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.


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to experience the culinary spirit of southern India with the launch of Kaveri Grills, a special promotion running from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Inspired by the nurturing flow of the Kaveri River, this unique dining experience pays homage to the waters that sustain the region’s culture, cuisine, and communities. Guests can savour a handpicked selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter, celebrating the authentic flavours of southern India with a refined touch.

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The menu blends local ingredients and traditional cooking styles with the signature craftsmanship of ITC Hotels, offering a feast that is both comforting and contemporary. Complementing this special curation is a revamped dinner buffet, featuring a wide array of Indian and international favourites, crafted with the care, precision, and sustainability ITC Hotels are known for.

Every evening, the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies fills the air, transforming WelcomCafe Jacaranda into a riverside-inspired haven that captures the spirit of the Kaveri in every bite.

Guests can indulge in this immersive dining experience between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

For reservations, please call +91 9840535520 (9 AM – 11 PM) or email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com.


Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Zuper Resorts proudly announces the opening of Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal, a luxurious new destination in Bakaniya, located just an hour’s drive from Bhopal. Designed to capture the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering refined comfort, Empire represents a new benchmark in leisure hospitality for Central India.

Set across twelve acres of lush greenery, the resort greets guests with a sense of space, serenity, and understated elegance. With 38 well-appointed accommodations including 2 Tulip Exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian Exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each features a private portico that opens to panoramic views of the landscape.

Guests can indulge their taste buds at Savor, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving global favourites, or unwind at Chaska, a stylish rooftop brasserie with expansive views and an inviting ambiance. For intimate gatherings, a private dining room seating up to 12 guests offers an ideal setting for celebrations and conversations.

The resort also features a bar with expertly crafted cocktails, indoor recreation facilities such as carrom and table tennis, and a well-equipped fitness area. Every detail at Empire is designed to provide comfort, modernity, and a deep connection to nature.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Empire by Zuper is a refreshing perspective to hospitality and reveals an unseen side of India. It is more than a resort, it’s a landmark where design and world-class comfort culminate. This is one of our most progressive ventures yet, positioning the region prominently on India’s leisure map.”

He added, “Empire stands out as one of the finest resorts in Bhopal, ideal for weddings, private gatherings, and grand celebrations. Thoughtfully crafted for the people of Bhopal, the resort blends luxurious spaces with warm hospitality to make every stay truly memorable.”

About Zuper Hotels & Resorts

Zuper Resorts is a reputed hospitality management company known for curating boutique resorts and premium getaways across Maharashtra and beyond. With over a decade of expertise, Zuper has built a strong reputation in leisure and event hospitality, managing weddings, corporate events, and exclusive celebrations with precision and creativity.


SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

SAii Phi Phi Island Village, part of SAii Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled an enhanced version of its popular “Astro Moments” experience, a stargazing-inspired escape that connects guests with the cosmos on the resort’s private beach.

Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand centred on the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, this new chapter of Astro Moments combines scientific discovery with soulful relaxation.

Once a month, on Saturday evenings during the third week, guests gather on the island’s pristine stretch of sand for guided stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts from the BCIS Planetarium in Phuket. With clear skies most of the year and almost no light pollution, the resort’s remote location offers perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders through a telescope.

As twilight sets in, guests can choose to elevate the evening with a Starry Picnic by the Beach, a romantic basket of gourmet bites and celestial-themed drinks. The curated hamper includes Asian-inspired delights like tortilla wraps with wok-minced chicken and chilli basil, and herb-marinated pork neck, complemented by sparkling wine.

Adding a personal touch, the resort has also introduced a Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, helping guests discover activities that match their astrological signs. Adventurous Aries can explore kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling vibrant reefs; nurturing Cancers are encouraged to reconnect with nature through forest walks and marine discoveries; and focused Capricorns can unwind with sea-view spa rituals or wellness sessions overlooking the horizon.

Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager, SAii Phi Phi Island Village & SAii Laguna Phuket, shared, “A cherished haven for nature lovers, SAii Phi Phi Island Village continues to create experiences that resonate deeply, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, one starry night at a time. Whether one is drawn to the science of astronomy or the spirit of astrology, the stars offer the perfect guide.”

The stargazing sessions are complimentary for in-house guests, while the Starry Picnic by the Beach can be booked for an additional charge.

For reservations or more information, visit SAii Phi Phi Astro Moments

About SAii Hotels & Resorts:

SAii Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale lifestyle brand by Thailand-based S Hotels and Resorts PCL, known for blending sustainable hospitality with heartfelt service. The brand redefines affordable luxury through personalised experiences set amidst serene, nature-inspired destinations in Thailand and the Maldives.

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