IHCL Expands Its Footprint in The Middle East with Two New Taj Hotels in Bahrain

IHCL Expands Its Footprint in The Middle East with Two New Taj Hotels in Bahrain

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 5, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of two new properties in the Kingdom of Bahrain under its iconic Taj brand. This strategic expansion marks IHCL as the first Indian hospitality company to establish a presence in Bahrain, further strengthening its footprint in the Middle East.

“We are pleased to announce two hotels in the island nation of Bahrain in line with our strategy of growing Taj’s presence in key gateway cities of the world. With a portfolio of seven hotels, including four under development in the Middle East, these hotels will extend our presence in the MENA region,” stated Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL.

The first property, a luxury resort in Hamala, will offer 251 elegantly designed rooms that reflect the serene ambiance of the island. This resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a swimming pool, and an exclusive beach club. Designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, the resort will also include wellness areas such as a state-of-the-art gym and a tranquil spa. The resort’s 1,200 sq.mt banquet facilities will cater to grand events and celebrations, positioning it as a key player in Bahrain’s emerging leisure sector.

In Downtown Seef, Manama, IHCL will introduce a 200-room Taj hotel strategically located in the heart of Bahrain’s bustling capital. This hotel is designed to cater to both business travelers and tourists, offering world-class wellness facilities, including a modern gym, spa, and swimming pool. Guests will enjoy a variety of culinary experiences from all-day dining and specialty restaurants to an exclusive pool bar. The Downtown Seef hotel will also feature banquet areas tailored for meetings, corporate events, and weddings.

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“We are delighted to partner with Kingdom Projects to introduce the iconic Taj with its world-class hospitality, elevating Bahrain’s tourism landscape,” added Puneet Chhatwal.

Jalal Al Wazzan, Managing Director of Kingdom Projects W.L.L, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are delighted to welcome the prestigious and world-renowned Taj brand, a first for Bahrain, which will work towards attracting tourists in greater numbers from across the region and around the globe, thereby enhancing the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP. In line with the Economic Vision 2030 driven by the Crown Prince, partnering with leading leisure and hospitality brands exemplifies Kingdom Projects’ vested commitment to contribute to the development and growth of the tourism sector and thereby, the diversification of the national economy.”

With these new additions, IHCL now has a presence of seven hotels with four under development in the Middle East, highlighting their commitment to expanding their luxury hospitality footprint in the region.

About the Owner

Kingdom Projects W.L.L is a pioneering company in the real estate sector, renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence. Driven by the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030, Kingdom Projects stands as one of the most esteemed and significant real estate development firms in Bahrain. The company is a diversified business group with various activities and services catering to the industry’s requirements in Bahrain.

About The Indian Hotels Company Limited

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 the most discerning travelers, ranked as World’s Strongest Hotel Brand 2024 and India’s Strongest Brand 2024 by Brand Finance; SeleQtions, a named collection of hotels; Vivanta, sophisticated upscale hotels; and Ginger, which is revolutionizing the lean luxe segment.

Incorporated by the founder of the Tata Group, Jamsetji Tata, IHCL opened its first hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, in Bombay in 1903. IHCL has a portfolio of 326 hotels, including 102 under development globally across four continents, 13 countries, and in over 130 locations. It is India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalization and is listed on the BSE and NSE.


This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

She held your hand through every beginning. She gave you comfort, courage, and quiet strength.
This Mother’s Day, gift her something more—an escape that speaks to the soul.

These handpicked destinations are not just getaways; they are sanctuaries of stillness, beauty, and presence.
For the woman who gave you everything, give her something that lingers:
A view she’ll remember. A morning with no agenda. A moment entirely her own.

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  • INDONESIA
    The Legian Seminyak, Bali
    Where the Ocean Whispers Serenity
    A beachfront haven for total rest. From sunrise yoga to sunset dinners, The Legian is where she can finally just be.

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  • MALDIVES
    InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
    Where Time Pauses & Beautiful Moments Unfold
    Turquoise waters, soft silence, and her own private deck. Let her spend golden days exactly as she chooses—in barefoot luxury.

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  • CROATIA
    Lošinj Hotels & Villas
    An Island Retreat Where She Can Breathe Again
    On a serene Adriatic isle, these spa sanctuaries offer more than luxury—they offer renewal.
    Hotel Bellevue | Boutique Hotel Alhambra

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  • FRANCE
    Courchevel
    Pristine Alpine Bliss – Just For Her
    A high-altitude haven where spa days and fresh air bring pure calm. The perfect pause for moms who never stop.

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  • FRANCE
    Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
    Because She Deserves Some Retail Indulgence
    Treat her to a Parisian shopping spree—fashion, personal stylists, rooftop views, and champagne to toast it all.

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  • NETHERLANDS
    De L’Europe Amsterdam
    Canal Views, Michelin Moments & Timeless Grace
    In the heart of the city, let her unwind in a place of elegance, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina
    Alpine Stillness for the Woman Who Does It All
    Surrounded by quiet grandeur, this retreat invites her to rest, reflect, and reconnect—with herself.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
    Where Every Moment is a Breath of Fresh Alpine Air
    Opening this summer. Let her embrace the magic of the Alps—sunlit, soothing, and utterly serene.

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  • UNITED KINGDOM
    Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
    A City Escape for the Woman Who’s Given You Everything
    Let her see London her way—spa indulgence, Nobu dining, and a five-star stay crafted just for her.

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  • VIT Incoming
    Her European Summer, Curated Just for Her
    Private drivers. Curated hotels. Personal stories waiting to be written.
    Craft a journey that feels as intentional and extraordinary as she is.

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This Year, Let Your Love Travel Farther
Because this day isn’t just about celebrating her—it’s about honouring all the ways she made life beautiful.
Give her time. Give her wonder. Give her the world.


Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

Anantara Hotels, the luxury brand by Minor Hotels, has made a striking debut in Vienna, Austria, by transforming the historic Palais Hansen into the city’s first urban luxury resort. With this, Anantara brings its signature blend of Thai-inspired hospitality and European grandeur to the heart of the Austrian capital.

Originally designed by Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen, the neo-Renaissance palace has a legacy spanning over 150 years, having once served as both a residential complex and a public administration building. Following a meticulous renovation, the building now offers 152 guest rooms and suites, including a lavish 270m² Presidential Suite. Complete with seven French balconies, a piano for private concerts, and a wellness space with a marble bath, the suite can expand to a sprawling 408m² four-bedroom configuration upon request.

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The hotel is equipped with modern luxury comforts while preserving the architectural charm of old Vienna. Guests can enjoy high ceilings, oversized windows, and triple-glazing for comfort and quiet. The property also includes the 800m² Anantara Spa, three elegant dining venues, eight versatile meeting spaces, an executive boardroom, a private reading room, and a ballroom for up to 265 guests — making it an attractive choice for both leisure and business travellers.

This marks another major step in Anantara’s European expansion, joining a portfolio of over 50 luxury properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Earlier this year, Minor Hotels also announced plans to develop a new Anantara resort in Egypt, further extending the brand’s reach in key international destinations.

With its Vienna debut, Anantara not only celebrates the preservation of heritage architecture but also sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city — where timeless elegance meets contemporary service.


Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

In a playful twist on vacation planning, Marriott Bonvoy has introduced “Travel Roulette”, a digital experience designed to inject spontaneity into trip bookings—just as it celebrates a huge milestone: 1 million hotel rooms across the U.S.

Inspired by the viral “vacation roulette” trend on social media, the new initiative invites Marriott Bonvoy members to spin a virtual wheel at MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com for a chance to instantly win prizes, including stays at premium hotels and the grand prize of 1 million Marriott Bonvoy points plus a four-night stay at the newly opened Canal House of Georgetown.

Running from May 7 to May 26, this initiative brings excitement back into travel decisions, allowing travelers to discover destinations at random—fitting with Marriott’s recent survey that revealed 43% of Americans are open to booking unplanned or surprise getaways.

The campaign also highlights Marriott’s 1-millionth U.S. room, located in the Canal House of Georgetown, part of the fast-growing Tribute Portfolio. Nestled in historic Washington, D.C., this boutique property features design-rich accommodations, including specialty suites, townhomes, a library lounge, and a private courtyard.

Besides the grand prize, members may win Marriott Bonvoy points or complimentary two-night stays at select properties such as:

  • AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea

  • ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

  • JW Marriott Las Vegas

  • Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

  • W New York – Union Square, among others.

“Travel roulette embraces the excitement of the unexpected,” says Peggy Roe, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at Marriott International. “With over 30 brands and 10,000 destinations, we want to celebrate this milestone by giving travelers a fun new way to explore.”

With Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio, members can redeem points not just for hotel stays, but also for exclusive experiences via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, immersive local activities, or even luxury hotel products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

Ready to ditch the plan and let the wheel decide? Head to MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com and give your next trip a spontaneous spin.

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