Seven Villas, One Lake, and the Essence of Sjöparken

Seven Villas, One Lake, and the Essence of Sjöparken

By Author

Published on January 21, 2024

Nestled in the serene beech forests of Halland, Sweden, Sjöparken redefines tranquility and luxury, offering an intimate connection with nature. Seven villas, delicately perched on the lake, intertwine hotel rooms through glass corridors, blurring boundaries between inside and outside. Moments here, be it in private jetties or in-room saunas, unfold unparalleled communion with nature.

Sjöparken creates a perfect resonance, optimizing space for immersive experiences, focusing on stillness, togetherness, and well-being. Expanding Ästad Vingård, it stands as a benchmark, converging aesthetic values and harmonious expression. A collaboration between Ästad and Norm Architects explores the evolution of the location.

Sjöparken fosters a direct connection with its surroundings, embedded in both architecture and interior spaces. The interplay between interior and exterior spaces shapes their utilization. Sunlight filters through rooms, materials mirror nature, and fluid movement within the hotel manifests intentional gestures, resonating with the genius loci.

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In each room, a seamless division between the lounge area and bedroom is achieved with strategically placed wooden louvers, striking a balance between transparency and privacy, while also transforming filtered light into enchanting wall art, eliminating the need for additional decor.

Enveloped in the rich embrace of oak wood, the design cultivates a tranquil atmosphere, purposefully creating a profound connection with the natural surroundings. The comforting ambiance extends beyond visual delight, offering guests the warmth of tactile surfaces and the serenity of thoughtful spatial divisions. Every aspect underscores the commitment to well-being and a seamless integration with the soothing essence of nature.

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The style of the architecture is distinctively Nordic, but there are also elements of transitional spaces like the column-lined walkways between each house, the louvered elements, and the wooden deck, that are translations of elements in traditional Japanese architecture. Fused with the water villa typology from tropical resorts, this enclave of luxurious hotel rooms become a completely new hybrid with its own new character.

Sjöparken responds to the need of leaving the city buzz to spend quiet time but combines it with a unique expression that can inspire and invigorate their stay.

Images: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen


ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

ITC Hotels Brings Independence Day Flavours and Festive Escapes Together

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 15, 2026

This Independence Day, ITC Hotels is bringing together India's diverse flavours, festive traditions and holiday experiences across its properties. From a special feast at Peshwa Pavilion in Mumbai to relaxed coastal celebrations in Goa and a heritage escape in Agra, guests have several ways to mark the long weekend.

One Nation, Many Flavours at ITC Maratha

At Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Independence Day and Parsi New Year come together under the theme “One Nation, Many Flavours.” The festive experience celebrates India's regional cuisine alongside much-loved Parsi classics, with traditional welcomes, live stations and a special offer for guests.

The spread features favourites including Amritsari Chole Kulche, Goan Prawn Curry, Chicken Chettinad, Kashmiri Rogan Josh, and Hyderabadi Subz Biryani. Parsi New Year specialities such as Sali Boti, Patra Ni Machhi, and Mawa Cake will also be part of the celebration. Guests can further enjoy the Tricolour Chaat & Dessert Station, bringing together festive colours and flavours.

The experience begins with a traditional Parsi welcome, as every table receives rosewater spraying along with a complimentary glass of Falooda or Raspberry Soda.

As part of the festive offer, tables of four or more can enjoy a flat 19.47% discount on the total bill. The celebration will be available on 15th August 2026.

  • Offer: Flat 19.47% off on the total bill for tables of four or more.
  • Address: ITC Maratha, International Airport, Ashok Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai

A Coastal Independence Day at ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa

For travellers looking for a more relaxed celebration, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa, Goa brings a coastal touch to Independence Day.

The Independence Day Brunch at Pavilion, The Village Square combines festive regional flavours with the easy-going atmosphere of a beachside retreat. Surrounded by lush waterways and Goa's relaxed pace, guests can enjoy a leisurely brunch and spend the afternoon at their own pace. The experience brings together food, relaxation and the charm of a long weekend by the sea.

A Heritage Escape at ITC Mughal, Agra

For those looking to combine Independence Day with a heritage getaway, ITC Mughal, Agra offers an escape surrounded by expansive gardens, wellness experiences and the character of its historic setting.

The hotel's “Freedom to Indulge” offer adds to the long-weekend experience with benefits across stays, dining and wellness. Under the promotion, guests can avail up to 30% off on stays, 20% off on F&B and Spa, and 2x Green Points.

Together, these experiences give travellers different ways to celebrate Independence Day, from discovering India's regional flavours and Parsi traditions to enjoying a beachside brunch or taking a relaxed heritage break. With food, culture, hospitality and festive offers coming together, ITC Hotels is giving guests an opportunity to make the Independence Day long weekend a little more memorable.


Essentia Hotels & Resorts Curates Independence Day Getaways and Culinary Experiences

Essentia Hotels & Resorts Curates Independence Day Getaways and Culinary Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on August 14, 2026

Essentia Hotels & Resorts is celebrating India's 80th Independence Day with a curated selection of culinary experiences and luxury staycation options across its properties in Nagpur, Udaipur and Indore.

The Independence Day weekend programme brings together regional Indian cuisine, festive brunches and leisure stays, offering travellers options ranging from a culinary outing to a relaxed long-weekend escape.

Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention, Nagpur

At Citron, Essentia Luxury Hotel & Convention, Nagpur will mark Independence Day with an elaborate multi-regional buffet showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.

The spread will feature North Indian delicacies, Eastern specialities, coastal flavours and Southern Indian classics, bringing together regional recipes and flavours as part of the festive celebration.

Date: 15 August 2026
Reservations: 07109353601 | 9271347729

Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur

For travellers looking to turn Independence Day into a long-weekend getaway, Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur is offering a staycation experience from August 14 to 16.

Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, the resort provides an opportunity for guests to step away from the city's pace and spend the holiday weekend in a more relaxed setting.

Dates: August 14–16, 2026
Reservations: +91 92570 25720 | +91 92570 25740

Essentia Luxury Hotel, Indore

At Essentia Luxury Hotel, Indore, the Independence Day weekend combines a luxury stay experience with a special festive brunch.

The Independence Day brunch on August 15 will feature a selection of festive delicacies and regional favourites, providing families and friends with an opportunity to celebrate together over an elaborate meal.

Date: 15 August 2026
Reservations: 0731 672 5777

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Together, the three experiences highlight Essentia Hotels & Resorts' approach to combining regional cuisine, leisure and contemporary Indian hospitality across its destinations.

Established in 2018 under Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts follows an "Affordable Luxury" positioning focused on thoughtful design, personalised service and guest experiences.

Led by CEO Mohammed Parvez, Managing Director Savita Da Silva and Chairman Xavier Furtado, the company has developed a portfolio spanning business and leisure destinations, with properties and projects across cities including Indore, Udaipur, Pune, Chennai and Nagpur, alongside an expanding pipeline in Tier II and Tier III markets.

The company's development strategy includes upcoming projects in destinations such as Tirupati, Wayanad, Gujarat, Indore and Bhopal, as it continues to expand beyond India's major metropolitan markets.


WelcomHeritage Invites Travellers to Celebrate India This Independence Day

WelcomHeritage Invites Travellers to Celebrate India This Independence Day

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 14, 2026

This Independence Day, WelcomHeritage is inviting travellers to experience India through its rich history, culture and heritage with a special stay offer across its properties.

For many Indian travellers, Independence Day has become an opportunity to go beyond the usual holiday plans and reconnect with the country's story. With the long weekend around 15th August, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations where history, culture and heritage remain part of the experience.

WelcomHeritage is marking the occasion with an offer across its portfolio of heritage hotels, palaces, havelis, wildlife resorts and nature retreats spread across India. Guests booking a stay around the occasion can avail 10% off Best Available Rates, giving them an opportunity to explore heritage hospitality at destinations with a strong connection to India's past. The portfolio offers a range of experiences for different kinds of travellers. Guests can choose from historic forts and palaces that were once home to royalty, centuries-old havelis, colonial-era residences, hillside retreats and wildlife resorts surrounded by nature.

The experience could mean waking up to birdsong at a jungle retreat, exploring the courtyards of a historic haveli or spending the Independence Day holiday surrounded by the quiet grandeur of a former royal residence. The Independence Day Offer is valid for a limited period around 15th August 2026 and is subject to availability across participating WelcomHeritage properties. Guests can make their bookings directly through the WelcomHeritage website, the central reservations team or authorised travel partners.

The offer gives travellers a chance to make the Independence Day break more meaningful by exploring destinations where India's history and heritage continue to be part of everyday hospitality.

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