CGH Earth Saha has expanded its Handpicked Escapes portfolio with the launch of Pollachi Riverhouse, an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa set along a tranquil river amid coconut groves and fertile plains of Tamil Nadu. Located around a 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore and close to the Anamalai hills, the single-key retreat is designed for families and small groups seeking privacy, space and an unhurried countryside experience. Surrounded by Pollachi’s lush agricultural landscape, the villa captures the region’s pastoral rhythm, with views of coconut farms, open fields and the Western Ghats forming a serene backdrop.

The architecture is shaped around its riverside setting, opening seamlessly to lawns, water views and outdoor living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors connect the living areas to the outdoors, allowing natural light, greenery and the gentle sound of the river to define the stay. Clean, contemporary interiors are softened with rustic textures and antique-inspired furnishings, while the infinity pool flows into manicured lawns that meet the river’s edge, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, picnics and evening barbecues.

Dining at Pollachi Riverhouse highlights the culinary heritage of the region, with authentic Kongunadu dishes prepared using locally sourced produce, traditional spices and time-honoured recipes that reflect Tamil Nadu’s agrarian culture. Beyond the villa, guests can explore nearby Topslip and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, or engage with local communities through experiences such as palm sugar making, palm-leaf weaving and visits to Pollachi’s well-known handloom centres.

Positioned as more than a stay, Pollachi Riverhouse offers an immersive experience rooted in nature, culture and quiet luxury, reinforcing CGH Earth Saha’s focus on intimate, home-style escapes across South India.

Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the launch of Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, a boutique mountain retreat nestled amid dense pine forests near Gumkhal, marking the brand’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand. Designed as an off-the-grid escape, the property is aimed at travellers seeking slower, more meaningful stays surrounded by nature, with warm pinewood interiors, open terraces, and uninterrupted valley views.

All rooms feature private balconies overlooking forested landscapes, while select indulgent havens offer access to open terraces facing the pool and the valley beyond. The retreat is positioned for leisure holidays, workcations, leadership offsites, and intimate celebrations, while also fitting seamlessly into Sterling’s wider Uttarakhand circuit for drive-to travellers from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

The guest experience revolves around food, togetherness, and time outdoors, supported by three signature spaces: Lans Café, an all-day dining venue with valley and garden views; Sky Social, an open-air terrace for sunset gatherings, bonfires, and small celebrations; and Sky Vista, a glass-walled meeting venue overlooking the forests, designed for focused offsites and workshops.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said the new property adds a calmer, more design-led dimension to Sterling’s mountain portfolio while strengthening its presence across Uttarakhand’s key destinations. Ms. Meghna Bhatnagar of Dev Bhoomi added that partnering with Sterling brings refined hospitality and national scale to their Lansdowne vision.

With curated regional cuisine, a swimming pool, wellness facilities, guided nature walks, bonfire evenings, and pet-friendly stays, Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne offers a well-rounded forest retreat within easy driving distance of Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Jim Corbett National Park.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC has announced the achievement of its third consecutive Green Key Certification, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable luxury hospitality in India. The hotel continues to hold the distinction of being the first hotel in India to receive the prestigious Green Key Certification, highlighting its long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical operations.

This recognition reaffirms Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s consistent efforts to embed sustainability into the core of its luxury hospitality operations, while meeting stringent international benchmarks year after year.

Commenting on the achievement, Ms. Neha Chhabra, General Manager, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, said, “Achieving the Green Key Certification for the third consecutive year is a moment of immense pride for our entire team. Being the first hotel in India to receive this globally respected certification makes this recognition even more meaningful for us. It reflects our belief that sustainability is not a one-time initiative, but an ongoing commitment that shapes the way we operate, innovate, and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences to our guests.”

Demonstrating strong leadership in clean energy adoption, Sofitel Mumbai BKC now sources 78% of its total energy consumption from green energy. This transition marks a significant step in reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint and reflects a strategic focus on renewable energy solutions and operational efficiency, without compromising on guest comfort or luxury.

The hotel has also made measurable progress in responsible food management. In 2025, Sofitel Mumbai BKC achieved a reduction of 31,019 kilograms of food waste compared to 2024. This milestone was driven by improved forecasting, thoughtful planning, and conscious kitchen practices, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to minimizing waste across its culinary operations.

Water stewardship remains a key pillar of the hotel’s sustainability journey. Sofitel Mumbai BKC has implemented advanced water-efficient automation systems to reduce overall water consumption. The Intellipool System enables real-time monitoring of swimming pool water quality, reducing maintenance needs and saving approximately 120 KL of water per month while using Diversey-certified eco-friendly products. Additionally, the Intellitower System automates chemical dosing and optimises cooling tower water quality, resulting in further water conservation of around 150 KL per month.

The third consecutive Green Key Certification adds to a strong year for Sofitel Mumbai BKC, which received over 20 awards in 2025 across sustainability, guest experience, culinary innovation, and luxury hospitality benchmarks. Together, these recognitions reinforce the hotel’s position as a destination that seamlessly blends conscious luxury with world-class experiences, setting new standards for responsible hospitality in India.