Eight Continents Expands Ocho Homes with New Properties in Belfast and Navi Mumbai

Eight Continents Expands Ocho Homes with New Properties in Belfast and Navi Mumbai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 18, 2025

Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hospitality and hotel management group redefining bucket-list travel, has strengthened its Ocho Homes brand with the addition of two new extended-stay properties, one in Belfast, United Kingdom, and another in Parsic Hill, Navi Mumbai, India. The development underscores the group’s mission to provide luxurious, convenient, and home-like stays for modern travellers.

The new Ocho Homes property in Belfast features seven elegantly designed rooms, enhancing the brand’s presence in a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and thriving business community. This addition brings the total number of Ocho Homes properties in Belfast to two, complementing the existing Wellesley Avenue property.

In India, Ocho Homes Living Belapur makes its debut with ten well-appointed rooms in the Parsic Hill area of Navi Mumbai. Located just 22 km from Navi Mumbai Airport and near key landmarks like DY Patil Stadium, the property offers travellers excellent connectivity. Guests can choose from two stay categories: Living and Lux, tailored to suit varied preferences within the extended stay segment.

Ocho Homes stands apart by offering more than just accommodation. With flexible stay options, thoughtfully designed interiors, and a focus on community-driven experiences, it appeals to corporate travellers, expatriates, and leisure guests alike. The emphasis on well-being, connectivity, and local character ensures every stay is both comfortable and memorable.

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Haninder Sachdeva, CEO of Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts, said:

“The addition of two new properties under the Ocho Homes portfolio reflects our focus on building a brand that travellers can consistently trust for extended stays. Our approach is centred on creating thoughtfully designed spaces that balance convenience with comfort, while also carrying the character of the destinations they are part of. By strengthening the Ocho Homes identity across both established and emerging markets, we are ensuring the brand remains a preferred choice for guests looking for reliability, style, and a sense of belonging during their travels.”

With these latest openings, Eight Continents continues to expand the Ocho Homes portfolio across strategic markets in Asia and Europe, aiming to serve the growing demand for extended stay hospitality. By combining innovation, comfort, and personalised service, the brand seeks to set new benchmarks in the evolving landscape of luxury travel.


Espire Hospitality Limited to Open a New ZANA Resort in Dehradun

Espire Hospitality Limited to Open a New ZANA Resort in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Espire Hospitality Limited has announced the signing of a brand-new ZANA Resort in Dehradun, scheduled to open in April 2026. Strategically located near the Indian Military Academy, the resort will bring the brand’s signature blend of soulful luxury and nature-inspired design to one of North India’s most sought-after leisure destinations.

Spread across 7 acres of lush greenery, the upcoming ZANA Resort Dehradun promises a serene escape with 50 luxurious cottages, including select cottages featuring private plunge pools. Designed to offer a seamless connection with nature, the resort will combine modern comforts with an atmosphere of tranquility and rejuvenation.

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Guests can look forward to the brand’s signature Mayfair restaurant with adjoining alfresco seating, a stylish bar, and 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor banqueting space, perfect for destination weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings. Recreational offerings will include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, kids’ play area, and gaming arcade, making it an ideal getaway for families, couples, and groups alike.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD of Espire Hospitality Limited, said,

“The signing of ZANA Resort in Dehradun is a strategic addition to our growing portfolio and further strengthens our presence in North India’s popular leisure markets. Dehradun has always been an important destination for travellers, and this one-of-a-kind expansive, nature-inspired resort will cater to the increasing demand for high-quality, experience-driven stays in this market. At Espire, our focus remains on developing well-differentiated hotels that combine thoughtful design, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality.”

With this new signing, Espire Hospitality continues to expand its premium leisure portfolio across North India, moving closer to its vision of having 30 operational hotels by FY26. The upcoming resort reaffirms the brand’s focus on nature-led experiences, immersive hospitality, and creating destinations that inspire.


US Tourist Visa Wait Times: Chennai Sees Major Improvement While Delhi Faces Longest Delays

US Tourist Visa Wait Times: Chennai Sees Major Improvement While Delhi Faces Longest Delays

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

Indian travellers applying for US B1/B2 business and tourist visas continue to face long interview wait times, as per the latest data from the US Department of State updated in September 2025. New Delhi now records the longest delay, with appointment availability stretching to 12 months. In contrast, Chennai has seen a remarkable improvement, with average wait times dropping sharply from 8.5 months in August to just 2.5 months in September.

According to the latest figures, Hyderabad’s average wait time remains steady at three months, while Mumbai and Kolkata show minor fluctuations, now averaging 4.5 and 5.5 months respectively. The sudden rise in New Delhi’s wait period, up from 3.5 months in August to 12 months in September, has raised concerns for applicants planning urgent travel.

City

Avg Wait (Aug 2025)

Avg Wait (Sep 2025)

Next Available (Aug 2025)

Next Available (Sep 2025)

Chennai

8.5 months

2.5 months

5 months

3 months

Hyderabad

3 months

3 months

5 months

3.5 months

Kolkata

6 months

5.5 months

6 months

5.5 months

Mumbai

3 months

4.5 months

5.5 months

5 months

New Delhi

4.5 months

3.5 months

5.5 months

12 months

Average wait time refers to the typical delay from visa fee payment to interview, based on historical data. The “next available appointment” indicates the earliest date open for scheduling and can shift frequently as new slots are added. Applicants are encouraged to monitor embassy systems regularly to reschedule earlier appointments when possible.

Previously, Indian travellers could apply for non-immigrant visas in third countries such as the UAE, Qatar, or Singapore, where appointment wait times were often shorter. However, the US has now ended this practice, requiring applicants to apply in their home country or place of residence. This policy aims to prevent “visa shopping” but may lead to longer delays for many Indian applicants.

Existing third-country appointments are expected to be honoured, but new ones must be made in the applicant’s home country. The Department of State continues to update visa wait time data monthly and advises applicants to refer to embassy websites for the latest details on interview scheduling, rescheduling, and waiver options.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs New Property in Haridwar, Expanding Its Presence in Uttarakhand

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs New Property in Haridwar, Expanding Its Presence in Uttarakhand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 7, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar. The new property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. This addition further strengthens the company’s growing presence in Uttarakhand, catering to both religious and leisure travellers seeking a refreshing, value-driven stay experience.

Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar will feature 52 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, conference hall, and recreational facilities including a fitness centre. The property enjoys a convenient location, approximately 32 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and 9 km from Haridwar Railway Station, with excellent connectivity via public and private transport.

Speaking on the occasion, Vilas Pawar, CEO, Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said,

“With this signing, we will expand our leisure portfolio in Uttarakhand, a state where we have eight operational and nine upcoming properties in addition to this one. While expanding its footprint across the country in cities of all tiers, this signing by Lemon Tree Hotels perfectly aligns with the company’s vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across religious and spiritual destinations.”

Currently, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) operates 120+ hotels across 75+ cities in India and abroad, with a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties. From major metro hubs like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to tier II and III cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, and Indore, as well as international locations in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal, the brand continues to deliver exceptional comfort, consistent quality, and a warm, refreshing experience.

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