Rambha Palace Opens on the Banks of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, Offering a Royal Experience

Rambha Palace Opens on the Banks of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, Offering a Royal Experience

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 7, 2024

Rambha Palace, a majestic 18th-century royal residence, has opened its doors to discerning travellers, offering an immersive experience on the tranquil banks of Chilika Lake, Asia's largest saltwater lagoon. After six years of meticulous restoration, led by renowned tropical modernist architect Channa Daswatte, the palace has been reborn, reflecting its original grandeur and Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. Channa Daswatte, a protégé of the iconic Geoffrey Bawa, has seamlessly blended the palace’s classical architecture with contemporary luxury, creating a unique fusion of past and present.

This remarkable opening enhances Hidden India’s portfolio of boutique luxury hotels, offering a serene escape for travellers looking to explore Odisha’s vibrant history, nature, and traditions. The palace invites guests to unwind and reconnect with nature through its focus on mindfulness and slow living, offering experiences that encourage patrons to pause, reflect, and savour every moment of their stay.

Himangini Singh, co-founder of Hunch Ventures, expressed her excitement during the grand opening, stating, “Rambha Palace is a testament to Odisha’s historical significance. Guests can experience the state’s vibrant culture and traditions in all their grandeur and glory. The region's natural beauty beckons exploration, and I am thrilled to welcome guests to uncover Odisha through the lens of Rambha Palace.” Singh also emphasized the deep cultural roots reflected in the palace’s design and decor.

Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte further elaborated, “The architecture of Rambha, with its classical planning and Odisha-inspired textures, offers an immersive experience in the unique design ethos of the region.”

image

Beyond its architectural splendor, Rambha Palace holds historical significance as the site of the first Utkal Conference, a pivotal event that led to the foundation of the independent state of Odisha. The palace, now a luxurious boutique hotel, offers an unparalleled blend of history, nature, and luxury.

Situated along the shores of Chilika Lake, the palace provides unforgettable bird-watching opportunities, as the region is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Guests are treated to breathtaking lake views while indulging in the serene surroundings. To ensure a seamless and indulgent experience, each guest is assigned a personal butler throughout their stay.

The culinary offerings at Rambha Palace are equally impressive, with seven distinct cuisines available, including local Odia flavours. The property caters to a variety of dietary preferences, offering vegan and Satvik meals, allergen-free options, and personalised meal plans for those on detox and wellness retreats. Dining options range from a formal dining room and al fresco settings to a poolside cafe, two bars, riverside picnics, and beachside meals.

For those seeking rejuvenation, the Mantnam Spa at Rambha Palace provides a comprehensive wellness experience inspired by ancient Indian practices. Guests can indulge in a range of Ayurvedic therapies, including massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps, along with personalised yoga sessions. Each treatment is designed to promote healing, balance, and longevity, ensuring a refreshing and holistic retreat.

With its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to preserving Odisha’s rich history, Rambha Palace promises to be a unique destination for luxury travellers seeking a blend of cultural immersion, nature, and relaxation.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Crafts a Multi-Sensory Valentine’s Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 11, 2026

This Valentine’s season, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar brings together its expansive culinary and wellness portfolio to create a celebration that goes beyond a single evening, positioning the hotel as a complete destination for romance, indulgence and meaningful connection.

 Across venues including EL, Romano’s, BarQat, JW Café, AUTMJW Lounge and the Spa by JW, guests can explore a thoughtfully curated mix of experiences ranging from craft-led cocktails and indulgent buffets to classic Italian dinners and restorative couple wellness rituals. At the rooftop lounge EL, modern mixology takes centre stage against a sunset-lit skyline, complemented by live violin performances, a limited-edition cocktail menu and interactive moments with the bar team, along with an inclusive handwritten note exchange that allows guests to leave messages of love or kindness for fellow patrons.

JW Café adds to the spirit with a specially designed Valentine’s dinner buffet, a Love Wall for personal wishes and Zodiac-inspired cocktails, while Romano’s offers couples a refined Italian dining experience rooted in warmth, elegance and lingering conversations. BarQat approaches the celebration through a poetic lens, pairing a curated set menu and emotion-inspired cocktails with interactive elements like the Tree of Love, where handwritten notes gradually form a living tribute to shared sentiments.

 AUTM – JW Lounge rounds off the week with comforting signature hot chocolate styles, while the Spa by JW introduces exclusive couple therapies, including a 90-minute personalised massage or a 120-minute ritual combining massage, scrub and couple bath. Together, these experiences transform JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar into a seamless Valentine’s retreat centred on togetherness, indulgence and lasting memories


CGH Earth Saha Launches Pollachi Riverhouse, a Private Riverside Villa in Tamil Nadu

CGH Earth Saha Launches Pollachi Riverhouse, a Private Riverside Villa in Tamil Nadu

By Hariharan U

Published on February 7, 2026

CGH Earth Saha has expanded its Handpicked Escapes portfolio with the launch of Pollachi Riverhouse, an exclusive three-bedroom private pool villa set along a tranquil river amid coconut groves and fertile plains of Tamil Nadu. Located around a 1.5-hour drive from Coimbatore and close to the Anamalai hills, the single-key retreat is designed for families and small groups seeking privacy, space and an unhurried countryside experience. Surrounded by Pollachi’s lush agricultural landscape, the villa captures the region’s pastoral rhythm, with views of coconut farms, open fields and the Western Ghats forming a serene backdrop.

The architecture is shaped around its riverside setting, opening seamlessly to lawns, water views and outdoor living spaces. Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors connect the living areas to the outdoors, allowing natural light, greenery and the gentle sound of the river to define the stay. Clean, contemporary interiors are softened with rustic textures and antique-inspired furnishings, while the infinity pool flows into manicured lawns that meet the river’s edge, creating an ideal setting for relaxed gatherings, picnics and evening barbecues.

Dining at Pollachi Riverhouse highlights the culinary heritage of the region, with authentic Kongunadu dishes prepared using locally sourced produce, traditional spices and time-honoured recipes that reflect Tamil Nadu’s agrarian culture. Beyond the villa, guests can explore nearby Topslip and Parambikulam Tiger Reserves, or engage with local communities through experiences such as palm sugar making, palm-leaf weaving and visits to Pollachi’s well-known handloom centres.

Positioned as more than a stay, Pollachi Riverhouse offers an immersive experience rooted in nature, culture and quiet luxury, reinforcing CGH Earth Saha’s focus on intimate, home-style escapes across South India.


Sterling Launches Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, Strengthening Its Uttarakhand Footprint

Sterling Launches Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, Strengthening Its Uttarakhand Footprint

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the launch of Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne, a boutique mountain retreat nestled amid dense pine forests near Gumkhal, marking the brand’s ninth resort in Uttarakhand. Designed as an off-the-grid escape, the property is aimed at travellers seeking slower, more meaningful stays surrounded by nature, with warm pinewood interiors, open terraces, and uninterrupted valley views.

All rooms feature private balconies overlooking forested landscapes, while select indulgent havens offer access to open terraces facing the pool and the valley beyond. The retreat is positioned for leisure holidays, workcations, leadership offsites, and intimate celebrations, while also fitting seamlessly into Sterling’s wider Uttarakhand circuit for drive-to travellers from Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh.

The guest experience revolves around food, togetherness, and time outdoors, supported by three signature spaces: Lans Café, an all-day dining venue with valley and garden views; Sky Social, an open-air terrace for sunset gatherings, bonfires, and small celebrations; and Sky Vista, a glass-walled meeting venue overlooking the forests, designed for focused offsites and workshops.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said the new property adds a calmer, more design-led dimension to Sterling’s mountain portfolio while strengthening its presence across Uttarakhand’s key destinations. Ms. Meghna Bhatnagar of Dev Bhoomi added that partnering with Sterling brings refined hospitality and national scale to their Lansdowne vision.

With curated regional cuisine, a swimming pool, wellness facilities, guided nature walks, bonfire evenings, and pet-friendly stays, Sterling Valley of Pine, Lansdowne offers a well-rounded forest retreat within easy driving distance of Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Jim Corbett National Park.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.