IHCL Expands in Bhutan with New SeleQtions Hotel in Thimphu

IHCL Expands in Bhutan with New SeleQtions Hotel in Thimphu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 19, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has strengthened its presence in Bhutan by signing an 83-key hotel in Thimphu. This hotel will be rebranded as an IHCL SeleQtions property.

“We are delighted to expand our presence in Bhutan. The country’s growing popularity as a short-haul international getaway, particularly among Indian travelers, presents a significant opportunity for us. Thimphu’s strategic location makes it a natural inclusion in the popular Paro – Thimphu – Phobjikha itinerary, allowing us to create a seamless circuit for those seeking to explore this Himalayan kingdom,” said Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL.

The hotel conversion will enhance the interiors and offer a diverse range of dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop restaurant with stunning views. The hotel will also feature wellness areas such as a gym, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a spa.

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“We are excited to join hands with IHCL, with its legacy of pioneering destinations in the Indian Subcontinent. This partnership will be invaluable in establishing the hotel as the leading choice for travelers visiting Thimphu,” said Ugen Penjor, CEO of Yarkay Group.

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage and is becoming a growing economic center. This expansion strengthens IHCL’s presence in Bhutan, with three hotels under development.

About Yarkay Group:

Yarkay Group, a family-owned business founded in 1970, operates across construction, commercial real estate, hospitality, tours & travels, and film production. The group has undertaken several construction projects over the last five decades. Mr. Ugen Penjor serves as the CEO of Yarkay Group Pvt. Ltd., and Ms. Phub Zam, one of the promoters, was the first woman President of the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce & Industry from 2016 to 2021.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL):

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its subsidiaries bring together a group of brands and businesses that offer a fusion of warm Indian hospitality and world-class service. These include Taj, the iconic brand for discerning travelers, ranked as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India’s Strongest Brand 2023 by Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionizing the lean luxe segment.

Founded by Jamsetji Tata, the company opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 322 hotels, including 99 under development, across four continents, 13 countries, and over 130 locations. IHCL is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization and is listed on the BSE and NSE.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1st to 19th  August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.


ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

By Hariharan U

Published on August 6, 2026

ELIVAAS has strengthened its presence in Jim Corbett with the launch of five new hospitality experiences Farm Naturelle, Sylvaara, Puvalgarh Farms, Aranya Library, and Dhela Jungle Retreat, expanding its portfolio in one of India's fastest-growing wildlife and leisure destinations.

The expansion reflects the evolving preferences of modern travellers, who are increasingly seeking immersive, experience-led holidays over conventional hotel stays. Together, the five properties offer diverse accommodation formats ranging from luxury farm stays and boutique retreats to private villas and full-service resort experiences, all underpinned by ELIVAAS' focus on personalised hospitality.

Farm Naturelle is an eight-acre farm retreat surrounded by orchards, organic farmland, and lush green landscapes, offering guests a luxury villa experience inspired by slow rural living.

Sylvaara has been designed as an intimate boutique retreat, catering to couples, families, and small groups looking for contemporary luxury amidst nature.

Puvalgarh Farms combines the charm of an English countryside estate with the serenity of Jim Corbett's wilderness. The property features a four-bedroom villa and a cottage-style suite, making it ideal for exclusive family holidays and group getaways.

Aranya Library introduces thoughtfully designed row villas featuring landscaped surroundings, dedicated reading spaces, and private accommodations suited for extended family vacations and longer stays.

Completing the collection, Dhela Jungle Retreat offers a nature-inspired resort experience with spacious suites, duplex accommodations, dining venues, and recreational facilities designed to complement the natural landscape of Jim Corbett.

Across all five properties, guests can enjoy curated destination experiences including wildlife safaris, bonfire evenings, farm activities, outdoor dining, private celebrations, and personalised concierge services, allowing visitors to experience Jim Corbett beyond the traditional hotel stay.

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Commenting on the expansion, Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, said that Jim Corbett has evolved into much more than a wildlife destination, with travellers increasingly seeking authentic, immersive, and personalised hospitality experiences. He added that the five new properties have been developed to cater to different travel preferences while maintaining ELIVAAS' commitment to thoughtful design, exceptional service, and memorable stays.

The latest expansion reinforces ELIVAAS' strategy of building destination-led hospitality experiences that provide travellers with the flexibility to choose between farm stays, boutique retreats, luxury villas, and resort accommodations under a single hospitality brand.


Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

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