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!


Air India Partners with WestJet to Expand North America Connectivity

Air India Partners with WestJet to Expand North America Connectivity

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2026

Air India has announced a new interline partnership with WestJet, aimed at expanding travel options between India and North America. The collaboration allows passengers to access more than 30 destinations across Canada and the United States through key gateways like Toronto and Vancouver.

With this partnership, travellers can now book single-ticket itineraries that combine Air India and WestJet flights. This ensures a smoother journey with coordinated baggage handling and a more streamlined travel experience.

Passengers flying into Toronto or Vancouver with Air India can connect further on WestJet to 17 cities across Canada and 14 destinations in the United States. These include major cities such as Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Las Vegas, among others.

Additionally, cities like Halifax, Calgary, and St. John’s can also be accessed through Air India’s European gateways, including Amsterdam (Schiphol), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), London (Heathrow), and London (Gatwick), offering more flexibility in travel routes.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Canada continues to be a key market for Air India, driven by strong people-to-people ties and increasing trade between our nations. By partnering with WestJet, we are making travel across North America more accessible and effortless for our guests, with coordinated baggage handling, single-ticket convenience, and a far wider choice of destinations.”

John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, the WestJet Group, said: “By bringing this interline agreement to life, we’re significantly expanding access between India and Canada, making it easier for our shared guests to seamlessly visit high-demand destinations across North America. This partnership aligns Air India’s long-haul strength with WestJet’s North American reach, creating meaningful new travel options and improving the end-to-end journey for travellers.”

Air India currently operates 17 weekly non-stop flights to Canada, including 10 weekly services to Toronto and 7 weekly services to Vancouver. The airline also runs 75 weekly flights to its European gateways, which further support connectivity to Canada through WestJet.

The new interline itineraries are now available for booking via Air India’s website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents worldwide, making it easier for travellers to plan seamless journeys across continents.


Connplex Cinemas Launches Luxuriance Experience at Tribeca Highstreet Pune

Connplex Cinemas Launches Luxuriance Experience at Tribeca Highstreet Pune

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2026

Connplex Cinemas has launched its premium Luxuriance format at CINEBAR, Level 1, Tribeca Highstreet, NIBM, Pune, bringing a new cinema experience to the city. The move reflects the brand’s focus on offering high-end, comfort-led movie viewing for today’s urban audience.

Located in one of Pune’s fast-growing lifestyle hubs, the new multiplex is designed to cater to audiences looking for a more refined entertainment experience. Connplex Cinemas currently operates over 300 screens across 35+ locations, with formats like Express, Signature, and Luxuriance tailored for different audience preferences.

The Pune property features four premium screens with a total seating capacity of 225 seats, spread across 7,778 sq. ft. The design focuses on creating a more intimate and comfortable setting, combining modern aesthetics with a boutique-style experience.

Each screen is equipped with plush recliner seating, offering added comfort and privacy. Advanced projection systems ensure clear and vibrant visuals, while high-quality audio technology creates an immersive sound experience. The offering is further enhanced with a curated food and beverage menu and personalised service, turning a regular movie outing into a more premium experience.

The location also adds to the overall appeal. Tribeca Highstreet hosts a mix of dining and social spaces, including The Murphies, The Urban Foundry, and Hippie@Heart, allowing visitors to combine movies with food and leisure activities.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said, “As high-street developments evolve into lifestyle-driven ecosystems, experiences like Connplex Luxuriance play a pivotal role in shaping how people engage with retail and entertainment. At Tribeca Highstreet, our vision has always been to curate destinations that blend design, community, and premium experiences, and this launch is a strong step in that direction.”

Speaking on the launch, Anish Patel & Rahul Dhyani, Founders & Directors, Connplex Cinemas, said, “Pune, the future of cinema arrives with us. Connplex Cinemas is here to set a bold new benchmark in experience, innovation, and design because this city deserves nothing less than extraordinary.”

With this launch, Connplex Luxuriance aims to position itself as one of Pune’s premium cinema destinations, while also strengthening Tribeca Highstreet’s identity as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Spread across 3.66 lakh sq. ft. with over 90+ brands, Tribeca Highstreet continues to attract a steady footfall, making it one of the city’s key lifestyle destinations. The addition of Connplex Luxuriance further enhances its appeal, offering visitors a complete mix of retail, food, and entertainment in one place.


Nazaara Bengaluru Showcases North-West Flavours with Best of Best

Nazaara Bengaluru Showcases North-West Flavours with Best of Best

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2026

Nazaara at Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal is bringing a special dining experience to the city with ‘Best of Best’, a curated showcase of North-West Frontier cuisine. Led by Chef Asif Qureshi and his team, the concept revisits some of the restaurant’s most loved culinary experiences from 2025, bringing them together in a single menu.

Known for its open-air setting, Nazaara offers a relaxed yet refined dining atmosphere with wide views of the city skyline. The space combines soft lighting and a contemporary design, making it suitable for both intimate evenings and larger gatherings.

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The menu focuses on traditional recipes from North-West India, presented with a modern touch. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes including charred kebabs, slow-cooked curries, freshly baked breads from the tandoor, and flavourful biryanis. The selection draws from Mughlai and regional influences, offering a mix of rich and well-balanced flavours.

Some of the highlights include Hare Moong Gosht, Murgh Noormahli Korma, Nawabi Murgh, and the popular Gullatthi kebab. For dessert, Seviyan ka Muzaffar adds a sweet finish to the meal. Each dish is prepared using quality ingredients and traditional spices, bringing together familiarity and a fresh presentation.

The overall experience is further enhanced by the setting, where the open sky, gentle breeze, and thoughtfully designed ambience create a comfortable and engaging space. Whether it’s a casual dinner, a celebration, or a business meeting, the experience is designed to offer both comfort and a touch of luxury.

‘Best of Best’ will be available at Nazaara, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, from 20th April to 30th April, between 5:00 PM and 11:30 PM.

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