Indian Hospitality Shines: The Oberoi Amarvilas Among World's 50 Best Hotels

Indian Hospitality Shines: The Oberoi Amarvilas Among World's 50 Best Hotels

By Author

Published on September 23, 2023

The Oberoi Amarvilas, part of The Oberoi Group, secured the 45th spot on the inaugural list of the World's 50 Best Hotels, an elite ranking that featured establishments from 35 different locations across six continents. This achievement positions The Oberoi Amarvilas as the sole Indian representative on this prestigious list.

The top-ranking hotel on the list was Passalacqua in Italy, with Rosewood Hong Kong, Four Seasons Chao Praya River in Bangkok, The Upper House in Hong Kong, and Aman Tokyo following closely as the top five. Valentina De Santis, the proud owner of Passalacqua, expressed her excitement, stating, "If you can dream it, you can do it! Here we are!"

The Oberoi Amarvilas, located just 600 meters from the iconic Taj Mahal, offers luxury accommodations with unobstructed views of this architectural wonder from all of its 95 rooms and 7 suites. Arjun Oberoi, the Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, expressed his pride in this recognition, “We are honoured to be the sole representative of India on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list. This recognition is a reflection of our relentless pursuit of perfection, the dedication of our team, and the timeless allure of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Our commitment to providing guests with unrivalled experiences remains unwavering, and we invite travellers from around the world to join us in discovering the magic of the Taj Mahal from our exceptional vantage point.”

Vikram Oberoi, CEO and MD of The Oberoi Group, said, “We are delighted to be included in the inaugural listing of the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our loyal guests for their unwavering support and our exceptional colleagues for their dedication and commitment to excellence. This prestigious listing affirms Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to providing guests with exceptional facilities and unparalleled service. Our founder, Rai Bahadur M S Oberoi, and P R S Oberoi, our former Chairman and mentor, have consistently emphasized that our colleagues are our most valuable asset. Time and again, our colleagues demonstrate their dedication to this enduring belief.”

Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, comments, “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to every hotel on the list, each of which has clearly made a lasting impression on our academy of travel experts. After seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, it’s been especially fulfilling to see so many hoteliers from around the world gather in London to celebrate each other’s achievements under one roof for the first-ever awards’ ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. We hope this list inspires travel lovers to book somewhere truly spectacular for their next trip.”

The launch of the World's Best 50 Hotels represents a significant milestone in 50 Best's journey to become a comprehensive global reference for the hospitality sector, covering not only restaurants and bars but also hotels.


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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