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.


Sterling Holiday Resorts Introduces “Soil to Soul” Experience at Sterling Wayanad

Sterling Holiday Resorts Introduces “Soil to Soul” Experience at Sterling Wayanad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts, a leading name in experiential holidays, has launched its latest ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ (D&E) initiative, “Soil to Soul,” at Sterling Wayanad. Nestled amidst Kerala’s lush plantations and spice gardens, this immersive Farm-to-Fork experience celebrates sustainable tourism, local culture, and authentic culinary traditions.

The “Soil to Soul” journey takes guests on a half-day exploration through organic farms and spice plantations, offering a firsthand understanding of Wayanad’s agricultural heritage. Participants engage with local farmers, learn about paddy cultivation, coffee, and spice farming, and harvest fresh produce. The experience culminates in a hands-on cooking session led by Sterling’s expert chefs, where guests use the fresh produce they have harvested to prepare traditional Kerala dishes using time-honoured methods.

Adding depth to the journey, guests also interact with indigenous Wayanad communities, whose stories and food traditions bring authenticity to the experience. Visitors take home handcrafted spice packs and recipe cards, extending their connection to Kerala’s food culture beyond their stay.

“With ‘Soil to Soul,’ we want our guests to go beyond the conventional holiday, to connect with the land, people, and stories that make Wayanad special,” said Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “It’s a celebration of food, culture, and sustainability, and a meaningful addition to our growing D&E portfolio.”

Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences platform offers guests curated, locally rooted engagements that bring each destination to life. At Sterling Wayanad, travellers can also enjoy guided nature walks and bird-watching trails, or explore the resort’s collaboration with Uravu, a local NGO that promotes bamboo craftsmanship and tribal livelihoods, each experience designed to build authentic connections with the region’s ecology and culture.

Through “Soil to Soul” and other D&E initiatives, Sterling Holiday Resorts reinforces its commitment to sustainable and experiential travel in India, offering guests memorable journeys that truly go from farm to fork, from Soil to Soul.


Foxoso Fiori Jaipur Unveils Grand Wedding Package and Special Offers for the Upcoming Season

Foxoso Fiori Jaipur Unveils Grand Wedding Package and Special Offers for the Upcoming Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 19, 2025

Foxoso Fiori Jaipur, a premium hotel nestled in the heart of the Pink City, has announced an exciting wedding package priced at ₹16,99,000 for 55 rooms for 2 nights and 3 days. The package is designed to create a memorable celebration experience and includes a wide range of offerings such as a mouth-watering vegetarian menu, floral decorations, stage with backdrop, wedding couple couch, mandap with hawan, DJ with dance floor, makeup artist, photographer, band baja, ghori, and a professional event management team.

With the wedding season set to begin this November and December, Foxoso Fiori Jaipur, located on Ajmer Road, Vaishali Nagar presents itself as one of the most attractive options in town for couples seeking a grand yet well-curated celebration.

In addition to weddings, the hotel has curated special packages for social gatherings, weddings, and corporate events, making it a versatile destination for all kinds of celebrations and meetings.

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Under the leadership of Mr. Shan Siddiqui who is serving as General Manager, Foxoso Fiori Jaipur, offers 57 contemporary rooms and eight pillarless grand banquet halls with a maximum capacity of 550 guests, making it an ideal choice for hosting weddings, conferences, and other large-scale events.

Renowned for its unmatched hospitality, exquisite dining, and central location, Foxoso Fiori continues to deliver experiences that blend elegance with convenience. The hotel looks forward to welcoming guests for a truly memorable stay and celebration experience in Jaipur.


JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Illuminates Diwali with Purpose through a Meaningful Collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Illuminates Diwali with Purpose through a Meaningful Collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 18, 2025

This Diwali, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar celebrates the festival of lights with a special act of giving that beautifully blends hospitality with heart. In a heartfelt collaboration with Salaam Baalak Trust, an NGO dedicated to empowering street and working children, the hotel hosted a meaningful ladoo-making activity to spread joy, inclusion, and festive warmth.

Children from Salaam Baalak Trust were welcomed into the hotel’s kitchen, where they spent the day alongside JW Marriott’s talented culinary team learning the art of preparing traditional Diwali sweets. The experience was filled with laughter, learning, and celebration, bringing alive the true essence of Diwali, one of togetherness and compassion.

Through this thoughtful initiative, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar reaffirmed its commitment to community-driven hospitality, using its platform to inspire meaningful connections and foster social impact. The event reflected the brand’s belief that true celebration goes beyond decoration, it lies in touching lives and creating memories that last.

As the hotel glows with the light of a thousand diyas, it also illuminates something even brighter, the smiles and hopes of young hearts, reminding everyone that the spirit of Diwali shines brightest when shared with others.

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