CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

By Hariharan U

Published on August 16, 2026

CGH Earth is expanding beyond its traditional Southern India footprint with a foray into the Eastern Himalayas, marking a new chapter for the hospitality group after more than four decades of creating place-led experiences.

The expansion begins with The Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong, West Bengal, while CGH Earth is also preparing to strengthen its presence in the region with an upcoming property in Kalimpong.

The move represents the group's first major expansion beyond Southern India and reflects its approach of developing hospitality experiences closely connected to the ecology, culture, heritage and communities of each destination.

A Living Tea Estate Experience in Kurseong

Located amid the mist-covered mountains of Kurseong, The Singell Tea Estate is set within the historic Singell Tea Estate, established in 1871.

The property offers guests an opportunity to experience the heritage of tea cultivation alongside the natural landscapes and mountain traditions of the Eastern Himalayas.

Experiences at the estate include plantation walks, tea factory tours, village trails, riverside picnics, tea tastings and storytelling sessions, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape and local culture beyond conventional sightseeing.

The region is also known for its rich birdlife, making the property a potential base for nature and birding experiences featuring Himalayan species including rufous-necked hornbills, broadbills, warblers and cuckoos.

Commenting on the expansion, Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, said the group's entry into the Eastern Himalayas is a natural evolution of its philosophy of connecting travel with the spirit of a destination.

He highlighted the region's ecological diversity, cultural richness and heritage as opportunities to create immersive hospitality experiences rooted in the landscape.

Local Food and Heritage

The culinary experience at Singell draws from the food traditions of the Darjeeling hills, with ingredients sourced from the estate, village gardens and local haat bazaars.

Seasonal and indigenous ingredients such as gundruk, kinema, Himalayan nettles, silam and buckwheat feature in the cuisine, with traditional techniques including foraging, fermentation, smoking and slow cooking.

The resulting food experience focuses on local, seasonal and traditional preparations that reflect the region's landscape and communities.

The property features 11 rooms spread across a restored heritage bungalow and a contemporary wing, combining elements of colonial-era architecture with modern comforts.

Next Stop: Kalimpong

Following the Kurseong expansion, CGH Earth is preparing to unveil its upcoming property in Kalimpong.

Known for its colonial heritage, monasteries, cultural traditions and Himalayan views, Kalimpong offers another setting for the group to develop an experiential hospitality concept connected to its surroundings.

According to CGH Earth, its expansion across the Eastern Himalayas will continue to be guided by its focus on conservation, cultural heritage and community partnerships, with the aim of creating experiences that are both locally rooted and responsible.

The move into Kurseong and Kalimpong expands CGH Earth's geographic footprint while extending its long-standing approach to experiential hospitality into a new region.


Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West Celebrates First Anniversary

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West has celebrated its first anniversary, marking a year of welcoming guests and building its presence in Mumbai's hospitality landscape. The hotel opened its doors on 18 October 2025 and has completed its first year of operations with a focus on comfortable stays, thoughtful service and memorable dining experiences.

Located on New Link Road in Andheri West, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its approach follows Fairfield by Marriott's brand philosophy, The Beauty of Simplicity, combining contemporary accommodation with convenient amenities and dining spaces.

The property features 106 guest rooms and suites, offering a comfortable setting for guests visiting Mumbai for business, leisure and special occasions. Its dining portfolio includes Pana, the all-day dining restaurant, along with a Flavourscape, patisserie and bakery. The upcoming SORAÉ rooftop bar is expected to further add to the hotel's dining and social experiences.

The hotel also offers event spaces, including Vira and Reva banquets, which cater to corporate gatherings, social celebrations and special occasions.

The first anniversary also recognises the contributions of the hotel's associates, guests and partners, whose continued support has played an important role in shaping its journey over the past year.

Commenting on the milestone, Imran Khan, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West, said, "Celebrating our first anniversary is a proud and meaningful milestone for all of us. The past year has been an important journey of building relationships, creating memorable guest experiences and establishing our presence in Mumbai's dynamic hospitality landscape. This achievement reflects the dedication and passion of our associates, the trust our guests place in us, and the continued support of our Stakeholders. As we look ahead, we remain committed to elevating the guest experience through thoughtful service, genuine hospitality and the simplicity that defines the Fairfield by Marriott brand."

As it completes its first year, Fairfield by Marriott Mumbai Andheri West looks ahead to building on its presence in the city while continuing to focus on guest experiences, warm hospitality and comfortable stays.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Offers Up to 25% Off on Extended Festive Stays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has introduced its 'Stay for More' offer, inviting guests to enjoy an extended festive getaway with savings of up to 25% on stays of three nights or more. The offer is open for bookings from 27 October to 1 December 2026, for stays between 8 December 2026 and 28 March 2027.

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, the hotel offers contemporary rooms with bright and spacious interiors, along with facilities designed for a relaxed stay. Guests can unwind at the rooftop infinity pool, enjoy the jogging track or visit the rooftop wellness zone, which features a gym and spa.

The hotel also offers multi-cuisine dining and a rooftop bar, with poolside, outdoor and indoor seating options, giving guests different ways to enjoy their time during a longer stay.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, General Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, “A staycation is an opportunity to slow down and make time for what matters. With our Stay for More offer, we invite guests to celebrate the festive season at Novotel Vijayawada Varun and make the most of their time.”

Under the offer, guests booking three nights or more can receive up to 25% off. ALL Accor members are eligible for an exclusive 25% discount, while non-members can enjoy 20% off. With its extended-stay benefits and leisure facilities, Novotel Vijayawada Varun offers guests an opportunity to make their festive break longer and enjoy a relaxed stay in the city.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

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Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.

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