BRIJ Hotels Unveils BRIJ Atmanya in Nainital

BRIJ Hotels Unveils BRIJ Atmanya in Nainital

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 15, 2024

Brij Hotels, a distinguished collection of boutique hotels, has announced the launch of its newest luxury property, BRIJ Atmanya, in Bhowali, Nainital. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Bhowali, this exquisite retreat promises a luxurious escape 5,000 feet above sea level. Located in the Lake District of Kumaon, BRIJ Atmanya is just a 25-minute drive from Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, and Naini Lake.

In line with BRIJ’s ethos of delivering immersive experiences in unique locations across India, BRIJ Atmanya aims to provide an experiential stay that preserves the heritage and culture of the Kumaon region. The property offers 12 luxury rooms and suites, each handcrafted to reflect the aesthetics and cultural heritage of Kumaon. Open terraces, lush gardens, and expansive decks provide the perfect setting for relaxation and quality time with loved ones. The breathtaking 360-degree valley view further elevates the guest experience.

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Brij Atmanya also boasts an on-site spa, a multi-recreational area, and long walking trails for guests to relax and rejuvenate. Guests can savor local delicacies at the on-site multi-cuisine restaurant, which emphasizes Kumaoni flavors.

Udit Kumar and Anant Kumar, Founders of BRIJ Hotels, expressed their excitement about the launch: "We are delighted to unveil Brij Atmanya, the newest addition to our distinguished collection. We have meticulously crafted unique experiences that celebrate the rich culture of Kumaon, alongside the region's captivating flora and fauna. Our focus lies on curating hyperlocal experiences, ensuring a truly personalized and unforgettable stay for our guests."

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Brij Atmanya invites you to a luxurious escape where tranquility meets cultural immersion. Embrace the Kumaon experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

For more information and bookings, visit Brij Hotels.


Ennismore to Open the First Lifestyle All-Inclusive Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Ennismore to Open the First Lifestyle All-Inclusive Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2025

Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, has announced the upcoming opening of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, marking the brand’s first all-inclusive resort outside Europe and Ennismore’s debut lifestyle hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort is slated to open in November 2025.

Set along Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular coastline — where desert, mangroves, and mountains meet the turquoise Arabian Sea, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah brings a fashion-inspired aesthetic to a stunning beachfront escape. The property will feature 257 guestrooms and suites across seven categories, each offering uninterrupted sea views and interiors inspired by the region’s natural hues — sunset oranges, ocean teals, and stone neutrals — paired with walnut wood and bronze accents for warmth and elegance.

The resort will feature five distinct dining destinations curated by Ennismore’s Global F&B Platform. Guests can explore diverse culinary experiences at:

  • The Market, a casual all-day restaurant

  • Chiano, serving refined Mediterranean and Italian cuisine

  • Hadaba, offering Levantine-inspired dining

  • Floating World, a Pan-Asian and Japanese specialty restaurant

  • Savant, a high-energy cocktail bar with live entertainment on the 10th floor

Complementing the line-up are two pool bars, Cabini and Bungalow (an adults-only space) — along with an independent beach club. The property will also include event and meeting spaces, including a 345-guest function hall, pre-function area, and flexible workshop zones.

Wellness takes center stage at SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, with a spa featuring treatment rooms, sauna, and a cold-water pool. Guests can enjoy fitness classes, a 24-hour gym, or nearby outdoor activities including golf, horse riding, kayaking, and sunrise dune walks.

Strategically located at the entrance of Al Marjan Island, the resort will be part of a new wave of luxury developments in Ras Al Khaimah — home to cultural landmarks, designer boutiques, and the region’s first casino. According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the emirate recorded 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024, reflecting a 12% increase in tourism revenue as it moves toward its goal of 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.

Ras Al Khaimah’s rise as an all-inclusive luxury destination follows the success of Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, both of which set new benchmarks for immersive experiences that combine gastronomy, entertainment, and design. Building on this momentum, SO/ introduces a fresh, style-driven perspective to the all-inclusive segment.

The opening underscores Ennismore’s growth in the global lifestyle all-inclusive space, now boasting a portfolio of over 60 resorts representing more than 25,000 rooms worldwide. Recent milestones include Rixos Tersane Istanbul, SLS Playa Mujeres, and Hyde Bodrum, with upcoming projects across Mexico, Egypt, Dubai, and Vietnam.

SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will join Ennismore’s ALL Inclusive Collection, a curated platform that unites leading brands such as Rixos, SO/, Hyde, SLS, and Swissôtel. The collection redefines traditional all-inclusive stays by offering immersive luxury experiences with design, dining, and entertainment at their core.

Cenk Unverdi, COO of Rixos & All-Inclusive Collection - GCC, Central Asia & Europe, Ennismore, said, “Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing luxury destinations in the region, making it the perfect location to debut the first SO/ all-inclusive resort in the Middle East. Building on the success of Rixos through the ALL Inclusive Collection, we’re delighted to welcome the first lifestyle all-inclusive resort to the emirate. SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will offer a timeless, intimate take on the art of escape — where bold design, exceptional food, and creativity merge into a seamless experience.”

About Ennismore:
Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-led brands that embody creativity, community, and purpose. A joint venture with Accor since 2021, Ennismore has grown into a leading lifestyle hospitality group with 16 brands, 180+ hotels, 500+ restaurants and bars, and 45+ branded residences across 40+ countries.

For more information, visit ennismore.com.


Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2025

The third edition of ‘Chapters by Conrad’ at Conrad Pune unfolded into a memorable evening that beautifully blended storytelling and fine wine. The spotlight was on Sonal Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine, who captivated guests with stories from her memoir ‘One in a Billion’, a book that traces her journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Hosted at Conrad Pune’s award-winning Asian restaurant MASU, the evening brought together an intimate gathering of the city’s cultural enthusiasts, wine lovers, journalists, and tastemakers. The event celebrated not just Sonal’s achievements but also the art of storytelling, where every conversation felt as rich as the wine poured.

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In a warm and engaging conversation moderated by Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, Sonal reflected on her inspiring path, from leaving a corporate job at thirty-three to pursuing a passion that few understood at the time. “Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a stable job for wine, but I was chasing meaning, not money,” she shared, drawing smiles and admiration from the audience.

Sonal spoke about her transformative experiences in the world of wine, including dining with Barone Ricasoli at the world’s oldest wine estate in Italy and tasting vintages steeped in centuries of tradition. These moments, she said, helped shape her understanding of purpose, balance, and the importance of pursuing one’s goals wholeheartedly.

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The session concluded with a lively Q&A followed by an exclusive wine-tasting experience curated by Sonal Holland in association with Grover Zampa. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine red and white wines paired with a specially designed high-tea menu by Conrad Pune’s culinary team, enhancing the evening’s elegant atmosphere.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Abhishek Sahai shared, “At Conrad Pune, our vision with ‘Chapters by Conrad’ has always been to curate experiences that go beyond the expected, where stories, ideas, and inspiration come together. Having Sonal Holland with us for this edition was truly special, her story is one of purpose and persistence, much like the Conrad spirit itself.”

Speaking about the experience, Sonal Holland said, “It was such a delight to be part of ‘Chapters by Conrad’. The evening felt like a celebration of dreams, dialogue, and stories that persevered. Sharing my journey over conversations, laughter, and a glass of wine was truly special. I was touched by the audience’s warmth  and of course, delighted to raise a glass to storytelling, as like great wines, stories only get richer with time.”


Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Shines Bright with 3 MICHELIN Keys and Top Condé Nast Traveller Honours

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Shines Bright with 3 MICHELIN Keys and Top Condé Nast Traveller Honours

By Hariharan U

Published on October 28, 2025

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has once again raised the bar for Thai luxury with two remarkable achievements, retaining its 3 MICHELIN Keys and securing the top spot as the “Best Resort in Thailand” by Condé Nast Traveller readers. Nestled along Krabi’s pristine coastline, this exclusive retreat continues to impress travellers and industry experts alike.

The MICHELIN Guide 2025 honoured Phulay Bay with 3 Keys for the second consecutive year, a recognition reserved for only six properties across Thailand. Of these, just three are beach resorts  and only one, Phulay Bay, is located in the scenic Krabi province.

The guide applauded the resort for its flawless blend of luxury and authenticity, where Southern Thai warmth meets world-class service. It highlighted the thoughtful design that reflects local culture, from the traditional-style welcome pavilion to villa interiors that exude understated elegance. The MICHELIN team also praised the resort’s culinary variety, featuring everything from fresh seafood and Thai classics to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, alongside an extravagant spa experience.

One of the most straightforward ways to stand out in the crowded field of Thai luxury hospitality is to simply create one of the most luxurious resorts anywhere, and that’s the path chosen by Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.,” The MICHELIN Guide 2025 notes, applauding the property’s exceptional taste and refined presentation.

Adding to its global acclaim, Phulay Bay earned high praise at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, voted #1 “Best Resort in Thailand” by the UK readership and #10 “Best Resort in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler USA readers. These awards, chosen by seasoned travellers worldwide, underline Phulay Bay’s enduring appeal among those who seek thoughtful luxury and genuine hospitality.

“I am delighted and deeply honored to have retained our 3 MICHELIN Key status for the second year, and to have been voted as the best resort in Thailand – and one of the ten best in the world – by the esteemed readers of Condé Nast Traveler. This is a testament to the passion and commitment of our Ladies and Gentlemen, who create highly personalized guest journeys every day,” says Vidya Sagar, General Manager, Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

As the resort continues to evolve, guests can look forward to new experiences such as dining at Sri Trang, a reimagined Thai restaurant, and relaxing at the soon-to-open Pirom Bar. Both additions promise to elevate the sense of indulgence and community that defines Phulay Bay’s charm.

Set against the Andaman Sea’s turquoise waters, Phulay Bay remains a sanctuary for travellers seeking serenity, exclusivity, and authentic Thai spirit — reaffirming its place among the world’s finest luxury resorts.

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