ITC Hotels Embarks on its First Overseas Venture in Colombo

ITC Hotels Embarks on its First Overseas Venture in Colombo

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on April 28, 2024

In a landmark move, ITC Hotels, a major player in the Indian hospitality sector, has made its debut in the international market with the inauguration of ITC Ratnadipa in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This luxurious property, situated on prime sea-facing land, boasts 352 guest rooms, suites, and service apartments, marking a significant milestone for the conglomerate.

The inauguration ceremony, graced by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, underscored the symbolic significance of this venture. With futuristic twin towers connected by a sky bridge, the ultra-modern architecture of ITC Ratnadipa reflects the nation's transition from its colonial past to a modern era of development. The presence of this iconic property alongside other international, Indian, and Sri Lankan hospitality brands on Galle Face redefines Colombo's skyline, reminiscent of bustling nightlife scenes akin to those in Macau.

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Built at a cost exceeding $500 million, ITC Ratnadipa is strategically positioned under WelcomHotels Lanka, a subsidiary of ITC, marking one of the company's most significant investments. Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and MD of ITC, emphasized Colombo's appeal as the first international location for the conglomerate, citing the region's burgeoning tourism industry. The property is set to cater largely to the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, offering state-of-the-art conferencing and banqueting facilities.

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The hotel's architectural marvel, featuring a triangular design offering breathtaking ocean views, underscores ITC's commitment to luxury and innovation. The property comprises two towers, with the smaller tower housing the hotel and the larger tower accommodating the 132 Sapphire Residences. This trend of residences within hotels, a post-pandemic phenomenon, reflects evolving consumer preferences.

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Connecting the two towers is the Ahasa One sky bridge, an engineering feat standing 100 meters above ground, making it the first of its kind in South Asia. Notably, the project received strategic investment status from the Sri Lankan government, along with tax breaks and exemptions from foreign exchange regulations.

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ITC's foray into the international market aligns with its broader expansion strategy, aiming to reach 200 properties within the next five years. With 22 properties opened in the past two years and 25 more in the pipeline, the company emphasizes growth through management contracts. The recent approval of the demerger of its hotels vertical signifies a significant milestone, with a listing expected within 15 months.

In addition to ITC Ratnadipa, several other hospitality projects have recently emerged in Sri Lanka, indicating the region's growing prominence in the global tourism landscape. With renowned brands such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott making significant investments, Sri Lanka is poised to become a coveted destination for luxury hospitality experiences.


Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore Showcases Luxury Destination Weddings with Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is inviting couples to celebrate their special day with bespoke destination wedding experiences through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, offering a blend of grand venues, personalised services and curated culinary experiences.

Designed to make every celebration memorable, the hotel combines palatial architecture with Marriott's wedding expertise to deliver seamless wedding experiences, from intimate family ceremonies to large-scale receptions.

The property's dedicated team of certified wedding specialists works closely with couples and their families to manage every stage of the celebration, including planning, budgeting, décor coordination, entertainment and vendor management, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully executed.

Sheraton Grand Palace Indore features eight flexible event venues and meeting spaces, spread across more than 1,25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event areas. The hotel is home to one of Indore's largest pillarless ballrooms, complemented by landscaped lawns that provide picturesque settings for celebrations such as Haldi ceremonies, Mehendi functions, weddings and receptions.

Adding to the experience, the hotel is recognised as India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel, offering an extensive vegetarian dining experience curated by its culinary team. Couples can personalise their wedding menus with a mix of regional specialities and international flavours, creating memorable dining experiences for their guests.

The property also offers 115 well-appointed rooms and suites overlooking lush green surroundings, allowing families and guests to stay together while enjoying easy access to all wedding venues within the hotel.

Commenting on the growing popularity of destination weddings at the property, Nimish Pitale, Director of Sales & Marketing, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, said:

"Every wedding tells a unique story, and our role is to create a destination where that story comes to life beautifully. At Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, we combine the grandeur of a luxury property with the warmth of personalised hospitality and the distinction of being India's only five-star pure vegetarian luxury hotel. Through Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy, we can combine Marriott's trusted wedding expertise with bespoke experiences that allow every couple to celebrate their traditions exactly as they envision."

With its expansive event spaces, personalised wedding planning services and distinctive culinary offerings, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore continues to position itself as a preferred destination for luxury weddings in Central India.


Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute Launches ‘Work From Hotel’ Stay Package

Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute Launches ‘Work From Hotel’ Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute has unveiled its new WF“H” - Work From “Hotel” package, a long-stay offering designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and remote workers looking to combine productivity with a relaxing stay in Goa.

Created in response to the growing popularity of remote and hybrid work, the package offers guests a work-friendly environment complemented by wellness experiences and leisure activities, making it easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Located close to Calangute Beach, the hotel provides high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces and modern facilities, allowing guests to work efficiently while enjoying the destination's laid-back atmosphere. The experience also includes activities such as terrace yoga sessions, evening tea by the poolside and convenient access to the beach.

The Work From "Hotel" package is available for guests booking a minimum stay of five nights and includes several complimentary benefits to enhance the overall experience.

Package Inclusions:

  • All meals included (for double occupancy)

  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop

  • Complimentary high-speed internet access

  • Complimentary two-hour meeting room usage

  • Complimentary terrace yoga session

  • Complimentary evening tea by the poolside

  • Complimentary drop to Calangute Beach

Whether attending virtual meetings, managing projects remotely or simply looking for a refreshing change of workspace, the package is designed to offer the convenience of a fully supported work environment alongside the comfort of a holiday.

Commenting on the launch, Ganeshan Maniyan, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute, said:

“The way people work has evolved significantly, and Work From 'Hotel' is our response to this changing lifestyle. We wanted to create an experience where guests can stay productive without compromising on comfort, wellness or leisure. From seamless connectivity and work-friendly amenities to curated experiences that celebrate the spirit of Goa, this package offers the perfect environment to work, unwind and reconnect.”

The offer is available in single and double occupancy options, with meal supplements applicable. It is valid for a limited period and is subject to availability.

With the launch of WF“H” - Work From “Hotel”, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute aims to provide travellers with a flexible stay option that brings together work, relaxation and the vibrant charm of Goa in one seamless experience.


The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

 Ukiyo, the signature Japanese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, has been featured on 50 Best Discovery, the global platform that highlights outstanding restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across the world.

The inclusion comes as part of the platform's latest expansion in July 2026, which added more than 650 hospitality venues. The update also introduced over 75 new cities and towns to the platform, further broadening its global coverage of dining, drinking and travel destinations.

With the latest additions, 50 Best Discovery now features more than 3,500 hospitality establishments across 800+ cities and towns worldwide, including over 210 restaurants, 110 bars, 130 hotels, and, for the first time, more than 190 vineyards as a dedicated category.

Each venue on the platform, including Ukiyo, is selected based on votes from the expert voting Academies responsible for creating the annual global and regional 50 Best lists.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Ukiyo offers a contemporary Japanese dining experience that combines traditional techniques with modern influences. The menu features handcrafted sushi, sashimi, robata-grilled specialities and signature dishes designed for sharing, prepared using premium ingredients while staying true to authentic Japanese flavours.

Complementing the dining experience is an elegant al fresco bar, serving handcrafted cocktails inspired by Japanese artistry. The venue is designed to cater to intimate dinners, celebrations and social gatherings in a refined setting.

A key highlight of the restaurant is the Ukiyo Drift deck, home to Pune's iconic al fresco bar. Featuring Japanese-inspired mixology, seasonal ingredients and signature cocktails, the space has become one of the city's sought-after destinations for elevated evening experiences.

50 Best Discovery serves as a curated digital guide for travellers, diners and cocktail enthusiasts. More than 3,000 Academy members from around the world, recognised for their expertise in local hospitality scenes, contribute to the selection process. While the platform extends the annual 50 Best rankings, it is not a ranking itself, and venues cannot apply for inclusion. Instead, selections are made solely through recommendations from the expert voting Academies.

The inclusion of Ukiyo on the platform further strengthens The Ritz-Carlton, Pune's position as a destination for world-class dining and premium hospitality experiences.

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