Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

Ascott Unveils Oakwood Erode Resort: A Milestone in Indian Hospitality Expansion

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

CapitaLand Investment Limited's lodging unit, The Ascott Limited, is set to make a mark in India with the signing of a management agreement for Oakwood Erode Resort in Tamil Nadu. The collaboration with Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, the hospitality arm of Sensation Infracon, signifies a strategic move in Ascott's expansion across India.

Located in the vibrant city of Erode, Oakwood Erode Resort aims to redefine luxury and comfort. The signing ceremony, graced by Hoshang Garivala, Country General Manager, Ascott International Management India Pvt. Ltd, along with representatives from Sensation Infracon, marks a significant step in bringing unparalleled hospitality to esteemed guests.

Erode, strategically positioned on the banks of the Kaveri River and surrounded by the Western Ghats, has emerged as a key investment destination for the hospitality sector. Its connectivity through the Bangalore-Coimbatore-Kerala route and ongoing infrastructural development have enhanced its appeal as a travel and business hub.

Scheduled to be operational by December 2026, Oakwood Erode will be situated in Periyasemure, Sathy Road, offering a modern façade, 90 rooms, diverse dining options, and versatile meeting spaces. The hotel is poised to cater to the varied needs of both leisure and business travelers.

Hoshang Garivala expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are thrilled to unveil our latest addition in the vibrant city of Erode in collaboration with Sensation Infracon. The new property epitomizes elegance, offering guests an oasis of tranquility and sophistication. This property embodies our unwavering commitment to redefining luxury and delivering exceptional hospitality."

Khushbu Kumari, Partner at Sensation Hospitality Avenues LLP, shared the enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to bring the Oakwood Resort brand to Erode, a city known for its cultural heritage and economic significance. Our aim is to elevate the hotel to high international standards and offer guests an exceptional stay experience while exploring the scenic beauty of the state."

As Ascott continues to strengthen its presence in India, Oakwood Erode Resort emerges as a testament to its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality experiences. The hotel's strategic location and focus on blending regional charm with contemporary amenities align with the rich cultural legacy of Erode, promising an extraordinary stay for every guest. Cheers to the new era of luxury in the heart of Tamil Nadu!


Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

Hermitage Red One Glass at a Time: How Coravin Timeless Six Plus Is Transforming Luxury Wine Service in Indian Hotels

By Author

Published on January 4, 2026

Luxury hospitality in India is entering a new era of refined wine service where precision, preservation, and profitability go hand in hand. At the centre of this evolution is the Coravin Timeless Six Plus Limited Edition Hermitage Red, now available in India through Chenab Impex Private Limited. Designed for premium hotels, fine dining restaurants, and sophisticated wine programs, Coravin is redefining how the world’s finest wines are served one glass at a time.

Across five star hotels and destination restaurants in India, wine service has long faced a critical challenge. While guests increasingly seek access to rare and ultra premium labels by the glass, hoteliers have had to balance experience with economics. Once a bottle is opened, oxidation begins and wastage becomes inevitable. Coravin changes this equation entirely.

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A Smarter Way to Serve Fine Wine

The Coravin Timeless Six Plus uses a medical grade needle that gently passes through the cork, allowing wine to be poured while replacing the displaced liquid with one hundred percent pure argon gas. This inert gas protects the remaining wine from oxidation. Once the needle is removed, the cork reseals naturally, keeping the bottle preserved for weeks or even months.

For hotels, this means unprecedented flexibility. Premium wines can now be served by the glass without pressure to finish the bottle. Wine programs can expand confidently. Guests can explore prestigious vintages without committing to an entire bottle, enhancing both satisfaction and spend.

Hermitage Red A Design Inspired by Legacy

The Hermitage Red Limited Edition is more than a functional tool. It is a statement of elegance and heritage. Inspired by Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht’s experience tasting a legendary nineteen eighty five Hermitage by Jean Louis Chave, the deep burgundy finish reflects timeless craftsmanship and innovation.

The Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red comes equipped with Coravin Pure capsules, a Timeless Aerator for enhanced aromas during pouring, and screw caps for compatibility with non cork closures. Its refined design fits seamlessly into luxury hotel bars, Michelin level restaurants, and private wine lounges.

Driving Profitability for Hotel Wine Programs

From a commercial standpoint, Coravin delivers measurable impact. Reduced wastage directly improves margins. The ability to offer rare labels by the glass increases average check values. Curated wine flights become possible, encouraging exploration and repeat visits.

According to Anmol Chandhok, Vice President at Chenab Impex Private Limited, Coravin allows hospitality partners to elevate guest experience while protecting their investment. Hotels can now showcase exceptional wines confidently, knowing that every bottle maintains its integrity long after the first pour.

Sommeliers across leading Indian hotels describe Coravin as a game changer. It enables side by side tastings of vintages and regions, enhances storytelling at the table, and introduces a new level of sophistication to wine service.

Chenab Impex Strengthening India’s Luxury Hospitality Ecosystem

Chenab Impex Private Limited has played a pivotal role in bringing global excellence to Indian hospitality. As one of the country’s leading importers of gourmet foods, premium wines, and professional bar equipment, Chenab represents internationally respected brands such as Luxardo, Ponti, and Yalumba.

With Coravin, Chenab is empowering hotels and restaurants with world class technology that aligns with the evolving expectations of Indian guests. The focus is not just on distribution but on elevating standards, knowledge, and service quality across the industry.

From Innovation to Industry Standard

Globally, Coravin has become an essential tool in luxury wine programs. In India, it is rapidly transitioning from niche innovation to hospitality necessity. High end hotels in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Bengaluru are already adopting the system to enhance wine lists, tasting menus, and premium offerings.

As Indian consumers become more confident and curious about wine, access without compromise will define the next phase of hospitality excellence. The Coravin Timeless Six Plus Hermitage Red stands as a symbol of this shift where technology meets tradition, and luxury meets intelligence.

In the world of fine wine service, preservation is no longer optional. It is the new benchmark of sophistication. With Coravin, Indian hospitality is ready to serve the future one perfect glass at a time.

 


IHCL Signs Taj Hotel in Mohali, Strengthens Presence in Punjab

IHCL Signs Taj Hotel in Mohali, Strengthens Presence in Punjab

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 4, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab. The upcoming property will be developed as a greenfield project, marking a significant addition to the company’s growing portfolio in the state.

Commenting on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said that Mohali’s rise as a major IT and commercial hub makes it a strong growth market for the company. She added that Punjab’s increasing popularity as a destination for weddings and social events aligns well with IHCL’s strategy of expanding into high-potential markets.

The 225-key Taj Mohali will offer uninterrupted views of the surrounding greenery. The hotel is planned to feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and a specialty restaurant, providing guests with a diverse range of culinary experiences.

Leisure and wellness facilities at the property will include a swimming pool, a gym, a health club, and the brand’s signature J Wellness Circle. Designed to cater to large-scale events, the hotel will house over 26,000 square feet of banqueting space, making it the largest event venue in the region. This positions the hotel as a preferred choice for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Mohali, a planned city in Punjab, is known for its modern infrastructure and hosts several IT companies, educational institutions, and sports facilities, contributing to its steady growth as an urban and commercial centre.

With this signing, IHCL’s portfolio in Punjab will expand to 14 hotels, including seven properties currently under development, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the state.


Zomato Delivery Partners See 10.9% Growth in Hourly Earnings in 2025, CEO Deepinder Goyal Says

Zomato Delivery Partners See 10.9% Growth in Hourly Earnings in 2025, CEO Deepinder Goyal Says

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 4, 2026

Average earnings per hour for delivery partners on Zomato increased by 10.9%, reaching ₹102, compared to ₹92 in the previous year, according to a fact sheet shared by Eternal CEO Deepinder Goyal. The update comes amid ongoing discussions around gig worker income, benefits, and working conditions in India’s growing quick commerce sector.

The company clarified that earnings per hour are calculated based on total logged-in time, which includes waiting periods when delivery partners are available for orders, and not just active delivery time. This approach, the company stated, provides a more realistic view of partner earnings.

Based on the updated earnings data, a delivery partner working around ten hours a day for twenty-six days in a month could earn approximately ₹26,500 in gross monthly income. After accounting for estimated fuel and vehicle maintenance costs of about twenty percent, net monthly earnings are estimated to be close to ₹21,000.

In addition to base earnings, delivery partners receive the full amount of customer tips without any deductions. The average tips per hour increased to ₹2.6, up from ₹2.4 earlier. Tips are transferred instantly, and the platform absorbs payment gateway processing costs. According to the shared data, tips are included in a small percentage of orders across Zomato and its quick commerce arm, Blinkit.

The fact sheet also highlighted that most delivery partners do not work on a full-time basis. On average, a delivery partner worked for a limited number of days in the year, with approximately seven hours logged per working day. Only a small percentage of partners logged workdays comparable to full-time employment.

Reiterating the company’s position, Goyal stated that gig work on the platform is designed to function as a flexible, secondary income option rather than a long-term employment arrangement. He emphasised that flexibility remains central to the gig work model, with delivery partners free to choose when to log in, log out, and select their preferred working areas without assigned shifts or fixed geographies.

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