Eight Continents Expands in Africa With New Ayurveda-Led Island Resort in Tanzania

Eight Continents Expands in Africa With New Ayurveda-Led Island Resort in Tanzania

By Hariharan U

Published on December 6, 2025

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its presence in Africa with the launch of its newest luxury island retreat Signature Collection by Eight Continents, Mafia Island, Tanzania. The resort welcomed guests from 1st December 2025, marking another milestone in the brand’s rapid expansion across Africa’s top leisure destinations.

After its recent growth in Zanzibar, this new opening brings Eight Continents’ blend of nature-led luxury and culturally rooted hospitality to one of East Africa’s most untouched coastal landscapes. Located in Utende, the property allows seamless access to the stunning Mafia Island Marine Park, giving travellers front-row views of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and vibrant marine life.

The company shared that the move to Mafia Island was driven by the island’s ecological purity from pristine beaches to rich biodiversity that makes it one of the region’s most beautiful yet lesser-explored destinations.

Designed as an Ayurveda-led island sanctuary, the resort features Ocean View and Garden View Chalets, each with private verandas offering peaceful tropical or coastal views. Guests can enjoy Ayurvedic therapies, curated marine activities, and wellness-centric experiences that blend Swahili culture with modern comfort.

Food at the resort celebrates sustainability and authenticity. The culinary programme highlights traditional Swahili cuisine, made using fresh, locally grown produce, along with a selection of global dishes crafted for international travellers.

Speaking about the opening, Haninder Sachdeva, CEO, Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, said, “Mafia Island represents a defining chapter in our Africa journey, one where we are not merely opening a new resort, but expanding the very idea of what purposeful hospitality can be. We believe that destinations with deep ecological and cultural value deserve experiences crafted with equal intention. This property is proof of that philosophy. By merging Ayurvedic wellness with coastal serenity and thoughtful design, we’re offering a retreat where travellers can reconnect with nature and rediscover balance. With every new opening, our commitment stays constant: to shape destinations responsibly, uplift local communities, and build a portfolio ready for the future of global travel.”

The launch of the Mafia Island resort is a key step in the brand’s wider Africa strategy. With tourism in the region growing rapidly, Africa remains central to Eight Continents’ long-term vision. With Mafia Island joining its Signature Collection and a new property planned in Dar es Salaam, the brand continues to focus on thoughtful, experiential, and globally aligned hospitality.


Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts


The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is emerging as a sought-after destination for luxury weddings in Rajasthan, bringing together scenic landscapes, elegant venues, curated experiences, and premium hospitality under one roof.

Located amidst the peaceful surroundings of Pushkar and close to the town’s spiritual landmarks, the resort offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills along with stunning sunset backdrops, creating a memorable setting for wedding celebrations.

The property features four outdoor and two indoor venues designed to host multi-day wedding festivities with ease. One of the standout spaces at the resort is its dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling, offering a unique setting for sacred pheras. The expansive lawns and smooth baraat processions within the property further add to the grand wedding experience while ensuring convenience for guests.

The resort houses more than 98 rooms and private villas, including pool villas and plunge pool villas, making it ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts. The spacious accommodation setup allows families and guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort throughout the festivities.

Adding to the experience are the resort’s wellness and leisure offerings, including its premium spa, multiple swimming pools, and the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities designed for all age groups.

On the culinary front, the resort offers diverse dining experiences ranging from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to rooftop dining with panoramic views at Panorama. The hotel also provides customised wedding menus curated to match the style and preferences of each celebration.

Speaking about the wedding experience at the resort, Vijay Chandran, General Manager, said, “Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable. Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Combining luxury accommodation, elegant venues, wellness experiences, and personalised hospitality, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa continues to position itself as a refined destination for unforgettable weddings in Rajasthan.

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