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.


Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts


The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is emerging as a sought-after destination for luxury weddings in Rajasthan, bringing together scenic landscapes, elegant venues, curated experiences, and premium hospitality under one roof.

Located amidst the peaceful surroundings of Pushkar and close to the town’s spiritual landmarks, the resort offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills along with stunning sunset backdrops, creating a memorable setting for wedding celebrations.

The property features four outdoor and two indoor venues designed to host multi-day wedding festivities with ease. One of the standout spaces at the resort is its dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling, offering a unique setting for sacred pheras. The expansive lawns and smooth baraat processions within the property further add to the grand wedding experience while ensuring convenience for guests.

The resort houses more than 98 rooms and private villas, including pool villas and plunge pool villas, making it ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts. The spacious accommodation setup allows families and guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort throughout the festivities.

Adding to the experience are the resort’s wellness and leisure offerings, including its premium spa, multiple swimming pools, and the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities designed for all age groups.

On the culinary front, the resort offers diverse dining experiences ranging from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to rooftop dining with panoramic views at Panorama. The hotel also provides customised wedding menus curated to match the style and preferences of each celebration.

Speaking about the wedding experience at the resort, Vijay Chandran, General Manager, said, “Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable. Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Combining luxury accommodation, elegant venues, wellness experiences, and personalised hospitality, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa continues to position itself as a refined destination for unforgettable weddings in Rajasthan.

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