ITC Hotels Expands Storii Portfolio to Kolkata: A Unique Boutique Retreat Awaits

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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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.

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.