Diwali Getaway: 5 Luxurious Resorts Near Bangalore to Unwind

Diwali Getaway: 5 Luxurious Resorts Near Bangalore to Unwind

By Author

Published on November 12, 2023

Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a luxurious getaway? With the demand for staycations and getaways on the rise, we have curated a list of the top five resorts near Bengaluru where you can drive to this weekend for an unforgettable Diwali celebration. From picturesque rainforests to wildlife sanctuaries, these resorts offer the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and indulgence. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a Diwali to remember!

1. Hyatt Place Hampi: Unearth the Lap of Luxury

Imagine a sprawling 10-acre paradise in the heart of Hampi. That's what you'll find at Hyatt Place Hampi. With 115 "smart-design" guestrooms, this place offers not just a luxurious holiday but also seven rooms with private plunge pools and three suites that treat you to breathtaking views of the Sandur mountain range. And the best part? It's only 27 km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi! History buffs, this one's for you.

But that's not all. Get ready for a whirlwind of activities in Hampi, from exploring historical landmarks to adventurous experiences like bouldering, cliff jumping, and scooter rides. When you're not on the go, unwind at the spa, savor a meal with picturesque garden views, or dive into a host of curated experiences. It's time to take a plunge into luxury, both metaphorically and literally!

2. KAAV Safari Lodge, Kabini: Safari Chic

In Kabini, you'll find the hidden gem of KAAV Safari Lodge, a boutique safari lodge nestled in the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. With just six rooms and two luxurious tents, this place is all about blending with the wild. The tents offer a sit-out deck, a bathtub with forest views, and a comfy bed. You can choose from a range of exciting experiences, from coracle boat rides to night safaris.

3. WelcomHeritage Ayatana Coorg: A Private Waterfall Retreat

Ever dreamed of having your private waterfall in your backyard? At WelcomHeritage Ayatana Coorg, this dream comes true! Surrounded by lush forests, coffee plantations, and the Western Ghats, this 100-acre tropical rainforest resort will leave you spellbound. It's not just about the views; you can also add a dash of adventure with zip-lining, rope climbing, and nature walks.

For a touch of romance, treat your loved one to a candlelight dinner by the creek overlooking the waterfall. It doesn't get more enchanting than this!

4. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg: Above the Clouds

If you're a nature lover, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg is your paradise above the clouds. This five-star beauty is perched at 1,200 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Get pampered at the 30,000 sq. ft Jiva Spa or explore the luxurious pool villas with retractable roofs for some stargazing.

For a dose of adventure, try nature walks, coffee tasting, or even a thrilling zip line. And don't forget to savor the traditional Kodava cuisine to tickle your taste buds.

5. CGH Earth – SwaSwara, Gokarna: Wellness by the Ocean

If you're in search of a wellness retreat, look no further than CGH Earth – SwaSwara in Gokarna. Nestled by the famous OM beach, this holistic property offers tranquility in the colors of the earth and the ocean. The Konkan Villa boasts a private courtyard garden and an open-air atmosphere, connecting you to nature.

The food here is all about embracing what Mother Earth has to offer, with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and organic farm produce. Indulge in Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and more. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

So, there you have it, five luxury escapes from Bangalore to make your Diwali extra special. It's time to pack your bags and let the festivities begin!




JLL Secures $300M Refinancing for Omni Nashville Hotel

JLL Secures $300M Refinancing for Omni Nashville Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 17, 2025

JLL's Capital Markets group has announced the successful arrangement of a $300 million refinancing for the Omni Nashville Hotel, an 800-key luxury property located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The refinancing was secured on behalf of TRT Holdings, Inc., the hotel’s parent company, through a fixed-rate, seven-year loan facilitated by a U.S.-based insurance company and AllianceBernstein Commercial Real Estate Debt.

A Prime Destination

The Omni Nashville Hotel, a 21-story property seamlessly integrated with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, is celebrated for its prime location at 250 Rep. John Lewis Way South. Opened in 2013, the hotel offers over 80,000 square feet of meeting space, including Nashville's largest hotel ballroom at 23,800 square feet. Its amenities include multiple dining options such as Bob's Steak & Chop House, a rooftop pool, the Mokara spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Strategic Importance

The property is positioned across from the Music City Center convention facility, which spans 2.1 million square feet. Nashville, one of the top-performing lodging markets in the U.S., draws over 14 million annual visitors, bolstered by both booming tourism and a growing corporate sector.

Expert Insights

Commenting on the financing deal, Kevin Davis, Hotels & Hospitality Group Americas CEO at JLL, said, “The Omni Nashville exemplifies the strength of Nashville's hospitality market, consistently ranking at the top of its competitive set for RevPAR. With its irreplaceable location next to Music City Center and high-quality amenities, the property is well-positioned to continue its market-leading performance as Nashville experiences tremendous growth in both leisure and business travel demand.”

About the Stakeholders

TRT Holdings, Inc., the Dallas-based parent company of Omni Hotels & Resorts, has been a leader in hospitality and real estate since its founding in 1989. AllianceBernstein (AB), a global investment management firm, played an advisory role in securing the loan through Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company.

JLL’s Market Expertise

JLL, a Fortune 500 company and a global leader in commercial real estate and investment management, has a proven track record in delivering tailored capital solutions. With a team of over 3,000 specialists worldwide, JLL continues to shape the future of real estate.

This $300 million refinancing underscores the robust growth trajectory of Nashville’s hospitality sector and reaffirms the Omni Nashville Hotel’s position as a key player in the market.


Zoomcar Reports Record Contribution Profit for December 2024

Zoomcar Reports Record Contribution Profit for December 2024

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 16, 2025

Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. has achieved a milestone in its financial performance, reporting its highest-ever unaudited and unreviewed contribution profit for December 2024. The provisional financials for the month indicate a profit of USD 494,506, marking a significant achievement in covering operational costs in India, the company's sole market.

This accomplishment underscores Zoomcar's focus on operational excellence and sustainable growth, driven by a strong surge in consumer demand. Compared to December 2023, bookings grew by 17 percent, showcasing the increasing popularity of Zoomcar’s car-sharing platform among Hosts and Guests.

Consistent Financial Turnaround

Zoomcar’s financial trajectory over the past year reflects remarkable improvement. Key milestones include:

  • A contribution profit of USD 0.46 million (20 percent) in Q1 FY 2024-25, recovering from a loss of USD 1.2 million (-45 percent) in Q1 FY 2023-24.

  • A record quarterly contribution profit of USD 1.21 million (54 percent of revenue) in Q2 FY 2024-25, a stark improvement from a loss of USD 0.12 million (-5 percent) in Q2 FY 2023-24.

  • December 2024’s unaudited and unreviewed profit continues this streak, with four consecutive quarters of contribution profit growth.

CEO's Remarks on the Milestone

Hiroshi Nishijima, interim CEO of Zoomcar, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Achieving a record contribution profit in December 2024, our peak seasonal demand month, and covering operational costs reflect that our business fundamentals are on track. By prioritizing customer experience, we’ve cultivated an organic flywheel of growth through repeat bookings and Host retention while minimizing marketing and discount spend.”

He further added, “With improved profitability, we are committed to reinvesting in enhancing the customer journey and launching innovative products that add value to our community.”

The Path Ahead

Zoomcar’s record-breaking performance highlights its robust business model and growing consumer appeal. As India continues to embrace car-sharing solutions, the company is poised to capitalize on its momentum, paving the way for sustainable and profitable growth in the automotive sharing space.


Goa’s Solid Waste Management Facility Powers Tourism Belt, Generates Electricity and Cooking Gas

Goa’s Solid Waste Management Facility Powers Tourism Belt, Generates Electricity and Cooking Gas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 16, 2025

A solid waste treatment facility established by the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC) in Saligao village is proving to be a game-changer for the state's tourism belt, effectively processing 250 tonnes of waste every day. Since its inception in 2016, the facility has become a key player in both managing waste and generating energy from it, benefiting the state’s environment and tourism sector.

According to Dr. Sharad Kale, advisor to the Goa government on solid waste management, the plant is an exceptional example of waste-to-energy innovation. “The plant processes 250 tonnes of waste daily, including 125 metric tonnes of dry waste and an equal amount of wet waste sourced from restaurants and households around North Goa,” Kale explained.

The plant's output is impressive, producing 1.02 megawatts of electricity and 7,000 cubic metres of cooking gas daily from the biodegradable waste. These by-products are critical in powering the facility and supporting local energy needs. Additionally, the plant produces 20-30 tonnes of manure each day, which is distributed to nearby panchayats for gardening and forestation projects.

Goa’s Path to Sustainability

Under the guidance of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the waste management facility is helping the state progress towards its vision of "zero waste." The plant has integrated recycling processes for dry waste, including plastic and glass bottles. “Around 28-30% of the dry waste is recycled, with plastic bottles shredded into fine powder and sent for manufacturing, while discarded glass is sent to Aurangabad for recycling,” Kale noted.

With its impressive ability to produce 22 by-products from the dry waste, the plant has set a record in waste management. The vision for the future is clear: to make Goa a leader in waste management and sustainability.

Meeting Seasonal Demands

The facility operates year-round, with a surge in activity during the festive season. The plant’s capacity is stretched to process 150-200 tonnes of waste during peak times, ensuring that the waste is treated within 24 hours to maintain cleanliness and sustainability in the region.

Gargi Raote, head of the treatment plant, shared that the electricity generated from the wet waste is used to power 35 units at the facility. “Fifty percent of the electricity is used for plant operations, and the remaining is supplied to the state electricity department,” Raote added.

The Goa Waste Management Corporation’s initiative is an inspiring example of how waste can be effectively managed while contributing to energy production and sustainability. This facility is not just managing waste; it is powering Goa’s tourism industry and supporting the local community in a more sustainable way.

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