Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Aurika Brand with New Property in Surat, Gujarat

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Aurika Brand with New Property in Surat, Gujarat

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 26, 2024

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. has taken a significant step forward in expanding its upscale brand, Aurika Hotels & Resorts, by signing a new property in Surat, Gujarat. This latest addition, Aurika, Surat, is expected to open in FY 2030 and will be operated by Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Aurika, Surat is poised to offer guests an exceptional experience, featuring 175 aesthetically designed rooms and suites. The hotel will also boast a range of premium amenities, including Mirasa, an all-day dining restaurant, extensive banquet facilities with Ekaara as the ballroom, Aurum as the boardroom, a stunning swimming pool, and a rejuvenating spa.

Surat: A Blend of Industry and Culture

Known as the 'Diamond City of India,' Surat is a global powerhouse in diamond cutting and polishing, as well as a major producer of silk and synthetic fabrics, earning it the additional moniker of the 'Silk City.' Beyond its industrial acclaim, Surat is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the Dutch Garden and Surat Castle, which echo the city’s rich cultural and economic heritage. The meandering Tapi River adds to the city’s picturesque charm, making it a delightful destination for travelers.

Surat is also a food lover’s paradise, offering an array of delightful street food and traditional Gujarati dishes that showcase the region’s culinary diversity.

A Commitment to Upscale Hospitality

Commenting on the signing, Vilas Pawar, CEO of Managed and Franchise Business at Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Aurika, Surat, marking our second Aurika property in Gujarat. This addition will further strengthen our presence in the state, where we currently operate seven hotels and have nine more in the pipeline. Aurika, Surat, will embody our commitment to upscale hospitality, offering guests an exceptional blend of opulence and local culture. We are excited to bring our distinctive experience to this vibrant city, ensuring it becomes a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travellers.”

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Aurika: Beyond the Unusual

Aurika hotels are known for being stylishly elegant yet comfortably informal, with a strong emphasis on design that reflects the soul of the destination. Each Aurika property has its own unique personality, featuring new-age dining and innovative entertainment options, complemented by invigorating fitness and wellness facilities. The brand’s essence lies in going 'beyond the unusual,' with service that is attentive and personal, yet unobtrusive.

Inspiring spaces, flawless delivery, and cutting-edge technological solutions ensure that guests at Aurika hotels can work, play, and relax effortlessly. This new property in Surat will continue this tradition, bringing a touch of luxury to one of India’s most vibrant cities.

About Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. is a leading hotel chain in India, offering a wide range of accommodations across the country. With a focus on providing exceptional service and value, Lemon Tree Hotels continue to expand its presence, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

For more information, visit lemontreehotels.com.

Contact: lemontree@pragency.com


Christmas Sparkles at Sheraton Hyderabad with Eco Tree and 12 Foot Yuletide Log

Christmas Sparkles at Sheraton Hyderabad with Eco Tree and 12 Foot Yuletide Log

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 17, 2025

The festive season arrived at Sheraton Hyderabad with warmth, sparkle and a thoughtful message, as the hotel hosted a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony that beautifully blended celebration with sustainability. The lobby was transformed into a charming Christmas setting, complete with reindeers, sledges and a whimsical gingerbread house, setting the tone for an evening filled with joy and togetherness.

Moving away from traditional Christmas trees, the highlight of the evening was a striking upcycled installation crafted entirely from the hotel’s scrap metal and repurposed linen. This sustainable creation stood as a symbol of mindful celebration and formed the perfect backdrop for a lively gathering of in house guests, local patrons and excited children.

The festive spirit was elevated by live music and classic Christmas carols, accompanied by a children’s choir whose cheerful voices filled the space with holiday magic. As the tree lit up, the culinary team added flavour to the celebration with a spread of winter favourites including traditional Stollen, ginger cookies, almond cinnamon cakes, along with comforting servings of mulled wine and eggnog.

The centre of attention, however, was the impressive 12 foot Yuletide log cake. Crafted with dedication, the pastry team spent 72 continuous hours creating this grand dessert, which stood as a delicious expression of the hotel’s festive spirit and attention to detail.

Subhankar Bose, General Manager of Sheraton Hyderabad, shared his thoughts on the celebration, saying, “Our tree, crafted from scrap materials, proves that elegance and sustainability can coexist beautifully. It was truly heartwarming to see our community come together to celebrate the season with a conscience.”

Adding to the excitement, Sheraton Hyderabad also revealed the theme for its upcoming New Year celebrations, titled ‘Ticket to London’, hinting at a British inspired festive experience for guests.

The event was curated by Sourav Pal Chowdhury, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, who ensured every element appealed to the senses. “From the aroma of fresh cinnamon to our massive 12-foot log cake, we wanted a complete sensory feast. My team spent 72 hours perfecting that cake, and seeing the guests’ delight made every moment worth it.”

With this celebration, Sheraton Hyderabad has officially ushered in the holiday season, showcasing how festive elegance can be paired seamlessly with sustainability and thoughtful experiences.


India’s First Military-Themed Luxury Glamping Resort Steps Into the Spotlight

India’s First Military-Themed Luxury Glamping Resort Steps Into the Spotlight

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 13, 2025

D.A.T.A Resort by Della, India’s first and only military-themed luxury glamping resort, is one of the most innovative concepts in the country’s hospitality landscape. Despite its exceptional offering, the resort has remained largely unspoken about for years. Tucked deep inside Lonavala’s natural beauty, the property redefines immersive travel with a rare blend of military-inspired adventure and five-star comfort. As travellers increasingly seek meaningful and experience-driven journeys, the unique story of this resort is now finding its well-deserved spotlight.

The experience begins with its 27 luxurious, 500 sq. ft. military-themed glamping tents overlooking the serene Shirota Lake. Each tent follows a design style inspired by military elements, while still offering premium comfort and elegance. One of the resort’s standout aspects is its training programmes led by ex-military commandos. These curated activities give guests the opportunity to experience discipline, resilience, teamwork, and patriotic energy in a structured and safe environment. Families, couples, and corporate groups use the space for transformational outbound programmes that blend adventure with reflection, making the resort a benchmark for experiential hospitality.

The reason such a revolutionary concept has remained under the radar lies in its intention and design. Its remote natural setting, limited inventory, and carefully selected guest base have contributed to its quiet presence. More importantly, the resort was never created for mass exposure; it was built as a purpose-driven, immersive destination for travellers seeking deeper experiences beyond mainstream tourism. Many guests describe it as a “hidden gem,” and its quiet success reflects the quality and impact of what it offers.

With experiential and story-focused travel becoming popular in India, the resort is now being highlighted for what it truly represents. Its authenticity, military-inspired programming, and pioneering design bring a new dimension to luxury hospitality. D.A.T.A Resort blends purpose with indulgence, adventure with introspection, and ensures guests leave with growth, connection, and perspective.

The resort is the brainchild of Jimmy Mistry, a renowned designer, hotelier, and social entrepreneur. His vision introduced India to a completely new hospitality format long before experiential stays and themed travel became mainstream. By combining rugged adventure, discipline, and strong storytelling with luxury experiences, D.A.T.A Resort created a category of its own. Even with its groundbreaking concept, it has intentionally stayed away from large-scale visibility, focusing instead on intimate and high-quality experiences for discerning guests.

For more information, Visit https://www.delladata.com/ .


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands Presence with New Properties in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

By Hariharan U

Published on December 12, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new properties, Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, and Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited, and mark a strategic expansion in the South and Central Indian markets.

Lemon Tree Resort, Bapatla is located in the serene coastal town of Bapatla, renowned for the tranquil Suryalanka Beach. The resort features 90 rooms, a restaurant and bar, banquet and meeting facilities, a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre, offering guests a refreshing escape by the sea.

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Lemon Tree Hotel, Bhilai, situated in the industrial yet green city of Bhilai, home to the iconic Bhilai Steel Plant, blends urban convenience with calm surroundings. The hotel offers 72 keys, a restaurant, banquet and meeting spaces, swimming pool, and spa, catering to both business travellers and leisure guests seeking a value-driven experience.

Commenting on the expansion, Vilas Pawar, CEO – Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, "With these signings, we are pleased to extend our footprint to two unique locations. From thriving commercial hubs to serene, nature-led destinations, both states offer immense potential for quality hospitality. Andhra Pradesh already has six operational and three upcoming hotels, while this will be our first property in Chhattisgarh."

These new additions reaffirm Lemon Tree Hotels’ commitment to offering vibrant, contemporary hospitality experiences across India, combining comfort, convenience, and a warm guest-first ethos.

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