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.


Clarks Exotica Is Offering Special Spa Deals This Women's Day — and They're Worth It

Clarks Exotica Is Offering Special Spa Deals This Women's Day — and They're Worth It

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

Sometimes the best way to celebrate Women's Day is also the simplest, just stop, breathe, and give yourself a proper break. And Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa is making that very easy to do this 8th March.

The resort is rolling out special Women's Day spa offers that are genuinely good value, the kind that make it hard to say no, whether you're treating yourself or gifting someone a little moment of calm.

Set in peaceful, serene surroundings, Clarks Exotica is already the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive. This Women's Day, they're leaning into that with curated spa experiences at prices that are hard to beat.

Here's what's on offer:

Foot Massage and  Massage Chair, Whether it's a quick midday reset or a thoughtful gift for a woman who deserves a little extra care  these offers tick both boxes without burning a hole in your pocket.

The resort's setting does the rest of the work. Stepping away from the usual rush, even for just an hour, can do a lot and having a calm, beautiful space to do it in makes the whole experience feel that much more special.

This Women's Day, Clarks Exotica is keeping it simple and meaningful — good care, honest prices, and a genuine invitation to slow down.

  • Date: 8th March 2026
  • Location: Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa

Sector 144 JP Nagar Is Hosting a Rooftop Women's Day Brunch — and It Sounds Like a Great Sunday

Sector 144 JP Nagar Is Hosting a Rooftop Women's Day Brunch — and It Sounds Like a Great Sunday

By Hariharan U

Published on March 7, 2026

Some celebrations don't need to be loud or over the top, sometimes the best ones are just good food, good people, and a rooftop with a view. And that's exactly the kind of Women's Day Sector 144 in JP Nagar is putting together.

The Bengaluru restaurant is marking the occasion with a specially curated Sunday brunch that keeps things relaxed, flavourful, and genuinely fun. Guests can pick from a thoughtful à la carte selection of dishes and refreshing beverages, all while soaking in the breezy rooftop ambience that the place is known for. It's the kind of afternoon that doesn't rush you, just lets you settle in, eat well, and enjoy the company around you.

The idea behind the brunch goes beyond just a meal. It's a small but heartfelt tribute to creativity, community, and the everyday warmth that women bring into the lives of those around them. Whether you're coming with your best friend, your mother, your colleagues, or just treating yourself the vibe is welcoming, the food is comforting, and the atmosphere is everything a lazy Sunday should feel like.

Comforting favourites sit alongside more contemporary plates on the menu, with drinks to match. The rooftop setting adds a light, open feel to the whole experience  lively enough to feel festive, but laid-back enough that you can actually slow down and savour the moment.

More than anything, it's about togetherness shared stories, joyful moments, and the kind of afternoon you'll want to repeat. Sector 144 has always had a warm, easy hospitality about it, and this Women's Day brunch feels like a natural extension of that.

Here are the details:

  • Where: Sector 144, JP Nagar — 4th Floor, above Style Union, JP Nagar 7th Phase, Karnataka 560078
  • When: 8th March 2026
  • Time: 12:30 PM onwards

If you're looking for a genuinely good way to spend Women's Day in Bengaluru, this one's worth showing up for.


Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

Suba Hotels Opens Its Third Property in Ayodhya — And It's Right Next to Ram Janmabhoomi

By Hariharan U

Published on March 6, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited just made its third move in Ayodhya, and it's a big one. The hospitality group has opened a brand-new Click Collection Hotel in the holy city, adding to its two already-running properties, Quality Inn Rama and Click Hotel Narayana, Ayodhya.

The new hotel sits close to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, which makes it a natural pick for pilgrims visiting the city. It's also a short distance from Hanuman Garhi Temple and the Saryu Ji Aarti site, two other spots that draw large crowds of devotees. Guests even get a complimentary shared drop service to the temple gate, which is a thoughtful touch for those travelling for religious purposes.

Talking about the launch, Managing Director Mansur Mehta shared, "The city's evolving hospitality landscape presents a unique opportunity for the company to make steady progress in this important temple town and pilgrimage destination. We see significant business potential here, and this expansion reflects our commitment to delivering quality service and warm hospitality. Our existing two properties in Ayodhya have been performing strongly, and, encouraged by this positive response, we decided to further strengthen our presence in the city."

The group's CEO, Mubeen Mehta, also pointed out that this isn't just about Ayodhya, it's part of a larger plan. "We have been consciously expanding our presence in religious destinations. We already have a strong footprint in Varanasi and Vindhyachal, both prominent pilgrimage centres. With rising demand in this segment, we see tremendous potential in further strengthening our presence across key pilgrimage destinations."

The hotel has 48 rooms spread across three categories, all designed to keep comfort and practicality in mind, especially for families and pilgrims who need a reliable place to rest. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, minibar, LED smart TV, and an in-room safe, among other amenities.

For food, the hotel has Cinnamon, a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of Indian dishes, keeping in mind the preferences of pilgrims visiting the city. The property also has modern banqueting facilities for group needs.

With Ayodhya growing fast as a pilgrimage and tourism hub, Suba Hotels seems well-placed to ride that wave and this third property adds another solid layer to their presence in the city.

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