Khyber Himalayan Resort Hosts Inaugural Khyber Cup Golf Tournament in Srinagar

Khyber Himalayan Resort Hosts Inaugural Khyber Cup Golf Tournament in Srinagar

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 30, 2024

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, hosted the inaugural Khyber Cup golf tournament at the stunning Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar on September 20-21, 2024. The event attracted over 100 top golfers from across India, offering participants an exhilarating experience amidst one of the most picturesque golfing locations in the country.

Sponsored by American Express and organized by Rishi Narain Sports Marketing (RNSM), the Khyber Cup aims to promote golf tourism in Jammu & Kashmir, leveraging the region’s natural beauty and ideal landscape for world-class golf courses. This initiative by The Khyber Himalayan Resort is expected to boost tourism in the area, drawing golf enthusiasts to combine their love for the sport with a vacation in Kashmir.

image

Khalil Tramboo, Director of Pinnacle Resorts and promoter of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, emphasized the resort’s commitment to elevating the standard of golf events in India. "Our vision is to make this a yearly golf tournament that meets international standards,” he said, reinforcing the resort’s mission to support sports and wellness tourism in the region.

Set against the breathtaking Zabarwan Range and Dal Lake, the Royal Springs Golf Course provided a challenging and scenic venue for the tournament. The Khyber Cup was played over two rounds, totaling 36 holes, with the scores from both days determining the winners in various categories. Golfers competed fiercely, showcasing their skills and determination on one of India’s most beautiful golf courses.

Reflecting on the event, Rishi Narain, Tournament Director and Managing Director of RNSM, expressed satisfaction with the success of the tournament. "The feedback from visitors was heartening as everyone enjoyed the challenge of the amazing Royal Springs Golf Course and the tournament surpassed their expectations. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg has taken this important initiative to promote Kashmir in all its potential aspects and we are sure The Khyber Cup will grow to become a highly sought after annual tournament for players from around India, in the future," he said.

The tournament wasn’t just about the competition but also celebrated the fusion of golf and nature. Participants enjoyed a relaxing stay at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg’s iconic luxury ski resort. A Gala Dinner with live musical performances and an awards ceremony marked the event’s conclusion, leaving lasting memories for all who attended.

Tournament Winners:

Visitors Category (Nett Scores):

Winner Div A: Vijay Kumar Jha – Score 145

Runner-up Div A: Amit Khansaheb – Score 146

Winner Div B: Anil Arora – Score 150

Runner-up Div B: Vineet Rastogi – Score 150

RSGC Members’ Category:

Winner Div A: Shabbir Bhat – Score 143

Runner-up Div A: Ghalib Shah – Score 143

Winner Div B: Zaman Sheikh – Score 144

Runner-up Div B: Ishifaq Hussaini – Score 144

Ladies Winner:

Chandana Raju – Score 151

Special Contest Winners:

Closest to Pin: Bharat Sharma – 6 inches

Longest Drive: Ahmed Mir – 315 yards

Straightest Drive: DP Singh

Ladies Straightest Drive: Haya Trumboo


Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Unveils Reimagined Beach Villas in the Maldives

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 11, 2025

A luxurious evolution has arrived at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa with the launch of its newly reimagined Beach Villas with Pool. These elegant accommodations replace the resort’s former Beach Bungalows, bringing guests a brighter, more spacious, and stylish retreat just steps from the shoreline.

The new villas double the outdoor space to 285 sq. m. (3,068 sq. ft.), feature redesigned interiors spanning 70 sq. m. (753.5 sq. ft.), and are crafted to perfectly blend indoor comfort with the beauty of the Maldives. Ideal for couples, honeymooners, and small families, each Beach Villa comfortably accommodates three adults or two adults and two children under 12.

Commenting on this final phase of the resort’s regeneration project, General Manager Didier Jardin shared, “Kuda Huraa has long been a haven for those seeking an intimate Maldivian home-from-home but we recognised the limitations of our bungalows in terms of layout, light and space. Our first ever Beach Villas embody the spirit of the island, where comfort, care, and the magic of the Maldives come together in a seamless flow.”

image

What’s New:

  • Light & airy design:

    Deep wood tones have given way to sun-inspired palettes of teal, turquoise, and tangerine, evoking a fresh island vibe.

  • Smarter layout: A breezy porch leads into an ensuite bedroom with ocean-framed daybed, study, dining space, and a reconfigured walk-in closet seamlessly linked to the bathroom.

  • Upgraded outdoor living: The plunge pool has transformed into a generous 36 sq. m. (388 sq. ft.) pool oriented towards stunning ocean views. A chic pergola with a round custom swing sets the scene for relaxed lounging or eye-catching Instagram moments.

  • Elegant touches: High-end designer pieces like the B&B Italia armchair and organic architectural curves ensure the villas harmonise beautifully with their surroundings.

image

Guests can also enjoy thoughtful inclusions like daily fresh fruit, Kuda Spring water, coffee and tea, twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, and beach essentials for children.

For a seamless start to paradise each day, the resort’s Bed & Breakfast package offers a lavish buffet breakfast at Café Huraa, included for two guests per bedroom (or more in family units), available for stays until December 20, 2026.

To be among the first to experience these stunning new villas, guests can email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call +960 66 00 888.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai Launches Monsoon Weekend Escape with Dining, Spa & Music

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport invites city dwellers to break free from routine and embrace the charm of the rainy season with its all-new Monsoon Weekend Escape. Exclusively available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, this package is designed to offer an indulgent and relaxing stay packed with gourmet flavours, curated experiences, and pampering touches.

Guests can start their weekend retreat with the option of a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability. The experience continues at Ode Spa, where signature treatments come with a 30% discount, promising the perfect monsoon unwind.

image

As twilight falls, head over to ARK Bar and Lounge for an hour of unlimited cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by an elegant Awadhi dinner at Ummrao, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The next morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast at MoMo Café or opt for a relaxed in-room Continental breakfast anytime, thanks to the 24/7 service.

Saturdays are all about creating joyful family memories. The hotel’s poolside turns into a lively family zone, featuring kids’ activities and a charming Hi-Tea from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, paired with lounge music. As evening sets in, guests can experience the Saturday Serenade in the lobby from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a soulful musical backdrop to their MoMo Café dinner.

Sundays begin with morning melodies from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, easing into the hotel’s Brunch Society from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at MoMo Café. With upbeat brunch beats, indulgent cuisine, and lively ambiance, it’s the perfect way to close a well-spent weekend.

image

Whether you're planning a family outing, a romantic weekend, or just a break from the rains, the Monsoon Weekend Escape at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport promises an experience that’s indulgent, vibrant, and refreshingly different.


Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

Sterling Launches Sterling GK Exotica, a Boutique Business Hotel in Dehradun

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Sterling GK Exotica, a boutique 36-key business hotel in Dehradun. Located in the heart of the city on Saharanpur Road, the hotel is Sterling’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand and second property in Dehradun, strengthening its foothold in India’s growing business-leisure travel segment.

Just five hours from Delhi NCR and six from Chandigarh, the hotel offers easy connectivity to Haridwar, Roorkee, and Saharanpur. With sweeping views of the Shivalik range and a central location, it appeals equally to corporate guests and weekend travellers.

The hotel offers four room categories from Classic Rooms to Executive Suites with double washrooms and city skyline views. Crowning the property is Skyline, the highest rooftop restaurant and bar in Dehradun, featuring Himalayan herb-infused cuisine, creative cocktails, and a panoramic 270° Shivalik view.

Event spaces include Summit, a rooftop banquet for up to 100 guests, and Mirage, a pillar-free indoor hall with a 150-seat capacity in theatre-style—both ideal for corporate events, offsites, and social gatherings.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, shared, “Sterling GK Exotica firmly establishes our base in Dehradun and strengthens our Himalayan circuit. Dehradun’s expressway growth, upgraded airport, and emerging knowledge economy make it North India’s key business-leisure node. With GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella, we offer two contrasting but complementary experiences within one city.”

Aman Bagga, Owner of Global Hospitality Pvt Ltd, added, “Partnering with Sterling was an easy decision. With their solid Uttarakhand roadmap and nationwide sales reach, GK Exotica gains immediate visibility. We aim to position this hotel as Dehradun’s urban retreat for both boardroom and leisure travellers.”

Sterling’s Uttarakhand portfolio now includes:

  • Sterling GK Exotica and Sterling Marbella in Dehradun

  • Sterling Mussoorie

  • Sterling Palm Bliss Rishikesh

  • Sterling Mantra Haridwar

  • Sterling Corbett

  • Sterling Vanvasa Lansdowne

  • Sterling Nainital

  • Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag

Together, these properties support the brand’s ‘drive-to’ strategy, offering seamless travel options from business meetings to yoga retreats and tiger safaris, all integrated through expressway access, digital booking tools, and curated Himalayan travel circuits.

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.