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!


Plant Forests with a Click: SAii Hotels & Resorts Launches Green Button Initiative

Plant Forests with a Click: SAii Hotels & Resorts Launches Green Button Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

In a bold move to make sustainability effortless and engaging for travelers, SAii Hotels & Resorts, part of S Hotels & Resorts PCL, has launched the Green Button – a new feature on the SAii mobile app that transforms guest actions into tangible environmental impact.

Already live at SAii Phi Phi Island Village, SAii Laguna Phuket, and SAii Lagoon Maldives, with SAii Koh Samui Villas joining in December, the initiative combines smart digital innovation with real-world conservation.

With just a tap, guests can now choose to skip daily linen refreshes, and that single choice directly supports tree planting efforts at Singha Park Chiang Rai under Singha Estate Group’s “Pleuk Pa Duay Plai New” (Million Trees for Tomorrow) programme.

So far, the initiative has contributed to the reforestation of over 1,000,000 sqm of land over the past three years, planting native species like Rain Tree, Indian Cork, and Gurjan Tree to restore biodiversity and strengthen local ecosystems.

What makes the Green Button stand out is its transparency and interactivity, guests can track their real-time impact, including water and energy savings and contributions to biodiversity. It’s sustainability made simple, measurable, and meaningful.

Sustainability should be simple, engaging and rewarding,” said Michael Marshall, CEO of S Hotels & Resorts. “The Green Button gives our guests a direct way to make a positive impact from conserving resources during their stay to planting trees that will thrive for generations. It’s a small click with a big impact.”

The initiative aligns with S Hotels & Resorts’ long-term sustainability vision, which targets carbon neutrality and a 30% biodiversity uplift by 2030.

Through its Green Button project, SAii Hotels & Resorts continues to bridge technology, guest engagement, and environmental stewardship — redefining what responsible travel can look like in today’s luxury hospitality landscape.

About SAii Hotels & Resorts

A lifestyle brand under S Hotels & Resorts PCL, SAii Hotels & Resorts redefines affordable luxury with nature-inspired design, heartfelt service, and sustainability at its core. The brand operates distinctive resorts across Thailand and the Maldives and is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
Learn more at saiiresorts.com.


LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

LOUIS XIII India Welcomes Ankur Chawla as Brand Ambassador & Strategic Consultant

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

LOUIS XIII by Rémy Martin, the legendary French cognac Maison celebrated for its heritage and craftsmanship, has announced the appointment of Ankur Chawla as its Brand Ambassador and Strategic Consultant for India. This partnership marks a significant step in the brand’s journey to strengthen its presence in India’s expanding luxury alcobev market.

With more than 17 years of experience across luxury hospitality, beverages, and entrepreneurship, Ankur Chawla is widely recognised as one of India’s foremost voices in the industry. A thought leader, author, and consultant, he has worked with global names in hospitality and beverage, combining deep operational insight with a strategic approach that drives innovation and growth.

In his new role, Ankur will be responsible for enhancing the LOUIS XIII brand experience in India through exclusive events, curated tastings, and immersive storytelling sessions. He will also develop long-term strategies to strengthen LOUIS XIII’s positioning in the Indian market and collaborate with key partners, luxury brands, and influencers to expand the brand’s footprint across hospitality, lifestyle, and connoisseurship platforms.

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Speaking about his appointment, Ankur Chawla said, “LOUIS XIII is not just a cognac, it is a legacy spanning a century — a symbol of artistry, heritage, and luxury. Representing and advising such a brand in India is not only an honour but also an opportunity to create memorable experiences for a discerning audience that is rapidly embracing ultra-luxury. I look forward to deepening the connection between LOUIS XIII and India’s luxury consumers.”

LOUIS XIII’s decision to appoint a dedicated brand ambassador for India reflects its long-term vision for the market, where luxury consumption and appreciation for fine craftsmanship are growing at a remarkable pace.

With Ankur Chawla leading its local representation, LOUIS XIII aims to bring the Maison’s timeless spirit, craftsmanship, and storytelling closer to India’s new generation of connoisseurs.


SOCIAL Launches The Big Drop – Peena Edition, Celebrating 11 Years of Community and Cocktails

SOCIAL Launches The Big Drop – Peena Edition, Celebrating 11 Years of Community and Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on October 7, 2025

SOCIAL, India’s favourite neighbourhood café-bar, is raising a toast with the launch of The Big DropPeena Edition, a bold new drinks menu celebrating 11 years of community, creativity, and cocktails. Designed to match every table, mood, and adda, the Peena Edition reimagines India’s evolving drinking culture with a mix of nostalgia, playfulness, and accessibility.

From timeless classics that ease into afternoon conversations to innovative formats and shareable pitchers that fuel evening catch-ups, the new menu ensures something for every kind of guest. Inspired by India’s everyday social spaces, from quarter bars and kattas to thekas and toddy shops, the menu blends old-school familiarity with SOCIAL’s unmistakable modern twist.

SOCIAL’s iconic creations such as the Longest Long Island Iced Tea (LLIIT) and Banarasi Patiala have long been crowd favourites. The Peena Edition carries that legacy forward with new-age icons like the Longest Long Island Iced Coffee (LLIIC) and the quirky SOCIAL Lubes range, including SOCIAL Emotions, Lifaafa, and Candy Crush drinks that are as photogenic as they are flavourful.

Innovation extends beyond the ingredients to the experience itself. Cocktails wrapped like candy, test-tube shots, and towering coffee jars make every serve interactive and shareable. Starting at just ₹395, the Peena Edition stays true to SOCIAL’s belief that great cocktails should be both creative and approachable.

Menu Highlights:

  • OG: Longest Long Island Iced Coffee (LLIIC) – 750ml of coffee-spiked indulgence.

  • SOCIAL Lubes: Playful formats that bottle moods – SOCIAL Emotions (Zen AF, Weird Flex, Delulu, Aura), Lifaafa (served in a post-office pouch), and Candy Crush (a candy-wrapped cocktail).

  • Sangria Pitchers: Shareable and bold – variants like Cosmo Berry, Tropical Twist, House Spice, Java, Rita.

  • Squad Shots & Liqueurs: High-energy serves such as SOCIAL Kami Krazy test-tube shots and the explosive SOCIAL Bomb.

  • The Classics: SOCIAL’s twist on favourites including Espresso Martini, Negroni, Daiquiri, Paloma, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned.

Speaking about the launch, Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, "The Peena Edition of the Big Drop menu is special because it speaks the language of the people. India’s drinking culture has always been about community — from quarter bars and kattas to thekas and toddy shops — and we’ve brought that spirit into a menu built for today. Innovation was needed because people don’t just come to us for what’s in the glass, but for how it makes them feel. The Big Drop captures that spirit in full.”

The Peena Edition complements SOCIAL’s Big Drop Khaana menu, together offering a seamless food-and-drink experience that celebrates how India eats, drinks, and connects today.

About Social

SOCIAL is a groundbreaking urban hangout that merges café culture with community and collaboration. By day, it’s a space for great food, coffee, and co-working; by night, it transforms into a vibrant bar and social hub. Each outlet reflects its neighbourhood, blending work, play, and creativity under one roof.

Founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha – Coffees and Conversations, Impresario today operates over 60 restaurants across 20+ Indian cities. Its portfolio includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Mocha, and boutique spaces like Bandra Born, Slink & Bardot, and BANNG. The group’s success lies in its ability to understand the evolving lifestyle of young India and craft experiences that resonate deeply with its patrons.

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