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.


Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

Manotsava 2025: India’s National Mental Health Festival Returns to Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

The much-awaited second edition of Manotsava – India’s National Mental Health Festival is returning to Bengaluru this November at The Lalit Ashok. Organised by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in collaboration with Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), the festival promises two days of meaningful conversations, interactive sessions, and creative engagement around the theme of mental well-being.

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This free and open-to-all event brings together experts, researchers, and the general public to explore how mental health connects to our everyday lives. From genetic research, psychedelics, and gut microbiome science to more relatable themes such as workplace burnout, parenting, aging, maternal health, and technology’s influence on mental well-being, the festival will touch on it all.

Visitors can look forward to an array of experiences, including panel discussions, keynote talks, workshops, stalls and exhibits, discussion circles, and live music performances. For families, there’s even a dedicated children’s zone, ensuring an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for all ages.

Manotsava isn’t just an event, it’s a movement to bring mental health into public spaces, making conversations about the mind as normal and open as any other aspect of life.


IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

IHCL Signs New Taj Hotel in Pondicherry

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality group, has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Pondicherry, further expanding its luxury footprint in South India. The upcoming property will be a greenfield project, developed in partnership with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan of MGM Healthcare.

Spread across 52 acres, the 180-key Taj Pondicherry will offer panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. Located on the outskirts of White Town, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a bar, and a lounge, bringing together refined gastronomy and timeless elegance.

Guests can unwind with Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, which offers holistic spa therapies and wellness treatments. The property will also include a gym, swimming pool, and multiple recreational amenities for a complete leisure experience.

Designed to host grand social gatherings, the hotel will feature the largest indoor banquet hall in the region, spanning 10,700 sq. ft., along with exclusive beachfront lawns ideal for weddings and outdoor events.

Commenting on the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“Pondicherry has witnessed a steady rise in domestic travel and a rebound in foreign arrivals, reinforcing its position as a key leisure destination. The addition of Taj Pondicherry will cater to the growing demand for large-scale social events in the region. We are delighted to partner with Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan for this project.”

Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, MGM Healthcare, added,

“We are happy to venture into the hospitality sector with IHCL. This hotel will be a landmark destination in the region.”

Known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches, and spiritual ambience, Pondicherry continues to attract travellers from across the world. Popular attractions such as Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry Museum, Oussudu Bird Sanctuary, and the Puducherry Canyon add to its appeal as a cultural and wellness retreat.

About the Owning Company:

MGM Healthcare is a diversified entrepreneurial venture by Mr. M.K. Rajagopalan, operating three hospitals in Chennai, one in Vizag, and two upcoming projects in Chennai. He also serves as the Chancellor of a renowned university that runs medical colleges in both Puducherry and Chennai.

With this signing, IHCL continues to strengthen its presence across India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, combining luxury, heritage, and hospitality excellence under the Taj brand.


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence in Gujarat with New Property in Morbi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 31, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the launch of its latest managed property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, further strengthening its presence in Gujarat, one of India’s most vibrant industrial and business destinations.

Strategically located in the ceramic capital of India, the new hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers. Its prime location offers excellent connectivity to nearby industrial and commercial hubs such as Rajkot and Jamnagar, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests, traders, and tourists visiting the region.

The hotel features 69 well-appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for comfort and functionality. Guests can savour diverse flavours at Citrus Café, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, European, and Pan-Asian delicacies.

For events and gatherings, the hotel offers extensive banqueting spaces including Tangerine Grand and Tangerine Lawn, which can accommodate up to 400 guests, perfect for business meetings, conferences, and social celebrations.

Additional amenities include a spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate after a busy day.

The property also provides convenient access to some of Morbi’s popular attractions, such as Mani Mandir, Green Tower, Wellingdon Secretariat, and Nehru Gate, adding a touch of local charm to every stay.

Commenting on the launch, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President of Lemon Tree Hotels, said,

“Morbi is one of Gujarat’s fastest-developing cities, known globally for its ceramic industry and entrepreneurial spirit. With the launch of Lemon Tree Hotel, Morbi, we are delighted to announce the 10th operational property in Gujarat to bring our signature comfort, warmth, and value to both business and leisure travellers visiting this vibrant city.”

With this opening, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to expand its footprint across India, offering exceptional hospitality experiences rooted in comfort, quality, and value.

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