IHCL Goa Resorts Partners with Bisleri International to Drive Sustainability with ‘Bench of Dreams’ Project

IHCL Goa Resorts Partners with Bisleri International to Drive Sustainability with ‘Bench of Dreams’ Project

By Author

Published on January 13, 2025

In a pioneering initiative that underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and community well-being, IHCL Goa Resorts has partnered with Bisleri International on their inspiring ‘Bench of Dreams’ project. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with IHCL’s forward-thinking Paathya framework, which focuses on sustainability, social impact, and creating holistic experiences for guests and the larger community.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

The partnership between IHCL Goa Resorts and Bisleri International reflects a mutual vision of promoting a sustainable future. The ‘Bench of Dreams’ project involves the creation and installation of benches crafted entirely from recycled plastic. This initiative highlights a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste while delivering meaningful community impact. Each bench stands as a symbol of environmental responsibility and serves as a functional asset for guests at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

Leadership Perspectives

Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President - Operations, Goa, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “Sustainability is at the core of IHCL’s Paathya initiatives, and our collaboration with Bisleri International exemplifies our dedication to creating tangible change. Through the ‘Bench of Dreams’ project, we aim to inspire individuals and organizations to think innovatively about recycling and to join us in building a greener tomorrow.”

Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, also commented: “At Bisleri International, we are honoured to partner with IHCL on our ‘Bench of Dreams’ initiative. This project highlights our commitment to closing the loop in plastic waste management and showcases how innovative solutions can drive sustainable development and a circular economy. Through this collaboration, IHCL and Bisleri International invite all stakeholders, guests, and residents to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we aspire to create a future where sustainability is an integral part of everyday life.”

Aesthetic and Functional Excellence

Crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps, the benches are a testament to hope, responsibility, and collective progress. Adding to their aesthetic appeal, the benches feature backdrops painted by artists from Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). The initiative leverages Bisleri International’s expertise in plastic recycling and IHCL Goa Resorts’ commitment to sustainable practices, delivering a product that is environmentally friendly and community-centric.

Promoting Awareness and Action

Strategically placed in prominent locations across Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, these benches not only provide functional seating solutions but also create awareness among in-house guests and staff about the importance of recycling and reducing environmental impact.

The ‘Bench of Dreams’ project is more than just a sustainability initiative; it is a call to action for communities to rethink plastic waste and its potential. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of recycling, IHCL Goa Resorts and Bisleri International are setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Opens Cygnett Collection Jim Corbett

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Opens Cygnett Collection Jim Corbett

By Hariharan U

Published on August 21, 2026

Homegrown hospitality chain Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has opened Cygnett Collection Jim Corbett, a 50-key resort near Ramnagar in Uttarakhand. The property is now part of Trademark Collection by Wyndham, adding to Cygnett's destination-focused portfolio and strengthening its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Located along the Umedpur–Chilkiya belt, the resort offers easy access to Jim Corbett National Park while also remaining connected to Ramnagar and other popular attractions in the region. Its location is suited to travellers visiting Corbett for wildlife experiences, family holidays, short leisure trips, corporate retreats and social occasions.

The resort features 50 rooms, each measuring close to 400 sq. ft., with layouts aimed at longer and more relaxed stays. Guests can dine at C Pavilion, the property's all-day dining restaurant serving Indian, regional and international cuisine. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and landscaped outdoor areas.

Along with its leisure facilities, the resort has a strong focus on meetings and events. Summit, its approximately 3,000 sq. ft. conference and banquet venue, can host up to 250 guests depending on the event format. The venue, along with the outdoor spaces, is designed to cater to corporate offsites, intimate destination weddings and private celebrations.

"Jim Corbett has developed into a strong year-round leisure market, with demand extending beyond wildlife travel to family holidays, celebrations and corporate retreats. For us, this opening is also an important expression of what Cygnett Collection is intended to represent. We want to bring together destination-led properties that have a clear sense of place and an individual identity, while giving guests the consistency of service and operating standards associated with Cygnett," said Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

The resort combines its destination-led character with Cygnett's hospitality experience and the reach of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Its association with Wyndham is expected to improve its visibility among domestic and international travellers while supporting Cygnett's plans to develop hotels in high-potential leisure destinations.

The opening also adds to Cygnett's efforts to build Cygnett Collection as a distinctive midscale portfolio featuring boutique resorts, heritage conversions and properties where the destination plays an important role in the guest experience. Hotels under the Collection are designed to retain their individual architectural and local character while following common standards of contemporary hospitality and the company's Cygnetture service framework.

With Cygnett Collection Jim Corbett, the group is expanding its presence in one of North India's established wildlife and drive-to leisure markets. The property brings together access to the Corbett landscape, accommodation, dining and event facilities for a range of travellers.

The resort's inclusion in Trademark Collection by Wyndham also highlights the growing collaboration between Cygnett Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts as both companies explore further growth opportunities across India and South Asia.

Commenting on the milestone, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, "When we started Cygnett twelve years ago, we were convinced that India's hospitality growth story would increasingly be shaped by emerging cities and untapped destinations. The North East, pilgrimage centres and regional markets offered immense potential, and our strategy was built around participating in this transformation long before it became an industry trend."

He further added, "As we enter the next phase of growth, our focus is on creating a globally connected hospitality platform rooted in regional India. Our partnership with Wyndham, expanding portfolio of brands and strong development pipeline position us well to capitalize on the evolving travel landscape and create long-term value for our stakeholders."

Cygnett expects India's hospitality growth to be increasingly driven by spiritual tourism, experiential travel, destination weddings and infrastructure-led commercial corridors. The company believes emerging destinations beyond traditional metropolitan markets will offer significant opportunities in the coming years.

As part of its growth plans, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has set a target of surpassing 100+ hotels and 10,000+ keys by 2030, as it looks to expand its presence across India and South Asia.


Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

Fusion Hotel Group Integrates Ayola and Odua Brands from Topotels

By Hariharan U

Published on August 20, 2026

Fusion Hotel Group has announced the integration of Ayola and Odua, two midscale Indonesian hotel brands operated by Topotels Hotels & Resorts, into its expanding regional portfolio. The move adds seven hotels to Fusion's portfolio and strengthens its presence in Indonesia and the wider Southeast Asian hospitality market.

Topotels currently operates seven midscale hotels across key Indonesian destinations under the Ayola and Odua brands. The properties serve both business and leisure travellers, with a presence in cities including Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, as well as other regional markets.

Following the integration, Ayola and Odua will continue to operate under their existing brand identities. The hotels will benefit from Fusion Hotel Group's regional expertise, commercial platforms and operational support, with the integration expected to strengthen service consistency, distribution and access to Fusion's growing regional network.

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Commenting on the development, Willy Suderes, Chief Operating Officer, Topotels Hotels & Resorts, said, "This integration marks an exciting new chapter for Topotels. Joining Fusion will open new doors for our business, allowing us to deliver a better experience for our guests and provide stronger support for our owners. We're confident that the integration with Fusion will bring fresh momentum to our hotels and teams."

The addition of the two brands expands Fusion's collection of midscale hospitality offerings while providing a stronger operating platform across Indonesia. The country represents an important market for the group, with its major urban centres and regional destinations continuing to attract both domestic and international travellers.

Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Hotel Group, said, "We're delighted to welcome Topotels into the Fusion family. Their strong roots in Indonesia combined with Fusion's expertise will unlock new opportunities in key destinations across the country. This partnership strengthens our regional presence and supports our long-term vision for growth across Southeast Asia."

The integration forms part of Fusion Hotel Group's wider strategy of expanding its portfolio through partnerships and strengthening its presence across key Southeast Asian travel markets. The move also broadens the group's offering across different hospitality segments while retaining the individual identities of its established hotel brands.

Founded in 2008, Fusion Hotel Group operates 26 properties across Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, with a portfolio of eight brands. The group is known for wellness-focused hospitality and lifestyle concepts, alongside capabilities spanning hotel management, concept development and brand creation.

Fusion also operates in the branded residences segment, which continues to grow across the Asia-Pacific region.

With the integration of Ayola and Odua, Fusion Hotel Group further strengthens its position as a regional hospitality platform while expanding its operational footprint in Indonesia.


Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur Introduces Helicopter Arrivals for Destination Weddings

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2026

Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur has introduced helicopter arrivals for wedding couples, adding an aerial experience to its destination wedding offering in Jaipur.

Managed by Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, the 40-acre resort features 351 rooms along with extensive indoor and outdoor event spaces. The new offering gives couples the option to include a helicopter arrival as part of their wedding itinerary, turning their entry into a memorable part of the overall celebration.

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The move comes as India's luxury destination wedding market continues to see a growing demand for personalised experiences. Families are increasingly looking beyond décor and traditional hospitality, focusing on creating memorable moments throughout the wedding, from guest experiences and entertainment to the couple's arrival.

For destination wedding resorts, this has also changed the way celebrations are planned. Instead of simply providing accommodation and event spaces, properties are increasingly building complete wedding experiences that can adapt to the specific requirements of each family.

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Ravindra Pratap Singh, Chairman, Ravi Surya Group and owner of Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur, said, "Destination weddings have become much more personal. Families are no longer looking only for a beautiful venue; they want to create moments that feel specific to them and that guests will remember. An aerial arrival is one such experience. At Ananta Jaipur, our scale gives us the flexibility to think beyond conventional wedding formats and work with families on how the entire celebration unfolds, from the arrival to the ceremonies and experiences in between."

Destination weddings and MICE remain key demand segments for Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur. The resort has 12 venues, including multiple indoor banquet spaces and large outdoor lawns.

One of its key event spaces is the 70,000 sq. ft. Suijin Lawn. The resort also features a dedicated 16-pillared, Vastu-compliant ceremonial Pagoda, designed for traditional wedding rituals including ghudchadi, baraat, and jaimala. The wedding offering is supported by accommodation across five categories, along with wellness and leisure facilities, landscaped areas and multiple dining experiences. This allows families to host multi-day celebrations largely within the resort.

With Jaipur already established as one of India's leading destination wedding markets, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts expects personalised and experience-led celebrations to play a larger role in how luxury wedding resorts plan and deliver destination weddings.

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