SKYE Hospitality Facilitates Landmark Deal Between Marriott and Whiteland in Gurugram

SKYE Hospitality Facilitates Landmark Deal Between Marriott and Whiteland in Gurugram

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2024

In a significant move for the luxury real estate sector, SKYE Hospitality has successfully facilitated a landmark deal between Marriott International and Whiteland to develop one of the largest branded residences in Gurugram. This ambitious project, named “Westin Residences,” will be strategically located on the Dwarka Expressway, spanning an impressive 20 acres and aiming to deliver 1600-1800 apartments in total. The initial phase will see the development of 674 units, with the cumulative project cost estimated at around INR 5,600 crores, making it one of the most substantial branded residence projects in India.

Expanding the Branded Residence Market

The global and Indian branded residence segments have been experiencing rapid growth. According to research by Marriott International, the global branded residence market has surged by 160% over the last decade. Complementing this, SKYE Hospitality's research indicates that India has more than 2300 registered branded residences, which account for approximately 10% of the global supply. Both international 5-star hotel chains and luxury brands outside the hospitality sector are increasingly drawn to this fast-moving market segment. These projects typically target High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs), with an average ticket size in the range of INR 9-10 crores.

A Lifestyle Beyond Luxury

Ankit Kansal, Managing Director of SKYE Hospitality, highlighted the unique appeal of branded residences in India, stating, "Branded residences will continue to grow and evolve in India. It is not just another trophy asset. Rather it aims at a certain lifestyle, which affluent Indians are craving for. These premium residences come with curated top-tier services such as concierge, international-style clubs, holistic wellness, group fitness centres, swanky cafes, and much more."

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Kansal further emphasized the collaborative nature of developing branded residences: "The objective is to bring together successful individuals and give them a distinguished living marked by happiness, wellness, and quality time for themselves. Increasingly, brands, developers, and consultants need to work together to define the contours of branded living, offering superlative lifestyles."

Elevating Premium Living in NCR

Pankaj Pal, Managing Director of Whiteland Developers, expressed his enthusiasm for the Westin Residences project, stating, "We are passionate about rendering an elevated lifestyle to the discerning elite homebuyers of NCR. We are here to rewrite the rules of premium living. Westin Residences will be a distinguished name on the map of NCR property market. Partnering with Marriott would not just give us an immaculate brand name but also help with robust asset management and due-diligence expertise."

The Future of Branded Residences in India

India's market for branded residences is set to thrive, supported by a growing concentration of elites with refined tastes. The new generation of Indian HNIs, comprising self-made entrepreneurs, top corporate executives, creative leaders, and next-gen family business scions, is keen on aspirational living marked by both opulence and exclusivity. This trend is expected to drive demand for branded living not only in India's modern metros but also in serene tourist spots.

The Westin Residences project in Gurugram is poised to set a new benchmark for luxury living in India, offering a blend of world-class amenities and an unparalleled lifestyle. As SKYE Hospitality continues to facilitate such groundbreaking deals, the future of India's branded residence market looks exceptionally promising.


Kaara Hotels Launches Boutique Brand Aayra with First Property in Dehradun

Kaara Hotels Launches Boutique Brand Aayra with First Property in Dehradun

By Hariharan U

Published on July 8, 2026

Kaara Hotels has announced the launch of Aayra, its new boutique hotel brand, with the opening of its first property, Aayra Dehradun. Located on Canal Road in Dehradun, the 18-room boutique urban hotel marks Kaara Hotels’ expansion into the growing experience-led mid-market hospitality segment.

Designed to cater to business travellers, families, groups and leisure guests, Aayra Dehradun combines contemporary comfort with personalised hospitality. The launch introduces Kaara Hotels’ boutique hospitality vertical, focusing on compact urban hotels that offer reliable service, thoughtful design and memorable guest experiences.

The property features well-appointed rooms, Fluid, a rooftop bar and lounge, along with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed for intimate celebrations, meetings and social gatherings. Its strategic location provides convenient access to key city attractions while also serving as a gateway for travellers heading towards Mussoorie and other destinations across Uttarakhand.

Positioned as a rooms-first urban hotel, Aayra Dehradun focuses on comfort, convenience and personalised service. The property is designed to meet the needs of modern travellers seeking dependable accommodation for business trips, family holidays, celebrations and weekend escapes.

Commenting on the launch, Puneet Sethi, Managing Director, Kaara Hotels, said that Aayra has been created to reflect changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for intimate, thoughtfully designed hotels backed by professional hospitality standards. He added that Aayra Dehradun represents the brand’s vision of delivering warm and personalised experiences across multiple Indian cities.

Aayra has been developed as Kaara Hotels’ boutique urban hospitality brand, following a rooms-first operating model suited for high-frequency business and leisure travel. The brand aims to create intimate hotel environments that also support small gatherings and social occasions.

Following the launch of Aayra Dehradun, Kaara Hotels plans to expand the brand across India through an asset-light management model, targeting opportunities in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Founded in 2021, Kaara Hotels has built its presence in India’s mid-market hospitality sector, operating three properties across Gurugram and Dehradun with a combined inventory of 178 rooms, 12 banquet spaces and around five acres of hospitality assets.

The company currently operates through two hospitality brands - Kaara, focused on leisure and destination hospitality, and Aayra, designed for boutique urban stays. Supporting its operations is HOSPINS, Kaara Hotels’ proprietary technology platform integrating pricing, procurement, property management, analytics and customer engagement to improve efficiency and consistency across its portfolio.

With its expansion strategy, Kaara Hotels aims to grow to 120 hotels and achieve ₹500 crore in annual revenue by FY30-31, strengthening its position in India’s evolving hospitality landscape.


Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Celebrates One Year of Culture, Creativity and Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 7, 2026

Le Méridien Ahmedabad has completed one year since its transformation from Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, marking a year of offering guests culturally inspired hospitality experiences rooted in creativity, design and discovery.

Following its rebranding last year, the hotel introduced Le Méridien's signature approach to hospitality, combining mid-century modern design with a European-inspired philosophy of savouring life's meaningful moments. Located in Ahmedabad, a city known for its architectural heritage, vibrant textiles and evolving culinary scene, the hotel continues to create experiences that connect guests with the city's rich cultural identity.

The property offers a range of thoughtfully curated experiences across its dining and social spaces. Java+, the brand's signature café, serves as a contemporary venue for coffee, conversations and casual gatherings. Drift provides a refined setting for private celebrations and intimate family occasions with bespoke dining experiences and city skyline views, while Bayleaf showcases the flavours of Awadhi cuisine through traditional recipes inspired by regional culinary heritage.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad also continues to enhance guest experiences through wellness offerings, contemporary social spaces and immersive programmes designed to encourage meaningful engagement with Ahmedabad's cultural and culinary landscape.

Signature brand experiences, including La Vie and destination-inspired programmes centred around culture, cuisine and creativity, remain key elements of the hotel's guest experience, reflecting Le Méridien's philosophy of helping travellers discover destinations in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Commenting on the milestone, Prashant Chadha, General Manager, Le Méridien Ahmedabad, said, "Le Méridien has always been a brand rooted in culture, creativity and discovery. Over the last year, our focus at Le Méridien Ahmedabad has been on thoughtfully bringing that philosophy to the city through experiences that feel immersive, contemporary and connected to Ahmedabad's rich cultural identity."

He further added, "The transition to Le Méridien Ahmedabad gave us the opportunity to evolve the guest experience while continuing to build on the strong legacy the property has enjoyed over the years. From coffee culture programmes and destination dining concepts to wellness-led offerings and curated experiences, the focus has been on creating moments that encourage guests to pause, connect and savour the good life."

As it enters its second year, Le Méridien Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its position as a contemporary hospitality destination where culture, creativity and connection come together to offer guests memorable stays in one of India's most vibrant cities.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Celebrates Bastille Day with Authentic French Culinary Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 7, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is set to bring the flavours of France to the city with a special Bastille Day celebration on 14 July 2026 at its signature restaurant, Food Exchange. The evening will be dedicated to showcasing France’s culinary heritage through a thoughtfully curated dining experience.

Designed to reflect the charm of Parisian bistros and the warmth of French countryside cooking, the celebration will feature an extensive selection of artisanal cheeses including Brie, Camembert, Roquefort and Comté, served with traditional accompaniments such as cornichons, Dijon mustard, olives and freshly baked baguettes.

Guests can begin their culinary journey with classic French hors d’oeuvres like Gougères, Salmon Rillettes on Crostini, Pâté de Campagne and Olive Tapenade, setting the tone for an authentic and elegant dining experience.

The menu continues with iconic French dishes such as French Onion Soup, Coq au Vin, Crème Brûlée and Tarte Tatin, each crafted to highlight the depth and richness of traditional French cuisine. The experience is designed to balance comfort and sophistication, offering guests a true taste of France.

No Bastille Day celebration would be complete without desserts, and the evening will conclude with a lavish pâtisserie spread featuring Éclairs, Profiteroles, Madeleines, Crêpes Suzette and Mousse au Chocolat, alongside classic favourites like Tarte Tatin.

Speaking through the concept of the evening, the hotel aims to transport guests into the heart of France through flavours that celebrate both tradition and craftsmanship.

The Bastille Day dinner will take place at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM,

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