ELIVAAS, known for its refined boutique getaways, has officially unveiled The Royce—a private estate of villas tucked away in the peaceful hills of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. This latest addition to the ELIVAAS Prive Collection combines old-world Victorian charm with contemporary comforts, creating an experience where privacy, nature, and curated luxury come together beautifully.

Each villa in The Royce is thoughtfully designed to elevate the guest experience. From private plunge pools, jacuzzis, and steam rooms to spacious balconies and fire-pit lounges, the setting is made for those who seek both comfort and a deep connection with their surroundings. With 360-degree mountain views, the estate promises calm and elegance in every corner.

“With The Royce, we aimed to redefine what luxury living means in the hills—not just through design and amenities, but by creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere for our guests,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS. “It’s ideal for couples, families, friends, or even remote workers who want to celebrate special moments or simply unwind in the hills.”

The property offers two stay options:

• Royce Villas: Luxurious 4BHK units with plunge pools, steam rooms, jacuzzis, and outdoor lounges—designed to make the stay feel like the destination itself.
  

• Royce Cottages: Set amidst greenery, these offer a quieter retreat while still retaining the signature ELIVAAS luxury touch.
  

What makes The Royce stand out isn’t just the aesthetic—it’s the attention to thoughtful details. From biodegradable amenities and refillable toiletry kits to energy-efficient systems, the estate embraces eco-conscious hospitality without compromising on comfort.

“At ELIVAAS, we believe true luxury is as responsible as it is refined,” adds Khare. “The Royce is our way of offering immersive, elegant, and mindful living in a destination that invites you to slow down and breathe.”

With this new launch, ELIVAAS continues to build a portfolio of offbeat boutique properties that promise more than just a place to stay, they offer experiences rooted in elegance, privacy, and connection.

This World Environment Day, Booking.com’s 10th edition of the Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 offers a powerful glimpse into how Indian travellers are making a difference with conscious, responsible travel choices. With the theme “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” the report reveals that 87% of Indian travellers aim to travel more sustainably in the next 12 months—actively making changes to minimise waste, reduce energy use, and lower the impact of transportation, food, and wildlife activities.

The global survey features insights from over 32,000 travellers across 34 countries, including India, and highlights a shift towards more intentional, eco-conscious travel behaviours.

Conscious Choices for Cleaner Getaways

Indian travellers are embracing sustainability in everyday travel habits:

• 52% plan to use greener transport
• 51% aim to reduce waste
• 50% focus on energy conservation
• 45% plan to reduce water usage during trips

In addition to these operational efforts, many travellers are being mindful of their broader impact:

• 48% intend to avoid wildlife-harming activities
• 49% are prioritising eco-certified stays
• 49% are making more mindful food choices

Sustainability Is Now a Standard

As sustainability becomes central to travel planning, Indian travellers are asking for more clarity and control in the booking process.

•  75% want to filter tours and activities by sustainability
• 74% want this for accommodations
• 72% for rental cars, and 69% for flights

Furthermore,

• 71% believe all travel platforms should adopt consistent sustainability labels
• 72% would feel better about flying if lower-emission flights were offered

Although 61% of Indian travellers perceive sustainable travel options as costlier, many are still choosing them when presented transparently. When offered

• 29% opt for more sustainable accommodation
• 26% choose greener tours
• 15% go for electric/hybrid rental cars
• 14% pick lower-emission flights or taxis

Top Sustainable Travel Destinations

Booking.com also released a list of top destinations with the highest share of properties having independent third-party sustainability certifications.

Top 10 Indian Destinations:

1. Kanha, Madhya Pradesh
   
   

2. Khawasa, Madhya Pradesh
   
   

3. Panaji, Goa
   
   

4. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
   
   

5. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
   
   

6. Hyderabad, Telangana
   
   

7. Candolim, Goa
   
   

8. Bengaluru, Karnataka
   
   

9. Mumbai, Maharashtra
   
   

10. Pune, Maharashtra
    
    

Top 10 Global Destinations for 2025:

1. Winnipeg, Canada
   
   

2. Den Haag, Netherlands
   
   

3. Hamburg, Germany
   
   

4. Ankara, Turkey
   
   

5. Geneva, Switzerland
   
   

6. Aarhus, Denmark
   
   

7. Puebla, Mexico
   
   

8. Newcastle, UK
   
   

9. Seoul, South Korea
   
   

10. Roanoke, USA
    
    

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said:

“Indian travellers are demonstrating a clear and growing commitment to sustainable travel — not just in their intentions, but in their actions. From opting for greener transport and reducing waste, to actively seeking accommodations with credible sustainability credentials, Indians today are looking to make a meaningful difference.”

He added,

“At Booking.com, we aim to make every step of the travel journey more meaningful and aligned with the values of today’s conscious Indian traveller— through highlighting stays with credible third-party sustainability certifications or equipping properties with the training and guidance they need to reduce their environmental impact.”

As the world moves toward a greener tomorrow, Indian travellers are already taking meaningful steps to ensure that travel experiences remain beautiful, responsible, and accessible for generations to come.

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, renowned Ayurveda practitioner and Ayushakti Co-Founder Vaidya Smita Naram sheds light on the essential practices every woman should follow during menstruation to ensure better health and hygiene.

“Menstrual hygiene is simply normal hygiene that every female must maintain during her monthly cycle,” says Vaidya Smita Naram. Since menstrual bleeding occurs from the vaginal area, it’s crucial to keep the area clean—not just during periods but throughout the month—to prevent infections and maintain overall health.

She shares practical and easy-to-follow tips to promote safe menstrual hygiene:

 Choose Clean Period Products: Whether using pads, tampons, or cloth, ensure the material is clean. Change it every 3–4 hours to prevent bacterial infections. Opt for organic cotton pads, wash cloth pads in warm water, and dry them in the sun for natural sterilization.

 Wash the Area Regularly: Before every pad change, rinse and wash the area. Dry it with tissue to prevent moisture buildup. Use antibacterial water or Ayurvedic herbs like Neem leaves to further protect from infections.

 Avoid Scented Products: Fragranced period products may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt hormones. Stick to unscented, skin-friendly alternatives.

 Refrain from Sexual Activity: Avoiding intimacy during periods reduces the risk of STDs and UTIs, which can be more likely during this phase due to increased sensitivity.

 Practice Cleanliness: Always wash hands before and after using the restroom, especially in public places. Carry wet wipes or sanitizers for convenience.

 Track Your Cycle: Monitor emotions, symptoms, and medication through apps or calendars. Early tracking can help detect any unusual patterns.

 Stay Hydrated & Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and give your body the rest it needs. Periods are a window into physical health, and it's essential to listen to what your body is telling you.

Vaidya Smita encourages everyone to be mindful and respectful of their body’s needs during menstruation. “Not everyone has easy periods, and that’s okay. What matters most is understanding and supporting your body during this natural phase.”