Kimpton Revives Iconic Coco Palms Resort in Hawaii

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.


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to experience the culinary spirit of southern India with the launch of Kaveri Grills, a special promotion running from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Inspired by the nurturing flow of the Kaveri River, this unique dining experience pays homage to the waters that sustain the region’s culture, cuisine, and communities. Guests can savour a handpicked selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter, celebrating the authentic flavours of southern India with a refined touch.

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The menu blends local ingredients and traditional cooking styles with the signature craftsmanship of ITC Hotels, offering a feast that is both comforting and contemporary. Complementing this special curation is a revamped dinner buffet, featuring a wide array of Indian and international favourites, crafted with the care, precision, and sustainability ITC Hotels are known for.

Every evening, the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies fills the air, transforming WelcomCafe Jacaranda into a riverside-inspired haven that captures the spirit of the Kaveri in every bite.

Guests can indulge in this immersive dining experience between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

For reservations, please call +91 9840535520 (9 AM – 11 PM) or email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com.


Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Zuper Resorts proudly announces the opening of Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal, a luxurious new destination in Bakaniya, located just an hour’s drive from Bhopal. Designed to capture the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering refined comfort, Empire represents a new benchmark in leisure hospitality for Central India.

Set across twelve acres of lush greenery, the resort greets guests with a sense of space, serenity, and understated elegance. With 38 well-appointed accommodations including 2 Tulip Exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian Exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each features a private portico that opens to panoramic views of the landscape.

Guests can indulge their taste buds at Savor, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving global favourites, or unwind at Chaska, a stylish rooftop brasserie with expansive views and an inviting ambiance. For intimate gatherings, a private dining room seating up to 12 guests offers an ideal setting for celebrations and conversations.

The resort also features a bar with expertly crafted cocktails, indoor recreation facilities such as carrom and table tennis, and a well-equipped fitness area. Every detail at Empire is designed to provide comfort, modernity, and a deep connection to nature.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Empire by Zuper is a refreshing perspective to hospitality and reveals an unseen side of India. It is more than a resort, it’s a landmark where design and world-class comfort culminate. This is one of our most progressive ventures yet, positioning the region prominently on India’s leisure map.”

He added, “Empire stands out as one of the finest resorts in Bhopal, ideal for weddings, private gatherings, and grand celebrations. Thoughtfully crafted for the people of Bhopal, the resort blends luxurious spaces with warm hospitality to make every stay truly memorable.”

About Zuper Hotels & Resorts

Zuper Resorts is a reputed hospitality management company known for curating boutique resorts and premium getaways across Maharashtra and beyond. With over a decade of expertise, Zuper has built a strong reputation in leisure and event hospitality, managing weddings, corporate events, and exclusive celebrations with precision and creativity.


SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

SAii Phi Phi Island Village, part of SAii Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled an enhanced version of its popular “Astro Moments” experience, a stargazing-inspired escape that connects guests with the cosmos on the resort’s private beach.

Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand centred on the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, this new chapter of Astro Moments combines scientific discovery with soulful relaxation.

Once a month, on Saturday evenings during the third week, guests gather on the island’s pristine stretch of sand for guided stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts from the BCIS Planetarium in Phuket. With clear skies most of the year and almost no light pollution, the resort’s remote location offers perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders through a telescope.

As twilight sets in, guests can choose to elevate the evening with a Starry Picnic by the Beach, a romantic basket of gourmet bites and celestial-themed drinks. The curated hamper includes Asian-inspired delights like tortilla wraps with wok-minced chicken and chilli basil, and herb-marinated pork neck, complemented by sparkling wine.

Adding a personal touch, the resort has also introduced a Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, helping guests discover activities that match their astrological signs. Adventurous Aries can explore kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling vibrant reefs; nurturing Cancers are encouraged to reconnect with nature through forest walks and marine discoveries; and focused Capricorns can unwind with sea-view spa rituals or wellness sessions overlooking the horizon.

Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager, SAii Phi Phi Island Village & SAii Laguna Phuket, shared, “A cherished haven for nature lovers, SAii Phi Phi Island Village continues to create experiences that resonate deeply, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, one starry night at a time. Whether one is drawn to the science of astronomy or the spirit of astrology, the stars offer the perfect guide.”

The stargazing sessions are complimentary for in-house guests, while the Starry Picnic by the Beach can be booked for an additional charge.

For reservations or more information, visit SAii Phi Phi Astro Moments

About SAii Hotels & Resorts:

SAii Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale lifestyle brand by Thailand-based S Hotels and Resorts PCL, known for blending sustainable hospitality with heartfelt service. The brand redefines affordable luxury through personalised experiences set amidst serene, nature-inspired destinations in Thailand and the Maldives.

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