ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Win Special Jury Award for Water Efficiency at FICCI Water Awards 2024

ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Win Special Jury Award for Water Efficiency at FICCI Water Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 27, 2025

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have been recognized for their exceptional water efficiency practices, winning the Special Jury Award in the “Industrial Water Efficiency” category at the FICCI Water Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores their commitment to Responsible Luxury, sustainability, and advanced water management.

Sustainability at the Core

Both hotels are LEED Platinum-certified and follow global eco-friendly standards in design and operations. ITC Sonar is also the second hotel in the world to receive the LEED Zero Water Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, setting a benchmark for sustainable water management. This certification ensures that the hotel balances total potable water consumption with alternative or recycled water use, pushing the boundaries of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

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Pioneering Water Efficiency Initiatives

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have implemented cutting-edge water-saving measures to enhance efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Key initiatives include:

Scale and Bio-Removal System (SBR) for efficient wastewater treatment
High-efficiency laundry machines & dishwashers that use minimal water
Automatic chiller tube cleaning system to optimize cooling processes
SunyaAqua (Zero Mile Travelled Water) – a sustainable in-house water bottling system
Water pressure management across the entire property
Rainwater harvesting for conservation and reuse
100% wastewater recycling for room flushing, HVAC cooling towers, and irrigation

These initiatives ensure that the hotels not only optimize water performance but also actively contribute to decarbonization and Net Zero Carbon goals.

Leaders in Green Hospitality

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Commenting on the achievement, Gaurav Soneja, Cluster General Manager, ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, said:

"This accolade highlights our dedication to integrating sustainability into our core operations. At our hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can seamlessly coexist. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a carefully nurtured environment, defining our ethos of Responsible Luxury."

Amitava Bhattacharya, Head of Technical Services at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, added:

"Our journey towards Net Zero Water includes advanced water-efficient systems, high-efficiency laundry machines, automatic chiller tube cleaning, and rainwater harvesting. These innovations optimize water performance, ensuring our hotel leads in water efficiency."

Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Hospitality

With their grand architecture, cultural integration, and commitment to environmental stewardship, ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar stand as icons of sustainability in Kolkata. Their success at the FICCI Water Awards 2024 reaffirms their leadership in green hospitality, proving that luxury can be both opulent and environmentally responsible.


Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

Planet Hotels & Resorts is steadily strengthening its presence across India, with a clear focus on lifestyle-driven hospitality and premium travel experiences. Based out of Mumbai, the brand is building a strategically curated pipeline aimed at high-potential leisure, urban, and spiritual destinations.

Under the leadership of Anand Chatterjee, who has led the hospitality vertical for over a decade, the company is positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving premium hospitality space.

The group’s journey began with the launch of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Goa in 2013, which set the tone for its design-forward and experience-led approach. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across destinations such as Thane, Powai, and Manali.

Flagship urban properties like Planet Hollywood Thane City and The Beatle Hotel reflect the brand’s commitment to design-led stays and immersive guest experiences. Expanding its boutique footprint, the group also marked its entry into the hills with a Manali property under The Beatle brand in 2025, catering to travellers seeking elevated mountain retreats.

In line with its focus on the elite segment, the brand recently introduced Kings Mansion in North Goa. Designed as an ultra-premium destination, the property aims to deliver privacy, bespoke services, and a refined hospitality experience tailored to discerning travellers.

Looking ahead, Planet Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious roadmap with upcoming projects planned across New Delhi, Tirupati, Udaipur, and Hyderabad, while also evaluating additional markets. The expansion strategy is focused on tapping into India’s most sought-after travel destinations, spanning leisure, spiritual, and urban segments.

Speaking on the growth trajectory, Anand Chatterjee highlighted that the brand’s expansion is driven by a deep understanding of emerging lifestyle destinations and evolving consumer expectations. He emphasised that the focus remains on creating design-forward environments, intuitive service, and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

With a growing portfolio that blends aesthetics, personalisation, and experience-led offerings, Planet Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping India’s next phase of premium hospitality growth.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.

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