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By Hariharan U
Published on March 10, 2026
Some hotels collect guests. Azerai's two Vietnam properties spent 2025 collecting awards,and quite a few of them at that.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue both entered the new year riding a wave of recognition from some of the most respected names in global travel. It's the kind of year that validates everything a hospitality brand stands for,and for Azerai, founded by veteran hotelier Adrian Zecha, it clearly signals that the vision is landing exactly as intended.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay, A Tropical Oasis That the World Has Noticed
The all-suites-and-villas oceanside property in southern Vietnam had quite the run in 2025. It picked up a prestigious MICHELIN Key in October a significant honour that puts it firmly on the map for discerning travellers. Before that, The Times (UK) named it one of Southeast Asia's best boutique hotels, and it took the runner-up spot in the Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World contest,while also winning the title for Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean, and South Pacific, a contest run by US-based Luxury Travel Advisor.
Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's Top 10 Family Hotels, and Epicure magazine rounded off the year by naming it Vietnam's Best Boutique Resort for 2025.
Nestled among 4.5 hectares of lush gardens on Vietnam's southern coast,framed by Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse on one side and sweeping sand dunes on the other,the resort sits about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway. It's the kind of location that earns its reputation before you've even checked in.
General Manager Julian Moore reflected on the recognition,"Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a lush and serene tropical oasis that draws on the richness of our cultural surroundings to offer the best of Vietnamese luxury. We are thrilled to have received these accolades and recognition and reaffirm our commitment to continue providing truly exceptional guest experiences to each individual guest."
Azerai La Residence, Hue,Where History Meets Hospitality
Meanwhile, in Vietnam's former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence, Hue was having an equally strong year. Travel + Leisure named it one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels,and in a particularly personal honour, General Manager Minh Phan Trong was recognised as General Manager of the Year.
The 122-room property overlooking the Perfume River also made The Times of London's list of Vietnam's best hotels for 2025, landed on Tatler's Best of Vietnam list, and was named Asia-Pacific's Top Heritage Hotel by NOW Travel Asia. Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's top 10 hotels for exceptional service, and MICHELIN recognised it as one of the guide's top boutique hotels in northern Vietnam for cultural getaways.
The hotel itself is a beautiful piece of history,centred on a colonial mansion built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. Its distinctive façade, with long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, is a fine example of streamline moderne art deco architecture. Staying here is as much a cultural experience as it is a luxurious one.
General Manager Minh Phan Trong summed it up,"At Azerai, we constantly strive to ensure that our hotel and experiences transform a traveler's sense of place. As we like to say: The destination is just the beginning. These recent honors tell us that we're on the right track and we look forward to helping more guests feel right at home when they stay with us."
Together, these two properties paint a picture of a brand that knows exactly what it's doing,and a 2025 that gave them every reason to walk into 2026 with confidence.
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Published on April 16, 2026
Essentia Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its growing portfolio with a new property in Nagpur, marking its entry into one of Central India’s emerging hospitality markets.
Known for its thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences, Essentia aims to introduce a property that blends contemporary elegance with functional design. The upcoming hotel is envisioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a refined yet welcoming stay experience aligned with modern expectations.
Often regarded as the heart of India, Nagpur is steadily evolving into a dynamic urban centre where cultural heritage meets modern development. With its serene lakes, spiritual landmarks, and historical attractions, the city presents a balanced mix of vibrancy and calmmaking it an attractive destination for both corporate and leisure travel.
Bringing its signature philosophy of “distinctive destination experience” to the city, Essentia’s new property will focus on combining contemporary sensibilities with intuitive service. The development aims to create a space that reflects comfort, sophistication, and attention to detail, while remaining rooted in a deep understanding of evolving guest preferences.
Commenting on the expansion, Mohammed Parvez said, “Nagpur represents a compelling growth story, and we are delighted to be part of its evolving narrative. Our vision has always been to create destinations that resonate with their surroundings while offering a sense of familiarity and comfort that today’s travellers seek.”
With this move, Essentia continues to align its growth strategy with emerging Indian cities that are redefining the country’s hospitality landscape. The Nagpur property is expected to reflect the brand’s commitment to “Affordable Luxury,” delivering thoughtfully designed spaces, sincere service, and meaningful guest experiences.
Founded in 2018 under the aegis of Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts has been steadily building a reputation for delivering contemporary hospitality experiences rooted in design, service, and human connection.
Published on April 15, 2026
Novotel Hyderabad Airport has successfully renewed its Green Key Certification for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable hospitality. The hotel also holds the distinction of being the first in South India and the third in the country to receive this globally recognised eco-label.
Unlike one-time accolades, the Green Key renewal demands consistent year-on-year progress across key sustainability metrics. From energy efficiency and water conservation to waste management and community engagement, the certification reflects measurable impact and continuous improvement.
At the core of the hotel’s approach is a structured sustainability framework that integrates eco-conscious practices into daily operations, infrastructure, and guest experiences. Over time, the property has implemented several impactful initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.
Energy efficiency measures include the use of 100% non-CFC coolants for air conditioning and the installation of over 6,000 LED bulbs across the property. Solar energy plays a significant role, with 200 solar panels powering water heating systems to meet the building’s requirements.
Water conservation remains a major focus area. With 1,500 aerators installed, the hotel saves up to 10,000 litres of water daily. Rainwater harvesting systems contribute to groundwater recharge, while treated water from the in-house sewage treatment plant is reused for landscaping, accounting for nearly 140 kilolitres per day.
The hotel has also embraced circular, low-waste practices. Its in-house water bottling plant using glass bottles helps eliminate nearly 30,000 plastic bottles each month. Organic waste is converted into manure for a 2,500 sq. ft. herb garden, which supports the hotel’s culinary operations and is maintained using recycled water.
In line with greener mobility, the property offers EV charging infrastructure and electric vehicles for guest transport, along with eco-friendly cycling options that encourage low-impact exploration.
Commenting on the milestone, Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, said, “Securing the Green Key renewal for the third year is a strong validation of our team's consistent work behind the scenes. At Novotel Hyderabad Airport, sustainability is part of how we design systems, manage resources, and engage with guests. Each year, we aim to refine our practices and create a hospitality environment that is efficient, responsible, and built for the long term.”
As sustainability continues to shape global hospitality standards, Novotel Hyderabad Airport remains focused on aligning its operations with evolving environmental expectations, demonstrating that guest comfort and long-term ecological responsibility can go hand in hand.
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the opening of Gateway Kandla, Gandhidham, marking a significant addition to Gujarat’s evolving hospitality landscape. Spread across 17 acres, the hotel is positioned as a tranquil green retreat catering to both business and leisure travellers.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the location, Leah Tata, Vice President & Brand Leader, Gateway Hotels & Resorts, IHCL, noted that Gandhidham serves as a key urban hub supporting maritime trade and regional commerce. She added that the hotel is well placed to meet the rising demand driven by the region’s economic growth.
The 93-key property blends regional design influences with contemporary comfort. Surrounded by landscaped lawns and fountains, the hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms that reflect local character while delivering a relaxed stay experience.
Dining at the hotel is anchored by Urban Masala, the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant that brings together local specialities and global favourites, along with chef-curated signature dishes. Guests can also enjoy a range of leisure amenities including a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.
For social and corporate gatherings, the hotel features versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it suitable for celebrations, conferences, and business meetings alike.
Sandeep Makroo, General Manager, Gateway Kandla, Gandhidham, shared, “We look forward to welcoming guests to Gateway Kandla, Gandhidham and delivering a stay defined by comfort and warm hospitality.”
With proximity to key attractions such as Rann of Kutch, Vijay Vilas Palace, and Mandvi Beach, the hotel also offers travellers an entry point to explore the cultural and natural richness of the region.
As part of IHCL’s expansive portfolio, the Gateway brand continues to strengthen its presence across emerging destinations, offering full-service hotels that combine comfort, accessibility, and authentic hospitality experiences.
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