Sayaji Hotels has announced the launch of The Forest Chapter by Sayaji, marking the debut of its new experiential hospitality sub-brand focused on immersive, nature-led retreats.

Located near Gir National Park, the boutique property has been designed as a forest staycation experience that encourages travellers to reconnect with nature while exploring the region’s biodiversity and cultural landscape.

The launch represents a significant step in Sayaji Hotels’ expansion into destination-driven hospitality experiences, aligning with evolving traveller preferences for authentic and meaningful getaways.

The resort features 25 cottages and villas across categories including Premium Cottages, Superior Cottages, and Suite Villas. Blending rustic aesthetics with modern comforts, the property offers spacious interiors and tranquil surroundings designed for both relaxation and exploration.

Enhancing the guest experience further, the retreat offers locally immersive activities and access to year-round jungle safari experiences, positioning Sasan Gir as a unique wildlife destination that remains accessible across seasons.

Dining at the property is centred around immersive culinary experiences, with Ember & Leaf serving multi-cuisine offerings inspired by regional flavours and global techniques. The resort also includes a rooftop café concept, landscaped lawns, and curated outdoor spaces designed for intimate celebrations and gatherings.

Speaking on the launch, Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager, Sayaji Hotels, said, “With the introduction of The Forest Chapter, we are proud to unveil a new hospitality vertical that reflects the evolving preferences of today’s traveller—one that seeks deeper connections with nature, authenticity, and immersive experiences.”

Adding to this, Manish Boghra, Managing Director, The Forest Chapter by Sayaji, Sasan Gir, shared, “Our vision was to create a retreat that complements its surroundings while elevating the hospitality offering in the region through meaningful and authentic experiences.”

Strategically located with connectivity to Rajkot International Airport and Junagadh Railway Station, the retreat balances accessibility with seclusion, making it an ideal escape for leisure travellers seeking nature-focused experiences.

With this launch, Sayaji Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio by blending its legacy of personalised hospitality with the growing demand for experiential and destination-led travel across India.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has introduced ‘Weddings with Orchid’, a thoughtfully curated showcase that brings together the evolving elements of modern Indian weddings, blending scale, intimacy, and personalised hospitality under one roof.

Designed to reflect how weddings are increasingly becoming immersive and multi-layered experiences, the showcase presented a seamless journey from intimate pre-functions and wellness-led preparations to grand celebrations and comfortable guest stays. It offered couples and families a clear perspective on how every stage of a wedding can be thoughtfully planned within a single destination.

Among the highlights is The Upper Deck, a rooftop venue spanning 13,680 sq. ft., accommodating up to 800 guests. With sweeping skyline views, it provides an expansive setting for sunset pheras, receptions, cocktail evenings, and destination-style celebrations. The space allows for large-format décor, live entertainment, and curated dining experiences, creating a fluid and engaging celebration environment.

For more intimate gatherings, Prive offers a refined setting across 1,840 sq. ft., hosting up to 200 guests. Ideal for Haldi ceremonies, Mehendi functions, and close-family celebrations, the venue’s natural light and adaptable design allow each event to carry its own distinct character.

Indoor venues such as Chambers + Meadows and Chancery further enhance the hotel’s flexibility. Chambers + Meadows spans 4,464 sq. ft. and accommodates up to 300 guests, with the option to divide the space for multiple simultaneous functions. Chancery, designed for smaller gatherings of up to 100 guests, creates an elegant setting for engagements, private dinners, and milestone moments.

Adding a vibrant, social dimension is Cascade, a 7,750 sq. ft. poolside venue suited for Sangeet nights, cocktail gatherings, and festive celebrations. With ample space for performance stages, interactive food counters, and immersive décor, it brings energy and movement to wedding festivities.

Food remains central to the experience, and The Orchid’s culinary programme reflects both scale and detail. Guests can explore an extensive selection of appetisers, artisanal breads, mezze, and gourmet salads, complemented by live stations offering Asian, South Indian, Maharashtrian, and global cuisines. Signature highlights include Dim Sum counters, Teppanyaki grills, Gunpowder Vada Pops, Dragon Fruit Pani Puri, and the distinctive Naanza concept. The dessert experience features a dedicated dessert studio, live halwa counters, and innovative takes on traditional favourites such as Mini Ghewar.

A culturally rooted touch is added through elements like a curated coffee bar and traditional tea service in kullads, blending nostalgia with contemporary presentation and enhancing the overall guest experience.

The hotel also integrates essential wedding services within the property, including dedicated planning teams, venue styling support, guest experience management, and in-house salon and spa facilities. This ensures that families can prepare, celebrate, and host with ease, all within a single destination.

Located close to Mumbai airport, the hotel offers added convenience for travelling guests, while its accommodation facilities enable families to stay together and extend celebrations beyond individual events.

The showcase also highlighted wedding opportunities across the broader Kamat Hotels portfolio, opening avenues for destination weddings and multi-city celebrations.

With ‘Weddings with Orchid’, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai presents a comprehensive wedding experience, where every detail, from intimate rituals to grand festivities, is brought together through thoughtful planning, personalised service, and versatile spaces designed to bring each celebration to life

Essentia Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention in Nagpur, marking its strategic expansion into one of Central India’s fastest-growing cities. The launch reflects the brand’s continued focus on tapping into emerging urban markets with strong business and tourism potential.

Located in Khairy, the hotel offers convenient access to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport and Nagpur Junction Railway Station. Its proximity to key city landmarks such as Zero Mile Stone, Deekshabhoomi, Futala Lake, Ambazari Lake, and Sitabuldi Fort makes it well-suited for both business and leisure travellers.

The property features 81 well-appointed rooms, including seven premium rooms and a presidential suite, designed to offer a refined and comfortable stay experience.

A key highlight of the hotel is its expansive banqueting and event infrastructure, spanning over 41,000 sq. ft. The property includes a large convention centre along with multiple conference and boardroom venues, catering to MICE and wedding segments. Signature venues such as the Grand Ballroom, Orion Lawn, and Carnival meeting room are designed to host a wide range of events, from corporate gatherings to destination weddings.

The hotel’s food and beverage offerings are positioned as a central part of the guest experience. Citron, the all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant, serves a mix of global favourites and regional dishes, along with a private dining space suited for intimate gatherings and business meetings. Nirvana Lounge Bar adds a social dimension with a curated selection of beverages and artisanal small plates in a relaxed setting.

To complement the stay, the hotel also offers recreational amenities including a swimming pool and a fully equipped fitness centre, alongside guest-focused services designed for a seamless experience.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, said, "Nagpur marks a truly meaningful step in our journey, and this launch reflects our deep belief in the potential of emerging cities that are shaping India's future. Our focus has always been on building destinations that go beyond just hospitality, spaces that seamlessly cater to business, leisure, weddings, and MICE, while consistently delivering service excellence and operational strength."

He further added, "This opening marks an important chapter in Essentia's national growth journey. We have consciously chosen to invest in cities like Nagpur, recognising their emergence as key commercial, logistics, and cultural hubs. With this property, we are not just introducing a hotel, but creating a destination that we believe will play a meaningful role in the city's growth and the experiences it will host in the years to come."