Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that its iconic brand Taj has been recognised as the World's Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand in Brand Finance UK's 'Hotels 50 2026' report. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Taj has received the prestigious recognition from the global brand valuation consultancy.

Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “For over a century, Taj has been the embodiment of Indian hospitality for the world. The dual honour of being India's Strongest Brand and the World's Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand, reflects the strength of Taj's legacy and its continued relevance to travellers across generations and geographies.”

He added, “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our 50,000+ associates, who continue to serve with the values that have shaped our identity.”

According to the Brand Finance 'Hotels 50 2026' report, Taj secured a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100 along with an AAA+ brand strength rating. The report also noted that the brand's value increased by 32% to USD878 million, helping Taj retain its position as the World's Strongest Luxury Hotel Brand.

Brand Finance highlighted that as luxury travellers increasingly look for authentic and experience-led stays, Taj continues to stand out through its unique combination of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality, and timeless luxury. The report also recognised the brand's ability to deliver meaningful guest experiences while preserving its cultural identity on the global hospitality stage.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance, said, “Taj’s continued recognition as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand is a remarkable achievement. With an exceptional Brand Strength Index score of 93.5, Taj demonstrates how a brand can build global stature while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural identity. Its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, timeless luxury and personalised hospitality continues to create powerful guest affinity and sets an important benchmark for the global luxury hospitality industry.”

Today, Taj has a portfolio of 150 hotels across 14 countries, spanning grand palaces, city hotels, beach and spa resorts, wildlife safaris, and serviced residences, further strengthening its position as one of the world's leading luxury hospitality brands.

Haridwar's heritage riverside retreat, Amrit Bhawan, is set to host 'A Week of Wellness by the Ganga' from 25 July to 1 August 2026, inviting guests to embrace a slower and more mindful way of travelling this monsoon. Open to all guests regardless of the length of their stay, the week-long programme combines wellness, relaxation, and meaningful riverside experiences in a peaceful setting.

The programme features a thoughtfully curated schedule of daily yoga sessions, personalised nutrition consultations with wellness expert Srishti Chatlani, massage therapies, wellness-focused meals, and interactive sessions covering Ayurveda, fermentation, gut health, herbal infusions, and everyday wellness practices.

Evenings will centre around the property's private ghat, where guests can take part in Ganga Aarti, heritage walks, documentary screenings, sound healing, meditation, and Yoga Nidra. These experiences are designed to help visitors reconnect with nature, local traditions, and themselves.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Bajaj, Founder & Managing Partner, Ekat Travel & Lodging, said, "Wellness isn't something we wanted to package as a retreat or an escape. It already exists in the rhythm of this house, in the river, the slower pace of the day, shared meals and quiet moments by the Ganga. This programme simply creates more opportunities for guests to experience that rhythm with intention."

Guests can also choose from curated wellness packages based on the duration of their stay. The packages, available per night for up to two adults, include a range of wellness benefits such as massage therapies and personalised nutrition consultations.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Dr. Nisarga V M as its new Spa Manager, reinforcing its focus on delivering elevated wellness experiences through Spa by JW. Known as the "Gateway to Mumbai," the hotel offers bespoke therapies and immersive wellness journeys centred around the brand's four signature pillars—Calm, Nourish, Balance and Renew.

In her new role, Dr. Nisarga will oversee the day-to-day operations of Spa by JW, including wellness programming, spa operations, guest experience, and team development. She will also lead efforts to further enhance the hotel's personalised wellness offerings, ensuring every guest experience reflects the brand's core philosophy of holistic well-being.

Dr. Nisarga brings more than five years of experience in luxury spa and wellness operations across leading hospitality brands, including IHCL (Taj Hotels). During her career, she has held key leadership roles at Taj Alibag Resort & Spa, Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Taj Devi Ratn, Jaipur, where she was part of the pre-opening team, and Golden Palms Resort & Spa, Bengaluru. Across these assignments, she has driven operational excellence, curated wellness programmes, built high-performing teams, and consistently delivered exceptional guest experiences.

Speaking on her appointment, Dr. Nisarga V M, Spa Manager, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, said, "I am delighted to join JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar and be a part of a brand that places genuine emphasis on holistic well-being. Wellness has become an integral part of the luxury hospitality experience and I look forward to collaborating with the team to further elevate the Spa by JW experience with wellness programmes and experiences that resonate with the evolving needs of today's guests."