Chennai’s hospitality space is seeing a fresh and personal addition with The Adyar House, a boutique homestay concept started by a father-son duo, Satish and Anirudh Rao. Located in Adyar and Nandanam, the two properties reflect a simple idea, creating a stay that feels rooted in Chennai’s culture while offering the comfort of a modern space.

The journey began a year ago with their first property in Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar. What was once their family home of ten years was turned into a boutique homestay, built around warmth and familiarity. While neither Satish nor Anirudh comes from a traditional hospitality background, their shared interest in creating meaningful guest experiences shaped the idea. Satish, an ex-salesman turned entrepreneur, and Anirudh, an Ashoka University graduate and former consultant who is now a restauranteur, have brought their own perspective into the space.

Adding to the Adyar property is TERU, Anirudh’s restaurant on the ground floor. The outlet focuses on South Indian street food, offering regional favourites such as Salem’s Thattu Vada Set, Andhra’s Punugulu, and Mangalore’s Banana Buns, making the property a destination not just for stay but also for food.

Following the response to their first space, the duo recently opened their second property on Chamiers Road, Nandanam. This seven-room homestay carries a strong Chennai theme, with each room named after a well-known beach in the city. The design reflects this idea through small but thoughtful details, including shoreline photographs, surfer-inspired elements in the Kovalam room, and the Shore Temple featured in the Mamallapuram room. Even the keycards carry illustrated beach designs, adding a playful touch.

The property is designed to be both comfortable and easy to navigate. Guests can choose between assisted check-in or a self-check-in option with keycards placed in lockboxes and access details shared in advance. Accessibility has also been considered, with features such as a ramp at the entrance, lift access, and clear guides for services like WiFi and check-in.

Each room comes with basic comforts including air-conditioning, a television, kettle, and refreshments. Guests also have access to shared facilities like a kitchenette, washing machines, and dryers, making it suitable for both short and slightly longer stays.

What stands out is the effort to offer an authentic Chennai experience. Guests receive personalised welcome cards with recommendations on places to visit and things to do around the city, reflecting the hosts’ connection to Chennai and their intent to share it with visitors.

With properties in Adyar and Nandanam, The Adyar House offers a stay that balances familiarity with thoughtful design, making it a comfortable option for both travellers and locals looking to experience the city in a different way. For more information visit their website: www.theadyarhouse.com   

MSC Group’s Cruise Division has introduced Sandy Cay, a new luxury private island destination in The Bahamas, set to open in 2028. Located near Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the island is designed to offer a more exclusive and immersive experience for guests travelling with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Sandy Cay is planned as a quieter extension of Ocean Cay, giving travellers a more relaxed and intimate environment. The island focuses on connecting guests with nature, offering a peaceful setting shaped by the natural beauty of the surrounding ocean.

One of the defining features of Sandy Cay is its pristine aragonite sand, known for being among the purest and brightest in the world. This gives the island its name and creates a calm and scenic atmosphere. The concept has been carefully developed to offer a balance of comfort and simplicity while staying aligned with the natural surroundings.

The new destination will work alongside Ocean Cay, adding another layer to the overall experience. While both islands share the same clear waters of The Bahamas, Sandy Cay will focus more on privacy and a slower pace, offering guests a different way to explore the region.

Alongside this announcement, MSC Cruises has also shared plans to upgrade Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. The enhancements will include new dining options, dedicated beach areas for families and adults, expanded relaxation spaces, and interactive experiences linked to marine conservation.

These developments reflect the group’s approach of evolving its destinations while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and environmental care. The aim is to offer guests a mix of relaxation, exploration, and meaningful engagement with nature.

With Sandy Cay set to open in 2028, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys are continuing to expand their private destination offerings, creating a seamless connection between experiences at sea and on land. The addition is expected to further strengthen their position in the global cruise market while offering travellers a more refined and nature-focused holiday experience.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. This greenfield project marks another step in the company’s expansion into emerging travel destinations across India.

Sharing details on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Supported by its natural landscape and improving accessibility, Dirang is witnessing growing demand from both leisure travellers and adventure enthusiasts. Its strategic location enroute to Tawang positions it as an important destination in Arunachal Pradesh’s tourism itinerary. The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects IHCL’s focus on pioneering new and emerging destinations and we are delighted to partner with Mr. Phurpa Tsering for this project.”

The upcoming Gateway Dirang will feature 70 rooms and will include an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a bar. The hotel will also offer a banquet hall along with dedicated meeting spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Recreational facilities planned for the property include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering, said, “We are pleased to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Dirang. As the destination continues to gain prominence, this collaboration brings IHCL’s expertise to the region supporting sustainable tourism and local development.”

Located in the West Kameng district, Dirang is known for its scenic surroundings, including apple orchards, terraced farms, and pine-covered hills. The destination is also popular for its natural hot water springs, attracting travellers exploring the region, especially those en route to Tawang.

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 21 hotels in the North East, including 12 that are currently under development. The move highlights the company’s continued focus on expanding its presence in lesser-explored regions while supporting tourism growth in the area.

Mr. Phurpa Tsering and his family, who are the owners of the project, are well-known developers in Dirang with a strong presence in the construction sector. They also operate cinema halls and are among the largest cinema screen operators in the North-East region.

The signing of Gateway Dirang reflects a growing interest in the North East as a travel destination and underlines IHCL’s strategy of bringing branded hospitality to new locations.