Marriott Expands Luxury Portfolio with Iconic Property Conversions

Marriott Expands Luxury Portfolio with Iconic Property Conversions

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 6, 2024

Marriott International is set to expand its luxury offerings by converting three renowned U.S. properties into brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. This summer, The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, Turtle Bay Resort in O’ahu, and a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan will join Marriott’s distinguished collection of luxury hotels.

Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Development at Marriott International, highlighted the significance of these additions. “In the last few weeks, we finalized deals for conversions of three incredible properties, adding over 1,000 rooms to our system and continuing to underscore our commitment to luxury,” she said. These new properties further solidify Marriott’s leadership in the luxury hotel segment, which already boasts over 510 open hotels globally and another 234 in the pipeline.

New York City’s New Gem

The luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan is slated to join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio on June 5. Positioned in the heart of the city, this property will offer guests proximity to iconic attractions such as Central Park, Times Square, The Museum of Modern Art, and Rockefeller Center. This move marks The Luxury Collection’s return to New York City, promising unparalleled urban luxury.

The Resort at Pelican Hill

Set to join Marriott’s luxury portfolio on July 1, The Resort at Pelican Hill is a five-star property located on the scenic coast of Newport Beach, California. The 504-acre resort features the renowned Pelican Hill Golf Club, which includes two 18-hole courses with breathtaking ocean views. The Irvine Company will retain ownership, while Marriott will manage the property, with plans to eventually convert it to a St. Regis hotel.

Turtle Bay Resort Joins The Ritz-Carlton

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Later this summer, Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of O’ahu, Hawai’i, will become part of The Ritz-Carlton brand. Known for its natural beauty, the resort includes oceanfront bungalows, luxurious suites, and ocean view rooms. Guests can enjoy seven secluded beaches, 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a variety of on-site amenities. The transition includes Host Hotels & Resorts’ acquisition of the property, with Marriott taking over management.

Dana Jacobsohn, Chief Development Officer for U.S. Luxury Brands & Global Mixed-Use at Marriott, emphasized the company's focus on growing its luxury segment. “Strengthening and growing our luxury pipeline is a top priority for the company, and I’m proud that Marriott remains the clear industry leader in the segment. We look forward to working closely with our owners and franchisees to provide best-in-class service and experiences to guests from around the world seeking out these incredible destinations,” she said. Marriott’s luxury portfolio includes seven dynamic brands: The Ritz-Carlton, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels.

For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, these new additions promise exceptional stays in some of the most desirable locations in the United States.


Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2025

 Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) has announced the launch of its latest property, IRA Porvorim, Goa, further strengthening the IRA by Orchid Hotels portfolio. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the new hotel adds to the brand’s fast-paced expansion across India.

Following the successful debut of Orchid Passaros in Benaulim earlier this year, IRA Porvorim will offer 43 well-designed guest rooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure seekers. The hotel will also feature a banquet hall for events, a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped health club creating a complete hospitality experience in the heart of Porvorim.

KHIL has been steadily building its IRA brand presence in key tier-2 and tier-3 markets, including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Ayodhya, Noida, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The brand philosophy revolves around delivering value, comfort, and prime locations for mid-market travellers.

Reflecting its commitment beyond hospitality, IRA by Orchid has pledged to donate one percent of its sales towards community initiatives, with a focus on supporting the education of the girl child.

Sharing his thoughts, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, said, “Goa continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, and with IRA Porvorim, we aim to redefine hospitality in the city. From curated experiences to modern comforts, this property will serve as a preferred choice for families, corporates, and event planners alike.”

Adding to this, Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of KHIL, commented, “Each new IRA hotel defines our growth blueprint. Porvorim reflects the essence of our brand: sustainable, stylish, and guest-centric.”

With its strategic location and curated offerings, IRA Porvorim is set to become a go-to destination for vibrant celebrations, corporate gatherings, and relaxed getaways, further boosting KHIL’s footprint in Goa’s thriving hospitality market.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced a major boost to its Gurugram portfolio with the addition of two hotels Elite Millennium (South City 1) and Elite 32 Mile Stone. Both properties will now operate under “The Hoften” brand, taking ALIVAA’s total footprint in the city to four operating hotels.

Known for its smart service and youthful vibe, The Hoften brand caters to modern travellers who prefer contemporary amenities and a seamless experience. With these new signings, ALIVAA continues its mission to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing hospitality market.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Elite Millennium and Elite 32 Mile Stone into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection”, said Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “Gurugram is a truly dynamic destination, experiencing remarkable growth and attracting a diverse range of travellers. This strategic partnership significantly enhances our offerings, allowing us to provide our guests with an even broader range of exceptional experiences”.

Echoing this, Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted Gurugram’s importance in the company’s expansion journey. “As we strategically move towards becoming a leading national player in India’s hospitality sector, Gurugram holds a critical position in our roadmap. The city’s corporate sector, vibrant youth culture, and rising tourism make it an indispensable market for our growth, particularly for brands like The Hoften”.

For Harshal Sharma, owner of Elite Hotels, this partnership opens exciting possibilities. “Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing our hotels under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for providing outstanding stays in Gurugram,” he said.

With these two additions, ALIVAA now operates one ALIVAA Hotel and two Hoften hotels in Gurugram, further cementing its position in the city’s hospitality landscape.

About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a growing hospitality group known for curating exceptional guest experiences. Its collection includes properties under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, focusing on quality, innovation, and guest delight. The group aims to create memorable stays across both established and emerging destinations in India


Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of Eastern India’s leading hospitality groups, has unveiled its newest gem, Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata. Positioned as West Bengal’s latest luxury mountain retreat, the property is just 22 kilometers from Darjeeling and offers the rare balance of easy accessibility with unmatched tranquility.

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What makes the resort stand out is its uninterrupted views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. Guests can now enjoy what is usually reserved for early-morning treks to Tiger Hill,  all from the comfort of their private balcony. The boutique property features 16 elegant rooms, including cozy Premium Rooms and spacious Balcony Rooms, each designed to showcase the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Wellness sits at the heart of Summit Enigma’s philosophy. The signature Meta Spa blends local inspirations into its therapies, alongside facilities like steam, sauna, and a Kanchenjunga-facing Jacuzzi that offers an indulgent yet immersive mountain experience. Dining is equally thoughtful at CloudSong Restaurant, where menus focus on farm-to-table freshness, local produce, and specialties such as the popular Desi Kukkad Curry.

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Beyond luxury, the resort emphasizes authentic cultural and ecological connections. Guests can walk to nearby farms, experience sustainable mountain agriculture, and engage with local communities where traditions still thrive in harmony with nature. Wildlife too adds its charm, with deer sightings on the property reminding guests of the region’s natural richness.

Lamahata’s location further enhances the appeal. While Darjeeling offers its bustling hill-station vibe, Lamahata provides a peaceful alternative, yet remains close to monasteries, tea gardens, the Lamahata Eco Park, and heritage attractions. This balance allows travelers to enjoy serenity without missing out on iconic experiences.

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“Enigma is more than just a property launch, it is Summit’s boldest interpretation of mountain hospitality to date. We have created a retreat where every moment, every view, and every detail reflects the mystery and beauty of the Himalayas”. said Sumit Mitruka, CEO and Founder of Summit Hotels & Resorts.

With this opening, Summit Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position in India’s premium hospitality market. Guided by Mitruka’s vision, the group now operates over 30 hotels and resorts across 17 destinations, employing more than 1,000 people, most from local communities. Looking ahead, Summit plans to expand to 50 properties by 2030 while continuing to blend luxury, sustainability, and authentic regional experiences.

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