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.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

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Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.


Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara welcomed the festive season with its traditional Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together corporate associates, media representatives, influencers and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration and togetherness.

A much-loved pre-Christmas tradition, the ceremony marks the beginning of the festive baking season. It involves bringing together dried fruits, nuts, candied peels, aromatic spices and spirits in a large mixing bowl. The mixture is then left to mature over several weeks, allowing the ingredients to absorb the flavours and develop the richness needed for traditional Christmas cakes.

The gathering turned into an engaging celebration as guests put on aprons and joined the mixing activity, blending the ingredients by hand. Festive music, cheerful conversations and a specially curated high-tea experience added to the evening, making it an opportunity for guests to connect and enjoy the tradition together.

Speaking on the occasion, Remank Goel, Hotel Manager, said, "The Cake Mixing Ceremony is one of those beautiful traditions that brings people together and marks the beginning of a season filled with joy, warmth and togetherness. At Ramada, we believe hospitality goes beyond creating memorable stays; it is also about building meaningful relationships and celebrating moments that connect us."

Through the ceremony, Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara ushered in the Christmas season by bringing guests together to celebrate a tradition that has long been associated with festive preparations. The gathering highlighted the spirit of sharing, participation and togetherness that makes the season special.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2026

yatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has introduced its “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.” campaign, inviting travellers to step away from urban routines and rediscover the pleasure of a break in the hills through dining, wellness and family experiences.

As air quality and urban pollution become increasingly important considerations for city residents, the idea of a getaway is taking on a different meaning. Beyond a change of location, travellers are seeking opportunities to slow down, spend time in new surroundings and make room for experiences that offer a break from everyday demands.

Located along Mussoorie Road, adjacent to Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together accommodation, dining, leisure and wellness in a setting that offers a different pace from city life. The campaign draws on the appeal of Dehradun's natural surroundings while positioning the resort as a destination for couples, families and individual travellers.

The experience extends beyond a conventional hotel stay. Guests can spend leisurely mornings, enjoy time by the pool, explore the resort's culinary offerings or make space for personal well-being through spa rituals and yoga experiences.

Dining forms an important part of the proposition. Range, the resort's cosmopolitan food gallery, offers a varied culinary experience, while Beyul, its rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Malsi Reserved Forest, provides a setting for relaxed evenings and crafted drinks.

Families travelling with children can also explore Camp Hyatt, which offers younger guests opportunities for discovery and engagement. Alongside the resort's leisure facilities, the programme allows families to shape their stay around activities suited to different interests and age groups.

The resort's wellness offerings, including spa experiences and yoga, add another dimension to the getaway. Guests can combine restorative activities with poolside relaxation, dining and time spent exploring the surroundings.

Through “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.”, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa presents a holiday as an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and reconnect with experiences that often get overlooked in everyday life.

While the campaign draws on growing urban concerns around air quality, travellers should consider local air-quality conditions before making destination choices; a change of setting alone does not guarantee cleaner air.

Reservations

For reservations and more information, visit Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.

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