ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced the strategic addition of The Hoften DiVi Hotel, Udaipur, to its fast-growing portfolio, marking another milestone in the company’s expansion across key cultural and leisure destinations in India.

Often celebrated as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur continues to be a favourite among domestic and international travellers for its palaces, scenic beauty, and royal charm. With this new partnership, ALIVAA strengthens its presence in one of India’s most sought-after tourist hubs, aligning with its vision to build a strong presence in high-potential markets.

Operating under The Hoften brand, the new property reflects the group’s philosophy of smart design, modern comfort, and efficient service, perfectly suited for today’s connected traveller.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome The Hoften DiVi Hotel, Udaipur, into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection,” said Akash Bhatia, CEO, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “This hotel perfectly embodies our brand ethos of delivering quality, efficient hospitality in premier locations. Its modern design, combined with our smart service model, will enhance the experience of every contemporary traveller visiting the beautiful City of Lakes. This addition also reflects the trust our partners place in our management platform and our growth vision across India.”

Adding to this, Inder Pal Batra, Co-Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion. “Udaipur is a vital cultural and leisure hub, and the addition of The Hoften is a strategic milestone in our journey. This acquisition underscores ALIVAA’s commitment to thoughtful growth and sets a high benchmark for our brand standards across India.”

Expressing his confidence in the partnership, Sanjeev Tyagi, Owner of DiVi Hotels, Udaipur, shared, “Partnering with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts to operate The Hoften DiVi Hotel, Udaipur, was a clear choice. Their management expertise and focus on efficiency align perfectly with our vision for the property, ensuring guests enjoy exceptional value and memorable stays.”

With brands like ALIVAA, The Hoften, and XENIOUS, the hospitality group continues to build a diverse portfolio that blends innovation, quality, and guest delight across India’s evolving travel landscape

Rubystone Hospitality has announced its latest offering, Regal Wedding Experiences in Udaipur, a bespoke celebration concept that beautifully merges Rajasthan’s royal charm with the warmth of boutique hospitality. Designed to make destination weddings more personal, meaningful, and memorable, this new venture captures the soul of Udaipur’s timeless romance.

Nestled in the heart of the City of Lakes, Rubystone Udaipur presents couples with a dreamy setting of scenic lake views, heritage-inspired décor, and exceptional service. Every wedding here is envisioned as a one-of-a-kind story, whether it’s an intimate lakeside mandap, a terrace overlooking the Aravallis, or a vibrant mehendi brunch that flows into a moonlit reception. The focus is on personalisation, ensuring every detail reflects the couple’s unique journey through thoughtful décor, curated menus, and soulful ambience.

“Our vision has always been to create experiences that go beyond luxury, experiences that feel personal, emotional, and memorable. With Udaipur’s timeless beauty as our backdrop, we’re crafting weddings that celebrate love in its purest and most elegant form,” said Sandeep Singh, Founder of Rubystone Hospitality.

Behind the scenes, a talented team of planners, chefs, and designers work together to craft tailor-made wedding packages that balance traditional aesthetics with modern comforts. Each event also highlights local art, music, and cuisine, giving guests an authentic taste of Udaipur’s regal legacy.

Destination weddings have become the modern expression of romance, not just about grandeur, but about connection, intimacy, and creating lasting memories. With India continuing to rise as a global hub for such celebrations, Udaipur remains one of its most sought-after gems. Through this initiative, Rubystone Hospitality opens the doors to luxury weddings that are both elegant and value-driven, proving that a royal experience doesn’t always have to come with an extravagant price tag

Banyan Tree Krabi has been named among the “Fodor’s Finest Hotels 2026”, an annual list recognizing the 100 most exceptional hotels and resorts in the world. Among just 15 properties across Asia, Banyan Tree Krabi proudly stands as the only hotel in Thailand to earn this coveted distinction.

In announcing the list, Fodor’s, one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities since 1949, emphasized that every property was thoroughly vetted by its team of editors and writers through a “brutal and fastidious” selection process.

Rachael Levitt, Managing Editor at Fodor’s, praised the resort’s philosophy where “sustainability goes hand in hand with comfort and luxury.” “Thailand is famous for its hospitality, and the team here is exceptional,” she noted. “Local cold-press coffee highlights an emerging Thai industry, and the resort’s gallery promotes locally crafted artisan goods. The restaurants — Saffron, The Naga Kitchen, and Bird’s Nest — celebrate regional delicacies and Southeast Asian fusion in a stunning natural setting.”

Nestled along tranquil Tubkaek Beach, approximately 40 km from Krabi International Airport, Banyan Tree Krabi offers a serene escape framed by limestone cliffs, the Andaman Sea, and lush tropical hillside — an environment Fodor’s described as “where nature’s rhythm meets refined design.”

Ms. Haruethai Maneerat, General Manager of Banyan Tree Krabi, expressed pride in the global recognition, “To be selected by Fodor’s as one of the 100 best hotels in the world for 2026 is a great honour. This award reflects our team’s dedication to excellence and the Banyan Tree brand’s enduring commitment to sustainability and service.”

A cornerstone of Banyan Tree Krabi’s success is its comprehensive sustainability programme, led by marine biologist Ms. Thepsuda Loyjiw, the resort’s Sustainability Manager. The initiative focuses on reducing consumption, promoting eco-friendly operations, and fostering community partnerships.

Among its standout efforts is “Souvenirs from the Sea”, a collaboration with local artisans who transform beach refuse into upcycled souvenirs such as tote bags, sold at the resort’s Banyan Tree Gallery Krabi.

This latest recognition follows Banyan Tree Krabi’s Two Keys rating by MICHELIN in its 2025 evaluation of Thailand’s finest hotels, cementing its reputation as one of the country’s leading luxury resorts.

About Banyan Tree Krabi

Banyan Tree Krabi features 72 pool suites and villas, including expansive two- and three-bedroom options, and a seven-bedroom Presidential Beachfront Pool Villa. The resort’s facilities include:

• Two signature restaurants and a beach bar

• A rainforest-themed spa

• A beach club, kids’ club, fitness centre, and meeting space

About Banyan Tree 

Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com) offers sanctuaries to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul in awe-inspiring destinations worldwide. Known for its all-villa concept and private pool experiences, Banyan Tree redefines luxury with authenticity, mindfulness, and service excellence.

About Banyan Group

Banyan Group (SGX: B58) is a global, purpose-driven hospitality company with over 70 hotels and resorts, 60 spas and galleries, and 14 branded residences across 20 countries. Through its ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People,” the Group continues to champion responsible and regenerative tourism, blending design-led innovation with a commitment to people and the planet.