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.


Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new property in Garudeshwar, further strengthening its footprint in Gujarat’s growing tourism and pilgrimage-driven markets.

With this addition, the company’s portfolio in the state will expand to 32 properties, including 11 operational and 21 upcoming hotels. The move reflects the brand’s strategy of building scale in high-growth destinations supported by strong travel demand.

The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel Garudeshwar will feature 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, and meeting facilities. Recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre are also part of the development.

The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.

Gujarat continues to witness rising tourist inflow, driven by landmark attractions like the Statue of Unity and growing interest in spiritual and cultural travel. Garudeshwar is increasingly emerging as a key destination within this ecosystem, benefiting from improved infrastructure and proximity to major tourist circuits.

The property is well connected by road and is located approximately 85 km from Vadodara International Airport and around 5 km from Ekta Nagar Railway Station, offering convenient access for travellers.

Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, said that "Destinations like Garudeshwar are becoming important nodes in India’s expanding tourism landscape". He noted that increasing visitor flows are driving demand for quality branded hospitality, and the company remains focused on tapping such opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.


SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

SAMHI Hotels Limited has signed an agreement with Ingka Centres India Private Limited to develop an upscale hotel in Noida, marking a significant addition to the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

The project will be developed within Ingka Centres’ upcoming mixed-use development, spread across approximately 2.5 million square feet. Envisioned as a marquee project, it is expected to enhance Noida’s skyline while strengthening its position as a key commercial and hospitality hub in the Delhi NCR region.

The planned hotel will feature around 162 rooms and will be integrated into Ingka Centres’ “Meeting Places” concept—a retail-led ecosystem that combines shopping, leisure, and community-driven experiences. The development also aims to support local businesses and create dynamic workspaces, positioning itself as a modern urban destination.

This collaboration brings together SAMHI’s institutional operating platform and Ingka Centres’ global development expertise. The partnership aligns with SAMHI’s strategy of working with leading institutional organisations while continuing to expand through a capital-efficient model.

Located within a high-quality mixed-use environment, the hotel is expected to benefit from strong captive demand and high visibility. The project will be executed under SAMHI’s long-term variable lease model, allowing for alignment of interests while maintaining a capital-light approach.

Under the agreement, Ingka Centres will lease the building structure, including façade and high-side engineering, while SAMHI will invest in the interior fit-outs. The hotel will be operated under an international brand, which is yet to be announced.

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman and Managing Director of SAMHI Hotels, said the partnership marks an important step in scaling operations in the National Capital Region. He highlighted the project’s strong demand fundamentals and expressed confidence in delivering a landmark hospitality asset in collaboration with Ingka Centres.

Giovanni Princiotta Cariddi, Country Manager India at Ingka Centres, said the collaboration reflects the company’s vision of building integrated spaces where people can live, work, shop, and stay. He added that the inclusion of a high-quality hospitality offering will enhance the overall experience of the destination.

The project further strengthens SAMHI’s presence in the Delhi NCR region, where it already operates properties such as Hyatt Place Gurgaon, Holiday Inn Express Gurgaon, and Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida.


Essentia Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Upcoming Nagpur Property

Essentia Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Upcoming Nagpur Property

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Essentia Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its growing portfolio with a new property in Nagpur, marking its entry into one of Central India’s emerging hospitality markets.

Known for its thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences, Essentia aims to introduce a property that blends contemporary elegance with functional design. The upcoming hotel is envisioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a refined yet welcoming stay experience aligned with modern expectations.

Often regarded as the heart of India, Nagpur is steadily evolving into a dynamic urban centre where cultural heritage meets modern development. With its serene lakes, spiritual landmarks, and historical attractions, the city presents a balanced mix of vibrancy and calmmaking it an attractive destination for both corporate and leisure travel.

Bringing its signature philosophy of “distinctive destination experience” to the city, Essentia’s new property will focus on combining contemporary sensibilities with intuitive service. The development aims to create a space that reflects comfort, sophistication, and attention to detail, while remaining rooted in a deep understanding of evolving guest preferences.

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Commenting on the expansion, Mohammed Parvez said, “Nagpur represents a compelling growth story, and we are delighted to be part of its evolving narrative. Our vision has always been to create destinations that resonate with their surroundings while offering a sense of familiarity and comfort that today’s travellers seek.”

With this move, Essentia continues to align its growth strategy with emerging Indian cities that are redefining the country’s hospitality landscape. The Nagpur property is expected to reflect the brand’s commitment to “Affordable Luxury,” delivering thoughtfully designed spaces, sincere service, and meaningful guest experiences.

Founded in 2018 under the aegis of Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts has been steadily building a reputation for delivering contemporary hospitality experiences rooted in design, service, and human connection.

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