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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Six Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season the Reserve Way at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

By Author

Published on December 29, 2025

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, invites discerning travellers to celebrate the festive season in an atmosphere of timeless rituals, refined gastronomy, and serene natural beauty along the untouched shores of the Andaman Sea. This year-end, the ultra-luxury retreat presents six thoughtfully curated experiences that blend cultural authenticity, culinary excellence, and meaningful moments of celebration.

The festive journey begins with a sacred traditional Buddhist monk blessing at Sala Srichan, coinciding with Phulay Bay’s 16th anniversary of warm hospitality. As the sun sets over the sea, guests are welcomed with cocktails followed by a special anniversary dinner inspired by the four elements—Earth, Water, Air, and Fire—artfully crafted by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Herrgesell.

Christmas Eve at Phulay Bay is marked by one of the resort’s most enchanting traditions, as Santa arrives by long-tail boat at sunset. The day unfolds with a festive breakfast, engaging children’s workshops, and culminates in an elegant Christmas Eve dinner under the stars at Jampoon, where classic holiday flavours are reimagined with a tropical twist.

On Christmas Day, the celebration continues with “Gifts from the Grove,” a showcase of handcrafted ornaments by local artisans, family-friendly activities, and a vibrant Christmas Buffet and Market Fair on the Pool Lawn. Guests can enjoy gourmet food stations and a lively festive ambience beneath the night sky.

For those seeking an elevated culinary experience, the Intimate Champagne Pairing Evening on 28 December offers an exclusive dinner for just 20 guests at Sala Srichan. A refined four-course menu is paired with exceptional Ruinart champagnes, creating an evening of elegance, artistry, and indulgence.

New Year’s Eve transports guests back in time with “A Night of Siam,” inspired by the era of King Rama VI, when Western elegance merged seamlessly with Siamese grace. The evening features sunset cocktails, a grand gala dinner with cultural performances, and transitions into a beachfront countdown party with live DJ music and fireworks illuminating the Andaman Sea.

As midnight approaches, celebrations move to the sandy shores of Chomtawan Bar, where festive cocktails, energetic music, and a spectacular fireworks display welcome 2026 in signature Phulay Bay style. The festivities conclude on a serene note with a New Year’s Day brunch at Jampoon, followed by the traditional Thai monk offering ceremony, Tak Bat—a meaningful ritual symbolising gratitude, generosity, and new beginnings.

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A First for Indian Hospitality: Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power Champion Clean Energy Storage

By Author

Published on December 28, 2025

In a landmark step towards sustainable luxury, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa has partnered with Tata Power to implement one of the most advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the Indian hospitality sector. This initiative marks Tata Power’s first BESS deployment in the hospitality industry and positions Taj Exotica Goa as the first hotel in India to adopt this pioneering clean energy solution.

With an approximate storage capacity of 2 MW, the BESS project represents a significant milestone in IHCL’s decarbonisation journey under Paathya, aligned with the Tata Group’s Aalingana vision for climate-positive growth. The installation has been executed by Tata Power following detailed technical feasibility studies, with an investment of approximately ₹3.50 crore and projected annual savings of around ₹1.50 crore, while substantially reducing dependence on diesel-based power generation.

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Sheetal Singh, Area Director – South Goa and General Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, said:
“Sustainability is at the core of our ethos at Taj Exotica, Goa. The BESS project is an exemplary step in modernising the way hospitality manages energy. By reducing diesel dependence and enhancing power reliability, we are embracing innovation that directly contributes to a greener, more resilient future for our hotel and our community.”

The system is expected to reduce nearly 2 lakh litres of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) annually, leading to a substantial drop in carbon emissions and operational costs. Beyond financial and environmental benefits, the BESS improves power quality, minimises generator runtime, and significantly lowers air emissions.

Given Taj Exotica Goa’s multi-source power ecosystem, comprising grid supply, diesel generators, and solar energy, a sophisticated interlocking and protection system was jointly developed with Tata Power. This includes automated source prioritisation logic, prevention of backfeed and overload, real-time monitoring, advanced safety cut-offs, thermal and surge protection, emergency shutdown protocols, and manual override operations.

To ensure uninterrupted guest comfort and electrical stability, comprehensive safety simulations and load-bank tests were conducted. The physical installation was completed in mid-November 2025, followed by full-load testing, where the system demonstrated stable discharge curves and precise switching performance.

The engineering team, led by Mr. Athen Chellappa, Area Director Engineering – Goa, carried out extensive simulations of power outage scenarios. These validated automatic diesel generator synchronisation, priority-based charging from solar and grid sources, interlocking accuracy, changeover timings, and internet connectivity critical for cloud-linked operations. The system is further supported by an interactive digital dashboard offering real-time energy flow visibility, battery health diagnostics, predictive maintenance alerts, and detailed historical reports on consumption and savings.

Summarising the impact of the project, Mr. Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, stated:
“The BESS project at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa is not just an engineering achievement—it is a defining moment in our sustainability journey. By embracing cutting-edge technology and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we are setting new benchmarks for responsible luxury. This initiative reflects our belief that the future of hospitality is clean, resilient, and climate-conscious, and we are proud to pioneer that change.”

With this breakthrough collaboration, Taj Exotica Goa and Tata Power have set a powerful precedent for the Indian hospitality industry, demonstrating how innovation, sustainability, and luxury can seamlessly converge to shape a cleaner and more resilient future.