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By Nishang Narayan
Published on April 14, 2024
Echor Hotels & Resorts continues its journey of expansion with the addition of The Zion Shimla to its portfolio. Situated amidst the picturesque Himalayan foothills, this boutique hotel reflects Echor's commitment to offering unparalleled luxury and serenity.
Founded in 2019 by Rahul Uppal and Manoj Sihag, Echor Hotels & Resorts aims to provide high-standard accommodations in unique destinations. Rahul Uppal, Director of Echor Hotels & Resorts, expressed the significance of Shimla as a strategic destination, stating, "Shimla has always been a strategic destination for us. Its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes it one of the most popular destinations among the traveller community."
Echor - The Zion Shimla is more than just a hotel; it's a retreat where guests can immerse themselves in the charm of Shimla. Located a short distance from the bustling Mall Road, the hotel offers easy access to Shimla's attractions while providing a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Featuring 42 rooms designed for comfort and style, Echor - The Zion Shimla offers breathtaking views of the Shimla City. The hotel aims to cater to various guests, including those seeking to celebrate special occasions like destination weddings. Rahul Uppal emphasised the convenience and beauty of Shimla as an ideal location for unique celebrations.
With an existing portfolio of 15 properties, Echor Hotels & Resorts is on a mission to double its presence to 30 across India by 2025. This expansion will offer more guests the opportunity to experience the unique blend of luxury and local culture that Echor Hotels & Resorts prides itself on.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 18, 2025
Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa has been named 1st Runner-Up in the ‘Excellence in Services & Operations’ category at the Exhibition Excellence Awards (EEA) 2025, held at the CICDO Exhibition Center in Mumbai. This prestigious recognition reinforces the resort’s status as a leading hospitality and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination in India.
Clarks Exotica’s strength lies in its precision-driven and guest-centric approach, catering to four key guest profiles: MICE clientele, destination weddings, FITs (Free Independent Travellers), and airline crew—each experiencing tailored hospitality designed for their unique needs.
MICE guests enjoy bespoke arrivals with company-branded gifts, themed room décor, and signature desserts.
Wedding guests receive thoughtful in-room surprises including festive sweets and handwritten notes.
FITs are treated with wellness hampers, dietary-specific meals, and occasion-based surprises.
Airline crew benefit from streamlined check-ins, restful stays, and time-sensitive efficiency.
In FY 2024–25, Clarks Exotica undertook strategic operational and infrastructure upgrades, resulting in improved guest satisfaction across key platforms:
Booking.com rating rose from 7.4 to 8.4
Tripadvisor ranking improved to #22 of 1,136 hotels in Bengaluru
Won the Agoda 2024 Customer Review Award with a score of 8.1
These results were powered by a committed, cross-functional team led by Varun Sharma, General Manager - Operations. His leadership played a key role in aligning departments towards a singular focus on service excellence.
Noteworthy team contributions include:
Rakesh Kumar (Rooms Division): Streamlined and personalised guest journeys
Chef Suresh (Culinary): Introduced inventive and diverse dining options
Satyabrata Samal (Housekeeping): Rolled out eco-friendly practices and rapid response SOPs
Senthil Kumar (F&B): Elevated banquet services with training and delightful add-ons
Kuldeep Singh (Security): Enhanced safety with seamless guest confidence measures
Raghavendra Srinivasa (IT): Delivered robust digital infrastructure and event tech support
Chetan (Engineering): Ensured operational uptime through sustainable engineering
Balaji M, CEO of Clarks Exotica, shared:
"This award is a true reflection of what happens when passion meets process. It’s not about doing one thing differently—it’s about doing everything thoughtfully. Every detail, from food to room service, is shaped by care and consistency. We’re proud of our team and thankful for the trust of our guests."
Located just 15 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, the resort is nestled across 70 acres of greenery, offering over 15 versatile venues for exhibitions, weddings, conferences, leisure travel, and airline layovers. As it continues redefining luxury hospitality with scale, warmth, and intent, this latest recognition marks another milestone in Clarks Exotica’s journey.
This summer, the Maldives invites you to slow down, dig deep, and dine differently. At Seb’s Farm, tucked within the heart of RAAYA by Atmosphere, guests are welcomed into a world where storytelling meets sustainability.
Inspired by Seb, an explorer who once sought solace in the tropics, the farm is a living tribute to his journey. It now offers a thoughtfully curated “Harvest-to-Plate Dinner” that begins with a morning harvest and ends with a starlit meal, featuring your hand-picked ingredients and fine wine pairings.
The experience includes guided farm tours, family-style lunches, and menus that celebrate seasonal produce and local seafood—designed to nourish the body and connect with nature. Vegan delights like Roasted Pumpkin and Homegrown Beet Tossed shine on the menu, paired perfectly with Villa Antinori Toscana wines. Guests can customise their meals with fresh fish or meat options, and wrap up their dining journey with indulgent desserts like Kanamadhu Chocolate Fudge and Ivory Coconut Mousse.
Seb’s Farm is more than a place to eat—it’s a place to connect. A celebration of simple pleasures, sustainability, and soul. Much like RAAYA itself, it’s designed to rejuvenate the spirit through tropical ambience, mindful luxury, and unforgettable moments.
Published on June 17, 2025
Marriott International has launched its first Autograph Collection hotel in South Asia with the opening of The Soaltee Kathmandu. Located in the culturally rich Tahachal area of Nepal’s capital, the 285-room property marks the entry of Marriott’s 19th brand in the region, expanding its footprint across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
A landmark in Nepalese hospitality since 1966, The Soaltee has been reimagined under the Autograph Collection brand, known for offering hotels that are “Exactly Like Nothing Else.” The property celebrates Nepal’s artistic and architectural legacy, with features like hand-carved wooden jaalis, Thangka paintings, exposed brick interiors, and sweeping views of the Himalayas and Swoyambhunath Stupa.
A standout feature is “The Storyteller”, a curated space in the public areas that weaves together the hotel’s historic journey through guest stories and cultural artefacts. Each room and suite is designed with a unique narrative, showcasing the Autograph Collection’s focus on individuality and immersive local experiences.
Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, shared,
“The debut of Autograph Collection Hotels in South Asia with The Soaltee Kathmandu reflects our commitment to expanding into culturally rich leisure destinations. With its legacy and distinct character, the hotel perfectly aligns with our vision of delivering immersive, one-of-a-kind stays.”
The hotel offers an eclectic range of dining experiences:
Garden Terrace for global and local cuisine
Kakori for Awadhi delicacies
Bao Xuan for Chinese specialities
Patio for al fresco dining
Rodi Bar and the Sports Lounge for laid-back socializing
Guests can also enjoy a spa, outdoor pool, tennis court, and 24-hour fitness centre, making it a well-rounded urban retreat. The property boasts over 25,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, positioning it as a premium venue for weddings, MICE events, and social gatherings.
In line with Marriott’s sustainability goals, The Soaltee Kathmandu features in-house water bottling, an herb garden, and energy-efficient infrastructure to reduce its environmental impact.
General Manager Avinash Deshmukh stated,
“With a legacy of over 58 years, this iconic hotel blends Nepal’s cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. We are proud to open the first Autograph Collection in South Asia and usher in a new chapter for the brand in the region.”
With its debut, The Soaltee Kathmandu not only elevates Nepal’s luxury hospitality landscape but also strengthens Marriott’s brand presence across South Asia through a property that’s both timeless and forward-looking.
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