Luxury and Culture Redefined in the Heart of India: Accor is gearing up for the Introduction of their first Grand Mercure Property coming September

Luxury and Culture Redefined in the Heart of India: Accor is gearing up for the Introduction of their first Grand Mercure Property coming September

By Author

Published on August 20, 2023

Accor, the globally acclaimed hospitality group, is all set to make a mark in Agra with the introduction of its first Grand Mercure property. Known for its rich cultural heritage and the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra welcomes this strategic addition to its hospitality landscape.

Scheduled for a grand opening in September 2023, the Grand Mercure Agra will unveil a total of 168 thoughtfully designed rooms, ensuring a comfortable and delightful stay for its guests. The hotel's dining offerings promise to leave a lasting impression, featuring a multi-cuisine, all-day dining restaurant, an elegant bar for indulging in fine spirits, and an alfresco terrace restaurant. This terrace will offer not only delectable cuisine but also breathtaking city views, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.

Among its offerings, the hotel also boasts a 300-square-meter meeting space equipped with cutting-edge technology. Guests can also take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center, rejuvenating spa facilities, and a refreshing swimming pool.

The visionary behind this project is Laxman Das Goyal, an entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio encompassing glass manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality. Notably, he already operates two properties in Agra, showcasing his active involvement in the hospitality sector.

Aniruddh Kumar, Vice President of Development, India & South Asia at Accor, shares, “Agra is set to host the first Grand Mercure property in the city, as Accor, renowned for its exceptional hospitality, expands its presence in this iconic tourist destination. We eagerly anticipate the opening as it will underscore our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to guests while upholding the legacy of our existing properties.”

Lakshman Das Goel, Chairman of Shree Sarnam Real Estate, expresses his excitement, saying, “It is truly a privilege to partner with Accor for their first Grand Mercure property in Agra. The vibrant city of Taj Mahal is frequented by thousands of tourists each day, and this venture exemplifies our shared vision to foster the growth and advancement of the hospitality sector in Agra, catering to the diverse needs of both business and leisure travelers.”

Grand Mercure is synonymous with contemporary luxury and cultural connections, offering a fresh perspective on age-old traditions. This approach enables guests to immerse themselves in the distinctiveness of each culture, highlighted through iconic dishes, beverage ceremonies, and cherished rituals.

With a portfolio of 58 properties in India under renowned brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis, Accor continues to shape the country's hospitality landscape. As the Grand Mercure Agra prepares for its grand unveiling, visitors can anticipate a distinctive and enriching stay experience, nestled in the heart of Agra's captivating heritage.

Image Source: Accor, India


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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