Clarks Hotels & Resorts Unveils Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn in Sasan Gir

Clarks Hotels & Resorts Unveils Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn in Sasan Gir

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 16, 2025

Clarks Hotels & Resorts has officially launched Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn, an upscale nature-themed property located in the scenic wilderness of Sasan Gir, Gujarat. Set on a sprawling 16-acre estate, just 25 kilometers from the Somnath Temple, the resort is designed to cater to wildlife enthusiasts, spiritual travellers, and families looking for immersive and experiential getaways.

The property offers Deluxe and Premium rooms, each thoughtfully designed with private balconies overlooking lush orchards. The stay is further elevated with features like a swimming pool, gym, kids' play area, and the brand’s signature floating breakfast served at the pool.

Rahul Deb Banerjee, COO of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Expanding our presence to unique destinations like Sasan-Gir aligns perfectly with our corporate strategy of providing personalized experiences to our guests. Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn is crafted to reflect the beauty and tranquility of its surroundings. As domestic tourism continues to grow and travellers seek immersive getaways, we are confident that this property will offer unforgettable moments rooted in nature, culture, and heartfelt hospitality.”

The in-house vegetarian restaurant, The Bridge, serves a variety of multi-cuisine dishes, with a focus on local Gujarati delicacies. For events, the resort features a 32,000 sq. ft. lawn and an 8,000 sq. ft. banquet hall, ideal for weddings, retreats, and business gatherings.

In a statement, the ownership of Gir Aatithya Clarks Inn noted, “Our vision is to create immersive stays that connect travellers with the region’s natural and cultural richness. From mango plucking in our private orchard to exploring Gir’s iconic safaris, we’re offering guests more than just a stay — it’s a journey into the soul of Gujarat.”

With proximity to Gir Jungle Safari, Devaliya Safari Park, and major pilgrimage routes, the hotel is well-suited for wildlife photographers, honeymooners, families, and NRIs seeking a deeper connection with the land.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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