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.


ibis Chennai Sipcot Hosts First-Ever Coffee Rave Experience

ibis Chennai Sipcot Hosts First-Ever Coffee Rave Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

ibis Chennai Sipcot introduced a fresh take on morning gatherings with its first-ever Coffee Rave, bringing together specialty coffee, music, and social interaction in a lively setting. Held on April 26 from 7 AM, the event created a high-energy start to the day, offering guests an engaging and experience-driven way to begin their morning.

The concept reflects a growing shift in hospitality, where spaces are moving beyond traditional formats to create more interactive and community-led experiences. With this initiative, ibis Chennai Sipcot positions itself as an early adopter of lifestyle-driven programming that blends culture, creativity, and social connection.

Designed especially for Chennai’s young professionals, millennials, and Gen Z audiences, Coffee Rave taps into the city’s rising interest in experiences that feel active and engaging. The format encourages guests to connect, interact, and be part of a shared environment, rather than simply unwind passively.

“Coffee Rave reflects our strategic approach to reimagining hospitality through an experiential lens creating culturally relevant moments that resonate with today’s urban audience while naturally driving stronger engagement and brand recall. It’s about building a consistent rhythm where culture, community, and everyday interactions come together to deliver experiences that feel both fresh and meaningful,” said Tejus Jose, Director of Operations - ibis & ibis Styles India.

Adding to this, Parvez, Cluster General Manager, ibis Chennai Sipcot and ibis Chennai City Centre, shared, “At the property, there is a visible shift in how guests are choosing to engage with experiences, with growing interest in formats that encourage interaction, collective engagement, and effortless participation. Coffee Rave, introduced as a one-of-its-kind concept at the property in line with emerging experiential trends, responds to this shift by bringing together music, coffee, and community in a morning setting that offers a different way of engaging with the space.”

The morning featured a series of curated experiences, starting with a dedicated coffee station serving both cold brews and classic hot beverages. Guests also explored a hands-on brewing zone, where they could learn the basics of coffee-making through simple, guided interactions, adding a personal and interactive touch to the event.

A live DJ set kept the energy high throughout, turning the space into a vibrant social hub. Guests were seen enjoying conversations over coffee, along with spontaneous moments on the floor, creating a lively atmosphere where music and social interaction blended naturally.

With initiatives like Coffee Rave, ibis Chennai Sipcot highlights a broader change in hospitality, where hotels are becoming spaces for culture and connection. As guest preferences continue to evolve, such formats show how everyday experiences can be turned into something more engaging and memorable.


Red Bowl Introduces Live Teppanyaki Dining in Vijayawada

Red Bowl Introduces Live Teppanyaki Dining in Vijayawada

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Vijayawada has a new dining experience to look forward to this summer. Red Bowl at Novotel Vijayawada Varun has introduced its Teppanyaki Live Grill, bringing an interactive and live cooking concept to the city. The restaurant recently earned the title of “Best Restaurant in Vijayawada” at the 3rd South Edition of the Food Connoisseurs Awards, adding to its growing recognition.

Positioned as one of the first authentic Teppanyaki counters in Vijayawada, Red Bowl offers a live, cook-to-order experience where guests can watch their meals being prepared right in front of them. The concept adds a sense of engagement, making dining more than just a meal.

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“We wanted to turn dinner into an occasion with an authentic Teppanyaki experience, cooked live at the counter, creating a true chef-and-guest interaction that is perfect for families and celebrations,” shares Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

The highlight of the experience lies in the live grill, where chefs bring together flame, flavour and skill. Guests can enjoy premium proteins, fresh vegetables, and hibachi-style rice prepared with precision. Each dish is made fresh and can be customised to suit individual preferences, while still staying true to the traditional Japanese style of cooking.

The setting at Red Bowl complements the experience with its bold red interiors and clean, modern design. The Teppanyaki counters take centre stage, allowing guests to enjoy a front-row view of the action while dining in a comfortable and refined space.

Whether it is a family outing, a casual get-together, or a special celebration, Red Bowl’s Teppanyaki experience brings together good food, live action, and a lively atmosphere, offering something new for Vijayawada’s dining scene.


A Refreshing Summer Escape Awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

A Refreshing Summer Escape Awaits at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

As the pink trumpet trees begin to bloom and the city glows in soft golden hues, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru welcomes guests to a thoughtfully curated summer experience. Blending international design with Indian heritage, this two-tower retreat reflects the charm of a “Garden City” oasis, offering a setting that feels both artistic and inviting. This season, the hotel brings its global “Summer Made Unforgettable” campaign to life with a unique Bengaluru touch.

At the centre of the celebrations is the “101 Days of Summer,” a special programme that captures the relaxed spirit of the season. A highlight here is The Summer Table Buffet Lunch at CUR8, where guests can explore live cooking stations and watch chefs at work. Mangoes take the spotlight across the menu, with creations such as Mango Saffron Bliss, Alphonso Mango kulfi and Aamrakhand. Refreshing drinks like Kokum, Aam Panna, and the Nandi Hills Spritz add a cooling touch to the experience.

The afternoons are designed for easy indulgence by the pool, where a vintage-style summer cart brings a familiar street-side charm. Guests can enjoy artisanal gelatos, including the Java Plum Promenade Sorbet and the Coastal Cream Magnum Bar, all while making the most of seamless resort credits. As evening sets in, the mood shifts to refined experiences, with creative cocktails at Copitas followed by Pan-Asian dining with sweeping views at Far & East.

The property itself feels like a living gallery, with art thoughtfully placed across spaces and a rotating collection that offers something new each time. On the 21st floor, guests are greeted with sweeping views of the city, where blooming trees and cool breezes create a calm atmosphere above the bustle below. The rooms, designed with glass walls and large windows, offer peaceful retreats, perfect for quiet mornings or relaxed evenings.

For those looking to explore, the concierge team curates experiences that showcase the essence of Bengaluru, from the grandeur of Vidhana Soudha to the lively lanes of KR Market filled with colour and fragrance.

“Summer in Bengaluru is a season of unique beauty. We invite guests to a refreshing homecoming to fully relax this season with Summer Made Unforgettable at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru. The curated artistry, Infuse Spa, poolside escapes and the nostalgic flavours of our '101 Days of Summer' culinary program, we have designed every experience to flow like a gentle breeze” says Biswajit Chakraborty, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

To complete the experience, Infuse Spa offers a calm and restorative escape. Guests can choose from Indian-inspired therapies such as Revitalise and Saundarya, or enjoy the signature Flowers at Four Seasons ritual. Designed as a peaceful sanctuary, the spa helps guests unwind and carry a sense of balance beyond their stay.

Bringing together relaxation, dining, and exploration, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru creates a summer experience that is easy, memorable, and deeply refreshing.

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