Marina Mirage Shopping Centre to be Redeveloped into Marriott Luxury Collection Resort

Marina Mirage Shopping Centre to be Redeveloped into Marriott Luxury Collection Resort

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 30, 2024

The iconic Marina Mirage Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast is set for a major transformation. In a groundbreaking deal, Marriott International has partnered with Makris Group to develop the site into Australia's first mainland Luxury Collection resort. Scheduled to open in 2027, Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort, will bring a new level of luxury to the region.

The Marina Mirage redevelopment is a significant milestone for both Marriott International and the Makris Group. The new "first-class" hotel will feature 122 rooms and will be the centerpiece of a mixed-use precinct. The redevelopment aims to blend luxury with local charm, promising an array of high-end amenities including a signature restaurant, event spaces, a rooftop bar, and a wellness center.

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Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Marriott International in Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted the resilience of the Gold Coast as a prime destination, particularly noting the strong market demand for high-quality hotel experiences. With over 35 years of experience operating leading resorts in the area, Crawford is confident that the new Luxury Collection property will be a significant addition to Marriott's portfolio.

The Makris Group, a family-owned company with a history of developing prestigious retail and residential precincts, is spearheading the project. CEO Jason Makris shared his excitement, emphasizing that the redevelopment aligns with his father's long-term vision for Marina Mirage. The new resort aims to deliver an authentic experience with local award-winning restaurants, boutiques, a state-of-the-art marina, and for the first time, a selection of villas and residences.

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Marina Mirage Gold Coast is set to offer a holistic luxury experience. The resort will boast 122 guest rooms, a rooftop bar and pool, expansive gardens, and a day spa. These features are designed to provide guests with relaxation, leisure, and world-class service.

The new resort will be the second Luxury Collection property in Australia, following The Tasman in Hobart, which opened in 2021. It will join over 130 Luxury Collection hotels worldwide, known for their unique and authentic experiences. This addition underscores Marriott's commitment to expanding its luxury footprint and offering transformative journeys for global explorers.

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The Marina Mirage redevelopment is expected to boost the local economy by creating up to 500 jobs during construction and attracting both domestic and international visitors. It will complement Marriott's existing properties on the Gold Coast, including JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Gold Coast.

The Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort, is poised to redefine luxury hospitality in Australia. This ambitious project reflects the shared vision of Marriott International and the Makris Group to create a world-class destination that resonates with the charm and elegance of the Gold Coast.


Kaara Hotels Launches Boutique Brand Aayra with First Property in Dehradun

Kaara Hotels Launches Boutique Brand Aayra with First Property in Dehradun

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

Kaara Hotels has announced the launch of Aayra, its new boutique hotel brand, with the opening of its first property, Aayra Dehradun. Located on Canal Road in Dehradun, the 18-room boutique urban hotel marks Kaara Hotels’ expansion into the growing experience-led mid-market hospitality segment.

Designed to cater to business travellers, families, groups and leisure guests, Aayra Dehradun combines contemporary comfort with personalised hospitality. The launch introduces Kaara Hotels’ boutique hospitality vertical, focusing on compact urban hotels that offer reliable service, thoughtful design and memorable guest experiences.

The property features well-appointed rooms, Fluid, a rooftop bar and lounge, along with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed for intimate celebrations, meetings and social gatherings. Its strategic location provides convenient access to key city attractions while also serving as a gateway for travellers heading towards Mussoorie and other destinations across Uttarakhand.

Positioned as a rooms-first urban hotel, Aayra Dehradun focuses on comfort, convenience and personalised service. The property is designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking dependable accommodation for business trips, family holidays, celebrations and weekend escapes.

Commenting on the launch, Puneet Sethi, Managing Director, Kaara Hotels, said that Aayra has been created to reflect changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for intimate, thoughtfully designed hotels backed by professional hospitality standards. He added that Aayra Dehradun represents the brand’s vision of delivering warm and personalised experiences across multiple Indian cities.

Aayra has been developed as Kaara Hotels’ boutique urban hospitality brand, following a rooms-first operating model suited for high-frequency business and leisure travel. The brand aims to create intimate hotel environments that also support small gatherings and social occasions.

Following the launch of Aayra Dehradun, Kaara Hotels plans to expand the brand across India through an asset-light management model, targeting opportunities in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Founded in 2021, Kaara Hotels has built its presence in India’s mid-market hospitality sector, operating three properties across Gurugram and Dehradun with a combined inventory of 178 rooms, 12 banquet spaces and around five acres of hospitality assets.

The company currently operates through two hospitality brands - Kaara, focused on leisure and destination hospitality, and Aayra, designed for boutique urban stays. Supporting its operations is HOSPINS, Kaara Hotels’ proprietary technology platform integrating pricing, procurement, property management, analytics and customer engagement to improve efficiency and consistency across its portfolio.

With its expansion strategy, Kaara Hotels aims to grow to 120 hotels and achieve ₹500 crore in annual revenue by FY30-31, strengthening its position in India’s evolving hospitality landscape.


Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 7, 2026

Le Méridien Ahmedabad has completed one year since its transformation from Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, marking a year of offering guests culturally inspired hospitality experiences rooted in creativity, design and discovery.

Following its rebranding last year, the hotel introduced Le Méridien's signature approach to hospitality, combining mid-century modern design with a European-inspired philosophy of savouring life's meaningful moments. Located in Ahmedabad, a city known for its architectural heritage, vibrant textiles and evolving culinary scene, the hotel continues to create experiences that connect guests with the city's rich cultural identity.

The property offers a range of thoughtfully curated experiences across its dining and social spaces. Java+, the brand's signature café, serves as a contemporary venue for coffee, conversations and casual gatherings. Drift provides a refined setting for private celebrations and intimate family occasions with bespoke dining experiences and city skyline views, while Bayleaf showcases the flavours of Awadhi cuisine through traditional recipes inspired by regional culinary heritage.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad also continues to enhance guest experiences through wellness offerings, contemporary social spaces and immersive programmes designed to encourage meaningful engagement with Ahmedabad's cultural and culinary landscape.

Signature brand experiences, including La Vie and destination-inspired programmes centred around culture, cuisine and creativity, remain key elements of the hotel's guest experience, reflecting Le Méridien's philosophy of helping travellers discover destinations in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Commenting on the milestone, Prashant Chadha, General Manager, Le Méridien Ahmedabad, said, "Le Méridien has always been a brand rooted in culture, creativity and discovery. Over the last year, our focus at Le Méridien Ahmedabad has been on thoughtfully bringing that philosophy to the city through experiences that feel immersive, contemporary and connected to Ahmedabad's rich cultural identity."

He further added, "The transition to Le Méridien Ahmedabad gave us the opportunity to evolve the guest experience while continuing to build on the strong legacy the property has enjoyed over the years. From coffee culture programmes and destination dining concepts to wellness-led offerings and curated experiences, the focus has been on creating moments that encourage guests to pause, connect and savour the good life."

As it enters its second year, Le Méridien Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its position as a contemporary hospitality destination where culture, creativity and connection come together to offer guests memorable stays in one of India's most vibrant cities.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 7, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is set to bring the flavours of France to the city with a special Bastille Day celebration on 14 July 2026 at its signature restaurant, Food Exchange. The evening will be dedicated to showcasing France’s culinary heritage through a thoughtfully curated dining experience.

Designed to reflect the charm of Parisian bistros and the warmth of French countryside cooking, the celebration will feature an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses including Brie, Camembert, Roquefort and Comté, served with traditional accompaniments such as cornichons, Dijon mustard, olives and freshly baked baguettes.

Guests can begin their culinary journey with classic French hors d’oeuvres like Gougères, Salmon Rillettes on Crostini, Pâté de Campagne and Olive Tapenade, setting the tone for an authentic and elegant dining experience.

The menu continues with iconic French dishes such as French Onion Soup, Coq au Vin, Crème Brûlée and Tarte Tatin, each crafted to highlight the depth and richness of traditional French cuisine. The experience is designed to balance comfort and sophistication, offering guests a true taste of France.

No Bastille Day celebration would be complete without desserts, and the evening will conclude with a lavish pâtisserie spread featuring Éclairs, Profiteroles, Madeleines, Crêpes Suzette and Mousse au Chocolat, alongside classic favourites like Tarte Tatin.

Speaking through the concept of the evening, the hotel aims to transport guests into the heart of France through flavours that celebrate both tradition and craftsmanship.

The Bastille Day dinner will take place at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM,

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