Crowne Plaza Expands in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 22, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a remarkable milestone for its Crowne Plaza brand with the opening of two new properties in Australia—Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. These openings mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, with three more Crowne Plaza hotels set to launch in the next 12 months.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Nestled in northern Adelaide, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is part of a stunning seven-storey development. With 155 guest rooms, the property features artistic elements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of South Australia.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including king and twin-share rooms, suites, and kitchenette-equipped options. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and boasts more than 442m² of versatile event space, accommodating up to 250 guests for conferences, weddings, or special occasions.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport has undergone a major transformation, following a $15 million refurbishment in 2022. The upgraded hotel now showcases a refreshed reception area and redesigned guestrooms aimed at providing a relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.

Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a sauna, and event spaces that feature ample natural light and private bar facilities—perfect for hosting corporate gatherings or social events. Conveniently located near Sydney Airport, this property offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality.

A Glimpse into the Future

IHG’s commitment to growth extends far beyond Australia, with over 90 Crowne Plaza hotels currently in the pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region. Upcoming launches include notable properties such as Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, IHG’s Vignette Collection continues to flourish with unique offerings such as the Shanghai Snow World Hotel—a 272-room property featuring direct access to a 90,000m² indoor snow area. This initiative showcases IHG’s focus on innovation and delivering one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.

Industry Insights

Commenting on the expansion, Tom Rowntree, Vice-President of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, shared, “The creation of the Vignette Collection brand has allowed us to grow a family of properties that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels filled with individuality and character. The brand is a demonstration of both future innovation and hotels filled with rich history.”

The growth of Crowne Plaza in Australia underscores IHG’s broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, blending modern amenities with local cultural nuances.

As IHG continues to break new ground, the future of hospitality looks promising with properties that not only celebrate individuality but also push the boundaries of guest experiences

CGH Earth Saha Opens Isai Karai Bungalow in Mahabalipuram

By Hariharan U

Published on March 27, 2026

CGH Earth Saha has expanded its presence in Tamil Nadu with the launch of Isai Karai, a boutique coastal bungalow in Mahabalipuram. Designed as a quiet and intimate retreat, the property blends the charm of a traditional bungalow with modern comforts, set against a culturally rich seaside backdrop.

Located just a short walk from the shore along the Bay of Bengal, Isai Karai, meaning ‘musical shore’, offers a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery and the calming sound of the sea. The property also enjoys close proximity to iconic landmarks like the Shore Temple and the rock relief of Arjuna's Penance, allowing guests to explore the region’s heritage with ease.

The bungalow features five rooms, spread across a three-bedroom main residence and a separate two-bedroom unit. While rooms can be booked individually, the layout also works well for families and small groups looking for a shared yet private stay.

Each room is inspired by the natural surroundings, with names and themes drawn from plants and trees on the property. Interiors are designed to bring the outdoors in, with open-style bathrooms, natural light, and green views. Pathways run through lawns and shaded courtyards, with tropical fruit trees like papaya, mango, and star fruit adding to the relaxed setting.

The design also reflects Mahabalipuram’s artistic heritage, with locally sourced stone elements, sculptures, and curated artworks adding character to the space.

Dining at the bungalow focuses on flavours of the Tamil coast, along with other cuisines that can be customised for guests. Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage, while evenings are best enjoyed at the poolside barbecue, where the day’s catch is grilled in a laid-back garden setting.

Beyond the stay, guests can explore nearby attractions such as the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse and the India Seashell Museum, along with local sculpture schools that continue the region’s stone-carving traditions. The beaches, known for their surf-friendly waves, also attract water sports enthusiasts.

With easy access from Chennai and Puducherry, Isai Karai Bungalow is well-suited for weekend getaways, longer coastal stays, and intimate family holidays.

The Leela Hosts 4th Annual Golf Tournament 2026 in Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 27, 2026

The Leela Palace Bengaluru recently hosted the 4th edition of The Leela Annual Golf Tournament 2026 at the Karnataka Golf Association, bringing together experienced golfers and young players for a day focused on sport, learning, and community.

The 18-hole shotgun tournament continues to grow as a platform that connects different generations of golfers. From corporate leaders and seasoned players to families and emerging talent, the event created a space where the sport could be shared, experienced, and passed on.

Organised in collaboration with the KGA Junior Golf Development Program and the Karnataka Golf Association, the tournament stayed true to its focus on supporting young golfers. This year, junior participants not only competed but also interacted with experienced players, gaining exposure to a professional playing environment and building confidence.

Sharing his thoughts, Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President – Operations South and Head of Sales, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, said, “For The Leela, true luxury lies not only in celebration, but in contribution. This tournament allows us to bring the sporting community together while empowering young players to dream bigger, aim higher, and feel supported at every stage of their journey.”

Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, added,

“The Leela Annual Golf Tournament continues to evolve as a platform that brings together the golfing community while encouraging the next generation of players. Through our continued association with the Karnataka Golf Association and the Junior Golf Development Program, we aim to create opportunities where young golfers feel inspired and supported.”

The tournament featured multiple categories, including dedicated junior divisions, allowing participation from children taking their first steps in the sport to accomplished golfers. In total, 16 awards were presented, recognising 15 winners across categories.

In the Stableford Full Handicap category (0–18), Karan Aggarwal emerged as the winner with 42 points, followed by Devaiah Thennira with 40 points, after a tie-break on the back nine against Kanwaljit Singh. In the 19–24 category, Venu Mahadev secured the top spot with 42 points, while Sunil Bathija finished as runner-up with 40 points.

Special prizes were also awarded, with Sandeep Singh winning Closest to the Pin (15th Hole) and also achieving a Hole-in-One. Sunita Da Costa recorded the Longest Drive at 329 yards on the 5th hole, while Jashan Ganapathy won Straightest Drive with a distance of 7.1 feet on the 2nd hole.

Among the junior categories, Ridhan Deepak and Sunvisha Reddy N led the 8 years and below group. Advath Sunil and Vedika topped the 9–11 years category, while Aida Thimmaiah and Milind M G stood out in the 12–14 years group. In the 15 years and above category, Ananthasurya secured the win, followed by Sudharshan.

The tournament also saw participation from key properties across The Leela portfolio, including The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Chennai, The Leela Palace Udaipur, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary.

With a focus that goes beyond competition, the event continues to highlight the importance of mentorship, exposure, and community building in shaping the future of Indian golf.

Araiya Hotels Expands with Amaraya Resort in Uttarakhand

By Author

Published on March 26, 2026

Araiya Hotels and Resorts has expanded its footprint with the addition of Amaraya Resort to its Araiya Anthology collection, marking another step in its growth across key leisure destinations in India.

Set in the peaceful Himalayan foothills near Nainital, the newly added retreat offers a quiet and intimate stay experience. Spread across 2.5 acres of terraced orchards, Amaraya is designed as a boutique escape with just 11 thoughtfully designed suites.

True to the brand’s design-led approach, each suite blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, offering mountain views, ample natural light, and a smooth connection between indoor comfort and the outdoors. The property reflects Araiya’s focus on creating spaces that feel both refined and rooted in their location.

Guests can enjoy a mix of curated experiences, from personalised dining at signature venues to wellness activities like sunrise yoga and guided meditation. For those looking to explore, the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for private treks and local experiences that bring the destination to life.

“At Araiya, we are drawn to places that evoke something deeper, where landscape and emotion intersect. As part of the Araiya Anthology, a collection of stories shaped by place - Amaraya near Tagore Top, Nainital, reflects our belief in creating spaces that are not just destinations, but experiences of pause, reflection, and connection. The design is intentionally understated, with thoughtful interventions, natural light filtering through skylights, warmth underfoot, and materials that respond to the mountain climate, coming together to create a sense of effortless comfort,” said Amruda Nair, founder and CEO, Araiya Hotels and Resorts.

With this addition, Araiya continues to build its presence in India’s premium travel destinations, focusing on intimate, experience-led stays that bring together design, nature, and meaningful hospitality.

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Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

A Glimpse into the Future

Industry Insights

Most Read In News

CGH Earth Saha Opens Isai Karai Bungalow in Mahabalipuram

Most Read In News

The Leela Hosts 4th Annual Golf Tournament 2026 in Bengaluru

Most Read In News

Araiya Hotels Expands with Amaraya Resort in Uttarakhand

Most Read In News