Accor, a global hospitality leader, has announced the signing of Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road, marking the Novotel brand’s debut in Agra City. Scheduled to open in 2029, this new property will cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering a seamless blend of comfort, flexibility, and purposeful living. Spanning 13,000 square meters, Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road will feature 275 thoughtfully designed rooms, starting at 28 square meters. Reflecting Novotel’s ethos of balanced living, the hotel will provide an energizing yet relaxing environment, appealing to families and professionals alike. Guests can indulge in an array of world-class dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a vibrant bar. The property will also boast state-of-the-art banqueting facilities, with 2,000 square meters of flexible space for corporate and social events. Additional amenities such as a swimming pool, a modern fitness center, and ample parking will ensure a comprehensive guest experience. The project is being developed by Crystal Vista Ventures LLP, led by Laxman Das Goyal and his family, who already have a strong presence in Agra’s hospitality sector with properties like Grand Mercure Agra and Crystal Inn Agra. Speaking on the development, Aniruddh Kumar, Vice President of Development for Accor India & South Asia, stated, “Novotel Agra Fatehabad Road is a milestone in our mission to bring balanced living to dynamic Indian destinations. Collaborating with the Goyal family reinforces our shared vision of delivering intuitive and family-friendly hospitality in culturally rich cities like Agra.” Laxman Das Goyal, Partner at Crystal Vista Ventures LLP, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Our partnership with Accor to bring Novotel to Agra reflects our commitment to offering world-class hospitality. This project will not only elevate guest experiences but also contribute significantly to Agra’s thriving tourism industry.” With over 590 hotels across 65 countries and a robust pipeline of 160+ new properties, Novotel continues to lead the way in providing balanced living experiences. The brand’s dedication to sustainable hospitality is evident in its Positive Impact Plan, which includes a partnership with World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) to protect and restore the world’s oceans. As Novotel prepares to welcome guests to its Agra address in 2029, the hotel is poised to become a landmark destination, enhancing the city’s tourism appeal and showcasing Accor’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
Luxury travel in India just got an upgrade with SaffronStays’ new X Series, a curated collection of ultra-luxury villas designed to offer unparalleled experiences for milestone events. Whether it’s a landmark birthday, an intimate wedding, or a private getaway, these villas provide privacy, exclusivity, and tailor-made services, making each stay unforgettable. Beyond Luxury: A New Experience in Private Stays Unlike traditional luxury accommodations, the X Series focuses on creating lasting memories rather than just offering high-end lodging. Each villa is situated in a breathtaking location, combining architectural elegance, interior sophistication, and world-class hospitality. "The growing demand for luxury stays in India has led us to introduce the X Series, designed to offer distinctive experiences and redefine the luxury stay concept for today’s travellers," says Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays. Signature Villas That Define Exclusivity Every property in the X Series is a destination in itself, offering unique charm and character: SaffronStays SATORI – A serene retreat overlooking Lake Mulshi, offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings SaffronStays Stella Maris – A stunning beach house near the Maharashtra-Goa border, perfect for seaside luxury and relaxation. Seven Doors House – A restored 1932 Portuguese villa in Goa, blending heritage charm with modern indulgence. Tailor-Made Luxury & Bespoke Services Each villa is designed to offer a seamless fusion of comfort, elegance, and personalized hospitality, featuring: Chef-curated gourmet meals World-class amenities Tranquil settings for relaxation Exclusive privacy for intimate celebrations With a commitment to quality and immersive experiences, SaffronStays’ X Series is set to redefine India’s luxury hospitality landscape, ensuring every stay is extraordinary and deeply personal.
InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, has unveiled its annual 10-day exhibition, Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, and Dr. Monica Banerjee, Head of InterGlobe Foundation, is a celebration of India's rich cultural legacy and the efforts of individuals dedicated to its preservation. A Dialogue on Cultural Conservation The exhibition launch featured an insightful panel discussion on Cultural Continuity: Conserving, Mapping, Documenting Heritage. Moderated by Ratish Nanda (CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture), the discussion brought together prominent voices in the field: Laila Tyabji (Chairperson and Founder Member, DASTKAR) Soity Banerjee (Journalist & Responsible Tourism Strategist) Tara Sharma (Director, Jungwa Foundation) The conversation emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that India’s rich traditions continue to thrive for future generations. An Immersive Heritage Experience Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage serves as the annual showcase for the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, a program dedicated to exploring and documenting India's often-overlooked cultural treasures. The exhibition features: Photographs & Photo Essays capturing India's diverse heritage Artistic Installations showcasing tangible and intangible cultural assets Community Engagement Initiatives focused on heritage preservation With society, tangible heritage, and intangible heritage as its core themes, the exhibition aims to spark conversations about India's architectural marvels, craftsmanship, and traditions. Public Access & Engagement Venue: Sunken Gardens, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi Dates: March 21 - March 30, 2025 Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM Visitors can experience a visual and intellectual journey through India’s cultural landscape and gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich artistic and historical traditions. A Vision for Heritage Preservation Speaking at the event, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, shared:"Through the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, we aim to empower individuals to explore and document hidden narratives, traditions, and craftsmanship. By celebrating the remarkable work of our Fellows, we hope to ignite a larger movement towards heritage preservation." InterGlobe Foundation’s Commitment to Cultural Conservation InterGlobe Foundation has been instrumental in several heritage conservation initiatives, including: Restoration of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi Cultural mapping of 14 cities under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign Revival of historic sites such as Indra Kund Stepwell in Delwara & Qutb Shahi Mausoleum’s tile restoration By engaging local communities, mapping cultural assets, and restoring heritage sites, the foundation continues to strengthen India's cultural identity while fostering sustainable development. For more information, visit www.interglobe.com/foundation.