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.


Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal Revamps Nazaara with Fresh Flavours and Rooftop Vibes

By Hariharan U

Published on September 3, 2025

 Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal has unveiled the much-awaited revamp of its signature rooftop restaurant, Nazaara. Known for its stunning skyline views, Nazaara now returns with a reimagined menu, refreshed interiors, and an energetic dining experience designed to set the stage for unforgettable evenings.

The new menu brings a modern take on Indian cuisine, presenting bold flavours in a contemporary style. From inventive small plates to gourmet twists on classic mains, the offerings celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage with a creative edge. Complementing the food is a lineup of signature cocktails and refreshing mocktails, perfect for a laid-back evening under the city lights.

But the experience at Nazaara goes beyond dining. With a resident DJ setting the mood every evening and high-energy sets on weekends, the rooftop transforms into one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant escapes, where fine food meets music and the city’s skyline.

Speaking about the relaunch, Kadambari Sabharwal Talwar, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru Hebbal, said, “Nazaara has always been synonymous with memorable evenings and panoramic views. With Nazaara, we wanted to reimagine that experience for today’s guests—bringing together inventive cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a lively rooftop vibe. This relaunch is not just about a new menu, but about creating a destination where Bengaluru can celebrate food, music, and city life in its most elevated form.”

With its mix of contemporary style, Indian flavours, and an electric rooftop atmosphere, Nazaara is all set to reclaim its place as Bengaluru’s go-to dining and nightlife destination.


Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Expands to Ujjain with Boutique Resort Signing

By Hariharan U

Published on September 2, 2025

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, has announced the signing of its newest property, Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain. This premium boutique resort marks a key milestone in the group’s strategy to expand across India’s leading pilgrimage and leisure hubs.

Set to open by mid-next year, the resort will be located just 12 km from the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Ujjain city centre, offering guests a blend of tranquillity and easy access. Designed to serve pilgrims, families, and experiential travellers, the retreat will bring together modern amenities with a setting inspired by the timeless charm of Santorini, Greece, featuring whitewashed walls, domed roofs, arched windows, and soothing blue accents.

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The resort will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, an elegant all-day dining restaurant, and 15,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space. Guests can also look forward to leisure amenities including a swimming pool, kids’ play area, fitness centre, and spa. From authentic local and international flavours to serene relaxation zones, the property aims to create an all-encompassing boutique experience.

Expressing his excitement, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain is an ancient city with immense religious importance for Hindus. With major infrastructure projects underway ahead of the Simhastha Mahakumbh 2028, and its growing prominence as a textile hub, we believe this is the right time to enter Ujjain and offer visitors our ‘Cygnetture’ hospitality.”

He further added, “Cygnett Retreat™ Collection by Wyndham Ujjain will offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its Santorini-style architecture and tropical forest-inspired landscape, the property is positioned to attract a diverse mix of travellers”.

The Cygnett Retreat brand aims to fill the gap in India’s boutique resort market, offering curated stays that balance design, comfort, and experiences.

As part of its broader expansion, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has forged a strategic alliance with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. This partnership will bring La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels® to India, with plans to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal in the next decade. With this momentum, Cygnett is on track to becoming a 100+ hotel group in the coming years.


Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2025

 Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) has announced the launch of its latest property, IRA Porvorim, Goa, further strengthening the IRA by Orchid Hotels portfolio. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the new hotel adds to the brand’s fast-paced expansion across India.

Following the successful debut of Orchid Passaros in Benaulim earlier this year, IRA Porvorim will offer 43 well-designed guest rooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure seekers. The hotel will also feature a banquet hall for events, a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped health club creating a complete hospitality experience in the heart of Porvorim.

KHIL has been steadily building its IRA brand presence in key tier-2 and tier-3 markets, including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Ayodhya, Noida, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The brand philosophy revolves around delivering value, comfort, and prime locations for mid-market travellers.

Reflecting its commitment beyond hospitality, IRA by Orchid has pledged to donate one percent of its sales towards community initiatives, with a focus on supporting the education of the girl child.

Sharing his thoughts, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, said, “Goa continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, and with IRA Porvorim, we aim to redefine hospitality in the city. From curated experiences to modern comforts, this property will serve as a preferred choice for families, corporates, and event planners alike.”

Adding to this, Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of KHIL, commented, “Each new IRA hotel defines our growth blueprint. Porvorim reflects the essence of our brand: sustainable, stylish, and guest-centric.”

With its strategic location and curated offerings, IRA Porvorim is set to become a go-to destination for vibrant celebrations, corporate gatherings, and relaxed getaways, further boosting KHIL’s footprint in Goa’s thriving hospitality market.

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