IHCL Expands its Reach with New Vivanta Hotel in Talegaon, Pune

IHCL Expands its Reach with New Vivanta Hotel in Talegaon, Pune

By Author

Published on December 26, 2023

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the country's largest hospitality firm, has announced a significant addition to its portfolio with the signing of a new hotel in Talegaon, Pune. This greenfield project, set to be branded as Vivanta, solidifies IHCL's foothold in Pune, a pivotal commercial city in Maharashtra. Talegaon, renowned for its role in the automobile and manufacturing sectors, is experiencing continued growth due to escalating infrastructure development.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, expressed enthusiasm for this fifth venture in Pune and the partnership with RMK Infrastructure Pvt Ltd. She highlighted the strategic importance of Talegaon and its proximity to leading multinational companies.

Strategically located on Talegaon MIDC road, the 140-key hotel sprawls over 2.5 acres, offering convenient access to prominent businesses. The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including the all-day diner Mynt, a specialty restaurant, Wink bar featuring over 4,000 sq.ft. of banquet space, and recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, and spa.

Founder of RMK Infrastructure Pvt Ltd., Mr. Ramdas Kakade, expressed pleasure in collaborating with IHCL, acknowledging their leadership in India’s hospitality industry. He emphasized the distinctive experience that the Vivanta brand will bring to Talegaon.

Pune, a dynamic metropolis in Maharashtra, renowned for seamlessly blending modernity with tradition, stands as a major hub for manufacturing, IT, and education. With this new addition, IHCL's presence in Maharashtra will encompass a total of 33 hotels under its SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger brands, with 11 more in various stages of development. This expansion reflects IHCL's commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences across key markets in India.


ELIVAAS and Aranayam Unveil Amayah – Goa’s First Sustainable Luxury Villa Community

ELIVAAS and Aranayam Unveil Amayah – Goa’s First Sustainable Luxury Villa Community

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 1, 2025

In a major step toward redefining eco-conscious living in India’s favourite holiday state, ELIVAAS, a leading curator of premium vacation experiences, has joined hands with luxury villa developer Aranayam to launch Amayah—Goa’s first sustainable luxury villa community. Located in the lush neighbourhood of Assagao, Amayah blends the charm of Indo-Portuguese architecture with cutting-edge green technologies and timeless comforts.

Spread across 25,700 sq. ft., Amayah consists of nine meticulously crafted villas, including eight 3 BHKs and one 4 BHK, each thoughtfully designed with handcrafted teakwood finishes, natural lime plaster walls, and elegant balconies. These elements not only exude old-world charm but also ensure energy efficiency and climate adaptability.

At the heart of the project lies a commitment to sustainability. Amayah is one of the first villa communities in Goa to be GRIHA-certified—a prestigious green rating that ensures environmentally responsible construction and operations. The project is designed around sustainable development practices such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy systems, efficient water treatment and reuse, and eco-friendly materials.

But Amayah doesn’t just stop at responsible construction—it elevates the concept of luxury living. Each villa comes with private swimming pools, spa and sauna rooms, open-to-sky showers, private landscaped gardens, and state-of-the-art kitchens fitted with premium appliances. A mix of Portuguese tiles, terrazzo flooring, and authentic local craftsmanship create a serene, rooted aesthetic that mirrors Goa’s relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle.

“At ELIVAAS, we’ve always believed that luxury doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet,” says Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS. “With Amayah, we’re creating a product that is beautiful, culturally grounded, and environmentally future-ready. We’re not just building villas; we’re curating soulful living experiences.”

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Aranayam, known for its commitment to thoughtful architecture and context-aware design, brings its deep understanding of local building styles and sustainability to this project. Varun Maheshwari, Founder of Aranayam, shares, “We believe that our homes should reflect harmony with their surroundings. Amayah is designed to be timeless—rooted in Goan heritage, but forward-thinking in function and sustainability. This collaboration with ELIVAAS has allowed us to create something truly special.”

Amayah's location in Assagao, one of Goa’s most sought-after residential areas, adds to its charm. Known for its greenery, peaceful vibe, and proximity to beaches like Vagator and Anjuna, Assagao is rapidly becoming the preferred address for those seeking both serenity and sophistication.

In an era where real estate is often viewed through the lens of returns and convenience, Amayah is a refreshing example of “luxury with purpose.” The project stands as a benchmark for regenerative tourism and sustainable living in Goa, setting a precedent for future developments in the region.

Whether as a private residence, vacation home, or investment, Amayah by ELIVAAS and Aranayam offers a chance to own a piece of Goa that not only promises elegance but also leaves a lighter footprint on the planet.


Taj Expands Footprint with New Signing in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh

Taj Expands Footprint with New Signing in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality firm, has announced the signing of a new Taj-branded hotel in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh. This brownfield project marks the brand's strategic expansion into a serene, relatively unexplored hill station in the Sirmaur district.

The upcoming 120-key Taj Naina Tikker will offer uninterrupted views of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. The resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, bar, and a lobby lounge. For events and celebrations, it will include a spacious 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall, meeting rooms, and pre-function areas. Wellness facilities such as a heated pool, gym, spa, health club, and activity centre aim to enhance the experience for both leisure and group travellers.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice PresidentReal Estate & Development, IHCL, stated, “Naina Tikker represents a unique opportunity for the Taj brand to mark its presence in a relatively unexplored part of Himachal Pradesh... It is poised to become a sought-after destination for leisure, MICE and social celebrations.”

Located amidst protected forests, Naina Tikker is a tranquil destination known for its pristine beauty, spiritual heritage, and vibrant biodiversity. With landmarks like the Mata Naina Tikker shrine and Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple, the area holds strong appeal for both spiritual and nature-loving travellers.

Mr. Sachin Kapoor and Ms. Sagarika Kapoor of Micro Turners Group, the hotel’s development partner, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL for another project and bring the iconic Taj brand to Naina Tikker. This collaboration will redefine luxury hospitality in the region.”

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 13 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, including eight currently under development, further strengthening its foothold in the North Indian hospitality market and forming a travel circuit across Chandigarh, Chail, Theog, and Dehradun.


DeVANS GianChand Manshaa Wins Big at ISW Germany, Crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025"

DeVANS GianChand Manshaa Wins Big at ISW Germany, Crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025"

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

In a landmark win for Indian spirits, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa has been crowned "International Whisky of the Year 2025" at the renowned Meininger’s International Spirits Award (ISW) held in Germany. The peated single malt not only secured the prestigious Grand Gold but also emerged as the top international whisky, outshining legendary competitors from whisky powerhouses like Scotland, Ireland, and the USA.

Out of 450 global spirit entries, only 11 earned the coveted Grand Gold, DeVANS GianChand Manshaa being the only Indian whisky to achieve this. This dual honour reflects the growing sophistication and recognition of Indian whiskies on a global platform.

The latest expression from DeVANS, GianChand Manshaa is the brand’s first peated single malt, crafted in the Himalayan region. The whisky impressed the international jury with its "long medicinal peat smoke, perfectly framed by citrus and spicy flavours." Esteemed whisky critic and author of the Whisky Bible, Jim Murray, praised it for its “charming smokiness, with peat in sparkling form.”

Crafted using pure Himalayan waters and shaped by the region’s distinct microclimate, GianChand Manshaa stands as a symbol of India’s potential in the premium single malt category. The win adds to the growing list of accolades for DeVANS, following their recent victories at the International Whisky Competition (IWC) in Las Vegas, where GianChand Adambaraa was named Best Indian Single Malt Whisky 2025 and Best Indian Whisky of the Year 2025.

“This prestigious Grand Gold and INTERNATIONAL WHISKY OF THE YEAR award at ISW Meininger, Germany 2025 is a great recognition of our passion, craft and commitment to quality,” said Prem Dewan, Chairman and Managing Director of DeVANS. “It’s not only a victory for DeVANS, but also a recognition of India’s growing role in the global whisky space.”

Speaking on the brand's journey, Dewan added, “GianChand Manshaa and GianChand Adambaraa represent two facets of our legacy, one bold and peated, the latter refined and elegant. Their success is a tribute to our team’s hard work and a reaffirmation of India’s place in the world of single malts.”

Currently available in Delhi and Hyderabad duty-free, both GianChand expressions will soon hit retail shelves in Haryana and Goa. These achievements underline DeVANS’ commitment to excellence and its vision to elevate Indian whisky to global acclaim.

For whisky lovers and industry insiders alike, this moment is not just a triumph, it’s a proud celebration of the craftsmanship and innovation coming out of India’s distilleries today.

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