SaltStayz has marked its entry into the leisure travel segment with the launch of its premium ‘Autograph’ property in Rishikesh, one of India’s most sought-after wellness and spiritual destinations.

Previously focused on business travel markets such as New Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Chandigarh-Mohali, the brand is now expanding its footprint to cater to guests seeking experience-led stays in leisure destinations. SaltStayz Autograph Rishikesh is positioned to offer high-quality accommodation combined with a deeper connection to the destination.

Strategically located, the property provides easy access to prominent landmarks such as Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram, along with connectivity to iconic spots like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. Despite its central location, the property is designed to offer a calm and retreat-like environment.

With a strong focus on wellness, the hotel integrates experiences such as yoga sessions, guided spiritual walks, and bicycle tours, allowing guests to explore Rishikesh at a slower, more mindful pace. Dedicated meditation spaces further enhance the holistic experience. The 38-key property also features an all-day dining restaurant, including a pure vegetarian outlet inspired by the legacy of Moti Mahal.

Gaurav Gupta, Co-Founder of SaltStayz, noted that Rishikesh is witnessing a clear shift towards wellness-led travel, with guests increasingly seeking immersive and experience-driven stays. He added that the launch of the Autograph category reflects both evolving consumer preferences and the company’s broader expansion strategy.

The brand highlighted that post-pandemic travel trends have significantly boosted demand for leisure and spiritual tourism, with wellness emerging as a key factor in destination selection. The Rishikesh launch aligns with this shift, offering thoughtfully designed stays at competitive pricing.

Alongside its new Autograph category, SaltStayz’s portfolio includes Select and Premier offerings. Founded in 2022, the Gurugram-based company currently operates 32 properties across India, with 30 more in the pipeline. The Autograph brand is expected to play a central role in its expansion into high-potential leisure destinations.

With this launch, SaltStayz continues to evolve its offering, moving beyond business travel to create experiences that combine comfort, accessibility, and meaningful engagement with destinations.

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of The Royal Hotel Cookstown to its international portfolio, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence across the United Kingdom.

The move reflects the group’s strategy of building a curated collection of distinctive hospitality destinations that combine design, cultural authenticity, and personalised guest experiences.

Under this partnership, the property will continue to be owned by the Thom family, while Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will take over the day-to-day management. The collaboration is designed to merge the hotel’s established legacy with the group’s experience-led approach, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and high-quality service delivery.

The group plans to focus on refining the hotel’s brand positioning across regional and international markets, while enhancing operational performance. Key initiatives will include strengthening service delivery through people-first training, implementing structured operational frameworks, and driving commercial outcomes through disciplined revenue strategies. A more cohesive, design-led identity across guest touchpoints is also part of the transformation plan.

Commenting on the expansion, Richa Adhia, Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Northern Ireland with The Royal Hotel Cookstown. This is a natural step in strengthening our footprint in our home market while continuing to build a globally connected portfolio. Our focus will be on elevating operational performance and guest experience, while preserving the property’s identity and legacy.”

For guests, the transition is expected to be seamless, with existing service standards maintained while benefiting from enhanced operational systems and upgraded experiences.

With a growing portfolio that includes brands such as Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes, and Signature Collection, Eight Continents continues to expand across key destinations. Its presence spans regions including Belfast, Guernsey, and Zanzibar, alongside a strong footprint in India across Kasauli, Varkala, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, and Pushkar.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, the group has positioned itself as a design-led, experience-driven hospitality brand, focusing on boutique properties that blend local heritage with global standards.

This latest addition reinforces the group’s ambition to build a globally connected hospitality network while maintaining a strong emphasis on curated, meaningful travel experiences.

The St. Regis Goa Resort has been awarded Best Luxury Resort at the FICCI Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards 2026, marking another milestone in its journey as one of India’s most distinguished luxury destinations.

Spread across 49 acres of lush greenery, lagoons, and scenic waterways, with direct access to a pristine South Goa beach, the resort continues to stand out for its seamless blend of natural beauty, refined design, and personalised service.

This recognition comes at a time when the resort has been actively enhancing its guest experience. A key highlight is the reimagined Presidential Villa, designed as a private, ultra-luxury retreat that combines contemporary elegance with Goa’s cultural influences. It reflects a growing focus on offering immersive, high-end stays for global travellers.

The resort has also elevated its suite offerings, bringing in a sense of residential comfort paired with signature St. Regis sophistication. Every detail is crafted to ensure intuitive service and a refined stay experience.

Dining continues to play a central role in the resort’s identity. From authentic Italian flavours at Oliveto to globally inspired cuisine at Miri, each restaurant is positioned as a standalone destination, adding depth to the overall guest journey.

Beyond accommodation and dining, the resort curates signature experiences that define its brand. The iconic St. Regis Evening Ritual, personalised butler service, wellness offerings, and family-focused activities all contribute to a well-rounded luxury experience.

Its unique combination of expansive landscapes, beach access, and evolving experiences ensures it remains distinct from conventional resort offerings. Whether it is a quiet lagoon view, a wellness escape, or a destination celebration, the property offers a rare sense of scale and exclusivity.

Speaking on the achievement, Arun Vishnu, General Manager, said, “We are honoured to receive the award for Best Luxury Resort at the FICCI Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards 2026. This recognition reflects not only the beauty of our destination, but the dedication of our team and our commitment to elevating the guest experience. We are proud to represent Goa on a national stage and grateful to our guests for their continued trust.”

This accolade further strengthens the resort’s position in India’s luxury hospitality landscape, where thoughtful innovation meets timeless elegance