Accor's Remarkable Expansion Across Asia in 2023

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Published on November 10, 2023

In the world of hospitality, Accor is making waves in Asia with an ambitious plan to sign over 15,000 new keys by the end of 2023. As the largest international hospitality group in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Accor is committed to bolstering its presence in the Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division.

By September, Accor had already sealed the deal on 42 properties, amassing more than 11,000 keys for its diverse portfolio. But the year is far from over; they've got plans to sign another 20 projects, bringing an impressive 15,000+ total new keys into the region. This fervent growth isn't limited to one market segment; it encompasses the Premium, Midscale, and Economy segments.

In the world of luxury, Accor is elevating its presence with hotels like the Grand Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 68 in Thailand, promising travelers a captivating experience near Udomsuk BTS station. This elegant hotel offers two restaurants, a bar, a spa, a pool, and more. It's a jewel in the Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts family, enticing guests with its charm and a hint of adventure.

In India, the Grand Mercure Amritsar Airport Road is set to redefine the city's hospitality landscape. With 100 spacious rooms and delightful dining options, this hotel is a blend of modernity and local charm.

Accor is also thrilled to announce the signing of its second Pullman property in India, the Pullman Amritsar. Opening its doors in 2027, this prime location boasts 200 well-appointed rooms, exceptional dining, and a grand banqueting facility. Guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, and a relaxing pool.

Accor is in tune with the growing trend of long-stay accommodations. The Mövenpick Living West Hanoi in Vietnam is set to open in Q4 2024. This 196-room property in Hanoi's new Central Business District is a haven for business travelers, offering easy access to office buildings and iconic landmarks like the Vietnam National Convention Center and My Dinh National Stadium. The hotel aims to deliver a premium experience for extended stays, providing spacious rooms and amenities to make guests feel at home.

Heading to Malaysia, the Novotel Genting Highlands is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2031. This 300-room hotel will be located within the King's Park mixed-use development project at the heart of Genting Highlands. Guests can enjoy an all-day dining restaurant, a welcoming lobby bar, an exclusive executive lounge, a swimming pool, spa, fitness center, ballroom, meeting rooms, and even a kid's club.

This year is marked by Accor's remarkable growth across Asia, as they shape the future of hospitality in the region. With innovative brands and a diverse portfolio, they are undeniably leading the way in the dynamic hospitality landscape of Asia.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

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A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

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Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.