Fountain Mahabaleshwar - IHCL SeleQtions Welcomes Guests in Maharashtra

Fountain Mahabaleshwar - IHCL SeleQtions Welcomes Guests in Maharashtra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 5, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), renowned for its prestigious chain of hotels, is delighted to announce the opening of its latest venture, Fountain Mahabaleshwar – IHCL SeleQtions. This serene sanctuary, located in Maharashtra’s popular hill station, Mahabaleshwar, is set amidst lush forests and offers panoramic views of the Koyna valley, appealing to travellers seeking a blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, expressed his enthusiasm for this new addition: "We are thrilled to introduce Fountain Mahabaleshwar as part of our SeleQtions portfolio, which is renowned for its unique and distinctive offerings. This new establishment is ideally situated to cater to the increasing demand for experiential travel, given its proximity to major cities like Mumbai and Pune."

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Hotel Features and Amenities

Fountain Mahabaleshwar spans over 11 acres and features 77 elegantly designed rooms. Each room offers a private balcony, presenting breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The hotel’s architecture, inspired by the contemporary colonial design of the British era blended with Indian elements, features beams imported from Lancashire, United Kingdom. The name 'Fountain' is derived from the abundant water sources in the area, complementing the hotel’s tranquil ambiance.

Guests can dine at the all-day-diner, Saddleback, which offers a variety of multi-cuisine dishes and a spacious alfresco dining area. Dusk, the hotel bar, provides a perfect setting to unwind while enjoying spectacular sunsets. The hotel also boasts an 11,000 sq. ft expansive deck that offers unmatched valley views, ideal for personal reflection or social gatherings.

Leisure and Events

The resort is equipped with a range of facilities tailored for both relaxation and business needs. These include a tranquil spa, a state-of-the-art gym, an outdoor pool, and an indoor game zone for children. The spacious banquet hall and pre-function area are perfect for hosting corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations.

Esakkikumar Konar, General Manager of Fountain Mahabaleshwar, commented on the launch: "Fountain Mahabaleshwar is designed to offer a rejuvenating escape amidst nature. We are excited to welcome guests and provide them with exceptional service and a memorable stay."

Cultural and Natural Richness

Mahabaleshwar is not only known for its scenic beauty but also for its historical significance and strawberry farms, which produce 85% of India’s strawberries. The hotel’s location allows guests to explore these attractions comfortably.

With the addition of Fountain Mahabaleshwar, IHCL continues to expand its footprint, now boasting 34 hotels across Maharashtra. This new addition underscores IHCL’s commitment to enhancing its luxury portfolio and promoting regional tourism.

For bookings and more information about Fountain Mahabaleshwar – IHCL SeleQtions, visit IHCL's official website.


PAUL Opens 15th India Outlet at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

PAUL Opens 15th India Outlet at World St., Worldmark Aerocity

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2026

French café brand PAUL has opened its newest outlet at World St. at 4 Worldmark, Aerocity, marking its 15th outlet in India and sixth in Delhi NCR.

Located within Worldmark, the new outlet strengthens PAUL's presence in the capital while placing the brand in one of Delhi's prominent business and lifestyle destinations, close to the airport.

With the latest opening, PAUL continues to expand its India footprint across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Known globally for its artisanal breads, viennoiseries, pâtisserie and French café culture, PAUL's new Aerocity outlet has been designed to reflect the character of a Parisian street-side café. The space is positioned as an all-day destination for breakfasts, coffee breaks, weekend brunches and corporate meetings.

The menu features several of PAUL's French favourites, including croque monsieur, quiche Lorraine, savoury crêpes and canelés, alongside its range of artisan breads, viennoiseries, tarts and pastries.

The offering also extends to European-inspired dishes such as Napoletana pizzas, tartines, handmade pastas, risottos, fresh salads, wholesome bowls and gourmet sandwiches.

According to PAUL, its dishes are prepared using ingredients sourced from trusted local and international partners. The brand's clean-label approach also means its offerings are made without palm oil, artificial colours and additives.

Commenting on the opening, Vaibhav Kaushish, Chief Operating Officer, PAUL India, said the new outlet marks an important milestone in the company's continued expansion. He added that the brand remains focused on its “Eat Well Live Well” philosophy and bringing French culinary experiences closer to Indian consumers.

SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said PAUL's arrival adds a distinctive French culinary offering to World St.'s growing food and beverage mix. He noted that the brand complements the destination's vision of creating a vibrant social space where visitors can dine, unwind and connect.

Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” World St. is being developed as a walkable F&B and lifestyle destination within the larger Worldmark business district, further strengthening Aerocity's appeal as a dining and social hub.


CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

CGH Earth Expands into Eastern Himalayas with New Properties in Kurseong and Kalimpong

By Hariharan U

Published on August 16, 2026

CGH Earth is expanding beyond its traditional Southern India footprint with a foray into the Eastern Himalayas, marking a new chapter for the hospitality group after more than four decades of creating place-led experiences.

The expansion begins with The Singell Tea Estate in Kurseong, West Bengal, while CGH Earth is also preparing to strengthen its presence in the region with an upcoming property in Kalimpong.

The move represents the group's first major expansion beyond Southern India and reflects its approach of developing hospitality experiences closely connected to the ecology, culture, heritage and communities of each destination.

A Living Tea Estate Experience in Kurseong

Located amid the mist-covered mountains of Kurseong, The Singell Tea Estate is set within the historic Singell Tea Estate, established in 1871.

The property offers guests an opportunity to experience the heritage of tea cultivation alongside the natural landscapes and mountain traditions of the Eastern Himalayas.

Experiences at the estate include plantation walks, tea factory tours, village trails, riverside picnics, tea tastings and storytelling sessions, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape and local culture beyond conventional sightseeing.

The region is also known for its rich birdlife, making the property a potential base for nature and birding experiences featuring Himalayan species including rufous-necked hornbills, broadbills, warblers and cuckoos.

Commenting on the expansion, Michael Dominic, CEO & MD, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, said the group's entry into the Eastern Himalayas is a natural evolution of its philosophy of connecting travel with the spirit of a destination.

He highlighted the region's ecological diversity, cultural richness and heritage as opportunities to create immersive hospitality experiences rooted in the landscape.

Local Food and Heritage

The culinary experience at Singell draws from the food traditions of the Darjeeling hills, with ingredients sourced from the estate, village gardens and local haat bazaars.

Seasonal and indigenous ingredients such as gundruk, kinema, Himalayan nettles, silam and buckwheat feature in the cuisine, with traditional techniques including foraging, fermentation, smoking and slow cooking.

The resulting food experience focuses on local, seasonal and traditional preparations that reflect the region's landscape and communities.

The property features 11 rooms spread across a restored heritage bungalow and a contemporary wing, combining elements of colonial-era architecture with modern comforts.

Next Stop: Kalimpong

Following the Kurseong expansion, CGH Earth is preparing to unveil its upcoming property in Kalimpong.

Known for its colonial heritage, monasteries, cultural traditions and Himalayan views, Kalimpong offers another setting for the group to develop an experiential hospitality concept connected to its surroundings.

According to CGH Earth, its expansion across the Eastern Himalayas will continue to be guided by its focus on conservation, cultural heritage and community partnerships, with the aim of creating experiences that are both locally rooted and responsible.

The move into Kurseong and Kalimpong expands CGH Earth's geographic footprint while extending its long-standing approach to experiential hospitality into a new region.


Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan Marks 13 Years with Dining and Stay Offers

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan Marks 13 Years with Dining and Stay Offers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 16, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is celebrating 13 years of operations in the city with a month-long series of dining, stay and promotional offers throughout August.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the hotel has introduced a special buffet lunch for groups of 10 or more, priced at ₹999 per person, exclusive of taxes. Available from Monday to Friday through 31 August, the offer is designed for corporate teams, family gatherings and larger groups. Prior reservation is required.

Guests looking to make their anniversary visit longer can also choose the hotel's special stay package. The package includes a one-night stay with a welcome amenity on arrival, buffet breakfast and dinner at MoMo Café, a one-plus-one cocktail during happy hours, a 13 percent discount on the food and beverage bill, one lucky draw entry per stay, along with early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability.

The anniversary campaign will receive additional attention from 17 August to 23 August, with campaign activity and promotional content highlighting the hotel's anniversary offers and dining experiences. Adding to the celebrations, MoMo Café will host a food festival featuring 13 specialty cuisines. Two cuisines will be showcased at a time across the celebration period, giving guests an opportunity to explore a variety of flavours during the anniversary month.

There is also something extra for guests opting for packed boxes from MoMo Café. Every set of 10 boxes will include one dine-in voucher, giving guests a chance to win while enjoying the café's offerings.

The anniversary month brings together food, stays and guest-focused offers, giving guests different ways to be part of Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan's 13-year journey.

About Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan is part of the Courtyard by Marriott brand and offers accommodation and dining experiences in the Chakan area of Pune. The property also features its in-house restaurant, MoMo Café.

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