Sofitel Expands into Africa with New Luxury Hotel in Benin

Sofitel Expands into Africa with New Luxury Hotel in Benin

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 29, 2024

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin, marking a significant step in the brand’s growth across Africa. Located on Benin’s scenic coastline, this new addition showcases Sofitel’s blend of French elegance and local Beninese culture. As the brand’s 16th property in Africa, this hotel represents Sofitel’s commitment to expanding its presence on the continent, where the hospitality sector is rapidly growing.

Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems, shared her excitement about the opening: “A pioneer of French luxury hospitality for 60 years, Sofitel today embodies refined and committed luxury, blending French elegance with a strong local presence. I am delighted to announce the opening of this first Sofitel in Benin, where I hope each of our guests will discover the magic of the French art de vivre, enriched by Beninese culture. I would like to warmly thank everyone who contributed to the opening of this flagship, which also marks our commitment to expanding on the African continent, a market with immense potential.”

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Sofitel’s entry into Benin is part of its larger strategy to expand in Africa, a continent experiencing fast-paced urbanization and economic growth. With cities emerging as cultural and economic hubs, Africa is attracting increased interest from the hospitality sector. By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion, driving growth in tourism and business travel. Sofitel’s new hotel in Benin aligns with the brand’s focus on providing luxury experiences in key African markets.

Benin is positioning itself as a top destination for both tourism and business, with its rich cultural heritage and stable political environment. The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Cotonou, the country’s economic capital, near landmarks such as the Esplanade of the Amazons and the Route des Pêches. The hotel’s prime location, just five minutes from Cotonou International Airport, makes it ideal for business travelers and tourists alike.

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The government of Benin has launched the national tourism identity, “Benin: A World of Wonders,” to attract more international visitors. This initiative aims to highlight the country’s natural beauty and cultural significance. Sofitel’s new hotel is set to play a key role in supporting this vision, offering world-class amenities and services that cater to both domestic and international guests.

The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa features 198 luxurious rooms, including 14 suites and five duplex suites with private pools. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and city, along with top-tier facilities such as five dining venues, a 1,000-square-meter spa, and a state-of-the-art convention center.

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Dining options include Vivo, which serves Levantine cuisine, and Corniche, a Mediterranean restaurant and pool bar. For a more refined experience, L’ami offers French-inspired dishes with a Beninese twist, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou. The hotel’s Pavillon also boasts two cinemas and a casino, adding to the entertainment options for guests.

Business travelers can take advantage of the hotel’s large convention center, featuring nine meeting rooms, including the newly renovated Dôme, Cotonou’s only international conference center, which can host up to 700 guests.

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With the opening of this flagship hotel, Sofitel not only strengthens its luxury brand presence in Africa but also supports Benin’s growing role as a cultural and economic hub in West Africa. The hotel will also contribute to the local economy by recruiting 90% of its staff from Benin, reflecting the brand’s commitment to supporting the local community.

Juliette Peron, General Manager of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, noted: “Together with our institutional partners, we have been able to recruit 90% of our talent from Benin. The quality and attention to detail that we have developed will make this hotel a unique location that will contribute to strengthening the brand internationally and promoting Benin as a prime destination.”


ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

ITC Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Signing of Welcomhotel Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management agreement for a 140-key Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Jaipur, marking another significant step in the company’s expansion strategy across key state capitals and high-demand hospitality markets.

The upcoming property will strengthen ITC Hotels’ presence in Rajasthan, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage, royal architecture, and thriving tourism sector. Jaipur, in particular, continues to attract domestic and international travellers, while remaining one of India’s most sought-after destinations for weddings, celebrations, and business events.

Designed to blend contemporary comfort with the city’s historic charm, Welcomhotel Jaipur will feature well-appointed guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, and a lounge bar. The hotel will also offer extensive event infrastructure, including more than 15,000 square feet of indoor banqueting space and 22,000 square feet of landscaped outdoor venues, positioning it as a preferred destination for MICE events and destination weddings.

Guests will have access to wellness and spa facilities, further enhancing the overall hospitality experience.

Commenting on the development, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels Limited, said Jaipur represents a unique blend of heritage and growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. He noted that the project aligns with the company’s focus on strengthening its presence in high-visibility destinations across India.

Directors of Ashraya Hotels and Resorts Anil Agarwal, Sunil Agarwal, and Peyush Agarwal said the partnership aims to bring world-class hospitality experiences to Jaipur while celebrating Rajasthan’s cultural legacy.

The signing follows ITC Hotels’ recent expansion announcements in Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, and Hyderabad, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing its hospitality portfolio across emerging and established markets in India.


MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

MRG Group Expands Hospitality Footprint with Launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on June 20, 2026

MRG Group has announced the launch of Goldfinch Panjim Goa, further strengthening its hospitality presence in one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations. Located in the heart of Panjim and overlooking the scenic Mandovi River, the new property joins the growing Goldfinch Hospitality portfolio across the country.

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, Goldfinch Panjim Goa offers 98 guestrooms, including seven suites, equipped with modern amenities and contemporary comforts. The hotel combines elegant interiors, green surroundings, and a central location to provide guests with a comfortable and convenient stay experience.

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The property's dining offering is anchored by Banjara, the all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of global cuisine and locally inspired dishes that celebrate Goa's rich culinary heritage.

Commenting on the launch, K. Prakash Shetty said the opening reflects the group's continued commitment to expanding its hospitality footprint in high-potential markets while focusing on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and guest-centric experiences.

Gaurav Shetty added that Goa remains one of India's most iconic travel destinations and the launch marks another important milestone in the company's hospitality growth journey.

The launch reinforces MRG Group's long-term expansion strategy, with the company targeting more than 3,500 hotel keys by 2035. The group currently operates several hospitality assets across India, including Goldfinch-branded hotels and partnerships with global hospitality brands.

For more information about the group, visit MRG Group.


International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

International Yoga Day Finds Its Home at Four Seasons Resort Maldives

By Hariharan U

Published on June 19, 2026

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21, wellness takes centre stage at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, where yoga, nature, and holistic healing come together in one of the Indian Ocean’s most serene settings.

Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, the island resort has long been recognised for its immersive approach to wellbeing. Surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, the resort offers a tranquil environment where guests can disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with themselves.

At the heart of the wellness experience is AyurMa, the resort’s dedicated wellness sanctuary whose name translates to “Mother of Life” in Sanskrit. Designed around the principles of holistic healing, AyurMa blends yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and mindful living to create personalised wellness journeys.

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For International Yoga Day, guests can participate in a range of yoga experiences tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with S-VYASA University, the resort’s Yoga Therapy programme addresses concerns such as stress management, spinal health, flexibility, and overall wellbeing. Guests can also explore unique experiences including AntiGravity Yoga, Aqua Float Yoga, and Pregnancy Yoga, each designed to make the practice accessible and engaging.

The island setting further enhances the experience, with yoga sessions conducted in open-air pavilions overlooking the lagoon. Guests can also take part in Rahumathuge Vaguthu, a sunset Earth Blessing ceremony that combines mindfulness with gratitude, creating a deeper connection to nature and community.

Complementing the yoga programme is AyurMa’s comprehensive Ayurveda offering, including personalised consultations, Shirodhara treatments, traditional oil therapies, and a Government of Maldives-accredited Panchakarma programme. Guided by Dr. Arun K. Tomson, these therapies are designed to support the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance.

This International Yoga Day, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers more than a wellness retreat—it presents an opportunity to embrace mindfulness, healing, and self-discovery in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural settings.

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