Minor Hotels Expands Anantara Brand in Europe with Palais Hansen Vienna Debut

Minor Hotels Expands Anantara Brand in Europe with Palais Hansen Vienna Debut

By Author

Published on December 14, 2023

In a significant move set for March 2024, Minor Hotels has unveiled plans to introduce the Anantara brand to Austria with the launch of Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Vienna on Schottenring, the hotel resides in a historically listed palace constructed in 1873 for the Vienna World's Exhibition by architect Theophil Hansen. Currently operating as Palais Hansen Kempinski, the property will undergo a rebranding to join the Anantara family, marking a pivotal moment for the luxury brand's European expansion.

The opulent hotel will offer 152 meticulously designed guestrooms spread across three floors, featuring the grandeur of a nearly 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, the largest in Vienna. Culinary delights await guests with dining options ranging from a Michelin-starred restaurant to regional cuisine at the Wintergarten, an elegant Lobby Lounge & Bar, and an exclusive Cigar Lounge. The hotel's diverse offerings extend to ten function rooms, including a spacious ballroom capable of accommodating up to 265 guests, making it an ideal venue for various events.

Leisure facilities promise a holistic experience with an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. The property will undergo an extensive renovation starting in late 2024 and continuing through 2025. The comprehensive refurbishment will cover guestrooms, the lobby, meeting spaces, and dining establishments. Anantara Spa will emerge as a highlight, blending European and Asian wellness traditions to create a serene and rejuvenating space for guests.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International & CEO of Minor Hotels, expressed enthusiasm about introducing the Anantara brand to Vienna, emphasizing the city's cultural significance and its status as a global music capital. The Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel is poised to deliver an unparalleled experience of luxury, elegance, and hospitality, reflecting the brand's commitment to creating memorable and distinctive stays.

This strategic move aligns with Minor Hotels' vision for expansion and diversification of its brand portfolio across the European continent. Anantara's successful foray into Europe began in 2017 with the launch of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal, followed by establishments in Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Hungary. The recent additions of Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel in France, Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel in Italy, and Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel in Ireland further solidify the brand's footprint in Europe.

The unveiling of Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel represents a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern luxury, echoing the unique character of Vienna as a city where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly. As the brand continues to make strides in Europe, this venture marks a pivotal chapter in Anantara's journey and contributes to Vienna's allure as a top-tier destination for discerning travelers.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks International Yoga Day with Wellness-Focused Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar celebrated International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness experience that encouraged guests to slow down, reconnect, and embrace a more mindful way of living. Inspired by Aujasya by The Leela, the brand's philosophy centred on vitality, balance, and mindful living, the event brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to holistic wellbeing.

Hosted within the serene surroundings of the hotel, the programme went beyond physical exercise to focus on mindfulness and self-awareness. Participants took part in guided yoga sessions, mindful breathing exercises, and moments of quiet reflection, creating an environment that encouraged relaxation and inner balance.

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The experience was designed around the belief that true wellbeing is built through meaningful and enriching moments. As the session concluded, guests were invited to continue their wellness journey with an Aujasya-inspired breakfast featuring wholesome dishes, fresh fruits, herbal infusions, and nutritious selections curated to complement the spirit of the occasion.

The event reflected the holistic wellness approach of Aujasya, where movement, nourishment, and mindfulness come together to promote renewal and personal wellbeing. Through the experience, participants were encouraged to pause from their daily routines, recharge, and adopt a more balanced lifestyle.

Commenting on the occasion, Vikas Sood, General Manager, The Leela Gandhinagar, said, “Wellbeing is increasingly becoming an essential part of how people choose to live, travel, and engage with the world around them. Through Aujasya-inspired experiences, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that encourage balance, mindfulness, and a sense of inner renewal. International Yoga Day offered a wonderful occasion to celebrate this philosophy and share it with our guests and associates.”

As wellness continues to play a growing role in luxury hospitality, The Leela Gandhinagar remains focused on creating experiences that blend authentic hospitality with mindful living. Guided by the principles of Aujasya, the hotel continues to offer opportunities for guests to reconnect with themselves through thoughtful and restorative experiences.

More than a celebration of yoga, the event served as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness, nourishment, and inner balance in creating a healthier and more fulfilling way of life.


ITC Maurya Marks International Yoga Day 2026 with Focus on Healthy Ageing

ITC Maurya Marks International Yoga Day 2026 with Focus on Healthy Ageing

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

ITC Maurya celebrated International Yoga Day 2026 with a dedicated wellness session at Nandiya Garden, embracing this year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing." The event brought together wellness enthusiasts and influencers for a morning focused on physical health, mental well-being, and mindful living.

The programme began with a guided yoga session conducted by a certified instructor. Designed to support overall wellness, the session highlighted the role of yoga in maintaining physical vitality, improving mental balance, and encouraging long-term healthy living.

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Following the yoga session, participants were treated to a selection of nutritious and wholesome refreshments that complemented the event's focus on wellness and conscious lifestyle choices.

The initiative reflected ITC Hotels' commitment to Responsible Luxury by encouraging guests to adopt healthier habits and prioritise self-care in their daily lives. Through activities centred on holistic well-being, the hotel reinforced the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle while making mindful and sustainable choices.

By aligning with the global celebration of International Yoga Day, ITC Maurya highlighted the growing relevance of wellness practices in supporting healthy ageing and enhancing overall quality of life.


ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, marking another significant step in the company’s expansion strategy across key state capitals and high-demand hospitality markets.

The upcoming property will strengthen ITC Hotels’ presence in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and thriving tourism sector. Jaipur, in particular, continues to attract domestic and international travellers, while remaining one of India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, and business events.

Designed to blend contemporary comfort with the city’s historic charm, Welcomhotel Jaipur will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge bar. The hotel will also offer extensive event infrastructure, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space and 22,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor venues, positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE events and destination weddings.

Guests will have access to wellness and spa facilities, further enhancing the overall hospitality experience.

Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said Jaipur represents a unique blend of heritage and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in high-visibility destinations across India.

Directors of Ashraya Hotels and Resorts Anil Agarwal, Sunil Agarwal, and Peyush Agarwal said the partnership aims to bring world-class hospitality experiences to Jaipur while celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy.

The signing follows ITC Hotels’ recent expansion announcements in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing its hospitality portfolio across emerging and established markets in India.

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