Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake: Your Gateway to Changshu's Rich Culture and Scenic Beauty

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Published on November 2, 2023

Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently unveiled the Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake, marking its debut as the first international brand hotel in this vibrant city. Located on the east bank of Kuncheng Lake, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the lake, city, mountains, and sunsets, making it an ideal retreat for travelers.

Situated just an hour's drive from Suzhou, Wuxi, and Shanghai, and conveniently connected to Changshu's intercity train network, the Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the major metropolitan areas. Known for its natural beauty, where green mountains blend seamlessly with the city and rivers flow into the sea, Changshu has preserved its rich cultural heritage, characterized by the delicate, graceful, and refined Wu culture.

Frank Chen, the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake, warmly welcomes guests to this new destination. He notes that the hotel offers modern guestrooms, delightful culinary experiences, and versatile event spaces, all accompanied by thoughtful service. It's a place that promises a vibrant and unique experience in Changshu, making it an ideal choice for both tourists and event planners.

Owned by fashion and textile giant Bosideng, the hotel seamlessly combines modernity with traditional cultural elements. The contemporary design incorporates feathers and the timeless charm of the traditional guqin instrument, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere throughout the hotel. Every corner is adorned with artwork, murals, and motifs that transform the spaces into sophisticated galleries.

Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake boasts 289 spacious guestrooms and suites, ranging from 430 to 1,722 square feet (40 to 160 square meters). These contemporary rooms feature plush fabrics, marble bathrooms, work desks, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the lake or city. High-speed Wi-Fi, a Bluetooth sound system, and satellite TV keep guests connected and entertained. For those staying with family or for an extended period, the hotel offers two-bedroom suites with additional space, and the Presidential Suite on the 33rd floor provides a residential-style retreat complete with a dining room, kitchen, and study.

Dining at the hotel is an experience in itself. Four distinct dining venues on the 36th to 38th floors cater to a variety of tastes. Market Café, offering international flavors and abundant buffet selections, is open throughout the day. Xiang Yue, known for local and Zhejiang Chinese specialties crafted with fresh seasonal ingredients, provides eight exclusive private dining room settings. Yinxiu 36 offers authentic teppanyaki experiences with live cooking shows, and in the evening, The Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind, offering signature canapés and cocktails in a relaxed setting with live music.

If you're considering hosting an event, Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake offers over 25,994 square feet (2,415 square meters) of versatile event spaces. The Regency Ballroom, with its spacious 9,149 square feet (850 square meters), separate lounge area, built-in LED screen, and French windows, can accommodate events of various sizes. The hotel also features ten meeting rooms and boardrooms equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, along with exclusive spaces suitable for private parties and VIP events.

World of Hyatt Membership Benefits

World of Hyatt members will have more reasons to stay at this new property. From November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Regency Changshu Kuncheng Lake, adding to their list of rewards. No registration is required, and this offer can be combined with other promotions.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

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Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

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A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

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Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.