IHG to Launch Two Luxury Hotels in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District by 2027

IHG to Launch Two Luxury Hotels in Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District by 2027

By Author

Published on March 12, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in the hospitality industry, is set to further expand its luxury hotel portfolio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a strategic management agreement with the King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Company (KAFD DMC). This collaboration heralds the development of two prestigious luxury hotels, the Regent Riyadh KAFD and the InterContinental Riyadh KAFD, both slated for opening in 2027 in the heart of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a premier business and lifestyle hub in the Saudi capital.

The introduction of the Regent Riyadh KAFD marks the debut of the Regent brand in Riyadh, offering 250 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel is designed to provide an unparalleled guest experience, featuring a signature restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a tea lounge, and two cafes. In addition, the Regent Riyadh KAFD will offer comprehensive fitness facilities, a spa, a ballroom, and meeting rooms, addressing the needs of both business and leisure travellers seeking luxury and comfort.

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Complementing the Regent, the InterContinental Riyadh KAFD will boast 400 rooms and a diverse range of dining options, including a signature restaurant, two specialty restaurants, and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also cater to the business community with its advanced conferencing facilities. Leisure guests will enjoy the spa, swimming pool, and indoor recreation area, enhancing the overall guest experience within the vibrant KAFD.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director for India, the Middle East, and Africa at IHG Hotels and Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Riyadh is undergoing a massive transformation, and locations like KAFD increase the number of investments into the city and the wider kingdom. At IHG, we remain committed to the kingdom’s visionary ambitions through our expanding portfolio of hotels. We are ever confident in our partnership with KAFD to cater to the growing demand for luxury guest experiences in the region with Regent Riyadh and InterContinental Riyadh KAFD."

Guests staying at either hotel will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of IHG’s loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, which offers a range of perks including suite upgrades, annual lounge memberships, and extended check-outs.

With the addition of these two luxury establishments, IHG continues to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia. The group currently operates 43 hotels across six brands in the country and has a pipeline of 32 hotels expected to open between 2024 and 2028, signalling a robust commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia's hospitality landscape and meeting the sophisticated demands of its travellers.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As Mumbai experiences rising temperatures and intense humidity during the summer season, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through a new wellness experience at The Spa.

Called "Renew & Restore," the specially curated treatment has been designed as a seasonal wellness journey that aims to provide a refreshing escape from the city's fast pace and summer heat. Focused on relaxation and overall wellbeing, the experience is crafted to ease stress, support balance and leave guests feeling lighter and refreshed.

The wellness journey begins with a calming welcome ritual and a soothing foot cleanse to create a sense of relaxation from the very beginning.

Guests are then taken through a 90-minute customised massage designed to reduce physical tension and encourage deeper relaxation. This is followed by a 60-minute personalised facial tailored to refresh the skin and bring out a natural glow.

To further enhance the experience, mindful breathing techniques and gentle stretches are integrated throughout the treatment, helping create a feeling of calm and balance.

The journey concludes with a nourishing closing ritual, leaving guests with a sense of renewal and restoration aligned with the needs of the summer season.

The complete Renew & Restore experience is available for a duration of 150 minutes, offering guests a dedicated wellness break within the heart of Mumbai.


Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on May 19, 2026

Kairali Ayurvedic Group has announced its entry into ultra-luxury hospitality with the launch of Villa Raag by Kairali, a yoga-inspired beachfront boutique retreat located at Agonda Beach in South Goa.

Designed as a private sanctuary for global travellers, the property blends Ayurvedic wellness philosophy with contemporary luxury living, offering an experience focused on privacy, mindfulness, and personalised healing. Spread across two acres, the retreat features just six elegantly designed rooms within a single exclusive beachfront villa.

The property offers a curated luxury experience with private butler and concierge services, direct beachfront access, yoga and meditation spaces overlooking the sea, a temperature-controlled saltwater pool, Zen gardens, a rooftop meditation pavilion, and a gourmet in-house kitchen. 

According to Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Villa Raag is designed to deliver a five-star wellness experience where nature, comfort, and refined living come together seamlessly. He described the property as a sanctuary that blends serenity, exclusivity, and personalised hospitality, with a strong focus on privacy and experiential luxury.

The architectural vision of Villa Raag has been crafted by Kochi-based Durga Sarath Architects, bringing together coastal design, natural landscapes, and wellness-centric spatial planning to create a quiet, immersive environment for guests.

Each villa room features bespoke interiors, premium amenities, and private terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea, ensuring a highly personalised and secluded stay experience tailored for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.

The retreat places a strong emphasis on customised wellness journeys rather than structured group programs. Guests can access one-on-one yoga sessions, meditation guidance, and holistic healing programmes designed around individual needs, fitness levels, and wellness goals.

Future offerings at Villa Raag are expected to include curated wellness experiences such as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, restorative therapies, mindful nutrition workshops, and transformational wellness programmes like Mind Renewal, Joint Revival, and Metabolic Reset.

Located in the Canacona region, Agonda Beach has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for wellness travellers and slow tourism seekers, known for its tranquil coastline and growing reputation as a luxury wellness hub.

With over a century of Ayurvedic heritage, Kairali Ayurvedic Group brings its legacy into the hospitality space through Villa Raag, expanding beyond its established wellness centres and award-winning healing village in Kerala into experiential luxury retreats.

The launch marks a significant step in redefining Goa’s hospitality landscape by positioning wellness, Ayurveda, and slow living at the centre of luxury travel experiences.


Sayaji Hotels Expands Presence with Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok

Sayaji Hotels Expands Presence with Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on May 18, 2026

Sayaji Hotels has announced the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Gangtok, marking the brand’s entry into Gangtok, one of India’s most sought-after hill destinations.

Located in the peaceful neighbourhood of Tathangchen near the iconic Ridge Park, the hotel brings a refined and contemporary stay experience to the city known for its mist-covered mountains, monasteries, scenic valleys, and vibrant local culture.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,650 metres, Gangtok is widely recognised for its panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. The city blends natural beauty with urban energy, attracting both leisure and experiential travellers throughout the year.

Strategically positioned close to Ridge Park and within easy reach of MG Marg, the city’s bustling pedestrian boulevard, Effotel by Sayaji offers guests convenient access to Gangtok’s cultural and social hotspots. Ridge Park, lined with Himalayan flora and scenic pathways, remains one of the city’s most visited attractions for both tourists and locals.

Designed for modern travellers, the property features 32 rooms across categories including Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin, and Suite accommodations. The interiors combine clean contemporary aesthetics with functional comfort, catering to both business and leisure guests.

The hotel also houses The Cube, an all-day dining restaurant serving a multi-cuisine menu in a relaxed setting designed for travellers looking to unwind after exploring the region.

Speaking on the launch, Rajendra Joshi said, “We are delighted to bring the Effotel by Sayaji experience to Gangtok, a destination that continues to grow in prominence among both leisure and experiential travellers. With this launch, we aim to offer a smart, comfortable, and well-connected stay option that complements the city’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Gangtok represents an exciting addition to our expanding footprint in emerging leisure markets across India.”

Sharing his views on the opening, Sangay Tenzing Norbu added, “We are proud to introduce Effotel by Sayaji to Gangtok, a city that holds immense potential as a year-round travel destination. This hotel has been envisioned as a space that reflects the region's warmth and spirit while delivering the quality and consistency for which Sayaji is known.”

The hotel is conveniently accessible from Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, making it a well-connected option for travellers visiting Sikkim.

With this addition, Sayaji Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across emerging leisure destinations in India, reinforcing its focus on delivering personalised and contemporary hospitality experiences.

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