Oravel Stays Expands Luxury Brand Sunday with First UK Hotel

Oravel Stays Expands Luxury Brand Sunday with First UK Hotel

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 9, 2024

Oravel Stays, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its high-end hotel brand, Sunday, into the UK market. The brand's first UK property, Sunday Lansbury Heritage, is located in London’s Canary Wharf. The hotel is housed in a restored Grade-II listed building from 1628 and features 35 rooms, each with double-height ceilings and views of either the Canary Wharf skyline or the property's heritage gardens.

Room options at the hotel include the Octagonal Tower Chamber, offering 360-degree views of London’s skyline, and mezzanine rooms with split-level bathrooms and living areas. Guests also have access to a gym, spa, and an on-site restaurant.

Puneet Yadav, head of Oravel’s UK operations, stated, "The launch of Sunday Lansbury Heritage Hotel marks a significant milestone for Oravel Stays in the UK market – our data indicates a growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations. This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points."

The Sunday brand was initially launched in May 2023 in India, as part of a joint venture between Softbank and Oravel Stays. The brand currently operates three properties in India, with plans to expand to 25 by March 2025. In addition to its presence in India and the UK, Oravel Stays has announced plans to bring the Sunday brand to Malaysia and the UAE.

In the UK, Oravel has also partnered with Sojo Stays to introduce Belvilla by OYO, a collection of over 300 high-end apartments and homes located in major cities across the country.


Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Kuwait has launched its new national tourism portal, ‘Visit Kuwait,’ offering a seamless gateway for travelers seeking visas, cultural insights, and curated travel plans, all in one place. This digital platform is a key part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 strategy, designed to enhance the country’s tourism experience and expand its global reach.

The portal simplifies the visa process with a fully online system for tourist, business, family, and official visas, eliminating the need for embassy visits. At the same time, it brings together a rich collection of travel tools, destination guides, cultural calendars, event updates, and practical travel tips, to help visitors explore Kuwait with ease.

Beyond its functional features, Visit Kuwait also acts as a cultural showcase. Users can dive into Kuwait’s unique offerings, from modern landmarks like Kuwait Towers and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre to vibrant souks, festivals, and historic museums.

The initiative is more than just a convenience, it plays a vital role in Kuwait’s economic transformation. As part of the Vision 2035 agenda, the portal supports the government’s aim to reduce oil dependency by strengthening the tourism sector. With a unified, digital-first approach, Kuwait is stepping into the global tourism spotlight, ready to welcome the world with open arms.


Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital Form Strategic Partnership for Europe & Middle East Growth

Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital Form Strategic Partnership for Europe & Middle East Growth

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2025

Rocco Forte Hotels has announced a strategic partnership with Emerald Pine Capital to drive its expansion across Europe and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to combine Rocco Forte’s renowned operational excellence with Emerald Pine Capital’s investment and asset management expertise, creating a highly aligned team capable of sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and executing high-value hospitality projects.

The partners will focus on repositioning, value-add, and development opportunities in gateway cities and high-demand leisure destinations, offering a compelling proposition for investors and a streamlined process for asset owners.

Charles Forte, Director of Development at Rocco Forte Hotels, said, “I am pleased to be able to announce our partnership with Emerald Pine Capital and I am confident that their years of experience and strong reputation within the financial world will further fortify our existing team and our expansionary efforts in Europe and beyond”.

Fabrizio Grena, Founding Partner and CEO of Emerald Pine Capital, added “As the luxury hospitality sector continues to evolve, we are delighted to partner with Rocco Forte to offer a distinctive combination of expertise and skill sets to our clients and partners. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality and long-term value creation in the hospitality space”.

About Emerald Pine Capital

 Emerald Pine Capital is an independent investment and asset management firm specialising in real estate investments across Europe alongside institutional partners. Founded by Fabrizio Grena and Alessandro Ferrante, both former Goldman Sachs real estate investment professionals, the firm has over €10 billion in deployed capital and 30 years of combined investment experience.

About Rocco Forte Hotels

 Established in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 15 landmark hotels, resorts, residences, and villas in exceptional locations, known for a distinctive approach to personalised service. Upcoming openings include The Carlton, Milan (2025); Costa Smeralda, Sardinia and Palazzo Castelluccio, Noto (2026); and Palazzo Sirignano, Naples (2027).


LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar to Host Exclusive Whisky Cocktail Takeover on August 15

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar to Host Exclusive Whisky Cocktail Takeover on August 15

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 7, 2025

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the vibrant rooftop venue crowning the 33rd and 34th floors of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, is set to host an exciting whisky cocktail takeover event on August 15.

The event, titled ‘LUZ x Prakaan Guest Shift Glow’, will welcome renowned bartender and Prakaan Whisky brand ambassador, Bank Watcharapong Suriyaphan, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Known for his expertise as the founder of Tale of the Spirits bar academy and books, as well as a seasoned bar owner and manager, Suriyaphan will craft four exclusive cocktails specially curated for this one-night-only event.

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  •  Sol de Miel (The Golden Glow) – A sweet blend of Prakaan Select Cask, citrus honey shrub, vanilla, lemon, and soda.
  •  El Misterio (The Mystery) – A smoky creation featuring Prakaan Peated Malt, dry vermouth, fig jam, and cocoa bitters.
  • LUZ Oscura (Dark Light) – A nutty profile crafted with Prakaan Double Cask, Amontillado Sherry, Frangelico, and bitters. 
  • Flamenco Flame (The Fire Within) – A vibrant mix of Prakaan Peated Malt, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, citrus, and caramel.

Beyond the beverages, the venue offers an elevated atmosphere. While the 33rd floor houses the tapas bar itself with striking architectural design inspired by Bangkok’s Rama VIII Bridge, the 34th floor opens into a pool bar and transparent infinity pool with a rooftop terrace. The decor pays tribute to the city’s Giant Swing, blending modern aesthetics with cultural nods.

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LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar is known for serving authentic Spanish tapas complemented by Thai ingredients, along with a curated selection of Spanish wines, beers on tap, cocktails, and signature sangrias.

The bar is open daily from 4 PM to midnight, making it an ideal spot for sunset views and late-night indulgence.

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