Landor Rebrands Hilton Shillim as Dharana, A New Luxury Wellness Retreat

Landor Rebrands Hilton Shillim as Dharana, A New Luxury Wellness Retreat

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 19, 2024

Landor, a global leader in brand consulting, has unveiled a new brand identity for Dharana, a luxury retreat previously known as Hilton Shillim Resort & Spa. Set against the peaceful backdrop of the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra, Dharana spans 350 acres, offering a unique retreat that emphasizes relaxation, mindfulness, and personal growth. The resort’s new brand identity, built around the theme "The Journey to Conscious Being," aims to guide guests on a transformative wellness journey that nurtures both body and soul.

Dharana's rebranding reflects a renewed focus on wellness and the experience of nature. The wordmark for the new identity draws inspiration from natural sounds, symbolizing the harmony that guests are expected to feel during their stay. The brand aims to create an atmosphere that encourages personal discovery and well-being.

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Gavin de Souza, Managing Director of Writer Realty, praised Landor for their work, saying, "We are incredibly proud of the exceptional work done by the team at Landor in shaping the new brand identity for Dharana. The design perfectly encapsulates our vision for Dharana as facilitating holistic well-being, where guests can immerse themselves in nature and experience personal growth and rejuvenation. The intricate details in the design reflect our commitment to providing a tailored wellness experience for each guest, nurturing a deep connection with the ecosystem and the true essence of nature."

Ronita Mukerjee, Executive Director - Client Services at Landor India, further explained the vision behind the new brand identity. “Our objective with the new brand identity for Dharana was to explore the concept of well-being through a vibrant, engaging, and unique visual representation that embodies a transformative journey, harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit. The narrative of the brand centers on the theme of 'The Journey to Conscious Being,' which highlights wellness as a continuous evolution, offering various pathways at Dharana.”

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The rebranding effort is also seen as an opportunity to position Dharana as a prominent player in the luxury wellness sector on a global scale. With this transformation, Dharana aims to redefine what it means to offer a personalized wellness journey. The retreat will emphasize a strong connection with nature and a focus on mindful living.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group & Special Olympics Bharat Honour Mothers of Athletes

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Special Olympics Bharat, hosted a heartfelt Mother’s Day evening at The LaLiT New Delhi to honour the mothers of Special Olympics athletes for their unwavering support, resilience, and love.

The event brought together mothers of athletes, celebrating their silent strength and the pivotal role they play in shaping their children’s journeys in sports and life. The evening was designed as a tribute to their dedication, sacrifice, and constant encouragement that continues to inspire athletic achievement and personal growth.

The gathering saw the presence of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, along with Mallika Nadda and other dignitaries, who personally interacted with and felicitated the mothers for their inspiring journeys.

The evening concluded with an intimate high tea at The LaLiT New Delhi, where guests shared personal stories, experiences, and moments of emotional connection. The setting reflected the brand’s continued emphasis on meaningful hospitality experiences rooted in empathy and human connection.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri said that a mother’s love has the power to transform lives, and that the event was a celebration of women whose strength and belief help their children overcome challenges and achieve success. She added that hospitality, at its core, is about creating meaningful human connections, and the group was honoured to recognise such inspiring women.

The initiative reflects the shared commitment of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Special Olympics Bharat toward inclusion, empathy, and celebrating individuals who play a crucial role in shaping extraordinary journeys behind the scenes.

For more information, visit The LaLiT Hotels


Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies Take Centre Stage in Visakhapatnam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 7, 2026

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, part of the Accor portfolio, marked the arrival of mango season with special Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies held over the weekend on 2nd and 3rd May. The events brought to life one of Andhra Pradesh’s most loved culinary traditions, offering guests a closer connection to local culture.

Rooted in nostalgia and a strong sense of community, the ceremonies were designed as interactive experiences where guests could understand and take part in the traditional preparation of Avakaya. By blending storytelling with hands-on participation, the initiative created a meaningful way to showcase Andhra’s culinary heritage.

At The Bheemili Resort, the celebration on 2nd May unfolded in a calm coastal setting. Guests were invited to take part in the process of mixing freshly cut raw mangoes with spices and gingelly oil, guided by culinary experts. The session offered a deeper appreciation of the effort and skill behind this iconic pickle. The experience was complemented by a selection of regional dishes and refreshing seasonal beverages, adding to the relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere.

The celebration continued on 3rd May at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, where guests and food enthusiasts came together for an engaging evening. Set against a scenic seaside backdrop, the event captured the spirit of togetherness, with participants sharing stories and traditions linked to Avakaya preparation. The evening was further enhanced with summer-inspired welcome drinks and a curated spread of regional specialities that reflected the diversity of Andhra cuisine.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, we are committed to creating meaningful guest experiences that celebrate the cultural essence of each destination. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies at the properties are a tribute to Andhra’s rich culinary heritage, offering guests an opportunity to engage with local traditions in an authentic and memorable way.”

Across both properties, the ceremonies reflected a strong focus on celebrating local culture through immersive experiences. Each event was carefully curated to highlight Andhra’s culinary roots while giving guests a chance to connect with traditions in a memorable and engaging way.


Hyatt Fair India 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success in Kochi

Hyatt Fair India 2025 Concludes with Resounding Success in Kochi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Hyatt Fair India 2025 concluded with resounding success at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty on September 12 and 13, reaffirming its position as one of the most significant gatherings on Hyatt’s India calendar. Returning to Kochi for the second time since its debut in 2019, the event marked a full-circle moment for the city and the brand, uniting Kerala’s cultural charm with Hyatt’s global hospitality vision.

Over two vibrant days, the Fair brought together Hyatt’s leadership teams, general managers, partners, and hospitality professionals from across the country. The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue, innovation, and celebration, all set against the scenic backdrop of Bolgatty Island.

The thoughtfully curated programme featured interactive sessions, engaging discussions, and immersive experiences reflecting Hyatt’s vision for the future of hospitality in India. Attendees enjoyed a seamless blend of networking, wellness, cultural showcases, and entertainment, creating an atmosphere where business and celebration came together effortlessly.

Dining was at the heart of the Fair’s experience. Themed dinners, traditional feasts, and a grand gala evening showcased the culinary artistry of Hyatt’s chefs, with signature restaurants from Hyatt hotels across India presenting their finest creations. This collective celebration of food and culture highlighted Hyatt’s culinary strength and its commitment to offering guests exceptional dining experiences.

The success of Hyatt Fair India 2025 was a reflection of teamwork and collaboration across every department at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, from culinary and events to sales, marketing, housekeeping, and guest services. Their collective effort turned the event into a weekend of extraordinary scale and impact.

The return of the Fair to Kochi symbolised more than just a reunion; it celebrated the city’s heritage of hospitality and its growing status as a hub of creativity, connection, and culture. By uniting business, wellness, cuisine, and community, Hyatt Fair India 2025 captured what makes Hyatt truly special, the ability to create experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.

As the curtains closed, the message was clear: Hyatt Fair India 2025 was not only a celebration of hospitality at its finest but also a reflection of Hyatt’s enduring commitment to innovation, excellence, and creating moments that remain truly Grand.

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