Great Trails Yercaud by GRT Hotels has unveiled an innovative corporate initiative titled “GReaT Green Meetings”, blending sustainability with hospitality. Created in partnership with ECO INDEX, this one-of-a-kind offering is designed to provide corporate guests with a fully integrated eco-conscious meeting experience at the scenic Yercaud property.

The new concept reflects GRT Hotels’ growing focus on responsible tourism and climate action. It redefines business meets by incorporating carbon footprint calculations, a plant-based no-oil, no-boil menu, and carbon offsetting through tree planting, all aimed at reducing the environmental impact of traditional corporate events.

Key Features of GReaT Green Meetings:

•  Carbon Footprint Calculation: The ECO INDEX application tracks emissions from travel, food waste, dry waste, and more, offering participants clear insights into their environmental impact.
  

•  GReaT Raw Cuisine: A no-boil, no-oil culinary approach that aligns wellness with eco-conscious living.
  

•  Sustainable Amenities: Everything from biodegradable toiletries to plastic-free setups ensure minimal ecological disturbance.
  

•  Carbon Offsetting: Trees are planted within the resort premises for every event hosted, contributing to long-term carbon absorption.
  

•  Plant Gifts: Each participant receives a plant sapling as a symbol of growth and sustainability.
  

The GReaT Raw Cuisine: Cooking for a Cooler Planet

This initiative also introduces a “No-Boil, No-Oil Revolution” — a low-impact cooking method that skips boiling and oil-based techniques, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Why It Matters

Conventional cooking methods involve:

• Use of fossil fuels or electricity
  

• Extraction and refinement of oils
  

• Packaging, refrigeration, and food processing
  

These activities contribute heavily to carbon emissions. In contrast, no-oil, no-boil cooking requires minimal energy, aligning with a healthier and environmentally-conscious lifestyle.

Carbon Comparison: What does 70 kg CO₂e saving mean?

•  Equivalent to driving a car for 280 km
  

•  Charging 9,000 smartphones
  

•  Saving  3 mature trees’ annual CO₂ offset

GReaT Green Menu Highlights

• Neer More
  

• Muringai Keerai Vadai
  

• Vazahakkai Poriyal
  

• Vellarika Thayir Pachadi
  

• Aval Puliohara
  

• Aval Sadham
  

• Pacha Puli Rasam

With GReaT Green Meetings, Great Trails Yercaud invites businesses to not only connect and collaborate, but also contribute to a greener planet. This initiative is a thoughtful blend of innovation, tradition, and sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-conscious corporate hospitality in India.

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. has announced the signing of a new property under its premium Aurika Hotels & Resorts brand in Surat, Gujarat, marking another milestone in the group’s expansion plans. Slated to open in FY 2030, Aurika, Surat will be managed by Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.

The upcoming hotel will offer 175 elegantly designed rooms and suites, alongside Mirasa, an all-day dining restaurant, Ekaara the ballroom, Aurum the boardroom, a refreshing swimming pool, and a rejuvenating spa — all thoughtfully curated to deliver an upscale experience infused with local culture.

“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Aurika, Surat, marking our second Aurika property in Gujarat. This addition will further strengthen our presence in the state, where we currently operate seven hotels and have nine more in the pipeline,” said Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed and Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.
“Aurika, Surat, will embody our commitment to upscale hospitality, offering guests an exceptional blend of opulence and local culture. We are excited to bring our distinctive experience to this vibrant city.”

Surat, often dubbed the ‘Diamond City of India’ and the ‘Silk City,’ is globally renowned for its diamond polishing and textile industries. Beyond its industrial acclaim, the city boasts rich cultural and historical treasures like the Dutch Garden and Surat Castle, with the serene Tapi River weaving through its landscape. Its lively food scene — from street snacks to traditional Gujarati fare — makes it a paradise for culinary enthusiasts.

Aurika hotels stand out for their stylish elegance combined with a comfortably informal vibe. Designed to capture the soul of each destination, they showcase inventive dining concepts, vibrant entertainment options, and invigorating wellness facilities. Guests can expect a seamless blend of work, play, and relaxation, underscored by intuitive service that embodies the brand’s ethos: ‘beyond the unusual.’

OYO’s premium hospitality brand, SUNDAY Hotel, has unveiled India’s first Japanese-themed hotel in Gurugram, offering a unique fusion of traditional Japanese design and contemporary Indian luxury. Located at M3M SkyLoft on New Golf Course Road Extension, this expansive 217-key property spans 50,000 sq. ft. and aims to redefine immersive hospitality experiences for business travelers and Japanese expatriates alike.

Designed with precision and cultural sensitivity, the hotel features a traditional Japanese Ofuro (soaking tub), a Japanese Hammam, and a 20-seater specialty restaurant serving authentic Japanese fare—ramen, donburi, sushi, tofu, onigiri, and more. A dedicated 54-room wing has also been reserved for long-stay Japanese guests, complete with Japanese-speaking staff to ensure seamless and personalized service.

As part of a joint venture between Oravel Stays and Softbank Group, SUNDAY Hotels are positioned as premium four- and five-star properties. This particular launch stems from a strategic MoU between Oravel and M3M to develop high-end hospitality offerings across Gurgaon and NOIDA.

With Gurugram hosting one of India’s largest Japanese communities, the location is a natural choice. The city also sees strong business travel traffic, and this culturally attuned hospitality concept appeals to global executives seeking efficient service, high hygiene standards, and sophisticated design.

Aditya Sharma, Country Head, SUNDAY Hotels, shared,

“Several Japanese companies have already chosen this SUNDAY Hotel as their preferred accommodation partner. We are working with Japanese designers to incorporate traditional elements like tatami mats, minimalist interiors, and warm Japanese hospitality practices within a modern Indian setting.”

The initiative also taps into India’s growing affinity for Japanese pop culture. With the rise of anime, manga, and J-dramas, interest in Japanese cuisine is booming. Health-conscious Indian travelers are also increasingly drawn to fresh, minimally processed food, making Japanese cuisine’s balance and simplicity a perfect match.

SUNDAY Hotel aims to scale this concept further, betting on pan-India demand in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune, where Japanese dining and culture already enjoy a growing fanbase.

About SUNDAY Hotel:

SUNDAY Hotel is a premier hospitality brand under Oravel Stays, known for luxurious experiences, distinct design, and exceptional service. With a focus on personalized stays, SUNDAY properties bring global hospitality concepts to Indian travelers and international guests.