Mcleodganj Welcomes New Regenta Inn Luxinna by Royal Orchid Hotels

Mcleodganj Welcomes New Regenta Inn Luxinna by Royal Orchid Hotels

By Author

Published on January 9, 2024

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, a rapidly expanding name in India's hospitality industry, has unveiled its latest addition in the picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh. The Regenta Inn Luxinna, Bhagsung, located in the serene hill town of Mcleodganj, a suburb of Dharamshala, marks the brand's 7th property in the region.

This new property is a testament to Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels' commitment to enhancing the tourism experience in Himachal Pradesh, especially following recent challenges posed by heavy rainfall. Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, underlined the importance of the tourism sector in the state's economy, expressing delight in welcoming back tourists with the launch of this new property.

Nestled amidst the cedar woods at an elevation of 7010 feet in the Himalayas, Regenta Inn Luxinna offers guests a harmonious blend of tranquility, comfort, and luxury, while maintaining excellent connectivity. Strategically situated near Gaggal Airport Dharamshala and Pathankot Railway Station, the hotel is conveniently accessible via the NH503 highway. It's also close to major tourist attractions such as the Bhagsunag Temple, Bhagsunag Waterfall, Dal Lake, Indru Nag Paragliding Site, and the Dalai Lama Monastery.

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The property features 28 well-appointed rooms, including Studio Balcony, Premium Balcony, and Executive Balcony rooms, each boasting a private balcony with stunning views of the lush valley. The jewel in the crown is its exquisite open rooftop terrace, where guests can relax, dine, or enjoy barbecue nights under the starlit skies.

Philip Logan, COO of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, highlighted the hotel's unique design philosophy, which combines modern amenities with a touch of old-world charm. Logan anticipates that Regenta Inn Luxinna Heights, Bhagsunag will soon become a landmark in Mcleodganj, redefining sophistication in hospitality and offering guests immersive local experiences.

The hotel's all-day dining restaurant, 'Pinxx,' serves a variety of cuisines including local seasonal specialties, Indian, Chinese, Oriental, and Continental dishes. For business and social events, the 'Orchid Hall' provides excellent meeting and conference facilities.

With this new property, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels not only expands its footprint in Himachal Pradesh but also strengthens its position as a leading hospitality brand in India, offering unique and enriching experiences to its guests.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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