This Diwali, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar celebrates the festival of lights with a special act of giving that beautifully blends hospitality with heart. In a heartfelt collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO dedicated to empowering street and working children, the hotel hosted a meaningful ladoo-making activity to spread joy, inclusion, and festive warmth.

Children from Salaam Baalak Trust were welcomed into the hotel’s kitchen, where they spent the day alongside JW Marriott’s talented culinary team learning the art of preparing traditional Diwali sweets. The experience was filled with laughter, learning, and celebration, bringing alive the true essence of Diwali, one of togetherness and compassion.

Through this thoughtful initiative, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar reaffirmed its commitment to community-driven hospitality, using its platform to inspire meaningful connections and foster social impact. The event reflected the brand’s belief that true celebration goes beyond decoration, it lies in touching lives and creating memories that last.

As the hotel glows with the light of a thousand diyas, it also illuminates something even brighter, the smiles and hopes of young hearts, reminding everyone that the spirit of Diwali shines brightest when shared with others.

As rising costs challenge India’s hospitality sector, The LaLiT Hotels, Palaces and Resorts stands out for proving that purpose and profit can grow together. Proudly inspired by the Make in India spirit, the brand has built a model where conscious business practices rooted in Indian values create both social impact and steady growth.

At the centre of this approach is The LaLiT Loyalty 2.0, a reimagined loyalty program that’s more than just about offers and rewards. In partnership with Points for Good, guests can now donate their loyalty points to meaningful social causes. Every stay becomes a chance to make a small but powerful difference.

“Loyalty programs have long been seen as a cost to manage,” says Mr. Rakesh Mitra, Chief Financial Officer at The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group. “But we see them as an investment in brand trust and emotional connection. When a guest aligns with our inclusive philosophy, their loyalty deepens far beyond financial rewards. That’s brand capital that grows exponentially.”

The impact of this thinking is already visible. Over the next few years, the brand expects stronger guest retention and higher engagement across its hotels, restaurants, and events. Guests are showing that they value brands that stand for something bigger than transactions.

But The LaLiT’s story goes beyond numbers. Guided by its People First philosophy, the group’s focus on inclusive hiring, sustainability, and community empowerment has become its guiding principle. This approach not only strengthens the workforce and reduces attrition but also builds emotional trust with guests who see the brand as a force for good.

“Our approach isn’t about competing on price,” adds Mr. Mitra. “It’s about creating genuine value. When a guest knows their stay supports local livelihoods or sustainability efforts, it’s no longer just a hotel booking, it’s participation in a shared purpose.”

This mindset also shapes The LaLiT’s business direction. The group continues to expand steadily through financial discipline, debt reduction, and an asset-light growth model, ensuring progress without compromising its values. It’s a sustainable way to grow, balancing profitability with long-term brand resilience.

Looking ahead, The LaLiT aims to take Loyalty 2.0 to new heights by building partnerships with airlines, fintechs, and lifestyle brands. These collaborations will create a wider ecosystem of engagement, giving guests more ways to connect with causes that matter to them.

As India’s hospitality industry faces tighter margins and greater competition, The LaLiT is proving that business success doesn’t have to come at the cost of purpose. It’s showing that in today’s world, doing good is also good business.

Sterling Holiday Resorts, one of India’s leading experiential hospitality brands, has unveiled its newest destination, Sterling Govardhana Malampuzha. Tucked away in Kerala’s picturesque garden valley, this resort marks Sterling’s 11th property across 8 destinations in the state, reinforcing its leadership in South India’s leisure and wellness travel circuits.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Western Ghats, Sterling Govardhana Malampuzha reimagines the popular day-trip destination into a signature short-stay getaway for families, couples, and travellers from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Kozhikode, and Kochi. The resort offers the perfect balance of accessibility, natural beauty, and the warmth of Kerala’s culture, all enhanced by Sterling’s signature hospitality.

“Sterling Govardhana, Malampuzha isn’t just a new resort, it’s the creation of a new travel node,” said Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “By integrating Malampuzha into our South India grid, we are connecting markets and mindsets. This adds to our strategy, transforming high-potential locales into must-stay destinations that bridge Tamil Nadu, Central Kerala and the Nilgiris. Offering quick connectivity to Sterling in Anaikatti, Athirappilly, Guruvayur and Ooty, it comfortably ticks the requirement of a circuit travel as well.”

Nestled among lush gardens framed by the Sahyadri hills, the resort offers elegant rooms and suites suited for families, couples, and groups. Expansive lawns and stylish indoor venues make it a perfect choice for weddings, reunions, and milestone celebrations.

At Savoree, the resort’s in-house restaurant, guests can experience Kerala’s rich culinary heritage through dishes such as Paal Konchu Porichathu, Kozhi Erussery, and Paneer Kurumulaku Roast. The menu also features global comfort food and child-friendly favourites, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the region’s flavours.

M. Satheesan, representative of Malampuzha Hotel Pvt. Ltd., shared, “Malampuzha has always been a symbol of Kerala’s natural beauty and community spirit. Our partnership with Sterling is founded on a shared belief that thoughtful, design-led hospitality can spotlight such destinations responsibly while enriching local livelihoods. With Sterling’s decades of destination-development expertise, Malampuzha will evolve from a weekend stop to a must-stay experience on India’s leisure map.”

Beyond its rooms and dining, Sterling Govardhana, Malampuzha invites guests to discover the region’s many attractions — from the ropeway gliding over the valley and the whimsical rock gardens to the calm waters of the Malampuzha Dam at sunset. Families can enjoy the colourful gardens, lakeside walks, and cultural evenings filled with local performances, photo trails, and aromatic regional cuisines. Every experience at the resort is designed to help travellers reconnect with nature and each other.

With properties in Athirappilly, Anaikatti, Alleppey, Wayanad, Munnar, Guruvayur, Thekkady, and now Malampuzha, Sterling continues to strengthen its Kerala network. The new resort also fortifies Sterling’s drive-to circuit linking Tamil Nadu, Central Kerala, and the Nilgiris, furthering the brand’s “What-A-Trip” campaign, a celebration of discovering destinations beyond the obvious.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is one of India’s foremost hospitality companies, known for creating immersive experiences across diverse landscapes, from beaches and hills to jungles and heritage towns. Its extensive network spans destinations like Alleppey, Coorg, Darjeeling, Goa, Ooty, Munnar, and more.

Sterling is a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. (TCIL) and part of the Fairfax Financial Holdings Group.

For bookings and more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com or whatrip.sterlingholidays.com.