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


ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, marking another significant step in the company’s expansion strategy across key state capitals and high-demand hospitality markets.

The upcoming property will strengthen ITC Hotels’ presence in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and thriving tourism sector. Jaipur, in particular, continues to attract domestic and international travellers, while remaining one of India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, and business events.

Designed to blend contemporary comfort with the city’s historic charm, Welcomhotel Jaipur will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge bar. The hotel will also offer extensive event infrastructure, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space and 22,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor venues, positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE events and destination weddings.

Guests will have access to wellness and spa facilities, further enhancing the overall hospitality experience.

Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said Jaipur represents a unique blend of heritage and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in high-visibility destinations across India.

Directors of Ashraya Hotels and Resorts Anil Agarwal, Sunil Agarwal, and Peyush Agarwal said the partnership aims to bring world-class hospitality experiences to Jaipur while celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy.

The signing follows ITC Hotels’ recent expansion announcements in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing its hospitality portfolio across emerging and established markets in India.


MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

MRG Group has announced the launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa, further strengthening its hospitality presence in one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations. Located in the heart of Panjim and overlooking the scenic Mandovi River, the new property joins the growing Goldfinch Hospitality portfolio across the country.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, Goldfinch Panjim Goa offers 98 guestrooms, including seven suites, equipped with modern amenities and contemporary comforts. The hotel combines elegant interiors, green surroundings, and a central location to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient stay experience.

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The property's dining offering is anchored by Banjara, the all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of global cuisine and locally inspired dishes that celebrate Goa's rich culinary heritage.

Commenting on the launch, K. Prakash Shetty said the opening reflects the group's continued commitment to expanding its hospitality footprint in high-potential markets while focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and guest-centric experiences.

Gaurav Shetty added that Goa remains one of India's most iconic travel destinations and the launch marks another important milestone in the company's hospitality growth journey.

The launch reinforces MRG Group's long-term expansion strategy, with the company targeting more than 3,500 hotel keys by 2035. The group currently operates several hospitality assets across India, including Goldfinch-branded hotels and partnerships with global hospitality brands.

For more information about the group, visit MRG Group.


International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, wellness takes centre stage at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where yoga, nature, and holistic healing come together in one of the Indian Ocean’s most serene settings.

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the island resort has long been recognised for its immersive approach to wellbeing. Surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, the resort offers a tranquil environment where guests can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with themselves.

At the heart of the wellness experience is AyurMa, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary whose name translates to “Mother of Life” in Sanskrit. Designed around the principles of holistic healing, AyurMa blends yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and mindful living to create personalised wellness journeys.

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For International Yoga Day, guests can participate in a range of yoga experiences tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with S-VYASA University, the resort’s Yoga Therapy programme addresses concerns such as stress management, spinal health, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Guests can also explore unique experiences including AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga, and Pregnancy Yoga, each designed to make the practice accessible and engaging.

The island setting further enhances the experience, with yoga sessions conducted in open-air pavilions overlooking the lagoon. Guests can also take part in Rahumathuge Vaguthu, a sunset Earth Blessing ceremony that combines mindfulness with gratitude, creating a deeper connection to nature and community.

Complementing the yoga programme is AyurMa’s comprehensive Ayurveda offering, including personalised consultations, Shirodhara treatments, traditional oil therapies, and a Government of Maldives-accredited Panchakarma programme. Guided by Dr. Arun K. Tomson, these therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.

This International Yoga Day, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers more than a wellness retreat—it presents an opportunity to embrace mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

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