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Published on November 2, 2023
With 16 upscale hotels and luxury resorts across the important destinations across South India, GRT hotels is now one among the desirable venues for travelers to stay at. For more than 50 years, G.R. Thanga Maligai, popularly known as GRT has pioneered the art of combining unparalleled craftsmanship and rich heritage to create timeless designs. Branching out from GRT Jewellers, GRT Hotels & Resorts now features 16 upscale hotels and luxury resorts in the most desirable destinations across South India.
Be it business or leisure, GRT has the accommodation and amenities to get you covered. An inviting ambience coupled with warm hospitality and a fleet of holistic amenities are at the ready to provide you with an experience that feels personal. The hotel’s rugged and rustic style of architecture with its steep slopes, 40 exquisite rooms like Alps Swiss chalets and rocky stairs are elements that have seamlessly elevated the hotel space amidst the stunning tranquil yet rustic authenticity of the hills. “We also have other activities such as Shuttle court, Bird watching, Horse Ride, Pottery, Farm visit, Jeep Ride, Telescope to watch the night sky, bonfire with entertainments such as games for kids and families by in house event manager making it an ideal choice for both relaxation and adventure seekers. The resort is also Pet Friendly with varied amenities and exclusive Pet Park for our pet guest,” says Arun Raj R, General Manager of the property.
Monsoon Experiences
Kodaikanal experiences different seasons throughout the year, and the hotel understands the importance of adapting their services and offerings to provide a delightful experience for guests in every season. “During Spring, when the weather is pleasant and flowers are in full bloom, the resort organizes a visit to world renowned Bryant’s Park, outdoor activities, and nature walks for guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings,” explains Arun Raj R. “During Summer,” he adds, “Kodaikanal tends to get crowded and the Flower show at Bryant’s Park is not to be missed. The resort anticipates this and ensures that our facilities are well-equipped to handle increased demand.” Likewise, throughout the year, the resort ensures that their staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about the local weather conditions and attractions. They are equipped to provide recommendations on places to visit, customize itineraries, and assist guests in making the most out of their stay, regardless of the season.
Amenities
Starting from June 1, 2023, GReaT Trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels and Resorts proudly declares itself “Pet Friendly.” Welcoming guests with dogs and cats, the resort has implemented all the necessary arrangements, provisions, and policies to ensure a comfortable stay for both humans and their four-legged companions. The property has various recreational facilities like an indoor games room, children’s play zone, art & craft, Cooking class, Mocktail making sessions, billiards room, PS5, GReaT experiences hub, and facilities for outdoor activities such as trekking, trampoline for kids and adults, tree top adventure games which includes zip line, Burma bridge. “With tourists arriving from various backgrounds and cultural norms, managing guest expectations becomes crucial. Multilingual staff members, clear communication channels, and personalized services can help bridge any potential language or cultural barriers,” Arun Raj R explains.
Sustainable Practices
“We have implemented an effective waste management system that includes recycling and proper disposal of waste. We have installed an Organic Waste Compost machine and convert our food waste as manure and use it for garden and support neighboring local farmers by giving free manure to their farming work,” Arun Raj R explains about the sustainable practices implemented in the property. They have also taken measures to reduce energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient lighting systems, motion sensors in common areas, and regular maintenance of equipment to ensure optimum efficiency. There are also green spaces created and maintained within the hotel premises, including gardens and vertical gardens, and their own farm to produce kitchen needs like vegetables and greens. These spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to air purification and provide habitats for local birds to form their nest.
Restaurants
The resort also offers an in-house restaurant that serves a variety of delicious cuisines. If you’re a food connoisseur with a passion for all things fine, Whistler cafe is where you need to be. Satiate every whimsical desire of your palate atop the valley with views so marvelous. The extensive array of delicacies and the warmth of unmatched service will make your dining experience truly unforgettableCelebrations
As New Year approaches, the resort is planned for a grand celebration to welcome the coming year. There will be live music performances, dance parties, and entertainment programs arranged for guests to enjoy. Fireworks displays might be organized by the resort to add sparkle and excitement to the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Counting down to midnight and witnessing a beautiful fireworks show can be a memorable experience.
Additionally, GReaT trails Kodaikanal by GRT Hotels celebrates Tamil New Year, Onam, International Womens Day, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Krishna Jeyanthi, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ramzan, Teachers Day, Childrens Day, Holi, Raksha Bandhan and all other festive with festive décor, festive mood and colourful celebrations. The friendly staff at GRT Kodaikanal will be dedicated to ensuring that all the festivals are enjoyable and filled with happy memories.
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Published on June 1, 2026
As Indian destination weddings continue to gain global prominence, hospitality brands are creating experiences that seamlessly blend cultural traditions with international luxury. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Yashwini Naik, Global Account Director – Sales at Shangri-La, shares her perspectives on the evolving landscape of luxury destination weddings and the vision behind Bandhan by Shangri-La.
During the interaction, Yashwini reflects on the inspiration that led to the creation of Bandhan by Shangri-La and how the brand has grown into a dedicated platform for Indian couples seeking culturally authentic celebrations across some of the world's most sought-after destinations.
She also discusses changing wedding preferences among modern Indian couples, the rising popularity of destinations such as Sri Lanka, and the growing demand for personalized, experience-led celebrations that go beyond traditional wedding formats. The conversation further explores how Shangri-La balances bespoke experiences with consistent service excellence across its global portfolio.
Sustainability, another key focus area, also features prominently in the discussion, with Yashwini highlighting how environmentally conscious practices are being integrated into luxury weddings without compromising grandeur or guest experience.
Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of Bandhan by Shangri-La and offers valuable insights into how Indian destination weddings are expected to evolve on the global stage.
Our conversation with Yashwini Naik provides a compelling look at the trends shaping one of hospitality's fastest-growing segments. Read the complete interview in the June edition of Hospitality News Magazine, available on our website and in print.
With over three decades of experience in hospitality and nearly 25 years with The Residency Hotels Group, Gopinath Balasundaram has played a pivotal role in shaping one of South India's most respected hospitality brands. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, he shares valuable insights into the group's journey, leadership philosophy, and future vision.
During the interaction, Gopinath reflects on how The Residency Hotels Group has established itself as a benchmark for hospitality excellence through its commitment to “Hospitality with Heart,” blending personalised service, operational consistency, and continuous innovation. He discusses the group's longstanding focus on guest-centric experiences and the importance of preserving individuality across its portfolio while maintaining luxury standards.
The conversation also highlights the brand's investment in technology, modern infrastructure, and manpower development. From intelligent room automation systems and advanced guest comfort features to innovative service solutions, Gopinath offers a glimpse into how technology is enhancing the guest experience while supporting operational efficiency.
Sharing perspectives on international luxury hospitality, he speaks about the group's association with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and how the property exemplifies refined luxury, sustainability, and globally recognised service standards.
Looking ahead, Gopinath outlines the group's ambitious growth roadmap, including major developments in Chennai, Madurai, Mysuru, and the Maldives. He also reflects on the defining milestones that shaped his leadership journey, including several successful hotel pre-openings and the evolution of the group's guest-first culture.
The discussion offers an insightful look into the changing dynamics of hospitality, the importance of innovation, and the opportunities that lie ahead for Indian hotel brands.
Our conversation with Gopinath Balasundaram provides readers with valuable perspectives on leadership, growth, and the future of hospitality. To read the complete interview, visit the June edition of Hospitality News Magazine on our website or explore the full feature in our print edition.
Published on May 4, 2026
Fine Acers, a recognised name in hospitality-led real estate, has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Dolce brand in India, marking a significant step as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector is projected to reach USD 59 billion by 2028. Reflecting on this milestone, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers highlights how the collaboration aligns with rising demand for premium leisure travel, destination weddings, and experiential stays. With existing resorts in Jaipur, Pushkar, and Goa, the company currently operates 200 rooms across three properties and plans to add 700 more keys over the next three years across Jaipur, Jawai, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Coorg, backed by an investment of around ₹600 crore. This expansion will take the total inventory to 1500 rooms across seven properties.
The introduction of Dolce by Wyndham comes at a time when India’s luxury hospitality segment faces a supply gap, with only around 29,000 luxury rooms available nationwide. Positioned to bridge this gap, Dolce integrates business, leisure, and large-scale event capabilities, making it ideal for high-demand markets like Goa and Udaipur, known for strong occupancy rates and wedding-driven demand. Fine Acers’ sale-and-leaseback model supports growth by enabling investors to purchase around 70% of its inventory, which is leased back and professionally managed, offering attractive returns without operational involvement, a model gaining traction among HNIs and NRIs seeking financial and experiential value. Backed by strong industry fundamentals, with hotel demand projected to grow at 10.8% annually against 8% supply growth, the company is expanding into high-demand destinations with a vision to surpass 1500 keys by 2030 and establish itself as a leading player in resort and lifestyle hospitality, while destination weddings and MICE remain central to the strategy, supported by India’s USD 130 billion wedding industry, driving memorable guest experiences and sustained growth.
This engaging exchange offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of India’s luxury hospitality sector and the strategic vision driving Fine Acers forward. It was truly a great conversation with Dinesh Yadav, and readers can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May Magazine, available on our website and in print.
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