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.


Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on December 31, 2025

Suba Hotels has officially commenced operations of Click Collection Hotel, Gangtok, marking its second landmark presence in the capital city of Sikkim. The new property strengthens the group’s growing footprint in the Northeast and reinforces its focus on delivering contemporary hospitality in emerging leisure destinations.

Strategically located at Bojoghari, Indra Bypass Road, near the helipad and within easy reach of popular attractions such as MG Marg and Tsomgo Lake, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok offers travellers a comfortable base to explore the city while enjoying scenic valley views. The hotel is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers seeking modern comforts in a relaxed mountain setting.

The property features 42 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, blending functional design with warm interiors suited for today’s urban traveller. Guests can expect well-appointed amenities, attentive service, and a stay experience aligned with Suba Hotels’ signature standards of efficiency and comfort.

With its convenient location, contemporary rooms and focus on guest-centric service, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok aims to become a preferred choice for visitors travelling to Sikkim for holidays, business trips or short city getaways. The opening also reflects Suba Hotels’ continued expansion strategy across key tourism-driven and emerging markets in India.

As travel demand to Northeast India continues to rise, the launch of Click Collection Hotel Gangtok positions Suba Hotels to tap into the region’s growing popularity while offering travellers a reliable and comfortable hospitality option in the heart of Gangtok.


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

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.

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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.


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

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.

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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.

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