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.


The LaLiT Continues to Lead India’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Narrative

The LaLiT Continues to Lead India’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Narrative

By Hariharan U

Published on May 24, 2026

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its position as one of India’s earliest and most visible champions of LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the hospitality industry, long before diversity and inclusion became mainstream corporate conversations across the country.

As Pride-led campaigns and DEI-focused branding become increasingly prominent across India’s corporate landscape in 2026, The LaLiT stands apart for having embedded queer visibility, representation, and community engagement into its brand identity for more than a decade.

At a time when LGBTQIA+ representation remained largely absent from mainstream Indian corporate culture, the hospitality group had already begun creating inclusive spaces across hospitality, nightlife, employment, entertainment, and community-led platforms.

Under the leadership and vision associated with Keshav Suri, the group emerged as one of India’s first hospitality brands to openly champion queer visibility within luxury hospitality environments.

The organisation’s long-term commitment extended beyond symbolic campaigns, integrating LGBTQIA+ representation across workforce hiring, creative collaborations, cultural programming, nightlife experiences, and community engagement initiatives. This sustained approach helped the group establish deep cultural credibility within India’s queer community over the years.

Speaking on the brand’s philosophy, Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, said the group’s commitment to inclusion has always been rooted in creating safe and dignified spaces where individuals can freely express themselves without fear or judgment.

One of the most visible extensions of this philosophy has been Kitty Su, which evolved into one of India’s most recognised queer-safe nightlife and cultural spaces. Over the years, the platform has supported drag performers, queer artists, trans voices, underground collectives, and alternative performance cultures well before such representation entered mainstream entertainment conversations.

The venue also played a key role in normalising queer visibility within India’s luxury hospitality and nightlife ecosystem at a time when such positioning was still considered commercially risky by many brands.

Building on that legacy, The LaLiT is set to host Pure Love Nights at Kitty Su, New Delhi, throughout June 2026 as part of its Pride Month programming. The month-long cultural series will feature drag performances, trans-led showcases, immersive nightlife experiences, fashion-led concepts, creator collaborations, and digital storytelling initiatives focused on self-expression and community representation.

The initiative reflects the group’s broader philosophy of inclusion through hospitality, culture, entertainment, and storytelling, while also extending Pride conversations beyond physical venues into wider youth culture and digital communities.

As more organisations across India begin formalising LGBTQIA+ inclusion within workplace and brand strategies, The LaLiT’s early and sustained engagement continues to distinguish it as one of the few hospitality groups that helped shape queer cultural visibility in India itself.


Seré Resort Goa Redefines Luxury Travel Through Privacy and Slow Living

Seré Resort Goa Redefines Luxury Travel Through Privacy and Slow Living

By Hariharan U

Published on May 24, 2026

Seré Resort Goa is emerging as a reflection of changing luxury travel preferences in India, where travellers are increasingly prioritising privacy, personalised experiences, and slower, more intentional forms of hospitality over crowded destinations and fast-paced itineraries.

Located in Vagator, North Goa, the boutique villa resort is positioning itself around a hospitality philosophy centred on exclusivity, stillness, and immersive living, offering guests a more inward-looking way to experience Goa.

As travel behaviour evolves, luxury travellers are moving away from conventional tourism patterns driven by nightlife, packed schedules, and high-energy destinations. Instead, there is growing demand for spaces that enable relaxation, intimacy, and flexible experiences shared with close friends and family.

Spread across a one-acre property, Seré Resort Goa features eight fully serviced private pool villas designed for extended stays, destination celebrations, intimate gatherings, and personalised retreats. Each villa includes expansive living spaces, private plunge pools, and dedicated butler service aimed at creating a self-contained luxury experience.

The property’s hospitality approach focuses heavily on privacy and customisation, with in-villa dining, floating breakfasts, personalised spa experiences, alfresco meals, and curated culinary offerings designed to minimise the need for guests to step outside the property.

The resort also reflects the growing popularity of villa-style hospitality formats among affluent Indian travellers seeking more intimate and flexible travel experiences. With accommodation capacity for up to 52 guests, the property caters to group retreats, milestone celebrations, destination weddings, and multi-generational family stays.

At the core of Seré’s philosophy is the idea of slow and intentional living. The resort has been designed with open spaces, understated tropical aesthetics, eco-conscious detailing, and an atmosphere intended to encourage guests to disconnect from fast-paced routines and focus on meaningful experiences.

The evolving hospitality model also mirrors Goa’s broader transition from a traditional party destination into a more mature luxury travel market focused on experiential stays, wellness, community-driven travel, and boutique hospitality formats.

Through its private villa concept and experience-led approach, Seré Resort Goa represents a growing shift in Indian luxury hospitality where exclusivity, emotional connection, and personal space are increasingly becoming the defining markers of premium travel experiences.


The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

By Hariharan U

Published on May 21, 2026

Brandywine Realty Trust has officially opened The Brandywine, a new boutique hospitality destination on Philadelphia’s Main Line, marking a significant addition to the region’s luxury hotel landscape.

The Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property officially opened on May 15, 2026, in Radnor, Pennsylvania, offering a blend of contemporary hospitality, heritage-inspired design, and elevated culinary experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel features 121 guest rooms and suites, flexible event and meeting spaces, multiple dining venues, and a range of modern amenities including a 24/7 fitness centre, communal gathering spaces, in-room dining, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Speaking on the launch, Jerry Sweeney said the property combines timeless hospitality with modern comfort while celebrating the heritage and culture of the Main Line region.

A key feature of the property is Laurel, a 1,500-square-foot event venue designed for meetings, private dining, receptions, and celebrations. The venue includes retractable partitions, natural lighting, landscaped patio access, and a curated catering program.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include Merrick's Tavern, a tavern-style dining concept serving regional American cuisine alongside bourbon-focused beverage selections, and Pomelo Rooftop Terrace, a rooftop destination opening later this season with craft cocktails, coastal-inspired dishes, and panoramic views.

The architecture for the property has been led by DLR Group, while interiors were designed by Restoration Hardware and Bergmeyer, drawing inspiration from vintage train travel and the historic character of the Main Line region.

The property also incorporates sustainability-focused landscape design by Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, using native plantings and rainwater infiltration systems to reduce environmental impact.

Situated near SEPTA regional rail connectivity and several universities, healthcare campuses, and cultural attractions, The Brandywine is expected to cater to growing regional demand ahead of major events including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and MLB All-Star Week 2026.

As part of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio collection, guests at The Brandywine will also be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points during their stays.

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