IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kashmir with Signing of a voco Hotel

IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Kashmir with Signing of a voco Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced its debut in Kashmir with the signing of a management agreement for voco Srinagar, in partnership with Geelan Residency. This marks IHG’s first hotel in Kashmir and the sixth voco hotel being developed in India. Scheduled to open in October 2026, the hotel aims to cater to both leisure travelers and social gatherings, including MICE events.

The new voco Srinagar will be located in the upscale commercial area of the city, easily accessible by road from the airport and major tourist attractions. It will be a two-hour drive from popular destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg. The hotel will feature 95 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a pool deck, and a fitness center.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director of South West Asia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new venture: “We are thrilled to establish our footprint in Kashmir with our premium brand, voco, in partnership with Geelan Residency. Kashmir is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the country and has experienced an unprecedented boom in tourism in the past years. This has led to an increase in demand for quality branded accommodation. With its bold design and welcoming service, we are confident that voco Srinagar will become a preferred hotel for travelers visiting Kashmir.”

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Javeed Jeelani, Managing Partner at Geelan Residency, added, “We are delighted to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut the voco brand in Kashmir. We are confident that the hotel’s prime location coupled with IHG's global standards, voco Srinagar is set to become an ideal choice for our guests.”

The voco brand, known for its unique blend of informality and quality, has quickly gained popularity in India since its debut in 2023. With properties already established in markets such as Jim Corbett, Gurugram, Mumbai, Goa, and Punjab, the addition of voco Srinagar underscores IHG’s commitment to expanding its presence in key leisure destinations across the country.


The First Group Hospitality Expands Global Footprint with Multiple Hotel Signings at FHS Dubai

The First Group Hospitality Expands Global Footprint with Multiple Hotel Signings at FHS Dubai

By Hariharan U

Published on November 5, 2025

The First Group Hospitality has taken another major step in its growth journey, announcing a series of hotel management signings during the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World in Dubai. The deals highlight the company’s expanding reach both within the Middle East and internationally, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing hotel management firms in the region.

At the summit, The First Group unveiled the rebranding of three of its flagship Dubai properties under Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio and Autograph Collection. The newly branded hotels, The First Collection Marina, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; The First Collection Waterfront, Dubai, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel; and Hotel Local Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Autograph Collection, reflect a strategic alignment with Marriott’s global presence and loyalty network.

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Spread across three vibrant neighbourhoods, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Triangle, these properties are designed to offer lifestyle-driven experiences that blend local flair with world-class hospitality standards.

Adding to the excitement, The First Group announced its partnership with BB Holding to launch Radisson RED Marjan Island, the UAE’s first franchised Radisson RED property. Scheduled to open in 2027, this 261-key hotel will be located on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island, one of the emirate’s most sought-after destinations known for its mix of relaxation and adventure.

The company also revealed its first European project, Gennadi Seaside Resort in Rhodes, Greece, marking The First Group Hospitality’s debut in the European market.

Commenting on these developments, Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group, said, “These milestone signings reflect The First Group Hospitality’s expanding collaboration with leading global hotel groups who trust us to manage flagship properties in the UAE and beyond. We sincerely thank our partners for their confidence in our vision and continued support throughout this growth journey. The variety of management agreements demonstrates our versatility as third-party operators to work across a spectrum of properties, from midscale to luxury, from city hotels to beach resorts.”

The series of announcements at FHS World come at a time of strong momentum for the company’s portfolio. Beyond the summit, The First Group also joined hands with IHG Hotels & Resorts to launch Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle, a 349-key property located near Al Maktoum International Airport. The project further extends the firm’s collaboration with IHG, following notable ventures such as Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection, soon to become the world’s tallest hotel.

Headquartered in Dubai, The First Group Hospitality continues to build its reputation as a trusted hospitality management company specialising in hotel operations, asset management, and F&B strategy. With a team of seasoned professionals, the firm focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, revenue growth, and guest satisfaction across its expanding global portfolio.


Lohono Stays Expands to Europe with New Luxury Villas at Lake Garda, Italy

Lohono Stays Expands to Europe with New Luxury Villas at Lake Garda, Italy

By Hariharan U

Published on November 5, 2025

Lohono Stays by Isprava Group, one of India’s leading luxury villa hospitality brands, has announced its entry into Europe with a stunning collection of villas at Lake Garda, Italy. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vineyards, and postcard-perfect alpine views, Lake Garda is fast emerging as Italy’s most captivating destination for luxury travellers.

With this expansion, Lohono Stays brings its signature blend of comfort, culture, and craftsmanship to Europe, creating experiences that go beyond accommodation to offer guests a sense of slow living, connection, and timeless escape.

Each villa in the Lake Garda collection has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of the region. Guests can expect private pools and gardens, rustic stone gazebos, and saunas, surrounded by breathtaking lake and mountain views. The stay experience is enhanced with curated activities such as yoga, golf, and tennis, as well as immersive experiences like private chef-led cooking sessions, guided treks, and boat tours with a personal skipper.

Speaking about the launch, Nibhrant Shah, Managing Director & Co-CEO, Isprava Group, shared, “Affluent Indian travellers are moving beyond the obvious Italian hotspots to explore destinations like Lake Garda that feel more intimate and layered. They are seeking experiences that blend exclusivity and authenticity over the standardised luxury of hotels. Lohono is meeting this demand by offering villas that go beyond a stay, they deliver immersive, world-class living in destinations Indians are only just beginning to embrace.”

Adding to this, Dhimaan Shah, Executive Director & Co-CEO, Isprava Group, said, “Indian outbound travel is projected to cross 80 million journeys annually by 2030, and with Italy among the top destinations for Schengen-bound travellers, the opportunity is immense. Lake Garda represents the next step in Lohono’s journey to offer our customers something truly unconventional — a European escape that feels both exclusive and deeply personal.”

With this milestone, Lohono Stays expands its international footprint to include Italy, joining its global portfolio that already spans the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, and Koh Samui.

Explore Lohono’s villas in Lake Garda, Italy: https://www.lohono.com/villas/europe/italy

About Lohono Stays

Founded in 2019 by Dhimaan Shah and Nibhrant Shah, Lohono Stays by Isprava Group has become synonymous with contemporary, design-led vacation homes for discerning travellers. With over 280 villas across 12 domestic and five international destinations, the brand curates exceptional stays that combine comfort, privacy, and local culture.

In India, Lohono has a strong presence in Goa, Alibaug, Lonavala, Srinagar, Mussoorie, and Coonoor, while its international footprint includes the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, and Koh Samui. The addition of Lake Garda marks Lohono’s much-anticipated European debut.

The name Lohono comes from the Hawaiian word lono, meaning relaxation, music, and peace, values that define every experience the brand offers.


Gimlet Garden at AER, Four Seasons Mumbai Redefines Cocktail Culture with Culinary Flair

Gimlet Garden at AER, Four Seasons Mumbai Redefines Cocktail Culture with Culinary Flair

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

High above Mumbai’s ever-buzzing skyline, AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai continues to set the tone for sophisticated evenings. Adding a refreshing new chapter to its story, the rooftop bar introduces Gimlet Garden, an enchanting hideaway of greenery and understated elegance that invites guests to unwind and savour the art of crafted cocktails.

At Gimlet Garden, cocktails aren’t just drinks they’re culinary adventures in a glass. The new menu draws inspiration from ports and coastal traditions across the world, turning familiar ingredients into bold expressions of culture. Think truffle and basil, tamarind and green apple, or even squid-infused gin paired with shiso leaf  creative combinations that redefine how a cocktail can taste and feel.

Each creation on the menu carries its own story. The Oaxaca Me Margata captures Mexico’s warmth through smoky agave, cacao, and chili, while the Citrus Caravan Paloma sparkles with grapefruit and kokum, a playful nod to global markets. The Siren’s Cove, blending coconut tequila, mulberry liqueur, sloe gin, and black tea, evokes the ocean’s rhythm, while Giloy brings layered complexity through tequila, Martini Extra Dry, Cointreau, D.O.M. Bénédictine, and subtle notes of Islay peat, Penja pepper, cucumber, shiso, and milk oolong. For those who crave something truly unexpected, the Pescadito transforms Peru’s iconic ceviche into a bright, savoury liquid experience.

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The menu extends beyond drinks, pairing each cocktail with globally inspired small plates. Dishes like The Bombay Guac, Salmon Ceviche with Peruvian Tiger’s Milk, and Truffle and Parmesan Fries complement the cocktails perfectly, creating a seamless connection between kitchen and bar.

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“Our new menu at Gimlet Garden is designed to take our guests on a journey,” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. “Each cocktail and dish is a narrative in itself, crafted with care, creativity, and intention. Whether at golden hour or under a starlit sky, Gimlet Garden offers an experience that is both intimate and inspiring, where every moment lingers long after the last sip.”

With panoramic views, lush ambience, and a spirit that celebrates flavour and artistry, Gimlet Garden at AER is more than a rooftop bar, it’s a sensory escape above the city, where mixology meets gastronomy and every visit turns into a lasting memory.

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