Some hotels collect guests. Azerai's two Vietnam properties spent 2025 collecting awards,and quite a few of them at that.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue both entered the new year riding a wave of recognition from some of the most respected names in global travel. It's the kind of year that validates everything a hospitality brand stands for,and for Azerai, founded by veteran hotelier Adrian Zecha, it clearly signals that the vision is landing exactly as intended.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay, A Tropical Oasis That the World Has Noticed

The all-suites-and-villas oceanside property in southern Vietnam had quite the run in 2025. It picked up a prestigious MICHELIN Key in October a significant honour that puts it firmly on the map for discerning travellers. Before that, The Times (UK) named it one of Southeast Asia's best boutique hotels, and it took the runner-up spot in the Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World contest,while also winning the title for Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean, and South Pacific, a contest run by US-based Luxury Travel Advisor.

Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's Top 10 Family Hotels, and Epicure magazine rounded off the year by naming it Vietnam's Best Boutique Resort for 2025.

Nestled among 4.5 hectares of lush gardens on Vietnam's southern coast,framed by Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse on one side and sweeping sand dunes on the other,the resort sits about 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City on a new highway. It's the kind of location that earns its reputation before you've even checked in.

General Manager Julian Moore reflected on the recognition,"Azerai Ke Ga Bay is a lush and serene tropical oasis that draws on the richness of our cultural surroundings to offer the best of Vietnamese luxury. We are thrilled to have received these accolades and recognition and reaffirm our commitment to continue providing truly exceptional guest experiences to each individual guest."

Azerai La Residence, Hue,Where History Meets Hospitality

Meanwhile, in Vietnam's former imperial capital, Azerai La Residence, Hue was having an equally strong year. Travel + Leisure named it one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels,and in a particularly personal honour, General Manager Minh Phan Trong was recognised as General Manager of the Year.

The 122-room property overlooking the Perfume River also made The Times of London's list of Vietnam's best hotels for 2025, landed on Tatler's Best of Vietnam list, and was named Asia-Pacific's Top Heritage Hotel by NOW Travel Asia. Smart Travel Asia readers voted it one of Vietnam's top 10 hotels for exceptional service, and MICHELIN recognised it as one of the guide's top boutique hotels in northern Vietnam for cultural getaways.

The hotel itself is a beautiful piece of history,centred on a colonial mansion built in 1930 as part of the residence of the French Resident Superieur. Its distinctive façade, with long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, is a fine example of streamline moderne art deco architecture. Staying here is as much a cultural experience as it is a luxurious one.

General Manager Minh Phan Trong summed it up,"At Azerai, we constantly strive to ensure that our hotel and experiences transform a traveler's sense of place. As we like to say: The destination is just the beginning. These recent honors tell us that we're on the right track and we look forward to helping more guests feel right at home when they stay with us."

Together, these two properties paint a picture of a brand that knows exactly what it's doing,and a 2025 that gave them every reason to walk into 2026 with confidence.

DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad recently celebrated Holi with the residents of Majha Ghar Foundation, a Pune-based shelter that supports vulnerable women. The initiative, titled Phoolon Ki Holi, was organised as a heartfelt effort to spread joy, warmth, and festive cheer while strengthening the hotel’s connection with the local community.

Instead of using traditional colours, the celebration embraced an eco-friendly approach by playing Holi with flower petals. This created a safe and cheerful environment where everyone could take part comfortably. The space was filled with laughter, music, and lively conversations as the hotel team and residents came together to celebrate the festival in a warm and inclusive manner.

The celebration also carried a sweet element with the distribution of DoubleTree’s signature chocolate chip cookies, known worldwide as a symbol of the brand’s warm welcome. Along with the cookies, the team also shared essential items with the residents to support their daily needs.

Speaking about the initiative, Khizer Khan, General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad, said the celebration offered a meaningful opportunity for the team to connect with the community and bring smiles during the festive season. He emphasised that hospitality extends beyond the hotel’s doors and includes creating moments of kindness, care, and togetherness within society.

Through such initiatives, DoubleTree by Hilton Pune-Chinchwad continues to promote a culture of empathy and social responsibility. The hotel believes that festivals can be celebrated not only with joy and colour but also with compassion and community spirit.

Udaipur has always had a way of making you slow down. The lakes, the hills, the golden light at dusk, it's the kind of city that asks you to be present. And the newly opened Wyndham Garden Udaipur Bhuwana seems to have taken that quality and built an entire hotel around it.

Perched in the rolling Aravalli hills with sweeping views of the landscape that defines Udaipur, this 70-room hillside retreat is Wyndham's fifth property in the city and it's a genuinely beautiful addition. From the moment you arrive, the architecture feels like it belongs here. Traditional Rajasthani design, natural materials, open layouts, and a seamless flow between indoor spaces and the outdoors, it's the kind of place where waking up to birdsong and watching the sun dip behind the hills becomes part of your daily routine.

The hotel is built with a clear philosophy  slow down, breathe, and actually feel restored by the time you leave. Whether you're a wellness traveller looking for a mindful escape, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family simply in need of a proper break, the property delivers across the board.

Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, captured it well -  "Udaipur is a destination that speaks to the soul, and Wyndham Garden Udaipur Bhuwana is designed to reflect that spirit. As our fifth hotel in the city, this opening represents our vision of hospitality that goes beyond comfort, offering restorative experiences and memorable celebrations that feel deeply connected to place, nature and wellbeing. It also marks the third Wyndham Garden to open in India in just two years, reflecting the strong demand for nature-led, experience-driven stays and the brand's continued growth in the country."

Made for Weddings Too

Udaipur is India's go-to destination for weddings — and this property is very well set up for exactly that. A 557 square metre pillarless banquet hall and a sprawling open lawn, where vows can be exchanged against a backdrop of hills and golden light, make it a natural choice for couples looking for a setting that feels both grand and intimate. It's the kind of venue where the location does half the work for you.

Close to the City, Far From the Rush

Despite feeling wonderfully removed from the everyday, the hotel is conveniently located - just about 30 minutes from Maharana Pratap Airport, which makes getting in and out easy for both leisure guests and wedding parties. From here, Udaipur's royal palaces, historic temples, and lakeside ghats are all within reach, making it easy to explore the city before returning to the quiet of the hills.

Vikram Singh Chauhan, Founder & CEO of NILE Hospitality, shared - "We are proud to unveil Wyndham Garden Udaipur Bhuwana, a resort that combines Rajasthan's rich heritage with immersive guest experiences. In partnership with Wyndham and Zappy Holidays Resorts, we are creating a destination that offers culture, luxury, and unforgettable stays for travellers from around the world."

What to Expect

Guests are welcomed with a traditional Rajasthani greeting, a warm touch that sets the tone immediately. Amenities include an outdoor pool, spa with steam room, gym, 24/7 room service, free WiFi, a business centre, and a courtyard high-tea ritual that feels like a genuine Udaipur moment. There's also a game room, children's pool and play area, concierge services, travel desk, local shuttle, and free parking. Every room is non-smoking with a private balcony because in a place like this, the view from your room is part of the experience.

Durgesh Kumawat, Proprietor of Zappy Holidays Resorts, managed by NILE Hospitality, summed it up beautifully, "Our goal was to create a sanctuary, a place where guests feel grounded, restored, and connected to the timeless beauty of Udaipur. Whether for a peaceful retreat or a once-in-a-lifetime wedding, Wyndham Garden Udaipur Bhuwana offers an experience that stays with you long after you leave."

The property is developed in partnership with Zappy Holidays Resorts and managed by NILE Hospitality,  a collaboration that already spans seven hotels across India. Looking ahead, Wyndham and NILE are also working together to bring Microtel by Wyndham to India, with plans to open 40 hotels nationwide by 2031.

For a city that's always felt like it was made for slowing down, this new hillside retreat feels right at home.