InterContinental Wellington Completes Health Club and Classic Rooms Renovation

InterContinental Wellington Completes Health Club and Classic Rooms Renovation

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 15, 2024

InterContinental Wellington, a leading luxury hotel in the capital, has announced the completion of its revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. The transformation brings a fresh level of luxury and comfort to the hotel’s 79 Classic Rooms, which include eight accessible rooms. The renovation was done in collaboration with Auckland-based design studio Y-6, renowned for its creative approach to hospitality design.

The newly redesigned Classic Rooms feature stunning city views and upgraded furnishings. Guests can now enjoy luxurious beds, plush sofas, premium linens, and ambient lighting. Bathrooms have been enhanced with elegant porcelain tiles, black chrome fittings, double rain shower heads, and thermostatic mixers to maintain consistent water temperature. Additionally, soft robes, slippers, and high-end amenities from European brand Byredo offer guests a spa-like experience within the comfort of their rooms.

Suzanne Lear, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Y-6, shared insight into the design process, stating, "At InterContinental Wellington, we set out to create a room design that embodies the essence of this luxury brand. Our narrative centres around an intimate cloak, sheltering and protecting the guest from the often wild weather of our nation's capital. The result is a tranquil, soothing, and calm environment that envelops you with warmth and peaceful tranquillity. It balances the senses, resets the soul, and invites the discovery to begin.”

Health Club Revamp

The hotel’s Health Club has also been significantly updated. The new design features a spacious layout and includes modern wellness amenities such as an infrared sauna and an ice bath plunge pool. InterContinental Wellington is the first hotel in New Zealand to introduce the Nu-a IV sauna by Found Space, a cutting-edge technology known for its wellness benefits, commonly found in recovery centers and gyms.

The Health Club's indoor heated swimming pool, the largest hotel pool in Wellington, has been retiled with handmade Italian mosaic tiles. The pool area is equipped with new loungers and plush towels, while a handcrafted Stoked Stainless spa pool adds to the wellness experience. The gym is also fully equipped with the latest Technogym equipment, including treadmills with LCD screens, rowing machines, and weightlifting stations. The Health Club is open from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm, while the gym remains accessible 24 hours a day.

Adam Haywood, General Manager of InterContinental Wellington, commented on the renovations, stating, “The refurbishment across our Classic Rooms and Health Club marks a significant enhancement to our guest experience, bringing a new level of luxury wellness to the heart of Wellington. Our refreshed classic rooms offer an inviting blend of comfort and elegance, while our state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities provide a rejuvenating escape for our guests. As Wellington’s premier luxury hotel, we are thrilled to unveil these revitalised spaces, which are designed to exceed the expectations of our discerning guests and ensure their stay is nothing short of exceptional.”

Relaxation Redefined Package

In celebration of the renovations, InterContinental Wellington has launched the Relaxation Redefined package. This exclusive offer allows guests to be among the first to experience the updated Health Club and Classic Rooms. The package includes a welcome fruit bowl and a luxurious pampering gift set from Byredo. The offer is available for bookings until October 31, 2024, with stays valid from September 16, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

Award-Winning Hotel

The renovations come on the heels of several prestigious awards for InterContinental Wellington. At the 2024 World Travel Awards, the hotel was named Oceania’s Leading Conference Hotel and New Zealand’s Leading Business Hotel. Its Club InterContinental was also recognized as Oceania’s Leading Executive Club Lounge. In addition, the hotel received accolades at the 2024 World MICE Awards, securing titles as Oceania’s Best MICE Hotel and New Zealand’s Best MICE Hotel, solidifying its status as a premier destination for business and events.


Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Strengthens Sustainable Hospitality Initiatives on World Nature Conservation Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 25, 2026

Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.

Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.

One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.

The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."

The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.

As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.


LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts Expands Uttarakhand Presence with Two New Hotel Management Agreements

LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts Expands Uttarakhand Presence with Two New Hotel Management Agreements

By Hariharan U

Published on July 24, 2026

LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the signing and launch of two new Hotel Management Agreements for Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage, both joining the portfolio under the AM Hotel Kollection.

The additions mark another milestone in LaRiSa’s growth journey, taking its presence in India to 39 hotels while strengthening its footprint in the Kumaon region, which continues to attract travellers seeking peaceful, nature-led, and experiential stays.

Located near Nainital, both properties offer guests a quieter alternative to conventional hill destinations while retaining easy access to the region’s attractions. Rooted in their surroundings, Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage reflect LaRiSa’s focus on creating hospitality experiences that celebrate local character, heritage, and regional culture.

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Ramgarh Vatika is a wooden chalet-style boutique retreat situated in the hills of Ramgarh at an altitude of over 4,500 feet. The property offers mountain-facing views, an in-house restaurant featuring freshly prepared cuisine and local Kumaoni specialities, along with curated experiences inspired by the natural surroundings.

Kumaon Cottage, meanwhile, carries a rich heritage legacy, having originated as a private home nearly 180 years ago. Over the years, the property has been transformed into a boutique stay while preserving its traditional charm through carved wooden doors, sheesham wood flooring, and handcrafted furniture created by local artisans.

The dining experience at Kumaon Cottage focuses on fresh organic ingredients and regional flavours, with in-house chefs creating dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Kumaon.

Commenting on the new additions, Randhir Narayan, CEO, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, said, "Signing Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage was not a move to add more hotels to our portfolio, rather a way to deepen our connection to a landscape and a way of travelling that feels quieter and more personal. Both hotels are rooted in their surroundings, and that is exactly what guides us when we grow: to build with intention, not just ambition."

With these additions, LaRiSa continues to strengthen its presence across India through its three brands, LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection, and 8fold by LaRiSa. The company focuses on developing professionally managed properties that combine warm hospitality, regional experiences, and a strong connection with their destinations.

The expansion into Uttarakhand reflects the growing demand for boutique mountain retreats and experiential hospitality, as travellers increasingly seek meaningful stays beyond traditional tourist destinations.


Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

Accor’s Mid Year Sale Offers Up to 25% Off Stays at Novotel Vijayawada Varun

By Hariharan U

Published on July 22, 2026

Accor is inviting travellers to make their next getaway more rewarding with its Mid Year Sale, offering savings of up to 25% across more than 1,500 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, Africa, and beyond, including Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

The limited-time offer provides an opportunity for guests to plan city escapes, family holidays, business trips extended into leisure, and relaxing staycations at attractive value.

Bookings for the offer are open until July 31, 2026, with stays valid through September 30, 2026. Guests can enjoy 20% savings, while members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, receive an additional 5% discount on their stays.

Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said: "At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we believe a memorable getaway should be both accessible and exceptional. Accor's Mid Year Sale gives travellers the perfect opportunity to experience our warm hospitality and distinctive dining experiences at even greater value. Whether it is a relaxing weekend staycation, a family break or a business trip extended into leisure, we look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Vijayawada."

Located in the heart of Vijayawada, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the city’s only five-star deluxe hotel, offers contemporary accommodation combined with signature hospitality experiences. The property features 233 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city.

Beyond accommodation, guests can explore the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings, including the live Teppanyaki experience at Red Bowl, international cuisine at Food Exchange, handcrafted beverages at Gourmet Bar, panoramic city views at Skydeck, and artisanal desserts from The Cake Factory.

The hotel also focuses on responsible hospitality through initiatives such as complimentary EV charging facilities for guests and sustainability-driven practices, enhancing the overall stay experience.

Travellers who are not yet members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless can join the programme free of charge to access exclusive member rates, rewards, and special offers throughout the year.

The Accor Mid Year Sale is available for bookings until July 31, 2026, with stays valid until September 30, 2026, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions

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