Minor Hotels Announces First NH Collection Property in Thailand

Minor Hotels Announces First NH Collection Property in Thailand

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 6, 2024

Minor Hotels, a leading hospitality group, has announced the upcoming rebranding of Peace Resort Samui into NH Collection Samui, marking the arrival of NH Collection – an upscale brand synonymous with European refinement – to Thailand. From 1st January 2025, following a property upgrade, the resort will start operating as NH Collection Samui.

The 122-key property enjoys a prime location directly on Bophut Beach, nestled along the northern shore of Koh Samui at the foot of a lush hill, offering privacy and tranquillity while remaining conveniently close to shopping and entertainment. Originally established in 1977 by the Pupaiboon family, the property has been independently operated ever since, becoming a popular holiday destination for generations of Thais and international guests.

The resort is strategically positioned within easy reach of the vibrant Fisherman’s Village that is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. A mere 400 meters from NH Collection Samui, a sister property, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, offers a host of upscale leisure and dining options, suggesting an opportunity for shared facilities and additional benefits.

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Catering to a wide variety of travelers, from solo vacationers to extended families, NH Collection Samui offers a mix of deluxe rooms, bungalows, and villas, some with private swimming pools and direct beach access. The all-day-dining restaurant serves local and global flavors alongside ocean views; the bar pours passionate drinks from its strategic position between the pool and the beach; and the lobby-side Indigo Lounge is an elegant haven of tea and cakes. Seafood and meat lovers can also request a private in-villa BBQ experience.

Recreational facilities abound, including a fitness center, water sports center, and kids’ and teens’ facilities ranging from cinema and indoor play area to a shaded outdoor playground. For necessities, there is a thoughtfully stocked retail shop, while flexible meeting and event spaces will showcase NH Collection’s signature blend of intuitive service, top-range technology, and unexpected design touches.

“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed Pupaiboon family to bring the first NH Collection hotel to Thailand as part of the brand’s expansion outside of Europe and Americas,” said Mark O’Sullivan, Vice President of Operations - Bangkok, Samui, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. “Our joint vision for the beloved resort includes potential further development down the line, including stand-alone villas or branded residential units for sale to meet a growing demand for upscale holiday homes and investment properties. I look forward to welcoming guests to this exceptional addition to our collection of resorts in Thailand.”

Samui Airport is approximately 15-20 minutes by car. Nathon Pier, which connects Koh Samui to Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Phangan, and other popular destinations, is a 25-minute drive away. NH Collection Samui joins Minor Hotels’ portfolio as the fifth property on the island and over twenty in Thailand.

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About NH Collection Hotels & Resorts:

NH Collection is Minor Hotels’ upper-upscale brand, noteworthy for its unique and emblematic hotels in principle cities of Europe, the Americas, and Middle East. Based on the chain’s premium value proposition, these hotels retain their local character to inspire and captivate their guests. Striving for going beyond ordinary, NH Collection Hotels are thoroughly designed for those who want to make the most of their stays and live moments truly extraordinary through unique, creative, and innovative experiences.

At NH Collection hotels, the staff provides the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that guests continuously enjoy extraordinary experiences and personalized service. Whether for business or leisure travel and for those seeking relaxing moments, NH Collection hotels offer inspiring, versatile, and stimulating venues that maximize creativity and enjoyment.

About Minor Hotels:

Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 550 hotels, resorts, and residences in 56 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator, and investor, Minor Hotels fulfills the needs and desires of today’s global travelers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks, and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.

For more information, please visit minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn.


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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