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.


Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2026

Fusion Hotel Group has announced the integration of Ayola and Odua, two midscale Indonesian hotel brands operated by Topotels Hotels & Resorts, into its expanding regional portfolio. The move adds seven hotels to Fusion's portfolio and strengthens its presence in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian hospitality market.

Topotels currently operates seven midscale hotels across key Indonesian destinations under the Ayola and Odua brands. The properties serve both business and leisure travellers, with a presence in cities including Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, as well as other regional markets.

Following the integration, Ayola and Odua will continue to operate under their existing brand identities. The hotels will benefit from Fusion Hotel Group's regional expertise, commercial platforms and operational support, with the integration expected to strengthen service consistency, distribution and access to Fusion's growing regional network.

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Commenting on the development, Willy Suderes, Chief Operating Officer, Topotels Hotels & Resorts, said, "This integration marks an exciting new chapter for Topotels. Joining Fusion will open new doors for our business, allowing us to deliver a better experience for our guests and provide stronger support for our owners. We're confident that the integration with Fusion will bring fresh momentum to our hotels and teams."

The addition of the two brands expands Fusion's collection of midscale hospitality offerings while providing a stronger operating platform across Indonesia. The country represents an important market for the group, with its major urban centres and regional destinations continuing to attract both domestic and international travellers.

Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Hotel Group, said, "We're delighted to welcome Topotels into the Fusion family. Their strong roots in Indonesia combined with Fusion's expertise will unlock new opportunities in key destinations across the country. This partnership strengthens our regional presence and supports our long-term vision for growth across Southeast Asia."

The integration forms part of Fusion Hotel Group's wider strategy of expanding its portfolio through partnerships and strengthening its presence across key Southeast Asian travel markets. The move also broadens the group's offering across different hospitality segments while retaining the individual identities of its established hotel brands.

Founded in 2008, Fusion Hotel Group operates 26 properties across Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, with a portfolio of eight brands. The group is known for wellness-focused hospitality and lifestyle concepts, alongside capabilities spanning hotel management, concept development and brand creation.

Fusion also operates in the branded residences segment, which continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region.

With the integration of Ayola and Odua, Fusion Hotel Group further strengthens its position as a regional hospitality platform while expanding its operational footprint in Indonesia.


Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur has introduced helicopter arrivals for wedding couples, adding an aerial experience to its destination wedding offering in Jaipur.

Managed by Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, the 40-acre resort features 351 rooms along with extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces. The new offering gives couples the option to include a helicopter arrival as part of their wedding itinerary, turning their entry into a memorable part of the overall celebration.

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The move comes as India's luxury destination wedding market continues to see a growing demand for personalised experiences. Families are increasingly looking beyond décor and traditional hospitality, focusing on creating memorable moments throughout the wedding, from guest experiences and entertainment to the couple's arrival.

For destination wedding resorts, this has also changed the way celebrations are planned. Instead of simply providing accommodation and event spaces, properties are increasingly building complete wedding experiences that can adapt to the specific requirements of each family.

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Ravindra Pratap Singh, Chairman, Ravi Surya Group and owner of Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur, said, "Destination weddings have become much more personal. Families are no longer looking only for a beautiful venue; they want to create moments that feel specific to them and that guests will remember. An aerial arrival is one such experience. At Ananta Jaipur, our scale gives us the flexibility to think beyond conventional wedding formats and work with families on how the entire celebration unfolds, from the arrival to the ceremonies and experiences in between."

Destination weddings and MICE remain key demand segments for Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur. The resort has 12 venues, including multiple indoor banquet spaces and large outdoor lawns.

One of its key event spaces is the 70,000 sq. ft. Suijin Lawn. The resort also features a dedicated 16-pillared, Vastu-compliant ceremonial Pagoda, designed for traditional wedding rituals including ghudchadi, baraat, and jaimala. The wedding offering is supported by accommodation across five categories, along with wellness and leisure facilities, landscaped areas and multiple dining experiences. This allows families to host multi-day celebrations largely within the resort.

With Jaipur already established as one of India's leading destination wedding markets, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts expects personalised and experience-led celebrations to play a larger role in how luxury wedding resorts plan and deliver destination weddings.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Invites Guests for a Monsoon Getaway

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Invites Guests for a Monsoon Getaway

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

With the monsoon turning Mahabaleshwar into a lush escape filled with misty mornings, cool mountain air and refreshing showers, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is inviting travellers to make the most of the season with its “Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package”.

Designed for travellers looking for a refreshing break before the monsoon comes to an end, the package brings together dining, wellness and stay benefits for a relaxed getaway in the hills.

The destination offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the rains, whether it is a weekend break, family holiday or a trip with loved ones. The package includes breakfast and dinner, available as a buffet or set menu, along with a bottle of wine or two pints of beer on arrival.

Guests can also enjoy wellness and dining benefits during their stay. The package includes a spa voucher per day, which can be redeemed against any treatment of 60 minutes or more. A daily resort credit is also available for lunch, either buffet or à la carte. Adding to the seasonal experience, guests can enjoy a special Monsoon Menu at the designated venue from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The package also includes 1,500 bonus points per stay, giving guests an added benefit during their monsoon escape. As the rains bring a vibrant green look to Mahabaleshwar, guests can spend their days enjoying the weather and surrounding landscape before returning to the resort for relaxed meals, wellness experiences and time with family and friends.

With September approaching and the monsoon season slowly drawing to a close, the Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package offers travellers a chance to enjoy Mahabaleshwar during one of its most beautiful times of the year.

Package Details:

  • Package: Drizzle and Delight – Monsoon Getaway Package
  • Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner (buffet or set menu), bottle of wine or 2 pints of beer on arrival, daily spa voucher, daily resort credit for lunch, Monsoon Special Menu from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and 1,500 bonus points per stay.
  • Validity: Inclusions valid until 30 September 2026.

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