ELIVAAS, the luxury vacation rental brand, has announced the opening of Sirmour Baag, a 16-cottage eco-retreat set amidst the tranquil hills of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Spread across one acre, the new property blends sustainable hospitality with immersive nature-based experiences, offering a haven for conscious travellers.

Each of the 16 standalone cottages features wooden interiors, private decks, jacuzzis, skylights, and panoramic views of pine-covered hills. Built with eco-conscious design in mind, the cottages offer both heating and air conditioning, allowing guests to enjoy the retreat year-round.

The retreat is also pet-friendly, with open green spaces that welcome animal companions. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences including indoor and outdoor games, a clubhouse accommodating up to 60 guests, picnic areas, and nature trails that connect visitors with the local environment.

Dining at Sirmour Baag is focused on traditional Himachali cuisine, served in an open-air setting, adding to the retreat’s commitment to local culture and sustainable living. A chef-on-call, concierge service, and round-the-clock caretaker support ensure a personalised and comfortable stay.

“Sirmour Baag is a reflection of our vision to offer a new kind of luxury travel that combines comfort with authenticity,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS. “We believe that today’s travellers seek more than just a place to stay—they want an immersive experience that connects them to nature, local culture, and sustainable practices.”

The property avoids single-use plastics and instead provides biodegradable amenities such as jute slippers, wooden combs, and refillable toiletries, reinforcing ELIVAAS’ focus on low-impact travel.

With the launch of Sirmour Baag, ELIVAAS continues to expand its footprint in offbeat destinations, promoting community engagement and responsible tourism as core values of its brand.

Raffles Udaipur has unveiled its latest luxury offering, Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur, nestled on the tranquil shores of Udai Sagar Lake. The newly launched property boasts 36 carefully crafted accommodations, including 28 rooms and 8 suites, designed with influences from colonial-era aesthetics and the intricate artistry of Rajasthan.

Framing breathtaking views of the lake through expansive windows, the interiors feature bespoke furnishings, natural textures, and calming tones that together exude an ambiance of refined serenity. The suites, equipped with freestanding bathtubs and thoughtfully chosen palettes, are curated to offer guests a space for quiet reflection and luxurious comfort.

“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality in Udaipur,” said Ratan Kant Sharma, Owner, Vardha Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. “We continue to set new benchmarks by blending heritage, elegance, and world-class service.”

Richard Schestak, Vice President Operations, Asia Pacific, Raffles & Fairmont, added, “Lakeshore is a proud continuation of the Raffles legacy—an invitation to enjoy world-class hospitality while remaining deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the destination.”

The property offers more than luxurious rooms. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool by the lake, manicured lawns with native flora, and meandering pathways designed to encourage connection with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

“Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur is more than a destination—it’s an evolution,” said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur. “It embodies our dedication to creating extraordinary experiences while embracing the cultural soul of this enchanting city.”

With this addition, Raffles Udaipur continues to elevate luxury hospitality in the region, merging timeless service with the richness of Rajasthan’s heritage.

In a bold step toward environmental protection, Hawaii’s governor Josh Green has signed a new legislation introducing a climate change tax on hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Effective from January 1, the additional tax aims to generate nearly $100 million annually to support efforts like shoreline protection, wildfire prevention, and reducing tourism’s impact on the environment.

This makes Hawaii the first U.S. state to implement a tax specifically for addressing the effects of climate change. The move follows the devastating Maui wildfire nearly two years ago that claimed 102 lives and destroyed most of Lahaina town.

The new law will add 0.75% to the existing 10.25% tax on short-term accommodations, bringing the total to 11%. Combined with other state and county taxes, tourists could pay up to 19% in accommodation taxes—among the highest in the country. Additionally, starting July 2026, cruise ships will face a new 11% tax, prorated by their stay in Hawaii ports.

Funds collected will be used for crucial projects such as replenishing Waikiki’s eroding beaches, promoting safer infrastructure with hurricane clips, and removing flammable invasive grasses. The money will also support protecting native forests and enhancing climate resilience.

Governor Green emphasized that more firebreaks and a newly created fire marshal position are needed as part of Hawaii’s climate response. “There will be no way to deal with these crises without some forward-thinking mechanism,” he said.

Though the original proposal sought a dedicated climate fund, lawmakers agreed to place the money in the state’s general fund, with a commitment that it will be allocated toward key environmental and tourism-related initiatives.

State Rep. Adrian Tam, chair of the House tourism committee, highlighted the urgency: “The visitor industry will struggle if we do not take action now. There will be nothing left for them to showcase to the rest of the world if our beaches are decimated, wildfires have taken over our towns and hikes left unmanaged.”

Despite the higher costs for travelers, Hawaii’s hotel industry supported the tax, recognizing its long-term value for both the environment and the overall visitor experience.