Kimpton Revives Iconic Coco Palms Resort in Hawaii

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 17, 2024

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is set to bring its first luxury and lifestyle destination to Hawaii through the historically sensitive restoration of Kauai’s iconic Coco Palms Resort. Slated to open in 2026, Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort, aims to offer an exceptional retreat for travelers and the Kaua‘i community, combining cultural authenticity with modern amenities.

Situated in the picturesque Wailua Valley, Coco Palms holds a storied past as a glamorous retreat for Hollywood stars like Elvis Presley and Rita Hayworth. The resort, now owned by Reef Capital Partners and operated by Highgate, will be rejuvenated under the guidance of Native Hawaiian advisors, ensuring a culturally rich and authentic experience for guests.

The renovated resort will feature 350 accommodations spread across three low-rise hotel buildings and cottages. Guests will have access to a 15-acre coconut grove, ideal for activities ranging from meditation to movie nights and wedding ceremonies. The resort will also boast three outdoor pools, an onsite spa, and unique dining options including a rooftop bar, pool bar, and a restored shoreline restaurant.

Continuing a cherished tradition, Coco Palms will host evening torch-lighting ceremonies, adding to the resort’s cultural appeal. Kimpton’s signature services, such as the Kickstart morning coffee and tea service, nightly Kimpton Social, the “Forgot It? We’ve Got It!” program, in-room yoga mats, and pet-friendly policies, will further enhance the guest experience.

Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director for Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement about the new venture. “We are incredibly excited to establish our luxury and lifestyle presence in Hawaii with Coco Palms, A Kimpton Resort. Hawaii beckons travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery, and this wholly reimagined resort will welcome not only visitors, but also the local community, with unique, culturally respectful experiences all within an inspiring boutique luxury setting. We’re pleased to partner with Reef Capital Partners, who is committed to being responsible stewards of this historic landmark.”

The resort’s restoration goes beyond hospitality. A cultural center and museum will honor Kaua‘i’s heritage, featuring exhibits, lectures, and activities that educate visitors and locals about the area’s native culture and rich history. This initiative highlights the commitment to preserving the historical and cultural integrity of the land, which was left neglected after Hurricane Iniki struck in 1992.

Jon Day, CFO at Reef Capital Partners, emphasized the significance of the project. “It’s a true privilege to bring the first Kimpton resort to Hawai‘i. IHG shares our belief that the history and culture of this site, especially the pre-contact history, is what distinguishes Coco Palms from other properties and makes it such a magical place. They’re just as committed as we are to preserving its legacy and sharing it with the world. I can think of no better brand to fulfill this vision.”

Kaua‘i, known as the “Garden Isle,” offers natural beauty with its expansive rainforests and deep valleys. The Wailua River, adjacent to Coco Palms, provides scenic kayaking opportunities and leads to the serene Fern Grotto, a natural lava rock cavern. The area also offers hiking trails, helicopter tours, water sports, and is conveniently located just five miles from Lihue Airport.

Upon reopening, Coco Palms will serve as Kimpton’s west coast flagship in the Americas and join the brand’s global portfolio of boutique resorts, which includes locations in the Cayman Islands, Honduras, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand.

For more information about Kimpton, visit IHG.com or download the IHG One Rewards mobile app.

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.

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Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts