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.


THSC and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School Join Hands to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

THSC and The Lalit Suri Hospitality School Join Hands to Boost Hospitality Skilling in India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 24, 2025

In a major step towards building a skilled and inclusive workforce in India's hospitality sector, the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS). The signing ceremony took place at The Lalit, New Delhi, in the presence of prominent leaders from both organisations.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC. Also present at the event were Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Anupam Mukherjee, Dean, TLSHS, along with senior officials.

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This partnership signifies a shared commitment to enhancing hospitality education by aligning academic training with real-time industry requirements. The focus is on structured, inclusive, and employability-driven programs to skill youth and open national and international career opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri stated, "This partnership signifies a powerful convergence of academic expertise and industry demand. At The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, we believe in building not just businesses but communities, and skilling is a key pillar of that philosophy."

Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, added, "Such partnerships are the backbone of a strong, demand-driven skilling ecosystem that responds to real industry needs and unlocks true potential among India's youth—especially in tourism, one of the most people-centric sectors."

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Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, highlighted the sector's evolution, saying, "With institutions like TLSHS, we can ensure that students receive not only domain knowledge but also industry-relevant exposure, life skills, and certifications that open doors globally."

Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, emphasized inclusivity, stating, "Through this partnership, we hope to skill and place youth from diverse backgrounds—including the LGBTQIA+ community and economically weaker sections—so they can thrive in an industry built on service and compassion."

This MoU is expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between industry expectations and academic delivery, ensuring a job-ready and globally competent talent pool for India’s ever-growing hospitality and tourism sector.


IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to Add 15 New Hotels Across East and North India

IHCL and Ambuja Neotia to Add 15 New Hotels Across East and North India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced a major expansion of its partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group through the signing of agreements for 15 new hotels. These properties will be spread across West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, and will be a mix of greenfield, brownfield, and conversion projects. The partnership is set to grow to over 40 hotels in total.

These new projects will include iconic brands from IHCL’s portfolio, with a majority expected to operate under the Taj brand. Among the first four confirmed projects are a Taj in Darjeeling, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri, and a Tree of Life in Lataguri. Several of the properties will also include Taj branded villas in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri, and Raichak.

Commenting on the development, IHCL’s Managing Director & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said,

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of building destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands will now extend to unlocking the tourism potential of the East and North East with this agreement.”

He added that the capital-light model and strategic locations will support tourism development in relatively unexplored regions.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, echoed this vision:

“North East, the unexplored region of India has tremendous potential for bespoke luxury travel… The addition of premium room inventory this fiscal to Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong as well as the upcoming Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Lataguri, and Gangtok reflects the growing demand from the segment.”

This partnership highlights IHCL’s focus on destination-led development. With Taj recently named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, the group is poised to bring world-class hospitality to new Indian regions and strengthen its footprint in the leisure travel segment.

Timeline (Indicative):

  • Current FY: Launch of Taj Chia Kutir, Kurseong and Taj villas in key destinations.

  • Next 5 Years: Progressive launch of 15 hotels under Taj, SeleQtions, and Tree of Life across the identified locations.


A Global Masterpiece: CRC The PERIDONA Redefines Ultra-Luxury Living in NCR

A Global Masterpiece: CRC The PERIDONA Redefines Ultra-Luxury Living in NCR

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 23, 2025

CRC Group, a prominent name in North India’s real estate market, has unveiled its most ambitious residential project yet—The PERIDONA—an ultra-luxury experiential development located in the lush expanse of Jaypee Greens Golf Course, Greater Noida. With an investment of ₹1500 crore (excluding land cost), the project is a bold step into the super-premium segment, bringing together world-renowned collaborators to shape an elite residential experience.

Spanning 3.1 million sq. ft. of built-up area, The PERIDONA will feature just 341 exclusive apartment units, each occupying an entire floor, offering unparalleled privacy and panoramic views. This one-apartment-per-floor model redefines space, elegance, and exclusivity in luxury urban living.

What truly sets the project apart is its unprecedented global collaboration. The PERIDONA boasts a design ensemble featuring:

  • Killa Design, creators of Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future;

  • Gensler Architects, global leaders in futuristic architecture;

  • Rockwell Group, the interior visionaries behind India’s most opulent lifestyle clubs;

  • SWA Group, known for sustainability-led landscape architecture;

  • MACE, the UK-based global consultancy firm specializing in project delivery and execution.

Unveiled at an exclusive event in Dubai, the project reflects CRC Group’s bold ambition. “With The PERIDONA, we are entering the ultra-luxury space with intent and vision,” said Kunal Bhalla, Founder & CEO of CRC Group. “From eco-sensitive planning to globally curated materials and amenities, every detail is designed around our core philosophy: Live More. This project is not just about homes—it’s about delivering a complete, elevated lifestyle.”

Adding to the vision, Salil Kumar, Director (Marketing & Business Management), shared, “This is more than just real estate—it’s a legacy. With international consultants, lush green surroundings, and proximity to major infrastructure like the upcoming Noida International Airport, PERIDONA is set to become one of the most sought-after addresses in India.”

The development also features a luxurious multi-level clubhouse, wellness zones, serene water bodies, and smart home integration. MACE’s project management will ensure timely, precision-led delivery. With construction commencing next month, The PERIDONA is expected to reshape expectations of modern urban living in NCR.

Strategically located just 20 minutes from the upcoming Noida International Airport—touted to be the fourth-largest in the world—this ultra-luxury enclave is not just a place to live, but an asset poised for strong long-term returns.

With design pedigree, global execution, and a hyper-curated lifestyle approach, CRC The PERIDONA is more than just a residential project—it’s an architectural statement, setting a bold new benchmark for Indian luxury real estate.

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