SaffronStays has opened Junglebrooke, a unique pet-first escape in Kolad, Maharashtra, set within the lush AMTM Kolad campus. Owned by Ganesh Nayak, the founder of Animals Matter To Me, the retreat is built as a space where strays are cared for with love and pets come first, while humans are welcomed as companions in their world. The property follows a simple philosophy — “Pets Over People”, creating a setting where animals live freely and travellers can unwind with them.

The retreat features eight thoughtfully designed cottages, eco-friendly interiors and recycled furniture sourced from Film City sets. Spread across an acre of green landscapes, Junglebrooke allows guests to stay close to a caring rescue ecosystem. Through guided tours, animal interactions, yoga sessions and reading corners set amid nature, visitors can slow down, reflect, and be part of meaningful moments that support animal welfare.

Every stay includes space for two guests along with one pet at no extra charge. Complimentary pet meals, pool access, yoga, karaoke and other experiences make it a relaxed escape for both pets and people. The retreat is home to a wide range of animals,  from dogs and cats to cows, pigs, ducks, rabbits and geese, each now living a safe and peaceful life. A 10,000 square feet cage-free cattery offers a comforting environment for rescued cats, while the gaushala shelters gentle cows away from harm.

Junglebrooke paints an inviting picture for conscious travellers: mornings spent feeding a rescued calf, afternoons splashing in the infinity pool with your dog, and quiet evenings watching the sunset while your pet rests beside you. Surrounded by nature, guests can enjoy a holiday that not only rejuvenates but also contributes to a kinder world.

AMTM has long supported more than 400 rescued animals across Kolad and Mumbai, with help from philanthropists and industrialists like Nawshir Mirza, Cyrus Mistry and the Tata Group. Their support has strengthened the organisation’s rescue mission and helped expand its facilities.

“Junglebrooke is our way of giving a voice to the voiceless, those with paws, claws, wings, and whiskers. It’s built as a space where pets can truly be themselves, and humans are happy companions in their world. A place where dogs can run free, cats can nap under trees, and their people can unwind right alongside them. Every stay becomes a small step toward a kinder world for animals and for us,” said Devendra Parulekar, founder of SaffronStays.

The year 2025 marked a strong turning point for India’s hospitality sector. It was a year defined by steady effort, resilience and practical innovation. With GST rates lowered, domestic travel on the rise, and infrastructure improving across the country, the industry saw one of its best phases in both occupancy and revenue.

A major boost also came from the popularity of Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations, which continued to attract more travellers than ever before. Alongside this, hotels across the country invested heavily in upskilling their teams, shifting to digital solutions and embracing greener, more responsible ways of operating, all signs of a sector preparing itself for the future.

As the industry steps into 2026, the focus moves toward understanding what modern India wants: meaningful innovation, smarter use of technology, better service quality and experience-led stays. According to Mr. Amit Raman, General Manager at Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, the next stage of growth will depend on how hotels match global service standards while keeping the warmth and ease that Indian travellers increasingly look for.

He points out that homestays have set a new benchmark for comfort and personalised attention. “As preferences change, we must bring the same level of care and comfort into mainstream hospitality. It’s a challenge, but also an opportunity for the industry to come together and offer the best of both worlds,” he says.

With a renewed sense of purpose, India’s hospitality sector enters 2026 ready to build on the progress of the past year and deliver experiences that feel both modern and meaningful.

Zen Crafart, a young and committed art company in India, has unveiled Silence Please, the New Delhi solo exhibition by contemporary artist Viveek Sharma. Held at Bikaner House, the showcase highlights the company’s commitment to supporting powerful artistic voices shaping India’s creative landscape.

The exhibition brings together a contemplative body of work rooted in quiet moments, emotional depth and psychological stillness. With large-format paintings, intimate compositions, sculptural works and newly introduced limited edition art plates, the showcase offers multiple ways for viewers to engage with Sharma’s artistic world. The collectible editions also give art enthusiasts a chance to connect with his practice through formats that balance craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Sharing thoughts on the strong response in New Delhi, Rashmin Majithia, Partner at Zen Crafart LLP, said, “The showcase of ‘Silence Please’ marks a milestone for us and for everyone who has experienced the depth and subtlety of Viveek’s artistic world. His practice expands the language of contemporary Indian art through an extraordinary command of emotion, form, and narrative. With the Delhi chapter underway and receiving encouraging appreciation, we look forward to presenting the next phase of his journey in Mumbai, where another exhibition ‘Sacred Gestures’ will reveal a dynamic and expressive counterpoint to his introspective body of work. Presenting these exhibitions across two cultural hubs will allow us to deepen the conversation around his evolution and reaffirm Zen Crafart’s commitment to supporting voices that define the future of Indian art.”

Chief Guest Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), added, “India’s art ecosystem is a vital component of tourism growth. Modern and contemporary art are not only reflections of our cultural identity, but also powerful economic drivers that enhance destination value and attract discerning global travellers. By integrating art-led experiences through curated districts, museums, and festivals, we can generate employment, deepen creative skills, and strengthen India’s global appeal. Art is a national asset and its synergy with tourism is essential for building an innovative, experience-led, and futuristic India.”

Recent insights further reflect the momentum in the art market. Reports indicate that while modern artists continue to lead sales, the pre-modern and contemporary segments are also witnessing strong growth. Interest in mid-career and emerging artists continues to rise, pointing to a maturing market that balances legacy and new perspectives. The bracket between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh remains the fastest-growing collector segment, showing wider participation and deeper confidence among buyers.

Commenting on this shift, Majithia noted that the market is evolving with growing interest from younger collectors, design-forward buyers, corporate patrons and premium gifting audiences. Demand for sculptures, installations and limited editions continues to rise, making the space more diverse and immersive.

With the New Delhi chapter concluding, preparations are underway for the next showcase, Sacred Gestures, in Mumbai. Scheduled from 2nd to 8th December 2025 at Jahanghir Art Gallery in Kala Ghoda, the exhibition will present a dynamic counterpoint to the introspective nature of Silence Please. Inspired by classical and contemporary performance traditions, the works will celebrate movement, rhythm and expressive emotion.

Speaking about the transition from Delhi to Mumbai, Majithia added that the strong reception in the capital sets a promising foundation for the upcoming showcase, inviting collectors, patrons and art enthusiasts to experience the unveiling of Sacred Gestures.