ITC Hotels Expands Presence in Madhya Pradesh with New Welcomhotel in Mandu

ITC Hotels Expands Presence in Madhya Pradesh with New Welcomhotel in Mandu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 1, 2024

ITC Hotels has recently signed a management contract with Lunera Castle Resort & Spa, bringing a landmark property under its Welcomhotel brand to Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. This new addition, known as Welcomhotel Mandu, is a refreshed avatar of the heritage destination ‘Lunera ki Sarai,’ paying homage to the ancient fort city of Mandu, celebrated for its architectural splendor and romantic legends.

Mandu, also known as Mandav, is an ancient fort city in Madhya Pradesh, surrounded by stone walls and dotted with historical gateways. Known for its rich history and architectural marvels, Mandu has long been a favorite destination for tourists, history buffs, and art enthusiasts. With this new Welcomhotel, the city is set to become an even more popular destination, offering travelers a unique blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury.

Welcomhotel Mandu will feature 94 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, meeting spaces, a spa, and a swimming pool. This project marks ITC Hotels’ continued expansion in Madhya Pradesh, bringing the total number of keys to nearly 540 in the state. The portfolio includes two operating WelcomHeritage properties in Pench and Pachmarhi, and three more Welcomhotels in the pipeline at Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.

Anil Chadha, Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are honoured to have been entrusted with the legacy of Lunera ki Sarai. Historical context dates this ‘sarai’ located along the trade routes in the 16-17th century back to 400 years. It is indeed a very special project. Brand Welcomhotel looks forward to reviving the glory of Lunera ki Sarai by enabling memorable experiences at this heritage resort.”

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Pankaj Phulwani, Director of Lunera Castle Resort & Spa, echoed this sentiment, praising ITC Hotels' expertise in hospitality. He added, "Given the enriching experiences that Brand Welcomhotel is known for, we are sure that this fort-style resort against the Sarai’s heritage backdrop will be a big draw for travelers."

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels is a collection of upper upscale hotels designed to provide immersive and enriching experiences. Whether located in hills, beaches, deserts, or cities, each property blends local aesthetics with modern comforts, enhanced by ITC Hotels' renowned culinary expertise. At Welcomhotel, the focus is on 'enrichment,' aimed at enhancing the lives of guests, communities, and hotel associates through integrated efforts and holistic initiatives.

With Welcomhotel Mandu, ITC Hotels continues its tradition of offering luxury experiences deeply rooted in the local culture, making it a significant addition to the vibrant tourism landscape of Madhya Pradesh.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Welcomes Festive Season with Joyful Cake-Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Welcomes Festive Season with Joyful Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach opened its festive season with its much-awaited annual cake-mixing ceremony, creating a lively afternoon filled with joy, high tea, and seaside celebrations. Held by the poolside, the event brought together guests, families, and culinary enthusiasts for a cherished pre-Christmas ritual that leads into the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony and New Year’s Eve festivities.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the sea, the celebration reflected the warm spirit of the season, showcased through the hotel’s popular F&B outlets, The Square, Gadda Da Vida, Sampan, Bageecha, and Péché Mignon. Guests joined hands with the hotel’s culinary team for the traditional cake-mixing ritual, symbolising community, togetherness, and the joy of giving.

The afternoon continued with an elegant seaside high tea featuring a curated selection of savoury bites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. The atmosphere carried the perfect blend of warmth and celebration, truly capturing the festive essence of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, shared, “Our annual cake-mixing ceremony is a celebration of togetherness and marks the beginning of our festive preparations. It is always heartening to see families, friends, and even first-time participants join hands in this joyous ritual, sharing laughter and creating memories. As these ingredients mature over the coming weeks, they will carry with them the warmth, camaraderie, and festive spirit that define this special time of the year.”

As the ceremony progressed, guests donned chef’s caps, aprons, and gloves, preparing to mix an aromatic blend of premium ingredients such as sultanas, candied ginger, macerated dates, crystallised fruit, and hand-picked nuts. These ingredients were combined with fine spirits to begin the months-long maturation process essential for the hotel’s signature Christmas offerings.

The lively ambience, enhanced by festive melodies and the soothing seaside backdrop, created a memorable experience for every participant. Families and friends came together to enjoy this unique tradition, marking the joyful beginning of the holiday season at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.


Hilton Mumbai International Airport Opens Festive Season with Cake-Mixing Ceremony and Sunday Brunch

Hilton Mumbai International Airport Opens Festive Season with Cake-Mixing Ceremony and Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Hilton Mumbai International Airport welcomed the festive season with a lively Cake-Mixing Ceremony followed by the hotel’s signature Sunday Brunch. The celebration marked the beginning of the hotel’s festive calendar and brought together media, influencers, key clients, and Hilton Honors members.

Guests took part in the traditional cake-mixing ritual, blending dry fruits, spices, and festive flavours that set the tone for the hotel’s Christmas preparations. The afternoon continued with an indulgent brunch featuring global cuisines, live stations, festive-inspired dishes, and artisanal desserts.

The hotel announced that this was only the start of its festive offerings. Guests can look forward to exclusive staycation and holiday packages, Nikkei Table, a Peruvian culinary experience hosted by Chef Vishag, and a special showcase celebrating the culture of Bengal curated by Chef Ananya Banerjee. The season will also include a Christmas Eve Dinner with classic holiday favourites, a grand Christmas Day Brunch for families, and the Big Bang New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring music, gourmet food, and memorable experiences.

Hilton Mumbai International Airport is set to create a festive season filled with culture, creativity, and unique culinary journeys, bringing a blend of tradition and innovation to its guests. More festive experiences will be announced through December and into the New Year.


Clarks Exotica Rings in the Festive Season with a Joyous Cake Mixing Celebration

Clarks Exotica Rings in the Festive Season with a Joyous Cake Mixing Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 13, 2025

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa welcomed the festive season with its much-awaited annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, held at the scenic poolside of the Clubhouse. The cherished tradition brought together guests, residents from Swiss Town, Hollywood Town, and Serene Garden, along with the senior management and resort team, for an evening filled with laughter, warmth, and community joy.

The event began on a grand note with the reveal of specially designed cake-mixing logos, offering a creative glimpse into the resort’s evolving story and setting an air of anticipation for its upcoming chapter. This thoughtful addition added excitement to the evening and reflected the brand’s commitment to innovation and storytelling.

As the music played and festive aromas filled the air, guests joined hands with the Clarks team to mix a rich medley of dry fruits, nuts, and spices, a symbolic gesture of joy, togetherness, and prosperity for the season ahead. The ceremony concluded with a sumptuous poolside spread of snacks and beverages, creating the perfect prelude to the holiday celebrations.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Balaji M, CEO, Clarks Exotica, said, “At Clarks Exotica, we believe every celebration is an opportunity to create lasting memories. The annual cake mixing reflects the values we hold close, community, warmth, and connection. Seeing our guests, residents, and team members come together in such high spirits reminds us that hospitality is ultimately about people, not places. This event marks not just the start of the festive season, but also a renewed chapter in our brand’s story.”

As the resort prepares to unveil its new brand identity, this year’s cake mixing stood as a symbolic celebration of blending tradition with innovation. With the festive cheer in full swing and an exciting future ahead, Clarks Exotica continues to redefine hospitality through experiences that celebrate togetherness and timeless joy.

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