ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Win at FICCI Water Awards

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.

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

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.

IHCL Launches Tree of Life Amara Resort & Spa in Udaipur

By Author

Published on March 24, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Tree of Life Amara Resort & Spa, Udaipur – a tranquil retreat tucked away in the Aravalli Hills. This boutique property offers an exclusive escape, perfectly blending nature with understated luxury.

The resort features 33 spacious villas, each offering private balconies with sweeping views of rolling hills, along with an infinity pool and an indulgent spa. Guests can dine at "Dawn," the resort’s signature restaurant serving a variety of global cuisines and traditional Rajasthani flavours, or unwind at "Dusk," a treehouse-inspired lounge known for its craft cocktails and vibrant sunset views.

Deepika Rao, executive vice president – Hotel Openings & New Businesses, IHCL, commented, “IHCL has always been a pioneer in shaping hospitality formats and destination-driven stays. With Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels joining the IHCL brandscape, we continue to create unique journeys that strike a balance between exclusivity and authenticity.” She added, “Tree of Life has established itself in the growing slow travel and experiential segment with 20 boutique properties, aiming to reach 100 hotels by 2030.”

Set beside the peaceful Vikrani lake, Tree of Life Amara Resort & Spa offers curated experiences such as guided village tours, nature walks, and cultural interactions, creating opportunities for guests to connect deeply with the region’s rural charm and traditions.

Rooted in the brand’s philosophy of offering havens away from the city bustle, Tree of Life properties are designed to be destinations in themselves, providing immersive experiences including wellness journeys, artisanal workshops, and soulful culinary encounters.

Alivaa Hotels Steps Into McLeodganj With Boutique Property

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 23, 2025

Alivaa Hotels is all set to make its mark in Himachal Pradesh with a new boutique property in McLeodganj. Known for its premium offerings, the hospitality brand is expanding its reach to one of India’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. The new hotel will offer spacious, well-designed rooms, a rooftop dining experience, a peaceful swimming pool, and a large coffee shop — setting the tone for a stay filled with both privacy and comfort.

This latest development comes on the back of Alivaa Hotels’ successful flagship property located on Sohna Road, Gurgaon. With McLeodganj’s vibrant Tibetan culture, bustling local markets, and serene monasteries, the hotel is perfectly positioned for travellers eager to explore the charm of the area.

Designed to serve both leisure and business travellers, the hotel promises personalised attention and finely curated services. Sharing his excitement, Akash Bhatia, CEO – Franchise & Managed Business, Alivaa Hotels, commented, “We are thrilled to announce the opening of Alivaa Hotels, McLeodganj, a destination that holds a unique charm for travellers. This property will further strengthen our presence in the leisure segment, complementing our soon-to-open resort in Jim Corbett. We look forward to offering a personalised experience to our guests in McLeodganj.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD – Alivaa Hotels, added, “We are on track to reach our committed milestone of 50 hotels in 5 years. This is our fifth signing in our very first year of operations, and we have several more in the pipeline for the next quarter.”

Alivaa Hotels continues to grow as a leading name in high-end hospitality, blending modern comforts with elegant design. With a stronghold in prime destinations, the brand is known for delivering unique stays tailored for both business and leisure travellers. Its focus remains on providing top-notch amenities, chic interiors, and a personalised touch to every guest experience.

SaffronStays Introduces ‘X Series’—A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Villas

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

Luxury travel in India just got an upgrade with SaffronStays’ new X Series, a curated collection of ultra-luxury villas designed to offer unparalleled experiences for milestone events. Whether it’s a landmark birthday, an intimate wedding, or a private getaway, these villas provide privacy, exclusivity, and tailor-made services, making each stay unforgettable.

Beyond Luxury: A New Experience in Private Stays

Unlike traditional luxury accommodations, the X Series focuses on creating lasting memories rather than just offering high-end lodging. Each villa is situated in a breathtaking location, combining architectural elegance, interior sophistication, and world-class hospitality.

"The growing demand for luxury stays in India has led us to introduce the X Series, designed to offer distinctive experiences and redefine the luxury stay concept for today’s travellers," says Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays.

Signature Villas That Define Exclusivity

Every property in the X Series is a destination in itself, offering unique charm and character:

SaffronStays SATORI – A serene retreat overlooking Lake Mulshi, offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings
SaffronStays Stella Maris – A stunning beach house near the Maharashtra-Goa border, perfect for seaside luxury and relaxation.
Seven Doors House – A restored 1932 Portuguese villa in Goa, blending heritage charm with modern indulgence.

Tailor-Made Luxury & Bespoke Services

Each villa is designed to offer a seamless fusion of comfort, elegance, and personalized hospitality, featuring:

Chef-curated gourmet meals
World-class amenities
Tranquil settings for relaxation
Exclusive privacy for intimate celebrations

With a commitment to quality and immersive experiences, SaffronStays’ X Series is set to redefine India’s luxury hospitality landscape, ensuring every stay is extraordinary and deeply personal.

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

Sustainability at the Core

Pioneering Water Efficiency Initiatives

Leaders in Green Hospitality

Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Hospitality

Most Read In News

IHCL Launches Tree of Life Amara Resort & Spa in Udaipur

Most Read In News

Alivaa Hotels Steps Into McLeodganj With Boutique Property

Most Read In News

SaffronStays Introduces ‘X Series’—A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Villas

Beyond Luxury: A New Experience in Private Stays

Signature Villas That Define Exclusivity

Tailor-Made Luxury & Bespoke Services

Most Read In News