LaRiSa Hotels Expands in Himachal with New Resort in Palampur

LaRiSa Hotels Expands in Himachal with New Resort in Palampur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 20, 2025

LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts has signed a hotel management agreement for a new resort in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled to open in early 2026, this will be LaRiSa’s fifth property in the state and marks a significant step in the brand’s regional growth strategy.

Developed in collaboration with Grassmere Resorts, the upcoming resort spans 2.5 acres in the scenic Kangra Valley. It will feature 20 rooms and suites, each offering private balconies with views of either Palampur city or the majestic Dhauladhar range. Room sizes will range between 400 and 850 sq. ft.

The property will be equipped with an infinity pool overlooking the Himalayas, a spa with therapy rooms and steam facilities, and curated farm-to-table culinary experiences. Landscaped gardens, a fruit and herb garden, and a peaceful fish pond will further enhance the tranquil vibe of the retreat.

“Palampur in Kangra Valley is witnessing a notable surge in tourism,” said Priya Thakur, Director, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts. “With the signing of LaRiSa Resort, Palampur, we are strengthening our offering in Himachal Pradesh through this collaboration with the Sandhu family.”

Achint Kaur Sandhu, Partner at Grassmere Resorts, added, “With this partnership we hope to cater to travellers seeking a premium stay experience that has been lacking in this destination.”

Strategically located, the resort will offer easy access to popular attractions such as Neugal Khad, Andretta Artist Village, Saurabh Van Vihar, and Tashi Jong Monastery. It is situated 9 km from Palampur Railway Station and 45 km from Kangra Airport, ensuring good connectivity for visitors.


Gimlet Garden at AER, Four Seasons Mumbai Redefines Cocktail Culture with Culinary Flair

Gimlet Garden at AER, Four Seasons Mumbai Redefines Cocktail Culture with Culinary Flair

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

High above Mumbai’s ever-buzzing skyline, AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai continues to set the tone for sophisticated evenings. Adding a refreshing new chapter to its story, the rooftop bar introduces Gimlet Garden, an enchanting hideaway of greenery and understated elegance that invites guests to unwind and savour the art of crafted cocktails.

At Gimlet Garden, cocktails aren’t just drinks they’re culinary adventures in a glass. The new menu draws inspiration from ports and coastal traditions across the world, turning familiar ingredients into bold expressions of culture. Think truffle and basil, tamarind and green apple, or even squid-infused gin paired with shiso leaf  creative combinations that redefine how a cocktail can taste and feel.

Each creation on the menu carries its own story. The Oaxaca Me Margata captures Mexico’s warmth through smoky agave, cacao, and chili, while the Citrus Caravan Paloma sparkles with grapefruit and kokum, a playful nod to global markets. The Siren’s Cove, blending coconut tequila, mulberry liqueur, sloe gin, and black tea, evokes the ocean’s rhythm, while Giloy brings layered complexity through tequila, Martini Extra Dry, Cointreau, D.O.M. Bénédictine, and subtle notes of Islay peat, Penja pepper, cucumber, shiso, and milk oolong. For those who crave something truly unexpected, the Pescadito transforms Peru’s iconic ceviche into a bright, savoury liquid experience.

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The menu extends beyond drinks, pairing each cocktail with globally inspired small plates. Dishes like The Bombay Guac, Salmon Ceviche with Peruvian Tiger’s Milk, and Truffle and Parmesan Fries complement the cocktails perfectly, creating a seamless connection between kitchen and bar.

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“Our new menu at Gimlet Garden is designed to take our guests on a journey,” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. “Each cocktail and dish is a narrative in itself, crafted with care, creativity, and intention. Whether at golden hour or under a starlit sky, Gimlet Garden offers an experience that is both intimate and inspiring, where every moment lingers long after the last sip.”

With panoramic views, lush ambience, and a spirit that celebrates flavour and artistry, Gimlet Garden at AER is more than a rooftop bar, it’s a sensory escape above the city, where mixology meets gastronomy and every visit turns into a lasting memory.


The LaLiT Mumbai Showcases “Cause of You bvby”, A Celebration of Art and Inclusivity

By Hariharan U

Published on October 31, 2025

The LaLiT Mumbai has once again reaffirmed its status as a beacon of art, culture, and inclusivity with the launch of “Cause of You bvby”, a visually stunning music video collaboration by Rahul Rajkhowa, ICONYK, and UpsideDown. Filmed inside the hotel’s magnificent 96-foot-high atrium, the video beautifully captures the creative spirit that defines The LaLiT Mumbai.

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This collaboration has quickly become the city’s latest buzz, not just for its music but for the space that made it possible. The LaLiT Mumbai, where architecture, sound, and soul meet serves as the perfect canvas for such artistic expressions.

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Some spaces don't just host you they inspire you. Grateful to collaborate with The LaLiT Group, a brand that truly celebrates art, music, and creativity. From the vibe to the vision, The LaLiT became our creative haven for this project,” shares Rahul Rajkhowa, National Award-winning singer-songwriter and one of India’s most versatile contemporary artists.

Rajkhowa has performed across 36 cities spanning India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bhutan, exploring sounds from Pop and Reggae to Hip Hop and Blues. Known for his global musical outlook, he became the first Indian artist to release an independent Korean collaboration album with RnB star Jimmy Brown. His work has appeared alongside major international artists like Jennie, Jungkook, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Rosé on Spotify editorial playlists, while he has shared the stage with icons such as Ne-Yo, Steve Vai, Ronan Keating, and The Lumineers.

Outside of music, Rahul also serves as a History teacher, Visiting Professor at IIM Ranchi, and the founder of Rajkhowa & Arya Aid, a non-profit that has helped over 2,500 flood-affected families in Assam and supported education in rural communities.

Joining forces with him, ICONYK, a Canada-born, India-based producer and composer, adds his signature sonic artistry to the track. Known for blending pop, poetry, and folk influences, ICONYK has modernised Assamese folk music, earned a National Award, composed for Sonakshi Sinha, and produced tracks for Sanjay Dutt’s Bhootni.

The LaLiT Mumbai, known for its grandeur and artistic soul, offers much more than luxury. Home to Asia’s largest atrium lobby, the property features remarkable artworks including Tripathga by Manmohan Bhaskar and Ashwamedha Turang by Satish Gujral. Regular live performances by Zoheb Khan of the Banaras Gharana add a touch of heritage and rhythm to the ambiance.

With collaborations like this, we celebrate creativity in all its forms,” says Rohit Sharma, General Manager, The LaLiT Mumbai. “At The LaLiT Mumbai, we see art as an emotion that connects people beyond boundaries. Our vision is to create spaces where creativity thrives, voices are heard, and inclusivity is embraced.”

With its artistic essence, exceptional hospitality, and inclusive spirit, The LaLiT Mumbai continues to be not just a luxury destination — but a living, breathing space for culture and connection


Ennismore to Open the First Lifestyle All-Inclusive Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

Ennismore to Open the First Lifestyle All-Inclusive Resort in Ras Al Khaimah

By Hariharan U

Published on October 30, 2025

Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, has announced the upcoming opening of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, marking the brand’s first all-inclusive resort outside Europe and Ennismore’s debut lifestyle hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort is slated to open in November 2025.

Set along Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular coastline — where desert, mangroves, and mountains meet the turquoise Arabian Sea, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah brings a fashion-inspired aesthetic to a stunning beachfront escape. The property will feature 257 guestrooms and suites across seven categories, each offering uninterrupted sea views and interiors inspired by the region’s natural hues — sunset oranges, ocean teals, and stone neutrals — paired with walnut wood and bronze accents for warmth and elegance.

The resort will feature five distinct dining destinations curated by Ennismore’s Global F&B Platform. Guests can explore diverse culinary experiences at:

  • The Market, a casual all-day restaurant

  • Chiano, serving refined Mediterranean and Italian cuisine

  • Hadaba, offering Levantine-inspired dining

  • Floating World, a Pan-Asian and Japanese specialty restaurant

  • Savant, a high-energy cocktail bar with live entertainment on the 10th floor

Complementing the line-up are two pool bars, Cabini and Bungalow (an adults-only space) — along with an independent beach club. The property will also include event and meeting spaces, including a 345-guest function hall, pre-function area, and flexible workshop zones.

Wellness takes center stage at SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, with a spa featuring treatment rooms, sauna, and a cold-water pool. Guests can enjoy fitness classes, a 24-hour gym, or nearby outdoor activities including golf, horse riding, kayaking, and sunrise dune walks.

Strategically located at the entrance of Al Marjan Island, the resort will be part of a new wave of luxury developments in Ras Al Khaimah — home to cultural landmarks, designer boutiques, and the region’s first casino. According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the emirate recorded 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024, reflecting a 12% increase in tourism revenue as it moves toward its goal of 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.

Ras Al Khaimah’s rise as an all-inclusive luxury destination follows the success of Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, both of which set new benchmarks for immersive experiences that combine gastronomy, entertainment, and design. Building on this momentum, SO/ introduces a fresh, style-driven perspective to the all-inclusive segment.

The opening underscores Ennismore’s growth in the global lifestyle all-inclusive space, now boasting a portfolio of over 60 resorts representing more than 25,000 rooms worldwide. Recent milestones include Rixos Tersane Istanbul, SLS Playa Mujeres, and Hyde Bodrum, with upcoming projects across Mexico, Egypt, Dubai, and Vietnam.

SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will join Ennismore’s ALL Inclusive Collection, a curated platform that unites leading brands such as Rixos, SO/, Hyde, SLS, and Swissôtel. The collection redefines traditional all-inclusive stays by offering immersive luxury experiences with design, dining, and entertainment at their core.

Cenk Unverdi, COO of Rixos & All-Inclusive Collection - GCC, Central Asia & Europe, Ennismore, said, “Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing luxury destinations in the region, making it the perfect location to debut the first SO/ all-inclusive resort in the Middle East. Building on the success of Rixos through the ALL Inclusive Collection, we’re delighted to welcome the first lifestyle all-inclusive resort to the emirate. SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will offer a timeless, intimate take on the art of escape — where bold design, exceptional food, and creativity merge into a seamless experience.”

About Ennismore:
Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-led brands that embody creativity, community, and purpose. A joint venture with Accor since 2021, Ennismore has grown into a leading lifestyle hospitality group with 16 brands, 180+ hotels, 500+ restaurants and bars, and 45+ branded residences across 40+ countries.

For more information, visit ennismore.com.

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