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.


Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts


The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is emerging as a sought-after destination for luxury weddings in Rajasthan, bringing together scenic landscapes, elegant venues, curated experiences, and premium hospitality under one roof.

Located amidst the peaceful surroundings of Pushkar and close to the town’s spiritual landmarks, the resort offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills along with stunning sunset backdrops, creating a memorable setting for wedding celebrations.

The property features four outdoor and two indoor venues designed to host multi-day wedding festivities with ease. One of the standout spaces at the resort is its dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling, offering a unique setting for sacred pheras. The expansive lawns and smooth baraat processions within the property further add to the grand wedding experience while ensuring convenience for guests.

The resort houses more than 98 rooms and private villas, including pool villas and plunge pool villas, making it ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts. The spacious accommodation setup allows families and guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort throughout the festivities.

Adding to the experience are the resort’s wellness and leisure offerings, including its premium spa, multiple swimming pools, and the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities designed for all age groups.

On the culinary front, the resort offers diverse dining experiences ranging from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to rooftop dining with panoramic views at Panorama. The hotel also provides customised wedding menus curated to match the style and preferences of each celebration.

Speaking about the wedding experience at the resort, Vijay Chandran, General Manager, said, “Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable. Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Combining luxury accommodation, elegant venues, wellness experiences, and personalised hospitality, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa continues to position itself as a refined destination for unforgettable weddings in Rajasthan.

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