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.”

image

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 Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar celebrated International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness experience that encouraged guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a more mindful way of living. Inspired by Aujasya by The Leela, the brand's philosophy centred on vitality, balance, and mindful living, the event brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to holistic wellbeing.

Hosted within the serene surroundings of the hotel, the programme went beyond physical exercise to focus on mindfulness and self-awareness. Participants took part in guided yoga sessions, mindful breathing exercises, and moments of quiet reflection, creating an environment that encouraged relaxation and inner balance.

image

The experience was designed around the belief that true wellbeing is built through meaningful and enriching moments. As the session concluded, guests were invited to continue their wellness journey with an Aujasya-inspired breakfast featuring wholesome dishes, fresh fruits, herbal infusions, and nutritious selections curated to complement the spirit of the occasion.

The event reflected the holistic wellness approach of Aujasya, where movement, nourishment, and mindfulness come together to promote renewal and personal wellbeing. Through the experience, participants were encouraged to pause from their daily routines, recharge, and adopt a more balanced lifestyle.

Commenting on the occasion, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Wellbeing is increasingly becoming an essential part of how people choose to live, travel, and engage with the world around them. Through Aujasya-inspired experiences, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that encourage balance, mindfulness, and a sense of inner renewal. International Yoga Day offered a wonderful occasion to celebrate this philosophy and share it with our guests and associates.”

As wellness continues to play a growing role in luxury hospitality, The Leela Gandhinagar remains focused on creating experiences that blend authentic hospitality with mindful living. Guided by the principles of Aujasya, the hotel continues to offer opportunities for guests to reconnect with themselves through thoughtful and restorative experiences.

More than a celebration of yoga, the event served as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, nourishment, and inner balance in creating a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.