Holiday Inn Resort Opens in Kathmandu: A New Oasis Amidst Nature

Holiday Inn Resort Opens in Kathmandu: A New Oasis Amidst Nature

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 28, 2024

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its first resort in Nepal, the Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha, adding to the prestigious IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio. Nestled at the foothills of Shivapuri Forest and just a short drive from Kathmandu's city center, the resort offers guests an exquisite blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.

The resort's prime location near Shivapuri National Park provides adventure enthusiasts with opportunities to explore lush landscapes, scenic trails, and local temples. Guests can enjoy 104 spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites, each featuring 55-inch smart TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a high-quality sleep experience with a choice of soft and firm pillows, all complemented by stunning views.

image

For relaxation, the resort offers a range of recreational facilities including a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and a Kids’ Club designed for family fun. Dining options include Café Nagarjun for all-day dining, Mekong – Flavors of Asia for Pan-Asian cuisine, and the Infinity Bar for refreshing drinks and snacks.

Family-friendly amenities are a highlight, with children aged 12 and under staying and eating for free. The resort also features versatile event spaces totaling 9,300 sq. ft., equipped with the latest technology for various events.

Binita Khadka, representing the resort’s ownership, remarked, “Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. This partnership with IHG not only underscores our dedication to outstanding hospitality but also positions Nepal as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers. We are confident this resort will set new standards for the industry.”

image

Arya SJB Rana, the resort’s general manager, added, “Our vision was to create a retreat where true hospitality seamlessly blends with the breathtaking natural beauty of Budhanilkantha. It’s immensely gratifying to see this vision come to life, offering guests an unmatched experience in a setting that truly embodies serenity and elegance.”

With this new opening, the Holiday Inn Resort Kathmandu Budhanilkantha aims to become a leading destination, offering a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. This launch follows IHG Hotels & Resorts’ debut of the first Holiday Inn Express in Nepal, also in Kathmandu, last December.


The Malabar Coast Opens New Gurugram Outlet at M3M Atrium

The Malabar Coast Opens New Gurugram Outlet at M3M Atrium

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Malabar Coast, renowned for showcasing the rich flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has expanded its presence with a new outlet at M3M Atrium, Sector 57, Gurugram. The grand opening drew food enthusiasts, influencers, and special guests eager to experience an authentic coastal culinary journey.

The new restaurant’s warm, coastal-inspired interiors—complete with handpicked artwork and traditional motifs—set the stage for a menu that spans delicately spiced seafood, classic Malabar biryanis, and their signature Coconut Payasam. Highlights included Ghee Podi Idly, Chettinad Chicken Tikka, Malabar Prawn Curry, and Thalassery Chicken Biryani, each dish crafted to transport diners to South India’s sun-soaked shores.

At the launch, Satish Bhatia, Co-Founder of The Malabar Coast, remarked,

“We are elated to bring the soul of South India’s coastlines to Gurugram. This outlet is an extension of our journey to celebrate regional flavours and offer an immersive, cultural dining experience in the heart of the city.”

Guests enjoyed live music performances, enhancing the relaxed, soulful atmosphere and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to an authentic South Indian cultural journey.

The Malabar Coast, an offshoot of The Appumm House founded in 2020 by Satish Bhatia and Priyanka Tiwari, continues to champion traditional coastal recipes and elevate regional dining across India.

The new Gurugram outlet is now open to the public, promising to become a go-to destination for lovers of genuine South Indian coastal cuisine.


IHCL and United Way Mumbai Join Hands for Community-Led Waste Management

IHCL and United Way Mumbai Join Hands for Community-Led Waste Management

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable practices through a strategic partnership with United Way Mumbai, driving impactful change in waste management as part of its Paathya ESG+ framework.

Under this initiative, IHCL has been actively supporting municipal efforts at Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway by deploying Safai Sathis—frontline waste workers—who conduct daily beach clean-ups and waste segregation. From October 2024 to March 2025, the project has successfully collected and processed over 1,12,097 kilograms of waste, all of which was sent to a Material Recovery Centre (MRC) for recycling and co-processing—significantly reducing the burden on local landfills.

Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at IHCL, highlighted the significance of the project:

image

“Guided by our industry leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, we are moving beyond conventional waste management to create lasting, scalable solutions that actively engage communities and drive positive environmental impact.”

George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, echoed the sentiment:

“Our partnership with IHCL builds on our vision of addressing waste at every stage—generation to disposal—by strengthening systems, raising awareness, and empowering communities.”

Beyond clean-ups, the initiative is also deeply focused on community sensitisation, engaging local residents through awareness drives, shore walks, and educational programs involving students, self-help groups, sanitation workers, and youth leaders.

Aligned with Paathya 2030 goals, this collaboration promotes circular economy solutions and reinforces responsible waste management across IHCL’s operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental change.


Siyam World Maldives Ranks Among Top 10 Hotels in the World by Tripadvisor

Siyam World Maldives Ranks Among Top 10 Hotels in the World by Tripadvisor

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Siyam World Maldives has officially arrived on the world stage—and with a trophy cabinet to match. The one-of-a-kind island resort has been crowned among the Top 10 Hotels in the World in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards 2025, making it the only resort in the Maldives to make this coveted global list this year.

But that’s just the beginning. Siyam World also clinched several top spots:

  • #10 Best Hotel in the World

  • #4 Top Hotel in Asia

  • #2 Best All-Inclusive Hotel in the World

  • #1 Top All-Inclusive Hotel in the Maldives

  • #1 Top All-Inclusive Hotel in Asia

This recognition places Siyam World in the top 1% of Tripadvisor listings globally, reflecting not just popularity but true guest satisfaction based on real reviews over the past year.

image

Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts, shared,

"We’re beyond honored and thrilled to be ranked #10 in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in the World! From day one, our team has worked tirelessly to deliver memorable moments, infused with authentic Maldivian hospitality. This is a win for the whole team and every guest who believed in us."

Ausy Waseem, Resort Manager at Siyam World, added,

“We never aimed to be the flashiest or most luxurious resort. Our mission was to be bold, real, and unforgettable. What we’ve created here is different—and seeing the world recognize that is truly special.”
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, VP of Operations Abdulla Thamheed, and the entire team for their support in making Siyam World a “game changer” in the Maldives.

Opened in late 2021, Siyam World is known for rewriting the rules of luxury island travel. Set across 54 hectares in Noonu Atoll, it’s home to some of the most outrageous, fun-filled, and first-of-their-kind experiences in the region:

image

  • The Maldives’ largest floating water park

  • The country’s first horse ranch

  • An electric go-kart track on an island resort

  • Seabreachers, jet cars, and Cudajets

  • Football camps hosted by icons like Michael Owen, Del Piero, and Rio Ferdinand

  • 16 unique room categories, including massive 4-bedroom beach residences and overwater villas with slides

Add to that 18+ dining and bar outlets, 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive experiences, wellness programs, curated kids’ activities, and full island buyout options—Siyam World is a universe of its own.

As Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best awards are determined by real travelers' reviews, this win cements Siyam World as a true guest favorite—and a rising icon in global tourism.

For offers and bookings, visit: sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers or email stay@siyamworld.com.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.