First in India: Sofitel Mumbai BKC's Green Key Achievement

First in India: Sofitel Mumbai BKC's Green Key Achievement

By Author

Published on January 8, 2024

In a landmark achievement for India's hospitality industry, Sofitel Mumbai BKC has been awarded the prestigious Green Key Certification, making it the first hotel in the country to receive this accolade. The Green Key Certification, launched in India in 2023, is recognized globally as a leading standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism sector.

The National Jury Green Key India and the Center for Environment Education (CEE) have acknowledged Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s commitment to sustainability, setting a new benchmark for eco-friendly practices in the Indian hospitality industry.

The Green Key certificate in India is implemented by CEE Ahmedabad, a proud member of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This certification reflects the hotel’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations.

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Manish Dayya, the General Manager of Sofitel Mumbai BKC, expressed his excitement over the achievement: “This past year has been thrilling with numerous accolades for our hotel. The Green Key Certification is not just another achievement; it represents our team’s collective effort and commitment to sustainability.”

Sofitel Mumbai BKC now stands as a beacon of sustainable practices in the Indian hospitality sector. This certification places the hotel alongside the global elite in environmental responsibility, being one of only two such certifications available worldwide.

“For Accor, our parent company, and all the hotel brands under its umbrella, including Sofitel Hotels and Resorts, sustainability is a core principle. Our global mission is to have all Accor hotels certified in the coming years. We are proud to support this vision with our local initiatives and hope to inspire more sustainability-led breakthroughs in 2024,” added Dayya.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s achievement is a significant step towards a greener future in the hospitality industry. It not only aligns with Accor’s global mission for sustainable transformation but also paves the way for other hotels in India and worldwide to follow suit.

As the first recipient of the Green Key Certification in India, Sofitel Mumbai BKC is now at the forefront of the sustainable hospitality movement, showcasing how luxury and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.


Celebrate Rakshabandhan in Royal Style with The LaLiT Hospitality Group

Celebrate Rakshabandhan in Royal Style with The LaLiT Hospitality Group

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 8, 2025

This Rakshabandhan, skip the usual and embrace a festive experience steeped in luxury and tradition with The LaLiT Hospitality Group. With specially curated offerings across Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Udaipur, families and siblings can celebrate the occasion in true royal style.

At The LaLiT Jaipur, Rakshabandhan dinner gets a majestic makeover with a lavish buffet at their 24/7 All Day Diner. Guests can relish Indian and international flavours while soaking in the vibrant festive ambience. A thoughtful gift awaits all sisters, adding a warm touch to the celebration. It's the perfect choice for sibling duos and families looking to enjoy Rakhi in a regal setting.

The LaLiT Chandigarh is turning the Rakhi weekend into a perfect staycation opportunity. With 25% off on the best available room rates and 15% off on food, spa, laundry, and more, this offer is ideal for sibling groups looking to unwind in style. Guests can access recreational zones, take a dip in the pool, or even book city tours, making it a wholesome festive retreat for families across Delhi, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and beyond.

In Udaipur, the city of lakes, The LaLiT offers a week-long celebration blending the charm of friendship and siblinghood. From high tea sessions to beer combos, lawn games, live music, and themed decor, the atmosphere captures the essence of celebration. Guests can enjoy golden hour views by the lake, take selfies at dedicated zones, and indulge in lakeside memories under the stars.

Whether it’s a grand buffet, a peaceful staycation, or a lakeside sunset with your sibling, The LaLiT ensures Rakshabandhan 2025 is nothing short of memorable.


Devsha by Botanix Brings Luxury Forest Living to Jim Corbett

Devsha by Botanix Brings Luxury Forest Living to Jim Corbett

By Hariharan U

Published on July 31, 2025

Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd. has officially launched Devsha Resort by Botanix, a 5-acre forest retreat set in the heart of Jim Corbett’s wilderness, offering a perfect mix of nature and curated comfort.

With 116 rooms spread across the property, guests can choose from four categories of eco-inspired stays, including premium rooms, luxury suites, and villas with plunge pools. Each space is thoughtfully designed to offer a peaceful, immersive experience surrounded by jungle calm.

“With Devsha, we’ve built a sanctuary that lets people reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort”, said Atul Vashishth, Managing Director of Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd. “It reflects our brand's core philosophy of healing, warmth, and green hospitality”

A Destination for Families, Retreats & Celebrations

Whether you’re looking for a wellness break or planning a wedding amidst the woods, Devsha offers tailored event packages, scenic views, and full planning support. Guests can enjoy a multi-cuisine restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and activities like birdwatching, forest walks, and outdoor games.

A Deep Botanical Connection\

Rooted in Botanix’s nature-first approach, Devsha goes beyond aesthetics—focusing on conscious living and rejuvenation. From its jungle setting to its sustainability-forward design, every detail reflects the Botanix mission of building experiences that heal, inspire, and reconnect.

More Than Just a Stay

Devsha marks Botanix’s deeper expansion into Uttarakhand, adding to its growing portfolio of nature-based resorts and biophilic-designed residences under the Botanix Residences umbrella.

About Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd.

Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd is dedicated to creating botanical-themed living experiences that deepen people's connection with nature. Whether through resorts, branded residences, or botanical retreats, BNL projects are built on the pillars of sustainability, education, and wellness.

For more information, visit www.botanix.in and follow @botanixresorts for updates


Unboxed at The Lalit: Pride Month Exhibition Puts Queer Art in the Spotlight

Unboxed at The Lalit: Pride Month Exhibition Puts Queer Art in the Spotlight

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 1, 2025

In a city where tradition and transformation often collide, Art Junction at The Lalit New Delhi has carved out a unique identity as one of the capital’s most inclusive cultural spaces. This June, it strengthens that reputation with Unboxed, a bold Pride Month exhibition celebrating queer art and voices from across India.

Curated by Praveen Mahta, Unboxed is more than just an art show — it’s an intimate, unapologetic journey into the identities, struggles, and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ artists. Running through June, the exhibition gives centre stage to works that too often remain on the fringes. As Mahta says, “This is not just about art, this is about being allowed to take up space.”

The show features a diverse mix of emotionally charged canvases, surreal depictions of love and loss, and raw reflections on gender fluidity — each piece radiating honesty and urgency. Taking things further, Padma Shri awardee Naresh Kapuria led a special workshop for participating queer artists, helping them refine their techniques and deepen their creative confidence, underscoring Art Junction’s mission to nurture talent, not just display it.

The impact is already visible. Several artworks have found buyers through the platform — a breakthrough moment for many of these emerging artists. In a remarkable gesture, The Lalit has chosen not to take any commission from these sales. As Akshay Tyagi, DEI Head at The Lalit, put it, “It’s about giving these artists a stage they’re so often denied. It’s a living, breathing tribute to our philosophy of #PureLove — where diversity isn’t a theme, but a daily practice.”

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Art Junction has long championed inclusive and accessible curation. From showcasing women artists and neurodiverse creators to supporting rural artisans and survivors of marginalisation, the gallery has consistently offered more than just wall space — it provides visibility, validation, and a voice. This vision is deeply supported by Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, who continues to steer the brand as a beacon of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in hospitality.

As India steadily builds its dialogue around dignity, identity, and rights, Art Junction remains a vital space — not only for art, but for authenticity and hope.

Unboxed runs until June 30, 2025, at Art Junction, The Lalit New Delhi. Entry is free. Come for the art. Stay for the revolution.

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