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.


Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

Lemon Tree Signs Garudeshwar Hotel

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a new property in Garudeshwar, further strengthening its footprint in Gujarat’s growing tourism and pilgrimage-driven markets.

With this addition, the company’s portfolio in the state will expand to 32 properties, including 11 operational and 21 upcoming hotels. The move reflects the brand’s strategy of building scale in high-growth destinations supported by strong travel demand.

The upcoming Lemon Tree Hotel Garudeshwar will feature 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, and meeting facilities. Recreational amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre are also part of the development.

The hotel will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels.

Gujarat continues to witness rising tourist inflow, driven by landmark attractions like the Statue of Unity and growing interest in spiritual and cultural travel. Garudeshwar is increasingly emerging as a key destination within this ecosystem, benefiting from improved infrastructure and proximity to major tourist circuits.

The property is well connected by road and is located approximately 85 km from Vadodara International Airport and around 5 km from Ekta Nagar Railway Station, offering convenient access for travellers.

Commenting on the signing, Neelendra Singh, Managing Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, said that "Destinations like Garudeshwar are becoming important nodes in India’s expanding tourism landscape". He noted that increasing visitor flows are driving demand for quality branded hospitality, and the company remains focused on tapping such opportunities to strengthen its regional presence.


SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

SAMHI Partners Ingka Centres Noida

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

SAMHI Hotels Limited has signed an agreement with Ingka Centres India Private Limited to develop an upscale hotel in Noida, marking a significant addition to the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.

The project will be developed within Ingka Centres’ upcoming mixed-use development, spread across approximately 2.5 million square feet. Envisioned as a marquee project, it is expected to enhance Noida’s skyline while strengthening its position as a key commercial and hospitality hub in the Delhi NCR region.

The planned hotel will feature around 162 rooms and will be integrated into Ingka Centres’ “Meeting Places” concept—a retail-led ecosystem that combines shopping, leisure, and community-driven experiences. The development also aims to support local businesses and create dynamic workspaces, positioning itself as a modern urban destination.

This collaboration brings together SAMHI’s institutional operating platform and Ingka Centres’ global development expertise. The partnership aligns with SAMHI’s strategy of working with leading institutional organisations while continuing to expand through a capital-efficient model.

Located within a high-quality mixed-use environment, the hotel is expected to benefit from strong captive demand and high visibility. The project will be executed under SAMHI’s long-term variable lease model, allowing for alignment of interests while maintaining a capital-light approach.

Under the agreement, Ingka Centres will lease the building structure, including façade and high-side engineering, while SAMHI will invest in the interior fit-outs. The hotel will be operated under an international brand, which is yet to be announced.

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman and Managing Director of SAMHI Hotels, said the partnership marks an important step in scaling operations in the National Capital Region. He highlighted the project’s strong demand fundamentals and expressed confidence in delivering a landmark hospitality asset in collaboration with Ingka Centres.

Giovanni Princiotta Cariddi, Country Manager India at Ingka Centres, said the collaboration reflects the company’s vision of building integrated spaces where people can live, work, shop, and stay. He added that the inclusion of a high-quality hospitality offering will enhance the overall experience of the destination.

The project further strengthens SAMHI’s presence in the Delhi NCR region, where it already operates properties such as Hyatt Place Gurgaon, Holiday Inn Express Gurgaon, and Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida.


Essentia Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Upcoming Nagpur Property

Essentia Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with Upcoming Nagpur Property

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Essentia Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its growing portfolio with a new property in Nagpur, marking its entry into one of Central India’s emerging hospitality markets.

Known for its thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences, Essentia aims to introduce a property that blends contemporary elegance with functional design. The upcoming hotel is envisioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers, offering a refined yet welcoming stay experience aligned with modern expectations.

Often regarded as the heart of India, Nagpur is steadily evolving into a dynamic urban centre where cultural heritage meets modern development. With its serene lakes, spiritual landmarks, and historical attractions, the city presents a balanced mix of vibrancy and calmmaking it an attractive destination for both corporate and leisure travel.

Bringing its signature philosophy of “distinctive destination experience” to the city, Essentia’s new property will focus on combining contemporary sensibilities with intuitive service. The development aims to create a space that reflects comfort, sophistication, and attention to detail, while remaining rooted in a deep understanding of evolving guest preferences.

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Commenting on the expansion, Mohammed Parvez said, “Nagpur represents a compelling growth story, and we are delighted to be part of its evolving narrative. Our vision has always been to create destinations that resonate with their surroundings while offering a sense of familiarity and comfort that today’s travellers seek.”

With this move, Essentia continues to align its growth strategy with emerging Indian cities that are redefining the country’s hospitality landscape. The Nagpur property is expected to reflect the brand’s commitment to “Affordable Luxury,” delivering thoughtfully designed spaces, sincere service, and meaningful guest experiences.

Founded in 2018 under the aegis of Aaverina Hospitality Private Limited and headquartered in Bengaluru, Essentia Hotels & Resorts has been steadily building a reputation for delivering contemporary hospitality experiences rooted in design, service, and human connection.

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