ROHL Unveils Regenta Resort Near Statue of Unity, Elevating Gujarat's Luxury Hospitality Scene

ROHL Unveils Regenta Resort Near Statue of Unity, Elevating Gujarat's Luxury Hospitality Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2025

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has expanded its footprint in Gujarat with the grand opening of Regenta Resort, a five-star luxury retreat near the iconic Statue of Unity in Kevadia. This marks ROHL’s 15th property in the state, reinforcing its commitment to premium hospitality in emerging tourist destinations.

Nestled amidst lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Regenta Resort features 49 elegantly designed accommodations, including spacious suites with private balconies overlooking the mountains and Presidential Villas with private pools and gardens. The resort seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with modern conveniences, ensuring an unparalleled guest experience with ROHL’s signature hospitality.

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The resort's culinary excellence is showcased at Vindhychal, its in-house multi-cuisine café, offering a delightful selection of vegetarian dishes from Indian, Continental, Chinese, and local cuisines.

Kevadia has emerged as a prominent tourist hub, primarily due to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister. Beyond this monument, the region is known for its stunning mountain ranges, the Sardar Sarovar Dam, and its tranquil natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking cultural and scenic experiences.

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Chander K. Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of ROHL, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch:
“This opening reflects our dedication to expanding in western India and meeting the growing demand for high-end accommodations. The region’s enhanced infrastructure has boosted accessibility, making it a key destination for travelers. We are excited to be part of Gujarat’s vibrant growth story.”

He further emphasized that Gujarat is witnessing a surge in luxury hospitality demand, particularly near the Statue of Unity. Regenta Resort is poised to cater to a broad spectrum of travelers, offering a unique and elevated stay experience.

The resort also boasts over 3,000 sq. ft. of event space, including a stunning 35,000 sq. ft. poolside lawn, making it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, and social celebrations. Additional features include a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a modern fitness center, and a curated range of indoor and outdoor activities for all age groups.

Mayursinh Gohil, Managing Director of Vindhychal Resort, highlighted the partnership’s potential:
“With ROHL’s strong brand reputation in hospitality, Regenta Resort is set to become a sought-after destination. We are thrilled to collaborate on this venture.”

About Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels

Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. is one of India’s fastest-growing hotel chains, operating 110+ properties nationwide across 5-star, 4-star, and resort categories. The brand is recognized for delivering premium hospitality experiences catering to both business and leisure travelers. Listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE), ROHL is backed by an independent board of industry leaders.

The Regenta brand, an extension of Royal Orchid Hotels, is designed to offer both affordability and convenience through its various sub-brands: Regenta, Regenta Central, Regenta Resort, Regenta Place, and Regenta Inn. The brand’s vision is to become the preferred choice for global travelers seeking premium yet accessible hospitality experiences.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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