Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans at 7th Annual GM Conclave

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 24, 2024

India’s fastest-growing hospitality chain, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, recently hosted its 7th annual GM Conclave in Jaipur, under the theme ‘Aggrandize Hospitality: Cygnett Horizons 2024.’ This event was a platform for discussing strategic expansion plans and key insights into the transformational changes within the hospitality industry.

Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, announced Cygnett’s plan to open 15 new hotels with a total of 1200 keys over the next year. Ten of these hotels are already in the project and pre-opening stages. This expansion is a testament to the company's vision of innovation and cultural transformation. Upcoming properties include Cozzet Deera in Sonipat (41 keys), Cozzet Mahad in the Mahad Maharashtra industrial area (60 keys), and Cygnett Inn Airport in Jaipur (45 keys), all scheduled to open between June and August.

To support this growth, Cygnett plans to hire over 1,000 hospitality professionals and establish the Cygnett Learning Academy to address the talent shortage and train new aspirants. According to a recent report by HVS, Cygnett Hotel and Resort ranked second in new hotel signings in 2023.

During the conclave, Mr. Sarkar emphasized the importance of cultural transformation and innovation in driving the company’s expansion. He highlighted the rapid growth of domestic tourism and rising average daily rates (ADRs) as positive indicators for the hospitality sector. He also noted that increased government focus on infrastructure development is expected to further bolster the industry.

Sustainability was another major focus of the conclave. Cygnett’s Sustainable Plan 2025 includes initiatives such as energy-efficient technologies, water conservation, waste management, and improved transportation facilities. These efforts are aimed at aligning with global sustainability standards and reflect the company's commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Technology also featured prominently in the discussions. Cygnett is investing heavily in digital transformation, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. The company announced the upcoming launch of a mobile app for reservations and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to streamline guest management.

Chief Technology Officer, Mr. Shyam Bhethanabotla, explained that AI algorithms will empower staff and improve guest interactions through voice recognition and translation, offering personalized recommendations and experiences. This integration of AI is expected to transform business operations while maintaining a balance between technology and tradition.

Additionally, Cygnett announced the integration of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS) to enhance employee engagement and skill development. These systems aim to ensure that Cygnett maintains a motivated and skilled workforce, capable of meeting the organization’s needs.

The conclave concluded with an award ceremony recognizing the top-performing hotels, general managers, and corporate teams for their excellence in guest experience, operational innovation, and leadership. The event celebrated the relentless pursuit of excellence across all levels of Cygnett's operations.

The 7th annual GM Conclave provided a comprehensive look at Cygnett’s ambitious plans for growth, innovation, and transformational change in the hospitality industry, setting a confident roadmap for the future.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

Most Read In News

Christmas Must-Try Menus and Festive Events to Explore in Mu...

Mumbai’s festive season dining gets a vibrant lift this Chri...

Healthy Plum Cake Recipe: Elevate Your Christmas Table with ...

This Christmas season, festive baking gets a healthier and m...

Elevated Festivity Unfolds at Novotel Vijayawada Varun with ...

Novotel Vijayawada Varun ushers in the festive season with a...

Garden Café Brings the Joy of Christmas Alive With Santa Vis...

Garden Café is all set to spread festive cheer this Christma...

A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.