Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Mandir Collection with the opening of Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room property in Varanasi, on November 1, 2026. The hotel will cater to pilgrims, families and cultural travellers, combining contemporary accommodation with the city's spiritual traditions and architectural heritage.

Located in Bhagwanpur, Varanasi, the property is owned by Abhinav Rai and features 18 rooms across four categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. Its design incorporates heritage-inspired architectural elements, warm interiors and contemporary amenities, drawing on the cultural character of Banaras.

One of the property's distinctive features is a dedicated cinematic gallery celebrating Varanasi's connection with Indian cinema. Designed as a filmstrip-inspired installation, it displays framed posters of films shot in the city, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur. The gallery highlights Banaras's contribution to Indian filmmaking while adding a cultural element to the hotel's interiors.

The property will also house an in-house restaurant serving exclusively vegetarian and Satvik cuisine, in keeping with the spiritual hospitality proposition of Summit's Mandir Collection.

Guests will be able to explore Varanasi's religious and cultural landmarks through curated temple visits and darshan planning. These include Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple, alongside attractions such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort.

Speaking about the opening, Sumit Periwal, Director, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Varanasi is one of India's most important spiritual destinations, attracting travellers whose visits are closely connected with faith, culture and tradition. With Summit Heritage Kashinaama, we are bringing our Mandir Collection to a city where this approach to hospitality is particularly relevant."

He added that the property was envisioned to reflect Banaras through its architectural influences, vegetarian food traditions and association with Indian cinema. He also noted that the company sees opportunities to develop hotels that address the specific needs of pilgrims and cultural travellers while providing contemporary comfort and service.

Abhinav Rai, Owner, Summit Heritage Kashinaama, said the vision was to create a hotel connected to Banaras through its design and guest experiences. He added that the association with Summit Hotels & Resorts would bring professional hospitality standards to the property while preserving its distinctive identity.

The opening marks another step in Summit Hotels & Resorts' expansion into spiritual tourism through its Mandir Collection, which focuses on hospitality around pilgrimage destinations, temple visits and culturally rooted stays.

With an established presence across the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, Summit is extending its portfolio into new destinations and travel segments through three collections: Mandir, focused on spiritual hospitality; Offbeat, centred on lesser-explored destinations; and Signature, offering premium destination-led stays.

The company's approach is guided by its philosophy of Generous Hospitality, which draws inspiration from the warmth and personal attention associated with welcoming guests into Indian homes. Through its mission under The Summit Way, the group aims to place care, respect and empathy at the centre of guest interactions, while contributing to the communities in which it operates.

The Serai Resorts has introduced ‘Living Sanctuaries’, a brand philosophy that brings together its three properties in Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini through a shared approach to nature-led experiences, understated luxury and personalised hospitality.

Rooted in the belief that memorable journeys are shaped by meaningful moments rather than elaborate experiences, Living Sanctuaries invites guests to slow down and connect more deeply with the landscapes they visit. The concept reflects The Serai's approach to creating retreats where the natural surroundings influence the architecture, culinary offerings, activities and overall guest experience.

Each of the three destinations offers a distinct interpretation of this philosophy.

At Chikmagalur, the experience is shaped by the mist-covered hills and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by forests and the aroma of coffee estates, the retreat encourages guests to enjoy nature walks, quiet mornings and the slower rhythm of the hills.

At Bandipur, the focus shifts to the wilderness. The forest's changing light, bird calls and wildlife movement form an integral part of the experience. Rather than treating nature as a backdrop, the property encourages guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape and appreciate its natural rhythms.

In Kabini, the river and its surrounding wilderness define the experience. Open skies, waterside settings and opportunities for wildlife encounters offer guests a different perspective on the region's natural environment, where discovery often comes through unplanned moments.

Although each property is shaped by its location, the common thread is the belief that nature sets the pace. The landscape influences how guests spend their time, what they experience and how they connect with the destination. From design and architecture to regional cuisine and curated activities, the emphasis is on allowing the character of each place to remain central to the stay.

Redefining Luxury Through Space and Personalised Hospitality

Living Sanctuaries also reflects a changing understanding of luxury, with greater emphasis on time, privacy and meaningful experiences rather than abundance or constant activity.

For The Serai Resorts, hospitality is centred on attentive service that feels natural rather than intrusive. The approach focuses on personal attention, remembering individual preferences and understanding when guests need assistance and when they simply need space.

Experiences such as a slow breakfast overlooking the landscape, a morning in a coffee plantation, a meal inspired by regional flavours, the anticipation of a wildlife sighting or an evening spent listening to the rain become part of the property's wider hospitality proposition.

Through this philosophy, the brand positions its resorts as places where guests can disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with nature, companions and themselves.

The Serai Resorts' Presence in Karnataka

Founded in the coffee country of Chikmagalur nearly two decades ago, The Serai Resorts has grown into a collection of three luxury retreats across Karnataka: Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini.

The portfolio combines thoughtfully designed accommodation with locally inspired cuisine, wellness offerings and curated destination experiences. Each property is positioned around its surrounding landscape, from coffee plantations and forest environments to riverside wilderness.

The brand's flagship property, The Serai Chikmagalur, has received several industry recognitions, including a No. 9 ranking among resorts in India in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, Best Staycation Resort in India at Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards 2025 and Best Retreat in India at the TravTour MICE Awards 2025. It has also been included in Condé Nast Traveller's Black Book 2026.

The Serai Chikmagalur and The Serai Bandipur have additionally featured in The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels.

With Living Sanctuaries, The Serai Resorts brings its three destinations under a unified brand philosophy, placing nature, personal space and thoughtful hospitality at the centre of its guest experience. The concept presents luxury as an opportunity to pause, observe and experience a destination at its own pace.

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Ranthambore with the opening of The Farm Stay by AamaGhati, a 10-key boutique retreat in Village Sherpur. Converted from a private family residence, the property offers a nature-focused stay combining wildlife observation, farm-led dining, wellness and local cultural experiences.

Originally owned by Abhishek Hissaria, the property has been transformed into an intimate hospitality retreat while retaining the character of its former residential setting. Surrounded by mature trees and natural vegetation, the retreat is positioned for travellers seeking a quieter experience of Ranthambore beyond conventional national park safaris.

A Residential-Style Retreat in the Wilderness

The property features 10 rooms, each measuring approximately 700 sq. ft., with separate living areas and private balconies overlooking the surrounding landscape. Its design incorporates stone, timber and warm neutral tones, retaining a residential character while introducing contemporary hospitality comforts.

The dining room features wooden interiors, large glass doors and direct access to the lawns. Outdoor seating areas and a rooftop terrace overlooking the treeline provide spaces for guests to enjoy the natural surroundings, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.

Wildlife observation is an integral part of the experience. Guests can spot chital and sambar from the rooftop terrace, while langurs frequently visit nearby trees. The grounds also attract bird species including baya weavers, Indian scops owls, rufous treepies, white-throated kingfishers, babblers and black drongos.

Commenting on the opening, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "What makes The Farm Stay special is that the house sits within the jungle landscape itself. Guests can spend time on the terrace and spot deer such as chital and sambar moving through the surrounding wilderness, while langurs and birds are often visible in the trees. Ranthambore is sometimes reduced to one question: did you see a tiger? We wanted to create a stay where the hours outside the park are equally meaningful. The property's strength lies in its scale, history, and natural surroundings, and our role has been to preserve that intimacy while bringing in the service standards of a professionally managed retreat."

Farm-Led Dining and Local Experiences

The retreat incorporates a working farm and an attached strawberry farm, with fresh produce used in meals served at its restaurant. The dining offering combines regional and rustic preparations with a broader multi-cuisine menu.

Guests can explore the growing spaces and enjoy outdoor breakfasts, garden dining and high tea, making the farm setting an important part of the property's culinary experience.

The Farm Stay also introduces visitors to Rajasthan's traditional arts and cultural practices. Local potters and lac bangle makers demonstrate their crafts, while folk musicians and performers present regional traditions. After dark, the Star Dust Observatory offers stargazing opportunities, complemented by outdoor bonfire evenings.

Wellness, Recreation and Ranthambore Excursions

Facilities at the retreat include a swimming pool, the Sri Sri Wellbeing Centre, a games room and a dedicated children's activity area. These offerings cater to families and leisure travellers looking to spend time at the property between excursions.

Guests can arrange safaris into Ranthambore National Park, while other excursions include visits to the historic Ranthambore Fort and Trinetra Ganesh Temple. River safaris in the Chambal landscape also offer opportunities to explore the region's distinct wildlife and riverine ecosystem.

Speaking about the property's transition from a family residence, Abhishek Hissaria, Owner, AamaGhati, said, "This was our home before it became a hotel, and we did not want to lose that feeling when we decided to open it to guests. Ranthambore is at its best when you give it time. Some of my favourite moments here have nothing to do with being inside a safari vehicle. They are the mornings when the birds take over the trees, watching animals move through the wider landscape, or simply sitting outside and listening to the forest. The Farm Stay grew out of that very personal relationship with the place."

Expanding Black Rock's Ranthambore Portfolio

The Farm Stay by AamaGhati is the second hospitality offering from Black Rock Hotels & Resorts in Ranthambore, joining AamaGhati Wildlife Resort.

The two properties cater to different traveller preferences. While AamaGhati Wildlife Resort offers a full-scale destination resort experience, The Farm Stay focuses on a smaller, residential-style format centred on privacy, nature, birdwatching and local experiences.

With the new opening, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts adds another accommodation option to Ranthambore's wildlife tourism landscape, offering guests an alternative to the conventional safari-led stay.