Renewed Grandeur: Taj Mahal Hotel Marks 45 Years with Major Revamp

By Author

Published on December 3, 2023

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), backed by the Tata Group, commemorates the 45th anniversary of its flagship property, the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, known colloquially as Taj Mansingh. Following a high-stakes public auction by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in 2018, IHCL retained ownership of this iconic hotel and embarked on an extensive renovation, investing nearly Rs 250 crore.

The revamp of the Taj Mahal Hotel reflects IHCL's commitment to keeping pace with evolving customer preferences while honouring its storied past. The hotel now boasts 40 luxury suites, including five themed suites that celebrate India's rich heritage. The introduction of two floors of luxury apartments, equipped with kitchens and wardrobe spaces, caters to guests seeking longer stays.

IHCL's renovation extended to the hotel's dining spaces, such as Machan and House of Ming, alongside the reimagining of Chambers with luxury fashion and lifestyle brand Stefano Ricci. A collaboration with Johnny Walker has brought a new dimension to the hotel’s offerings with the blue label bar and cigar lounge. The hotel's wellness facilities have been expanded, and all pools are now heated, starting with this property.

Suma Venkatesh, IHCL's executive vice president for real estate and development, stated that the renovated hotel has already restored its pre-renovation levels of revenue and profits, despite higher lease rentals. She emphasised the transformation of the hotel's accommodation mix and the focus on luxury-driven and high-end offerings to drive rates.

Vijay Thacker, MD of Horwath HTL India, pointed out that the addition of suites and apartments at the Taj Mahal Hotel is expected to strongly enhance rate gains, positively impacting profits. The Taj Mahal Hotel, with its prime location in Lutyens' Delhi, has always been a preferred choice for global travellers and dignitaries.

As per the NDMC details from 2018, IHCL's lease renewal for another 33 years involved a significant increase in the monthly licence fee. The renovation, according to Venkatesh, was not just an update but a re-envisioning of the property for the next decade, reflecting IHCL's foresight in hospitality trends.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, a symbol of luxury and prestige, remains integral to IHCL's portfolio, both emotionally and commercially, as one of the top five revenue-earning hotels in India for the group.

Niraamaya Retreats Launches ‘Whispers of Earth’ – A Soul-Healing Sound Retreat in Kovalam

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 15, 2025

Niraamaya Wellness Retreats has announced the launch of an all-new transformative experience — Whispers of Earth – Sound Retreat — set against the tranquil backdrop of Surya Samudra in Kovalam. This soulful journey of sound and silence is curated for those seeking relief from sleep-related challenges and a deeper connection to self.

The immersive retreat is a collaboration between Niraamaya and Priyanka Patel, Founder of Sound Healing India, and has been carefully curated by Devanshi Jain, Wellness Strategist and Yoga Instructor at Niraamaya Retreats. Designed to restore inner harmony, the retreat explores the therapeutic integration of breath, voice, sound, and reflective silence.

Scheduled from May 29 to June 1, 2025, this three-day experience invites participants to explore ancient healing traditions, nature-based therapies, and luxurious coastal living. Set amidst the lush greenery overlooking the Arabian Sea, the venue — Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra — offers the perfect setting for deep rest and renewal.

True to Niraamaya’s ethos of curating personalised wellness escapes, ‘Whispers of Earth’ is limited to a select number of participants to ensure an intimate and impactful experience. Guests will engage in sound meditations, breathwork sessions, and vocal explorations, all crafted to improve sleep quality and encourage emotional release.

Speaking about the retreat, the team at Niraamaya expressed that this initiative reflects their continuing mission to offer authentic, deeply restorative journeys that resonate with individual wellness needs.

Bookings are now open. For more information or reservations, guests can call +91 80 4510 4548, email reservations@niraamaya.com, or visit www.niraamaya.com.

About Niraamaya Wellness Retreats

Niraamaya Wellness Retreats is renowned for its luxurious nature-immersed sanctuaries that focus on personalised healing experiences. With a strong commitment to sustainability, natural therapies, and cultural authenticity, Niraamaya’s wellness philosophy is deeply rooted in Ayurvedic and yogic traditions, complemented by world-class hospitality and wellness services.

TGI Hotels Launches The Shore Trishvam – A Pondy Beach Resort in Collaboration with Jayaram Hotels

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 14, 2025

TGI Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Jayaram Hotels, has officially launched The Shore Trishvam – A Pondy Beach Resort, a premium coastal retreat in the heart of Puducherry. Nestled right on the sun-kissed shoreline, this new property promises an elegant yet soulful experience that combines luxurious comfort with the vibrant culture of Pondicherry.

Owned by the reputable Jayaram Hotels group, The Shore Trishvam features 65 beautifully designed rooms and 6 opulent private pool villas, offering guests a chic and tranquil beach escape. The resort also boasts a 2,000-person capacity lawn, a modern conference hall, gourmet dining options, and a spa and wellness center, making it ideal for both leisure vacations and grand events.

The resort is part of the Trishvam brand by TGI Hotels, which focuses on “Recrafting Memories” through nostalgic design, immersive experiences, and a sense of soulful leisure. The Shore Trishvam aligns with this philosophy, curating an atmosphere where guests feel truly connected—with themselves, nature, and the local culture.

Whether you're planning a destination wedding, corporate offsite, or a relaxing luxury getaway, The Shore Trishvam offers an unmatched blend of functionality and flair. With direct access to the beach and a serene environment, it promises to be one of Puducherry’s most sought-after stays.

This marks TGI Hotels’ second foray into Puducherry, following the success of Atithi TGI Grand, a much-loved city hotel known for its warmth and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Puducherry with the launch of The Shore Trishvam,” said Amit Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Hotels and Resorts. “This collaboration with Jayaram Hotels reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences to discerning travellers. With The Shore Trishvam, we aim to redefine beachfront luxury while celebrating the cultural soul of Pondicherry.”

With this launch, TGI Hotels and Resorts continues to grow its footprint in South India, reinforcing its commitment to crafting high-quality hospitality experiences in the region’s top leisure destinations.

The Malabar Coast Opens New Gurugram Outlet at M3M Atrium

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Malabar Coast, renowned for showcasing the rich flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has expanded its presence with a new outlet at M3M Atrium, Sector 57, Gurugram. The grand opening drew food enthusiasts, influencers, and special guests eager to experience an authentic coastal culinary journey.

The new restaurant’s warm, coastal-inspired interiors—complete with handpicked artwork and traditional motifs—set the stage for a menu that spans delicately spiced seafood, classic Malabar biryanis, and their signature Coconut Payasam. Highlights included Ghee Podi Idly, Chettinad Chicken Tikka, Malabar Prawn Curry, and Thalassery Chicken Biryani, each dish crafted to transport diners to South India’s sun-soaked shores.

At the launch, Satish Bhatia, Co-Founder of The Malabar Coast, remarked,

“We are elated to bring the soul of South India’s coastlines to Gurugram. This outlet is an extension of our journey to celebrate regional flavours and offer an immersive, cultural dining experience in the heart of the city.”

Guests enjoyed live music performances, enhancing the relaxed, soulful atmosphere and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to an authentic South Indian cultural journey.

The Malabar Coast, an offshoot of The Appumm House founded in 2020 by Satish Bhatia and Priyanka Tiwari, continues to champion traditional coastal recipes and elevate regional dining across India.

The new Gurugram outlet is now open to the public, promising to become a go-to destination for lovers of genuine South Indian coastal cuisine.

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