Marriott International Expands in Japan Through Strategic Partnership with HMI Hotel Group

Marriott International Expands in Japan Through Strategic Partnership with HMI Hotel Group

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 22, 2024

Marriott International has announced a significant expansion in Japan by entering into a strategic partnership with HMI Hotel Group. This collaboration involves rebranding seven HMI properties across five sought-after Japanese destinations—Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Kobe, Okinawa, and Kitakyushu—under the renowned Marriott Hotels and Courtyard by Marriott brands.

This move is part of Marriott's broader strategy to enhance its footprint in the Asia Pacific region, leveraging the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of these locations to attract a growing number of visitors. The rebranded properties are strategically positioned in areas known for their high tourist demand, promising to offer guests the exceptional service and heritage associated with Marriott's global brand.

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Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China at Marriott International, emphasized the importance of conversions in driving the company's global growth. "We are excited to work with HMI Hotel Group on this significant venture in Japan," Menon said. "As consumer preferences continue to evolve, these properties will greatly benefit from the strength of affiliation with Marriott’s expansive portfolio."

On the other side of the partnership, HMI Hotel Group is set to leverage Marriott's extensive hospitality expertise to revitalize its offerings and introduce innovative services tailored to modern travelers. Ryuko Hira, President of HMI Hotel Group, highlighted the expected benefits of the collaboration. "By aligning with Marriott International, we aim to redefine excellence in guest service and unlock growth opportunities in key markets," Hira stated.

This agreement not only signifies a robust growth path for Marriott International in Japan but also helps HMI Hotel Group to elevate its properties to meet international standards, thus ensuring both brands benefit from their combined strengths in this dynamic market.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar brings together its expansive culinary and wellness portfolio to create a celebration that goes beyond a single evening, positioning the hotel as a complete destination for romance, indulgence and meaningful connection.

 Across venues including EL, Romano’s, BarQat, JW Café, AUTMJW Lounge and the Spa by JW, guests can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of experiences ranging from craft-led cocktails and indulgent buffets to classic Italian dinners and restorative couple wellness rituals. At the rooftop lounge EL, modern mixology takes centre stage against a sunset-lit skyline, complemented by live violin performances, a limited-edition cocktail menu and interactive moments with the bar team, along with an inclusive handwritten note exchange that allows guests to leave messages of love or kindness for fellow patrons.

JW Café adds to the spirit with a specially designed Valentine’s dinner buffet, a Love Wall for personal wishes and Zodiac-inspired cocktails, while Romano’s offers couples a refined Italian dining experience rooted in warmth, elegance and lingering conversations. BarQat approaches the celebration through a poetic lens, pairing a curated set menu and emotion-inspired cocktails with interactive elements like the Tree of Love, where handwritten notes gradually form a living tribute to shared sentiments.

 AUTM – JW Lounge rounds off the week with comforting signature hot chocolate styles, while the Spa by JW introduces exclusive couple therapies, including a 90-minute personalised massage or a 120-minute ritual combining massage, scrub and couple bath. Together, these experiences transform JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar into a seamless Valentine’s retreat centred on togetherness, indulgence and lasting memories


CGH Earth Saha Launches Pollachi Riverhouse, a Private Riverside Villa in Tamil Nadu

CGH Earth Saha Launches Pollachi Riverhouse, a Private Riverside Villa in Tamil Nadu

By Hariharan U

Published on February 7, 2026

CGH Earth Saha has expanded its Handpicked Escapes portfolio with the launch of Pollachi Riverhouse, an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa set along a tranquil river amid coconut groves and fertile plains of Tamil Nadu. Located around a 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore and close to the Anamalai hills, the single-key retreat is designed for families and small groups seeking privacy, space and an unhurried countryside experience. Surrounded by Pollachi’s lush agricultural landscape, the villa captures the region’s pastoral rhythm, with views of coconut farms, open fields and the Western Ghats forming a serene backdrop.

The architecture is shaped around its riverside setting, opening seamlessly to lawns, water views and outdoor living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors connect the living areas to the outdoors, allowing natural light, greenery and the gentle sound of the river to define the stay. Clean, contemporary interiors are softened with rustic textures and antique-inspired furnishings, while the infinity pool flows into manicured lawns that meet the river’s edge, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, picnics and evening barbecues.

Dining at Pollachi Riverhouse highlights the culinary heritage of the region, with authentic Kongunadu dishes prepared using locally sourced produce, traditional spices and time-honoured recipes that reflect Tamil Nadu’s agrarian culture. Beyond the villa, guests can explore nearby Topslip and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, or engage with local communities through experiences such as palm sugar making, palm-leaf weaving and visits to Pollachi’s well-known handloom centres.

Positioned as more than a stay, Pollachi Riverhouse offers an immersive experience rooted in nature, culture and quiet luxury, reinforcing CGH Earth Saha’s focus on intimate, home-style escapes across South India.


Sterling Launches Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, Strengthening Its Uttarakhand Footprint

Sterling Launches Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, Strengthening Its Uttarakhand Footprint

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the launch of Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, a boutique mountain retreat nestled amid dense pine forests near Gumkhal, marking the brand’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand. Designed as an off-the-grid escape, the property is aimed at travellers seeking slower, more meaningful stays surrounded by nature, with warm pinewood interiors, open terraces, and uninterrupted valley views.

All rooms feature private balconies overlooking forested landscapes, while select indulgent havens offer access to open terraces facing the pool and the valley beyond. The retreat is positioned for leisure holidays, workcations, leadership offsites, and intimate celebrations, while also fitting seamlessly into Sterling’s wider Uttarakhand circuit for drive-to travellers from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

The guest experience revolves around food, togetherness, and time outdoors, supported by three signature spaces: Lans Café, an all-day dining venue with valley and garden views; Sky Social, an open-air terrace for sunset gatherings, bonfires, and small celebrations; and Sky Vista, a glass-walled meeting venue overlooking the forests, designed for focused offsites and workshops.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said the new property adds a calmer, more design-led dimension to Sterling’s mountain portfolio while strengthening its presence across Uttarakhand’s key destinations. Ms. Meghna Bhatnagar of Dev Bhoomi added that partnering with Sterling brings refined hospitality and national scale to their Lansdowne vision.

With curated regional cuisine, a swimming pool, wellness facilities, guided nature walks, bonfire evenings, and pet-friendly stays, Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne offers a well-rounded forest retreat within easy driving distance of Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Jim Corbett National Park.

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