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By Author
Published on October 14, 2023
ITC Hotels, a trusted name in the hospitality industry, is making waves with its latest addition to the Storii family in Kolkata, West Bengal. This move marks a significant expansion in the region, bringing the total number of ITC properties in West Bengal to nine, including four currently in development. With three Storii properties already thriving in India - Storii Shanti Morada and Storii Moira Riviera in Goa, and Storii Amoha Retreat in Dharamshala - the stage is set for Storii Kolkata, slated to open its doors in early 2024.
Storii Kolkata promises an oasis of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. The resort, located in the South City Retreat District, is just a 20-minute drive from the Eastern Metropolitan (EM) Bypass. It will offer well-appointed rooms and suites, providing a serene escape for travelers seeking a unique experience.
The standout feature of this leisure destination is the signature K by Kaya Kalp spa. Nestled among serene water bodies, the spa draws inspiration from the grandeur of ancient Bengal, where water pools were an integral part of architectural design. This spa is being developed as a tranquil oasis that combines the best of India's ancient traditions of health and wellness with modern rejuvenation programs.
The sprawling spa sanctuary will encompass various elements of nature, from sunlit spaces to a vast aqua ambience surrounded by fresh open air. It will foster holistic well-being, offering spacious treatment rooms with various therapies, including Ayurveda. Additionally, it will provide dedicated spaces for yoga, meditation, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and other recreational facilities.
Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive of ITC Hotels, expressed the hotel group's commitment to enriching Eastern India's tourism landscape. “ITC Hotels already has a strong presence in Kolkata. Storii by ITC Hotels, Kolkata will bring a boutique resort offering, away from the hustle and bustle of the metro life. The addition of this property represents our commitment to enrich the tourism landscape of Eastern India with each of our differentiated brands offering a varied choice of experiences to travellers.”
Ravi Todi, Director of South City Projects (Kolkata) Limited, said, “South City has had a history of bringing quality projects including a mall and school to the city of joy. With our first hospitality venture, we are bringing a world-class boutique resort with Spa that will become the preferred destination for staycations in and around Kolkata. We believe ITC Hotels will add quality of service and an eye for detail to our project.”
Storii by ITC Hotels is a hand-picked collection of boutique properties designed to cater to the ever-evolving needs of global travelers. These intimate-sized properties in the premium segment can be found in both expected and unexpected destinations. Whether nestled in breathtaking locales, steeped in history, located on untouched beaches, or surrounded by adventurous jungles, each Storii property offers a distinct experience, promising a story like no other.
With the addition of Storii Kolkata, ITC Hotels continues to redefine luxury and hospitality in the region. Travelers seeking a unique, holistic, and tranquil retreat in Kolkata will soon have a new haven to explore and experience. Stay tuned for the grand opening in early 2024, when Storii Kolkata will unveil its doors to the world.
Images are for representational purposes only.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 7, 2025
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.
Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.
Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”
Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”
The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.
With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.
Published on July 5, 2025
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.
As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.
Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.
Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”
The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.
As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.
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