MGallery Collection Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

MGallery Collection Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 14, 2024

MGallery Collection is once again turning pink this October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with a series of global initiatives aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The brand, known for its commitment to female empowerment, is marking its 60th year in this fight, highlighting the importance of early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer, which accounts for 30% of all cancer cases in women.

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Costanero Hotel Montevideo - MGallery Collection

Throughout October, MGallery hotels will host events and activities dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research and educating the public about the signs and symptoms of the disease. In addition to pink-themed cocktails, illuminated facades, and NGO partnerships, each hotel will encourage guests and employees—known as "Heartists"—to participate in initiatives designed to support the cause.

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Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection

One key initiative is an internal competition where Heartists will run as many kilometers as they can during Pink October. The hotel whose Heartists cover the most distance will receive a donation, equivalent to the total kilometers run, to be given to Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer research center. Hotel guests will also be invited to contribute by adding a two-euro donation per night to a local breast cancer awareness organization.

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VIE Hotel Bangkok - MGallery Collection

MGallery is also making it easy for guests to educate themselves. QR codes in hotel bathrooms will provide access to a special video podcast, which offers insights into breast cancer prevention, including how to perform self-examinations and recognize early warning signs.

In a visually impactful gesture, a number of MGallery Collection hotels will light up their facades in pink, following in the footsteps of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building. Hotel staff will proudly wear pink ribbons as they welcome guests with a signature Pink October drink.

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The INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery Collection

To make the event even more special, MGallery has partnered with renowned French artist Djhor to create a limited-edition Pink Icon, symbolizing health, care, and courage. This exclusive design will be available for purchase both in hotels and online, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research.

Another exciting collaboration for this year's Pink October is the return of MGallery’s partnership with Pour Les Femmes, a sleepwear brand co-founded by actress Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler. Specially crafted luxury sleepwear will be available for sale, with all proceeds going to breast cancer charities, either to Gustave Roussy or local NGOs, depending on where the purchase is made.

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Le Domaine de la Reine Margot Paris Issy - MGallery Collection

Throughout the month, several MGallery hotels will host local events in support of the cause. For example, the Costanero Hotel in Montevideo will display a large pink banner and offer a special Pink Tea event, with proceeds benefiting the Clarita Berenbau Foundation. In Nairobi, the newly opened Gem Forest Hotel will hold a charity pyjama party, hosted by public speaker Pinky Ghelani, and will livestream a charity auction in support of the Faraja Cancer Trust. VIE Hotel in Bangkok will host a Michelin-star dinner and auction, with proceeds going to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation.

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The William Inglis Hotel Warwick Farm - MGallery Collection (Sydney)

Meanwhile, Le Domaine de la Reine Margot in Paris will offer free wellness workshops for cancer survivors, in partnership with the Skin Association. The William Inglis Hotel in Sydney will host a Pink October lunch featuring inspiring women speakers, including champion jockey Michelle Payne. In Amsterdam, the INK Hotel will partner with Mammarosa, a charity that provides breast cancer support to women in various languages and cultures.

Image Credits: MGallery Collection Hotels


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 7, 2025

Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.

Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.

Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”

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Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”

The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.

With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.


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.

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