EBG Group Appoints Mrunal Thakur as Brand Ambassador for Carlton Wellness

EBG Group Appoints Mrunal Thakur as Brand Ambassador for Carlton Wellness

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 7, 2026

EBG Group, a rapidly growing Indian conglomerate with interests across mobility, health, realty, lifestyle, food, services, technology, and education, has announced acclaimed actor Mrunal Thakur as the brand ambassador for its wellness-hospitality venture, Carlton Wellness. The association marks an important milestone in the group’s mission to create a credible, premium, and regulated wellness ecosystem in India.

As part of this partnership, Mrunal Thakur will lead Carlton Wellness’s brand films, digital narratives, experiential wellness campaigns, and flagship property launches. These initiatives will be rolled out in phases across key markets, strengthening Carlton Wellness’s presence among modern Indian consumers seeking balanced and holistic wellbeing.

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Speaking on the association, Dr. Irfan Khan, Chairman and Founder of EBG Group, shared that Mrunal Thakur was chosen for her strong alignment with the values of wellness, mindful living, and inner balance. He noted that her modern grace, emotional strength, and understated elegance reflect the core philosophy of Carlton Wellness, which focuses on preventive care, longevity, and conscious luxury. He added that the collaboration reinforces the group’s long-term commitment to building a meaningful and scalable wellness platform in India.

Mrunal Thakur, expressing her thoughts on the partnership, said that wellness is deeply personal to her and appreciated Carlton Wellness’s approach that goes beyond surface-level luxury. She highlighted that the brand encourages people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and prioritise holistic health, making the association both natural and meaningful for her.

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Carlton Wellness Group, under its strategic partnership with EBG Group, is being developed as an integrated wellness-hospitality platform. Its offerings span wellness resorts, destination retreats, city and hotel-based spas, and wellness-focused vacation homes and residences. The platform combines clinical and experiential wellness practices such as Ayurveda, naturopathy, mindfulness, and hydrotherapy, while adapting global wellness standards to suit Indian lifestyles. A strong emphasis is placed on preventive healthcare, longevity, and improving overall quality of life.

Currently, multiple Carlton Wellness spa formats are set to operate across select partner locations, with licensed spa projects already live within premium hospitality and real estate developments. Flagship wellness retreat and resort projects are at advanced stages of development in cities including Ahmedabad, Indore, and Manipal. The brand has also confirmed expansion plans across Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Lucknow, Bangalore, and Manipal, strengthening its footprint across metro and Tier-1 markets.

Looking ahead, Carlton Wellness plans a broader expansion across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and key NCR and metro hubs. The roadmap includes the launch of 20 to 30 wellness spas in major cities, four to six destination wellness retreats, two to three boutique wellness resorts in nature-led or coastal locations, and one to two luxury wellness residential or vacation home projects.

Backed by this strong expansion pipeline, the EBG Carlton platform is projecting revenues in the range of ₹80 to ₹120 crore in the near term, with plans to scale up to ₹180 to ₹250 crore by FY27. Revenue streams will be driven by spa operations, memberships, resort and retreat bookings, licensing and revenue-share models, managed wellness vacation homes, and curated wellness programs and collaborations.

Over the next few years, the alliance aims to establish flagship wellness assets and urban spa leadership, expand to over 50 wellness touchpoints nationwide, and emerge as India’s largest regulated wellness network. With future plans for international expansion into GCC and Southeast Asian markets, EBG Group and Carlton Wellness are positioning themselves at the intersection of conscious luxury, longevity science, and holistic wellbeing.

With Mrunal Thakur as the face of the brand, Carlton Wellness continues its journey toward becoming one of India’s most trusted and globally respected wellness-hospitality names.


ITC Hotels Expands Storii Portfolio with Jawai Retreat

ITC Hotels Expands Storii Portfolio with Jawai Retreat

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 6, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the opening of Storii Jawai in Rajasthan, adding the 11th property to its Storii portfolio. The boutique retreat is designed as a nature-led destination, reflecting the growing interest in experiential and eco-sensitive travel across India.

Located in the Jawai region, the property is surrounded by landscapes known for leopard sightings, granite hills, and the Jawai River ecosystem. The area is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, making it a unique destination for travellers looking to connect with nature and wildlife.

Developed in partnership with 1st Gate Luxe Pvt. Ltd., the property highlights ITC Hotels’ focus on expanding through collaborations while building immersive travel experiences.

The retreat features 15 keys, designed to blend safari-style elements with modern comfort. Guests are welcomed through a tented reception that leads to a colonial-style bungalow serving as the central lounge and bar. The accommodation is spread across villas set within a preserved natural setting, with features such as private courtyards, plunge pools, and tented structures. The design ensures minimal impact on the environment while offering a stay that reflects the region’s character.

Facilities include an infinity pool set on a hillock overlooking a natural lake, along with spaces for wellness and outdoor activities. The experience is further enhanced with wildlife exploration programmes and curated dining, catering to travellers seeking more meaningful and destination-led stays.

Commenting on the launch, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to open the 11th Storii in Jawai. An intimate 15 key boutique retreat that distils the essence of quiet comforts in the wild, Jawai stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of modern innovation and timeless tradition. Storii Jawai is our tribute to the beauty and resilience of this region”.

Bharat Kumar Singh, Promoter, 1st Gate Luxe Pvt. Ltd., added, “As people from the soil, Storii Jawai reflects our belief in Rajasthani culture and traditions. It has been a humbling experience for us to be able to build a space for fellow travellers to come and immerse in our hinterland. We are grateful to associate with ITC Hotels Limited who reflect our values and vision, and have been with us shoulder to shoulder to make it happen”.

The launch also reflects rising demand for destinations that combine ecological sensitivity with cultural depth, especially in regions like Jawai that are closely connected to local communities such as the Rabari community.


Indian Hotels Company Limited Unveils Eternity Kanpur Under SeleQtions Brand

Indian Hotels Company Limited Unveils Eternity Kanpur Under SeleQtions Brand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 5, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has unveiled Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, marking the debut of the SeleQtions brand in Kanpur, one of Uttar Pradesh’s key commercial and industrial centres.

Highlighting the significance of the launch, Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Kanpur, a vital commercial and industrial centre is witnessing rapid growth with its evolving infrastructure and increasing connectivity. The opening of Eternity, Kanpur, IHCL SeleQtions addresses the growing demand from corporate, MICE and social segments.”

Strategically located on NH-91, away from the city’s bustle, the hotel features 104 neo-classical rooms offering views of the cityscape. The property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers with a mix of comfort, connectivity, and modern amenities.

Dining options include Célesté, an all-day dining restaurant; Thea, a bar serving European-inspired cocktails along with an exclusive cigar lounge; and Aurumn the Lounge. Guests can also enjoy wellness facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym.

For events and gatherings, the hotel offers expansive banquet and meeting spaces. The largest banquet hall spans over 11,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for conferences, conventions, and social celebrations.

Mr. Jalpreet Sodhi, General Manager, Eternity, Kanpur – IHCL SeleQtions, said, “We look forward to welcoming guests to Eternity - IHCL SeleQtions and offering a memorable experience in the culturally rich city of Kanpur.”

Located along the banks of the Ganga, Kanpur is known for its strong industrial legacy in leather, textiles, and manufacturing, making it an important commercial hub in North India. With this launch, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence in growing urban markets across the country.


Long Weekend Retreats to Reset After the Year-End Rush

Long Weekend Retreats to Reset After the Year-End Rush

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 5, 2026

After weeks of deadlines, financial closures, and the usual rush that comes with March, the Good Friday long weekend arrives at just the right time. Sitting right at the end of the financial year, it offers a chance to step away from routine, take a breather, and begin April with a clearer mind. Whether it’s the calm of a coffee estate, the stillness of backwaters, or the fresh air of the mountains, a short getaway can make all the difference.

At Evolve Back Coorg, the surroundings naturally slow things down. Set amid coffee plantations and rainforest landscapes, the experience here is all about quiet moments. Mornings begin with misty walks, followed by relaxed breakfasts, spa time, and peaceful hours by a private pool, making it easy to switch off from work mode.

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For those who prefer a deeper disconnect, The Tamara Coorg offers forest-lined cottages and sweeping hill views. The calm setting encourages slower mornings and evenings without screens, allowing travellers to gently ease out of the stress of work and return feeling lighter.

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If a slower pace by the water sounds more appealing, Coconut Lagoon provides a refreshing change. Surrounded by the backwaters of Kumarakom, the experience is simple and unhurried, with boat rides, sunset views, and traditional wellness therapies creating a sense of balance without the need for a packed schedule.

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For a more complete wellness reset, Ananda in the Himalayas stands out as a destination focused on mental and physical well-being. With meditation, personalised wellness programmes, and the calming influence of the mountains, even a short stay here helps restore focus and energy.

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Similarly, Six Senses Vana offers a more guided approach to relaxation. Instead of a typical holiday, it focuses on mindful routines and holistic wellness, helping guests return feeling calmer, more balanced, and ready for the weeks ahead.

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Not every break needs to be long to make an impact. Sometimes, a few days in the right environment is enough to reset both mind and body. With peaceful surroundings and thoughtful hospitality, these retreats offer a simple yet meaningful way to step into April with renewed energy.

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