Antara Cruises, a leading name in India’s luxury river tourism, continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable travel at Bhitarkanika National Park. The cruise operator has implemented strict cleanliness and waste management measures at the Gupti jetty and during all guest excursions.

The team ensures that the entire jetty area, from entry gates and access stairs to the boarding point remains spotless, free from litter such as plastic bottles and wrappers. Onboard garbage is carefully collected and brought back to land for disposal in dustbins provided by the Forest Department.

Extending their eco-responsibility further, naturalists and forest guides accompanying guests actively pick up any plastic or waste encountered during jungle walks, ensuring it is properly discarded in designated bins.

“Bhitarkanika is one of India’s most pristine and biodiverse mangrove ecosystems. Our team takes immense pride in preserving its purity by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and environmental care,” said Vineet Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Antara Cruises. “At Antara, sustainability is not an initiative, it’s an integral part of how we operate and engage with nature.”

These efforts highlight Antara’s leadership in responsible river tourism, blending authentic exploration with respect for the environment and local communities. Guests can enjoy immersive journeys through India’s iconic rivers while being assured that their travel footprint is minimized.

About Antara Cruises

Antara Cruises is India’s premier luxury river cruise company, offering unique voyages across the country’s most iconic rivers. With a focus on sustainability and cultural immersion, Antara combines refined comfort with conscious travel practices to provide experiences that celebrate India’s heritage, nature, and craftsmanship.

Ridhira Group has announced plans to develop Ridhira Zen, a flagship luxury wellness project in Telangana, after receiving the official Letter of Award from the state’s Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture (YATC) Department.

The ambitious development, set near Shankarpally in Ranga Reddy District, involves an investment of approximately Rs 200 crore. Spread across six acres, Ridhira Zen will feature a 5-star branded resort, a 10,000 sq. ft. Global Wellness Centre and Spa, upscale villas, and premium plots. Once complete, it is expected to become the region’s largest wellness-centric resort and a landmark in India’s growing wellness tourism sector.

Highlighting the vision behind the project, Ritesh Mastipuram, Founder and Managing Director, Ridhira Group, said, “We are delighted to receive this government recognition for our visionary project, as it reinforces our long-term commitment to revolutionize wellness hospitality in Telangana. This development, with its unprecedented scale and investment, is designed to set new benchmarks in sustainable luxury and holistic living, combining innovation with deep respect for nature and well-being. With the government’s proactive support, we are confident of ensuring timely and seamless execution, and we look forward to contributing meaningfully to the region’s overall growth, while also shaping Telangana’s reputation as a global destination for wellness tourism.”

The project reflects Ridhira Group’s focus on integrating wellness, sustainability, and modern luxury into hospitality. It also strengthens Telangana’s positioning as a hub for world-class tourism and wellness experiences.

ELENA, the acclaimed spa and wellness brand from Atmosphere Core, is making its entry into India, bringing with it a globally recognised approach to luxury well-being. Having already transformed the spa landscape in the Maldives, the brand now aims to partner with hotels and resorts in India to offer guests elevated wellness experiences that blend tradition with modernity.

Founded in 2015, ELENA, short for Elements of Nature draws inspiration from natural forces and is guided by the philosophy Wellness Your Way™. The brand is known for creating personalised, inclusive, and sustainable wellness journeys, combining time-honoured healing practices with contemporary therapies.

“India holds a deep legacy of wellness, and with ELENA, we aim to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. Leveraging our global and diverse expertise, we are proud to introduce India to wellness sanctuaries that are sustainable, luxurious, and truly transformative,” says Heidi Grimwood, Vice President, Atmosphere Wellness Pvt. Ltd.

The Four Pillars of ELENA, Every spa by ELENA is designed around four guiding principles:

• Nature-Centric Enlightenment: Authentic concepts inspired by nature.

• Sustainable Spirit: Eco-conscious practices integrated into daily operations.

• Zeal for Wellness: Innovative therapies combining global expertise with local traditions.

• Wellness for All: Inclusive journeys tailored to different guest needs.

With an award-winning legacy in the Maldives including honours such as the World Luxury Spa Awards, India’s Best Awards, and Global Spa Awards, ELENA has built its reputation on delivering consistent excellence. Its expertise extends to spa training, guest service models, and sustainable operational practices.

In India, the brand will go beyond offering signature treatments. ELENA plans to partner with hotels and resorts for complete spa development and management covering everything from turnkey operations and customised wellness programming to hands-on training for therapists. This ensures hospitality partners can introduce world-class spa experiences backed by a proven and respected international model.

With a successful foundation in the Maldives and a growing footprint across regions, ELENA is now setting new benchmarks for luxury wellness in India combining sustainability, tradition, and innovation to transform both guest experiences and the hospitality industry