IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Yamini Marketing's (OPC) Pvt. Ltd for the development of voco Resort Kanatal, which will be managed by United Hospitality Management (UHM) India, one of IHG’s third-party management partners in the country. Set to open in 2030, the 92-key resort will strengthen IHG’s premium resort portfolio in India and bring the voco brand to one of Uttarakhand’s emerging mountain leisure destinations.

The signing also strengthens IHG’s relationship with UHM India as both companies continue to work together to expand internationally branded hotels across emerging business and leisure markets in India.

Located in the hills of Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, voco Resort Kanatal is planned as a premium mountain resort for travellers looking for nature-led escapes, wellness stays and intimate celebrations. Situated on the Chamba-Mussoorie route, the resort will provide access to attractions including Kaudia Forest, Surkanda Devi Temple and Tehri Lake, while offering guests a relaxed base to explore the region.

The voco brand is designed for resort, urban and leisure destinations, combining the charm and informal feel of an individual hotel with the quality of a global hospitality brand. Its brand hallmarks include ‘Come on in’, ‘Me time’ and ‘voco life’, with a focus on thoughtful touches, distinctive character and premium guest experiences.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “India continues to present strong opportunities for resort development, particularly in destinations where travellers are looking for shorter breaks, wellness experiences, nature-led escapes and premium stays with character. Kanatal is one such market, with its scenic setting, improving appeal as a hill getaway and proximity to key demand centres. voco Resort Kanatal reflects our focus on bringing the right brands to the right destinations, while further strengthening IHG’s ability to deliver compelling resort experiences for guests and owners. We are delighted to partner with Yamini Marketing's (OPC) Pvt. Ltd and UHM India on this development, supported by IHG’s global enterprise systems and commercial expertise.”

The resort will feature 92 guestrooms, meeting and event spaces, and three dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant and bar. Guests will also have access to a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and kids' play area, creating an offering for leisure travellers, wellness guests, families and boutique events.

Deepika Arora, Managing Director, United Hospitality Management (UHM), India, commented: “voco Resort Kanatal represents an important addition to our growing partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts and reflects our shared vision of bringing globally recognised brands to high-potential destinations across India. By combining IHG's globally trusted brand standards with UHM's operational expertise, we look forward to delivering a distinctive resort experience that creates lasting value for our ownership partners while meeting the evolving expectations of today’s leisure traveller.”

Yamini, Director, Yamini Marketing's (OPC) Pvt. Ltd, added: “We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce voco Resort Kanatal. The destination presents a compelling opportunity as demand for premium resorts, wellness-led travel and memorable mountain stays continues to grow. Combined with IHG's global scale, strong brand reputation and commercial capabilities, voco Resort Kanatal is well positioned to become a preferred choice for travellers seeking a distinctive and memorable resort experience in the hills of Uttarakhand.”

The signing supports IHG’s continued expansion in India’s leisure and resort destinations through brands designed to meet changing guest expectations while creating value for owners. With the voco brand combined with Kanatal’s mountain setting and growing leisure appeal, the new resort will add to IHG’s presence in North India.

IHG currently has 53 hotels operating across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a pipeline of 110 hotels expected to open in India over the next three to five years.