IHCL Signs 85-Room Vivanta Hotel in Puducherry

IHCL Signs 85-Room Vivanta Hotel in Puducherry

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 15, 2024

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced its latest project, a Vivanta-branded hotel in Puducherry. As part of the company’s ongoing expansion across key locations in India, this Greenfield project will further enhance Puducherry’s growing reputation as a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development, IHCL, stated, “In recent years, Puducherry has emerged as a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. This hotel will be a modern oasis in the heart of the charming former French colony. This strategic expansion aligns with IHCL's commitment to establishing its presence across key locations in India. We are delighted to partner with Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli for this venture.”

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The new 85-room hotel will feature a range of modern amenities including an all-day diner, a bar, a gym, and wellness treatment rooms. In addition, the hotel will offer spacious meeting rooms and pre-function areas, ideal for corporate events and social gatherings. The design of the hotel will be inspired by Puducherry’s rich cultural history, seamlessly blending modern architecture with the city’s French influences.

Ajay Virmani and Sandip Ganguli, from Auroma Soft Resorts and Hotels Pvt. Ltd., the local partners for this project, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. "We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL to introduce the Vivanta brand to Puducherry. This partnership will bring a fresh and exciting energy to the city, providing guests with a distinctive and exceptional stay."

Puducherry is known for its unique blend of Indian and French cultures, as well as its picturesque beaches, charming promenade, and historical French and Tamil heritage quarters. This new Vivanta hotel aims to provide guests with an experience that captures the essence of this beautiful destination.


The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

The Westin Chennai Velachery Hosts Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

The Westin Chennai Velachery welcomed the festive season with its annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony, bringing together guests and patrons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and a much-loved culinary tradition. Held in the hotel's lobby, the gathering marked the beginning of the property's Christmas preparations.

The ceremony featured approximately 150–200 kg of carefully selected dry fruits, mixed with an assortment of spirits, including rum, and traditional spices. Cinnamon added warmth to the blend, while nutmeg and star anise brought their distinctive aromas. Guests joined the hotel's team in tossing and mixing the ingredients, turning the occasion into an evening of festive cheer and shared experiences.

The cake-mixing ritual also marks the first step in the hotel's Christmas baking preparations. The mixture of fruits, nuts, spices and spirits will be left to mature over the coming weeks, allowing the flavours to develop before being used in traditional Christmas cakes and other festive delicacies prepared by the culinary team.

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Speaking on the occasion, Deepraj Mukherjee, General Manager, The Westin Chennai Velachery, said, "The Annual Cake-Mixing Ceremony is one of our most cherished traditions, signaling the arrival of the festive season at The Westin. It is a celebration that brings people together through food, shared experiences and the joy of giving."

Executive Chef Dinesh Kumar added, "For us, cake mixing is much more than a culinary tradition; it is about bringing people together, sharing the joy of the season and welcoming the festivities as a community. It is wonderful to see everyone come together and be part of this cherished tradition."

The evening concluded with guests enjoying festive treats, conversations and the cheerful ambience. With Christmas preparations now underway, The Westin Chennai Velachery looks forward to welcoming the season with a range of festive experiences and culinary offerings.


Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Hosts Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 4, 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara welcomed the festive season with its traditional Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together corporate associates, media representatives, influencers and distinguished guests for an evening of celebration and togetherness.

A much-loved pre-Christmas tradition, the ceremony marks the beginning of the festive baking season. It involves bringing together dried fruits, nuts, candied peels, aromatic spices and spirits in a large mixing bowl. The mixture is then left to mature over several weeks, allowing the ingredients to absorb the flavours and develop the richness needed for traditional Christmas cakes.

The gathering turned into an engaging celebration as guests put on aprons and joined the mixing activity, blending the ingredients by hand. Festive music, cheerful conversations and a specially curated high-tea experience added to the evening, making it an opportunity for guests to connect and enjoy the tradition together.

Speaking on the occasion, Remank Goel, Hotel Manager, said, "The Cake Mixing Ceremony is one of those beautiful traditions that brings people together and marks the beginning of a season filled with joy, warmth and togetherness. At Ramada, we believe hospitality goes beyond creating memorable stays; it is also about building meaningful relationships and celebrating moments that connect us."

Through the ceremony, Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara ushered in the Christmas season by bringing guests together to celebrate a tradition that has long been associated with festive preparations. The gathering highlighted the spirit of sharing, participation and togetherness that makes the season special.


Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2026

yatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has introduced its “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.” campaign, inviting travellers to step away from urban routines and rediscover the pleasure of a break in the hills through dining, wellness and family experiences.

As air quality and urban pollution become increasingly important considerations for city residents, the idea of a getaway is taking on a different meaning. Beyond a change of location, travellers are seeking opportunities to slow down, spend time in new surroundings and make room for experiences that offer a break from everyday demands.

Located along Mussoorie Road, adjacent to Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together accommodation, dining, leisure and wellness in a setting that offers a different pace from city life. The campaign draws on the appeal of Dehradun's natural surroundings while positioning the resort as a destination for couples, families and individual travellers.

The experience extends beyond a conventional hotel stay. Guests can spend leisurely mornings, enjoy time by the pool, explore the resort's culinary offerings or make space for personal well-being through spa rituals and yoga experiences.

Dining forms an important part of the proposition. Range, the resort's cosmopolitan food gallery, offers a varied culinary experience, while Beyul, its rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Malsi Reserved Forest, provides a setting for relaxed evenings and crafted drinks.

Families travelling with children can also explore Camp Hyatt, which offers younger guests opportunities for discovery and engagement. Alongside the resort's leisure facilities, the programme allows families to shape their stay around activities suited to different interests and age groups.

The resort's wellness offerings, including spa experiences and yoga, add another dimension to the getaway. Guests can combine restorative activities with poolside relaxation, dining and time spent exploring the surroundings.

Through “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.”, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa presents a holiday as an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and reconnect with experiences that often get overlooked in everyday life.

While the campaign draws on growing urban concerns around air quality, travellers should consider local air-quality conditions before making destination choices; a change of setting alone does not guarantee cleaner air.

Reservations

For reservations and more information, visit Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.

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