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.

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

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WelcomHeritage Launches Kurki Palace in Jaipur, Celebrating Rajasthan’s Royal Legacy

By Hariharan U

Published on August 4, 2026

WelcomHeritage has expanded its presence in Rajasthan with the launch of WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace, a boutique heritage hotel in Jaipur that brings together royal Rajput traditions, architectural grandeur, and contemporary luxury hospitality.

Located within a peaceful residential enclave in Jaipur, the palace offers guests a serene retreat while providing convenient access to the city’s iconic forts, palaces, and cultural landmarks. Hosted by descendants of the renowned Ranbanka Rathore family of Kurki Fort, whose lineage traces back to the 23rd generation of saint-poet Mirabai, the property offers travellers an opportunity to experience Rajasthan’s living heritage.

Inspired by traditional Rajasthani havelis, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace reflects a blend of Marwari, Mughal, and European architectural influences. The property features grand sandstone structures, stained-glass windows, antique artefacts, intricate craftsmanship, and family heirlooms that showcase the region’s rich artistic legacy.

The palace offers 34 luxurious accommodations, including one Maharaja Suite, four Maharani Suites, 18 Executive Mahal Rooms, and 11 Rawla Deluxe Rooms. Each room has been designed with handcrafted furnishings, regional artistry, and modern amenities to provide guests with an immersive heritage stay experience.

The property features four distinctive dining venues — Darbar – The Sky Lounge, Swarn Mahal, Badal Mahal, and Sugar Coated Café — offering curated culinary experiences inspired by Rajasthan’s flavours and artistic traditions.

Beyond accommodation and dining, WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace offers a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, and curated relaxation spaces. The property also caters to destination weddings, private celebrations, and MICE events through elegant venues such as Darbar Banquet, Darbar Rooftop, and Badal Mahal.

With bespoke event services and parking capacity for up to 500 vehicles, the palace provides a regal setting for large-scale celebrations, corporate gatherings, and intimate occasions.

Aligned with responsible hospitality practices, the property incorporates solar energy into its operations, combining sustainability with heritage preservation.

Speaking on the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage, said that WelcomHeritage Kurki Palace represents the brand’s vision of preserving India’s cultural legacy while creating contemporary hospitality experiences. He added that the property strengthens WelcomHeritage’s presence in Jaipur and offers travellers an authentic gateway to Rajasthan’s timeless charm.

Chhibba further noted that the launch marks WelcomHeritage’s 11th property in Rajasthan and takes the brand’s overall portfolio to 37 properties across India. He highlighted Rajasthan’s importance to the brand’s heritage hospitality journey and reiterated the company’s focus on creating destinations that travellers actively seek for unique cultural experiences.

Strategically located near Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Railway Station, the palace provides easy access to major attractions including Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, and Nahargarh Fort, making it an ideal base for exploring Jaipur’s heritage and vibrant culture.