Avani Hotels & Resorts Prepares for its Grand Entry into Greater China

Avani Hotels & Resorts Prepares for its Grand Entry into Greater China

By Author

Published on February 25, 2024

Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner, operator, and investor with a portfolio spanning over 540 hotels in 56 countries, alongside its joint venture partner in China, Funyard Minor JV Co., (China), is set to introduce Avani Hotels & Resorts to China. The debut features two new properties, Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort and Avani + Xinyi Guangdong Resort, located in Guangdong Province's protected national forest area. Slated for opening in the first half of 2024, these resorts will be among the first international upscale hotel brands in Xinyi, marking a significant milestone for Minor Hotels and the hospitality landscape in the area.

Designed to blend leisure, culture, and ecotourism, Avani's properties will play a pivotal role in the development of a zone encompassing hotels, commercial blocks, and residential holiday villas. This initiative aims to offer guests an immersive cultural experience, deeply inspired by ancient Chinese traditions.

Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort, nestled beside the River Huanghua in Shuanghe Village, will boast 86 spacious rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant specializing in Gaoliang cuisine, an AvaniFit gym, and Xinyi’s first infinity sky pool. Catering to families, the resort will feature themed kids' rooms, ensuring a perfect balance between relaxation and play.

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In contrast, Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort, surrounded by bamboo forests in Ma’an Village, will offer 96 modern rooms and suites, some equipped with private balconies and pools. Facilities include a contemporary all-day dining restaurant, a bar, an infinity pool, an AvaniFit gym, and an AvaniKids club, all designed to foster relaxation amidst nature.

Xinyi is emerging as a prime ecotourism destination, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Attractions include alpine meadows, expansive bamboo forests, mountain lakes, hot springs, and award-winning ecotourism spots. The region also hosts the popular Fruit Festival, drawing over a million visitors annually to celebrate the locally grown Sanhua plum.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about the brand's entry into China, emphasizing the commitment to creating culturally immersive experiences for guests. Eddy Tiftik, Vice President of Development & Operations, Minor Hotels, Greater China, highlighted the properties' integration with nature and their appeal to guests seeking a destination hotel.

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Avani Hotels & Resorts continues to grow, with plans for further openings in Asia, Europe, the Seychelles, South, and Central America in 2024. Minor Hotels' expansion into Greater China with Avani signifies a strategic move to capture the preferences of modern travelers, offering them an unparalleled blend of luxury, comfort, and nature.

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is a leading international hotel owner, operator, and investor with over 540 properties worldwide. The company's diverse portfolio caters to various types of travelers, offering new passions and personal needs through brands like Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, and others. With a vision of a more passionate and interconnected world, Minor Hotels continues to explore new possibilities in hospitality, expanding its brands and exploring strategic acquisitions in opportunistic markets.


ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, marking another significant step in the company’s expansion strategy across key state capitals and high-demand hospitality markets.

The upcoming property will strengthen ITC Hotels’ presence in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and thriving tourism sector. Jaipur, in particular, continues to attract domestic and international travellers, while remaining one of India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, and business events.

Designed to blend contemporary comfort with the city’s historic charm, Welcomhotel Jaipur will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge bar. The hotel will also offer extensive event infrastructure, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space and 22,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor venues, positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE events and destination weddings.

Guests will have access to wellness and spa facilities, further enhancing the overall hospitality experience.

Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said Jaipur represents a unique blend of heritage and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in high-visibility destinations across India.

Directors of Ashraya Hotels and Resorts Anil Agarwal, Sunil Agarwal, and Peyush Agarwal said the partnership aims to bring world-class hospitality experiences to Jaipur while celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy.

The signing follows ITC Hotels’ recent expansion announcements in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing its hospitality portfolio across emerging and established markets in India.


MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

MRG Group has announced the launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa, further strengthening its hospitality presence in one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations. Located in the heart of Panjim and overlooking the scenic Mandovi River, the new property joins the growing Goldfinch Hospitality portfolio across the country.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, Goldfinch Panjim Goa offers 98 guestrooms, including seven suites, equipped with modern amenities and contemporary comforts. The hotel combines elegant interiors, green surroundings, and a central location to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient stay experience.

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The property's dining offering is anchored by Banjara, the all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of global cuisine and locally inspired dishes that celebrate Goa's rich culinary heritage.

Commenting on the launch, K. Prakash Shetty said the opening reflects the group's continued commitment to expanding its hospitality footprint in high-potential markets while focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and guest-centric experiences.

Gaurav Shetty added that Goa remains one of India's most iconic travel destinations and the launch marks another important milestone in the company's hospitality growth journey.

The launch reinforces MRG Group's long-term expansion strategy, with the company targeting more than 3,500 hotel keys by 2035. The group currently operates several hospitality assets across India, including Goldfinch-branded hotels and partnerships with global hospitality brands.

For more information about the group, visit MRG Group.


International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, wellness takes centre stage at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where yoga, nature, and holistic healing come together in one of the Indian Ocean’s most serene settings.

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the island resort has long been recognised for its immersive approach to wellbeing. Surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, the resort offers a tranquil environment where guests can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with themselves.

At the heart of the wellness experience is AyurMa, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary whose name translates to “Mother of Life” in Sanskrit. Designed around the principles of holistic healing, AyurMa blends yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and mindful living to create personalised wellness journeys.

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For International Yoga Day, guests can participate in a range of yoga experiences tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with S-VYASA University, the resort’s Yoga Therapy programme addresses concerns such as stress management, spinal health, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Guests can also explore unique experiences including AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga, and Pregnancy Yoga, each designed to make the practice accessible and engaging.

The island setting further enhances the experience, with yoga sessions conducted in open-air pavilions overlooking the lagoon. Guests can also take part in Rahumathuge Vaguthu, a sunset Earth Blessing ceremony that combines mindfulness with gratitude, creating a deeper connection to nature and community.

Complementing the yoga programme is AyurMa’s comprehensive Ayurveda offering, including personalised consultations, Shirodhara treatments, traditional oil therapies, and a Government of Maldives-accredited Panchakarma programme. Guided by Dr. Arun K. Tomson, these therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.

This International Yoga Day, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers more than a wellness retreat—it presents an opportunity to embrace mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

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