Ridhira Group has announced plans to develop Ridhira Zen, a flagship luxury wellness project in Telangana, after receiving the official Letter of Award from the state’s Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture (YATC) Department.

The ambitious development, set near Shankarpally in Ranga Reddy District, involves an investment of approximately Rs 200 crore. Spread across six acres, Ridhira Zen will feature a 5-star branded resort, a 10,000 sq. ft. Global Wellness Centre and Spa, upscale villas, and premium plots. Once complete, it is expected to become the region’s largest wellness-centric resort and a landmark in India’s growing wellness tourism sector.

Highlighting the vision behind the project, Ritesh Mastipuram, Founder and Managing Director, Ridhira Group, said, “We are delighted to receive this government recognition for our visionary project, as it reinforces our long-term commitment to revolutionize wellness hospitality in Telangana. This development, with its unprecedented scale and investment, is designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable luxury and holistic living, combining innovation with deep respect for nature and well-being. With the government’s proactive support, we are confident of ensuring timely and seamless execution, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the region’s overall growth, while also shaping Telangana’s reputation as a global destination for wellness tourism.”

The project reflects Ridhira Group’s focus on integrating wellness, sustainability, and modern luxury into hospitality. It also strengthens Telangana’s positioning as a hub for world-class tourism and wellness experiences.

ELENA, the acclaimed spa and wellness brand from Atmosphere Core, is making its entry into India, bringing with it a globally recognised approach to luxury well-being. Having already transformed the spa landscape in the Maldives, the brand now aims to partner with hotels and resorts in India to offer guests elevated wellness experiences that blend tradition with modernity.

Founded in 2015, ELENA, short for Elements of Nature draws inspiration from natural forces and is guided by the philosophy Wellness Your Way™. The brand is known for creating personalised, inclusive, and sustainable wellness journeys, combining time-honoured healing practices with contemporary therapies.

“India holds a deep legacy of wellness, and with ELENA, we aim to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. Leveraging our global and diverse expertise, we are proud to introduce India to wellness sanctuaries that are sustainable, luxurious, and truly transformative,” says Heidi Grimwood, Vice President, Atmosphere Wellness Pvt. Ltd.

The Four Pillars of ELENA, Every spa by ELENA is designed around four guiding principles:

• Nature-Centric Enlightenment: Authentic concepts inspired by nature.

• Sustainable Spirit: Eco-conscious practices integrated into daily operations.

• Zeal for Wellness: Innovative therapies combining global expertise with local traditions.

• Wellness for All: Inclusive journeys tailored to different guest needs.

With an award-winning legacy in the Maldives including honours such as the World Luxury Spa Awards, India’s Best Awards, and Global Spa Awards, ELENA has built its reputation on delivering consistent excellence. Its expertise extends to spa training, guest service models, and sustainable operational practices.

In India, the brand will go beyond offering signature treatments. ELENA plans to partner with hotels and resorts for complete spa development and management covering everything from turnkey operations and customised wellness programming to hands-on training for therapists. This ensures hospitality partners can introduce world-class spa experiences backed by a proven and respected international model.

With a successful foundation in the Maldives and a growing footprint across regions, ELENA is now setting new benchmarks for luxury wellness in India combining sustainability, tradition, and innovation to transform both guest experiences and the hospitality industry

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi has earned two major recognitions at the Thailand Tourism Awards, reaffirming its reputation as a leading name in wellness and sustainability.

The resort’s spa received the Thailand Tourism Outstanding Award in the Hotel and Resort category and the Thailand Tourism Sustainability Award in the Health and Wellness Tourism category. While it secured second place in both, the achievement highlights Banyan Tree Spa Krabi’s strong focus on authenticity, sustainability, and guest care. Its sister property, Banyan Tree Spa Samui, also ranked among the top five in Outstanding and top ten in Sustainability.

Often called the “Kinnaree Awards”, the Thailand Tourism Awards are organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and serve as a hallmark of excellence in the spa and hospitality industries.

“Our key strength lies in having a clear and distinctive concept,” said Montira Vichiankoo, Spa & Gallery Manager at Banyan Tree Spa Krabi. “Our treatments and wellbeing activities draw from Krabi’s heritage, using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, turmeric and tamarind. Another important factor is our strong commitment to sustainability. We support the local community, and our team lives these values every day.”

Montira added that the spa prides itself on personalised care, from the signature Scent of the Day welcome ritual to tailored treatment recommendations and thoughtful self-care tips that extend beyond the spa visit.

The spa’s therapists, trained at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy in Phuket, deliver highly professional treatments across eight private suites, each with its own garden and calming “colour-calm” lighting.

Banyan Tree Spa Krabi also introduced the region’s first hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, featuring a full hydrothermal circuit with saunas, vitality pools, cold and hot plunge pools, steam rooms, and heated beds — designed to balance both body and mind.

The spa has already been named one of Thailand’s most luxurious by the MICHELIN Guide, which also awarded Banyan Tree Krabi 2 Keys in its hotel listings.

Beyond the spa, Banyan Tree Krabi offers 72 villas and suites, each with private infinity and jet pools facing the Andaman Sea. Guests can join the resort’s Wellbeing Sanctuary programme, which combines yoga, meditation, nature walks, and nutrition guidance under the expertise of Ayurvedic specialist Dr Subhash Shanbhag.

Recreational activities range from kayaking and paddleboarding to Thai boxing and hiking, while dining options highlight Thai flavours alongside international cuisine.With a blend of sustainability, authentic traditions, and personalised service, Banyan Tree Spa Krabi has carved out a leading position in Thailand’s luxury wellness scene, a fact now underlined by its latest wins at the Thailand Tourism Awards.