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By Nishang Narayan
Published on May 25, 2025
Aralea Beach Resort, located on the serene Morjim Beach, is emerging as a game-changer in Goa’s destination wedding scene. A premier property under the Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts umbrella, the resort is quickly becoming the go-to spot for couples dreaming of a beachside wedding, thanks to its unique mix of natural beauty, luxury, and warm Goan hospitality.
As the wedding season approaches, Aralea is going all out—reimagining its spaces to cater to the rising demand for beach weddings. From a stunning beachfront mandap overlooking the Arabian Sea to expansive lawns and an elegant banquet hall, every detail is being fine-tuned. The property now offers customizable décor themes that blend modern elegance with traditional flair, ideal for intimate celebrations of up to 250 guests.
The resort’s 69 spacious rooms, each offering either pool or lawn views, are being equipped with special amenities for wedding guests and bridal parties. Meanwhile, the sea-view restaurant is revamping its catering menu to offer a delectable mix of Goan favourites and global cuisines, because great food is now the heart of every wedding.
“Goa's wedding market is shifting rapidly, with couples prioritizing unique experiences over standard setups,” shares Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “We’ve seen a 40% rise in wedding bookings at Aralea in the last year alone. Couples are seeking scenic yet serene spots like Morjim—not just for their vows, but for the memories they create with loved ones.”
With its exclusive beach setting, away from the crowds of South Goa, Aralea Beach Resort offers a more private and immersive celebration. To match the rise of micro-weddings, the resort has rolled out bespoke wedding packages, complete with dedicated planners, beach logistics experts, and Goan cultural experiences like local cuisine showcases and beachfront mehendi nights.
"Couples are booking 8–12 months in advance, and they’re all about meaningful moments,” adds Abhijit Dey, Vice President Operations & Sales. “Whether it’s a cocktail party with Goan feni or eco-friendly décor made by local artisans, they want their guests to truly experience Goa.”
In fact, eco-conscious celebrations are becoming a big part of Aralea’s appeal. The resort is working with local artisans to minimize plastic and use recyclable materials, all while celebrating Goa’s vibrant culture.
And with Mopa Airport just 30 km away, Aralea is ideal for guests flying in from across India or abroad. Its strategic location makes it a convenient yet exclusive option, especially for couples from metro cities looking for a destination that feels far away—yet is well connected.
As Aralea Beach Resort continues to set new standards in Goa’s wedding tourism, it’s helping shape Morjim into a luxury wedding hotspot that delivers on both grandeur and authenticity.
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Published on July 7, 2025
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.
Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.
Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”
Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”
The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.
With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.
Published on July 5, 2025
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.
As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.
Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.
Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”
The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.
As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.
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