Sarova Hotels: Celebrating 50 Years of Hospitality Excellence

Sarova Hotels: Celebrating 50 Years of Hospitality Excellence

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 3, 2024

Kenya's tourism industry is celebrating a significant milestone as Sarova Hotels & Resorts marks its 50th anniversary in April 2024. This golden jubilee not only commemorates five decades of exceptional service but also highlights the brand's deep-rooted values and commitment to showcasing the best of Kenya.

Sarova Hotels was founded in 1974 by G.S. Vohra, Mohinder Singh Vohra, and John Ngata Kariuki. The name SAROVA is an acronym derived from the first names of their wives: Swaran Vohra, Rose Kariuki, and Varsha Vohra. The journey began with the acquisition of the Ambassadeur Hotel on Moi Avenue, a venture that set the foundation for Sarova's growth in the hospitality industry.

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Over the years, Sarova has expanded its footprint across Kenya, establishing a portfolio of nine properties that reflect a commitment to quality and innovation. These include:

  • Sarova Stanley and Sarova Panafric in Nairobi

  • Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa

  • Sarova Woodlands Hotel & Spa and Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Nakuru

  • Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Samburu

  • Sarova Mara Game Camp in Masai Mara

  • Sarova Imperial Hotel in Kisumu

  • Sarova Maiyan in Nanyuki

In 2023, Sarova launched its first standalone specialty restaurant, Thai Chi by Sarova in Nairobi, expanding its culinary excellence beyond the well-known Thai Chi Restaurant at Sarova Stanley.

A key highlight of Sarova's journey is its dedication to nurturing talent, fostering diversity, and empowering local communities through employment and skill development. The brand's people-centric approach translates into exceptional service, where every interaction is infused with warmth and genuine care.

Sarova is also committed to sustainable practices that ensure the well-being of the environment and the communities in which it operates. Under the banner Sarova Cares, the brand has implemented initiatives such as responsible waste management, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy. These efforts ensure that Kenya's natural beauty is preserved for future generations.

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The 50th anniversary celebrations at Sarova Stanley highlighted the brand's resilience, adaptability, and enduring commitment to quality and innovation. Jimi Kariuki, MD of Sarova Hotels, remarked, "Achieving 50 years of operation is not merely a milestone but a hallmark of resilience, adaptation, and enduring commitment to quality and innovation. It places Sarova Hotels & Resorts in an elite group that has withstood the test of time, evolving with technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumer behaviors."

Mita Vohra, Director of Sales, Marketing, Revenue & Distribution, added, "Sarova Hotels is a heartwarming story of family and friendships coming together to realize a dream in hospitality. Celebrating this milestone of 50 years is a tribute to our founders and all of you, our partners, who have anchored and supported us through the decades. With each passing year, Sarova's future looks brighter than ever."

As Sarova Hotels celebrates its golden jubilee, it continues to offer guests not just luxury, but a deep connection to Kenya's land, people, and culture. The brand's unwavering dedication to showcasing the best of Kenya ensures that every stay is an unforgettable experience, leaving guests with memories that last long after they depart.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Sarova! Here’s to many more years of hospitality excellence.


The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Rajasthan Portfolio with The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Rajasthan Portfolio with The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on February 28, 2026

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur, Series by Marriott, further strengthening its footprint in Rajasthan. With this addition, the brand now operates five properties in Jaipur and a total of 17 hotels across the state, including those operational and opening shortly.

Strategically positioned with convenient access to major transport hubs, the new property is designed to serve business travellers, leisure guests, weddings and convention segments in one of India’s most culturally vibrant cities. Located approximately 30 km from Jaipur International Airport, 25 km from Jaipur Railway Station and 29 km from Jaipur ISBT, the hotel ensures smooth connectivity for domestic and international visitors.

The resort features 107 well-appointed rooms and suites across multiple categories, blending comfort, functionality and contemporary design. Dining offerings include Darpan, a multi-cuisine restaurant inspired by the architectural grandeur of Chand Baori, serving Indian, Asian and international fare in an elegant setting. Guests can also unwind at Zaza, a chic café and lounge offering gourmet teas, coffees and beverages alongside live kitchen experiences. Round-the-clock in-room dining further enhances guest convenience.

Commenting on the expansion, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “As India’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve, destinations such as Jaipur remain central to both domestic and international travel demand. Our focus is on creating hospitality experiences that combine efficient service, thoughtful amenities and strong location advantages to meet the expectations of modern travellers. This new property reflects our commitment to expanding in culturally significant markets while maintaining consistent quality and guest satisfaction across our portfolio.”

With its comprehensive facilities and strategic location, The Fern Nest Resort Jaipur is positioned as a well-connected and contemporary hospitality address in Rajasthan’s capital city.


LIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Uttarakhand with Ayali Riverside Resort, Rishikesh

LIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Uttarakhand with Ayali Riverside Resort, Rishikesh

By Hariharan U

Published on February 27, 2026

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has strengthened its presence in Uttarakhand through a strategic tie-up with Ayali Riverside Resort, marking its fifth property in the state. The move expands the group’s leisure portfolio in Rishikesh, widely regarded as India’s spiritual and adventure capital.

Set along the Huvel River, a tributary of the Ganges River, the resort features independent luxury cottages designed for travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity. Surrounded by the Himalayan foothills, the property caters to guests drawn to Rishikesh’s blend of spiritual heritage, yoga culture and outdoor adventure. Its proximity to landmarks such as Laxman Jhula and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple enhances its appeal among both domestic and international visitors.

The partnership aligns with rising travel demand in Uttarakhand, where Rishikesh has evolved beyond a pilgrimage centre into a hub for wellness tourism, adventure sports and extended “work-from-mountain” stays. With existing properties in Haridwar, Mussoorie and Lansdowne, and an upcoming project in Jim Corbett, ALIVAA continues to scale its footprint across key leisure destinations.

Akash Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer (M&F) of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said, “The addition of Ayali Riverside Resort to our portfolio is a calculated move to capture the booming demand for experience-led stays in Uttarakhand. Marking our fifth property in the state, this expansion highlights our deep commitment to the region. By integrating Ayali’s stunning riverside location with ALIVAA’s commercial engine, this cooperation is set to deliver superior value to both our guests and our partners.”

Vikramjit Singh, Founder and Chairman of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added, “Our vision for ALIVAA has always been to bridge the gap between asset potential and professional management. This joint undertaking reinforces our commitment to building an ecosystem that is ‘unmistakably Indian at heart’ yet global in its standards.”

Sandeep Kumar, Founder of Ayali Hotels & Resorts, noted that the alliance will allow the property to leverage ALIVAA’s marketing and sales expertise while maintaining its personalised guest experience.

With a growing pipeline and focus on midscale and upper-midscale segments, ALIVAA’s latest expansion underscores its ambition to emerge as a leading hospitality operator in high-growth leisure markets.


CheckIn Partners with MAP to Bring Art-Led Experiences to SUNDAY Hotels

CheckIn Partners with MAP to Bring Art-Led Experiences to SUNDAY Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on February 25, 2026

In a move that blends hospitality with heritage, CheckIn has partnered with Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru, to introduce curated art experiences across select SUNDAY Hotels. The initiative aims to transform hotel spaces into immersive cultural environments where Indian art and storytelling become an integral part of the guest journey.

Launched as a pilot across three properties, Sunday Hotel, Zirakpur; Sunday Hotel & Residency M3M, Gurugram; and Sunday Hotel & Resort, Manesar, the collaboration marks one of the first structured efforts in India to embed museum-curated art within hospitality spaces at scale. Rooted in the shared belief that art should be part of everyday life, the partnership reimagines hotels not merely as places to stay, but as living galleries reflecting India’s artistic depth.

The inaugural collection features curated reprints spanning indigenous art practices, modern and contemporary works, and elements of popular culture. Gond paintings by Jangarh Singh Shyam offer insights into indigenous storytelling traditions, while Madan Meena’s Baramasa series draws from a distinctive genre of Indian miniature painting depicting the rhythm of seasons and their emotional resonance. Textile Labels from the early 20th century highlight the influence of chromolithography on art and design during that era.

Speaking on the partnership, Varun Jain, Chief Operating OfficerAsia, PRISM, noted that art has the power to deepen connections to culture and shared narratives. Abhishek Poddar, Founder of MAP, added that moving art beyond museum walls into everyday spaces encourages curiosity and fosters meaningful engagement with South Asian visual heritage.

The collaboration reflects evolving travel preferences, where guests increasingly seek culturally immersive and meaningful stays. By integrating curated art into its properties, CheckIn positions SUNDAY Hotels as spaces that celebrate regional narratives and artistic traditions while offering a contemporary hospitality experience.

With plans to expand the programme across additional SUNDAY Hotels, CheckIn aims to create a distributed art experience across India, one that brings cultural memory and creative expression closer to travellers nationwide.

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, operates across more than 35 countries, serving over 100 million customers globally through diverse hospitality and urban living solutions. Meanwhile, MAP Bengaluru, housed in a purpose-built 44,000 square foot space on Kasturba Road, continues its mission to preserve and promote South Asian visual art while cultivating a stronger museum-going culture in India.

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