Espire Hospitality Group to Launch Dual-Branded Hotel in Ayodhya

Espire Hospitality Group to Launch Dual-Branded Hotel in Ayodhya

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 23, 2024

Espire Hospitality Group, a rapidly growing name in the Indian hospitality sector, is set to launch a new dual-branded hotel in the historic city of Ayodhya. This landmark project, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, will feature 150 rooms, split between two distinct brands: ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels and Resorts.

The new hotel will offer 50 rooms under the ZANA Luxury Resorts brand, providing guests with a high-end boutique resort experience. The remaining 100 rooms will be managed by Country Inn Hotels and Resorts, offering a more affordable yet comfortable stay. This dual-brand approach allows Espire Hospitality to cater to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking luxury to those preferring a budget-friendly option.

Strategically located, the hotel will provide guests with easy access to Ayodhya's significant landmarks, including the Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi Temple, and Kanak Bhawan. This makes it an ideal choice for tourists and pilgrims visiting the city, which is renowned for its cultural and historical importance.

Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant, which offers both buffet and à la carte menus. The culinary experience is designed to cater to diverse tastes, ensuring a delightful experience for all visitors.

In addition to its dining offerings, the hotel will feature a range of amenities aimed at enhancing the guest experience. These include a children’s play area named Toddle Wobble, a gaming arena, and a versatile event space covering 3,000 square feet, suitable for various gatherings and events.

The ZANA Luxury Resorts segment of the hotel promises an opulent experience with personalized services, while the Country Inn Hotels and Resorts segment will focus on providing comfort and family-friendly hospitality. This combination ensures that all guests, regardless of their budget, will find their stay pleasant and memorable.

Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Espire Hospitality Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are thrilled to bring our two brands, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels and Resorts, to the city of epic Ramayana, Ayodhya.”

“This signing marks a significant milestone for us as we expand our presence in this culturally rich and historically significant city. Ayodhya’s remarkable transformation into a world-class pilgrimage destination, highlighted by the inauguration of the iconic Ram Mandir, has attracted an influx of tourists from around the world. With Ayodhya expected to become the ‘world’s most sought-after’ pilgrimage destination, we are committed to offering exceptional experiences to the travellers, combining luxury and comfort in one property, at a prime location in Ayodhya,” he added.

The launch of the dual-branded hotel in Ayodhya by Espire Hospitality Group marks a significant step in the company’s expansion. By combining the luxurious ZANA Luxury Resorts and the more economical Country Inn Hotels and Resorts under one roof, the group aims to cater to a diverse range of guests, enhancing their stay with top-notch amenities and services. As Ayodhya continues to grow as a major pilgrimage site, this new hotel is poised to become a key player in the city’s hospitality landscape.


Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Hyatt Hotels in Goa have announced the launch of GOA YOU 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of the destination-led campaign that celebrates Goa beyond its traditional tourism experiences. This year's edition introduces Hyatt Hideaways, a seasonal stay offering designed to encourage travellers to experience the destination at a slower, more personal pace during the summer and monsoon months.

Built around the belief that Goa allows every traveller to discover a different version of themselves, GOA YOU 2026 focuses on meaningful experiences ranging from relaxed mornings and local discoveries to leisurely dining and moments of quiet indulgence. The initiative highlights how every visit to Goa is unique, whether for families, couples, or solo travellers.

The campaign brings together Hyatt's five properties across the state: Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Goa, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, and Hyatt Place Goa. Together, the hotels offer diverse experiences spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary accommodation across North and South Goa.

Introduced as the centrepiece of this year's campaign, Hyatt Hideaways is a curated seasonal package available for stays from 28 April to 30 September 2026, with bookings open until 15 September 2026. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights and is designed to encourage guests to explore Goa beyond the peak holiday season.

The package includes a welcome beer on arrival, daily buffet breakfast, one cocktail or mocktail per guest during dinner or a daily beer bucket, along with an INR 1,000 hotel credit per night. Through these inclusions, Hyatt aims to enhance the guest experience while promoting longer, more immersive stays.

By showcasing Goa's lush monsoon landscapes, local culinary experiences, and slower pace of life, GOA YOU 2026 encourages travellers to rediscover the destination from a fresh perspective. The initiative reinforces Hyatt Hotels' long-standing connection with Goa while positioning the state as a year-round destination for leisure and experiential travel.


Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on July 11, 2026

Encalm Hospitality has announced the launch of its new International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, further expanding its airport hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its focus on delivering premium travel experiences.

The new lounge has been designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern international travellers by integrating comfort, wellness, dining, and personalised hospitality within a thoughtfully curated environment. The launch marks another milestone in Encalm's strategy of building a comprehensive airport hospitality ecosystem across India's leading aviation hubs.

Designed as a space for relaxation before departure, the lounge features state-of-the-art sleeping pods, therapeutic spa treatments, private dining facilities for families and guests seeking privacy, and a well-stocked bar. The experience has been curated to transform pre-flight waiting time into a seamless journey of comfort and rejuvenation.

Food remains a central part of the experience, with interactive live culinary stations serving freshly prepared dishes that combine regional Indian flavours with contemporary international cuisine. The curated dining programme is complemented by a refined beverage selection, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm, said the new lounge reflects the company's commitment to creating future-ready hospitality experiences driven by innovation, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. He added that Encalm aims to continue setting new benchmarks by delivering intuitive and differentiated experiences for global travellers.

Pooja Bhondekar, Business Head – Airport Hospitality, Encalm, said the expansion reflects the brand's mission of creating memorable experiences across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. She noted that every element of the lounge, from wellness facilities to curated dining and personalised service, has been carefully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and convenience.

With the addition of the Hyderabad International Lounge, Encalm continues to strengthen its integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, which includes premium lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, in-flight catering, and curated food and beverage concepts across major Indian airports.


Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

Taj Connemara, Chennai recently hosted the 15th edition of Screen Expresso, the popular conversation series by The Indian Express, marking the platform's first-ever event in Chennai. Held on June 30, the evening featured acclaimed actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, who engaged in an open conversation on cinema, gender equality, and staying true to one's values in the film industry.

The event was presented by AU Small Finance Bank, in association with Taj Hotels, with BMW KUN Exclusive as the Mobility Partner.

Known for her acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Parvathy has built a reputation for choosing meaningful roles while also advocating for gender equality within the film industry. During the session, she shared her thoughts on speaking up, navigating challenges, and remaining committed to authenticity and artistic integrity throughout her career.

The discussion was moderated by Pooja Pillai, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, and drew a distinguished audience comprising leaders from the business, arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, making it one of Chennai's notable cultural gatherings.

Commenting on the occasion, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said:

"It was a privilege for Taj Connemara to host the first-ever Chennai edition of Screen Expresso. At Taj, we have always believed that hospitality extends beyond creating memorable stays - it is about creating meaningful experiences and fostering conversations that inspire. Hosting an artist as accomplished and thought-provoking as Parvathy Thiruvothu made for an unforgettable evening. We are delighted to have partnered with The Indian Express to bring this celebrated platform to the city."

Guests were welcomed with an elegant high tea featuring a selection of regional delicacies and contemporary favourites. The menu included artisanal cookies, handcrafted tea cakes, open-faced canapés with roasted chicken and herb-infused mayonnaise, grilled seasonal vegetable sandwiches, cottage cheese and spinach turnovers, and a live station serving ragi paniyaram with gongura and cream cheese, accompanied by speciality teas, freshly brewed coffee, and refreshing beverages.

Following the conversation, attendees enjoyed a specially curated flying buffet featuring a mix of global and Indian flavours. The menu included honey chilli prawns, mutton galouti, Chettinad fried chicken, vegetable sushi, corn and jalapeño arancini, along with live stations serving dim sums, Thai curries, pastas, appams with stew, and dum biryanis. The evening concluded with desserts such as mango rasmalai, gulab jamun, vegan chia seed panna cotta, banana crème brûlée, and artisanal chocolates.

Through its association with Screen Expresso, Taj Connemara reinforced its commitment to creating spaces that celebrate meaningful conversations, creativity, and culture while continuing its legacy of blending hospitality with memorable experiences.

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