revenue-sharing arrangements, assuming responsibility for staffing, operating expenditure and day-to-day hotel management while providing property owners an agreed share of revenue.

The addition of owned assets will introduce a second growth model alongside these management agreements, allowing Black Rock to participate directly in hotel development while continuing to expand through partnerships with independent property owners.

With the next phase of development underway, Black Rock is positioning itself as a larger hospitality owner-operator with a focus on destination resorts, weddings, MICE and leisure markets