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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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on November 18, 2025
Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach opened its festive season with its much-awaited annual cake-mixing ceremony, creating a lively afternoon filled with joy, high tea, and seaside celebrations. Held by the poolside, the event brought together guests, families, and culinary enthusiasts for a cherished pre-Christmas ritual that leads into the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony and New Year’s Eve festivities.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the sea, the celebration reflected the warm spirit of the season, showcased through the hotel’s popular F&B outlets, The Square, Gadda Da Vida, Sampan, Bageecha, and Péché Mignon. Guests joined hands with the hotel’s culinary team for the traditional cake-mixing ritual, symbolising community, togetherness, and the joy of giving.
The afternoon continued with an elegant seaside high tea featuring a curated selection of savoury bites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. The atmosphere carried the perfect blend of warmth and celebration, truly capturing the festive essence of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.
Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, shared, “Our annual cake-mixing ceremony is a celebration of togetherness and marks the beginning of our festive preparations. It is always heartening to see families, friends, and even first-time participants join hands in this joyous ritual, sharing laughter and creating memories. As these ingredients mature over the coming weeks, they will carry with them the warmth, camaraderie, and festive spirit that define this special time of the year.”
As the ceremony progressed, guests donned chef’s caps, aprons, and gloves, preparing to mix an aromatic blend of premium ingredients such as sultanas, candied ginger, macerated dates, crystallised fruit, and hand-picked nuts. These ingredients were combined with fine spirits to begin the months-long maturation process essential for the hotel’s signature Christmas offerings.
The lively ambience, enhanced by festive melodies and the soothing seaside backdrop, created a memorable experience for every participant. Families and friends came together to enjoy this unique tradition, marking the joyful beginning of the holiday season at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.
Hilton Mumbai International Airport welcomed the festive season with a lively Cake-Mixing Ceremony followed by the hotel’s signature Sunday Brunch. The celebration marked the beginning of the hotel’s festive calendar and brought together media, influencers, key clients, and Hilton Honors members.
Guests took part in the traditional cake-mixing ritual, blending dry fruits, spices, and festive flavours that set the tone for the hotel’s Christmas preparations. The afternoon continued with an indulgent brunch featuring global cuisines, live stations, festive-inspired dishes, and artisanal desserts.
The hotel announced that this was only the start of its festive offerings. Guests can look forward to exclusive staycation and holiday packages, Nikkei Table, a Peruvian culinary experience hosted by Chef Vishag, and a special showcase celebrating the culture of Bengal curated by Chef Ananya Banerjee. The season will also include a Christmas Eve Dinner with classic holiday favourites, a grand Christmas Day Brunch for families, and the Big Bang New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring music, gourmet food, and memorable experiences.
Hilton Mumbai International Airport is set to create a festive season filled with culture, creativity, and unique culinary journeys, bringing a blend of tradition and innovation to its guests. More festive experiences will be announced through December and into the New Year.
Published on November 13, 2025
Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa welcomed the festive season with its much-awaited annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, held at the scenic poolside of the Clubhouse. The cherished tradition brought together guests, residents from Swiss Town, Hollywood Town, and Serene Garden, along with the senior management and resort team, for an evening filled with laughter, warmth, and community joy.
The event began on a grand note with the reveal of specially designed cake-mixing logos, offering a creative glimpse into the resort’s evolving story and setting an air of anticipation for its upcoming chapter. This thoughtful addition added excitement to the evening and reflected the brand’s commitment to innovation and storytelling.
As the music played and festive aromas filled the air, guests joined hands with the Clarks team to mix a rich medley of dry fruits, nuts, and spices, a symbolic gesture of joy, togetherness, and prosperity for the season ahead. The ceremony concluded with a sumptuous poolside spread of snacks and beverages, creating the perfect prelude to the holiday celebrations.
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Balaji M, CEO, Clarks Exotica, said, “At Clarks Exotica, we believe every celebration is an opportunity to create lasting memories. The annual cake mixing reflects the values we hold close, community, warmth, and connection. Seeing our guests, residents, and team members come together in such high spirits reminds us that hospitality is ultimately about people, not places. This event marks not just the start of the festive season, but also a renewed chapter in our brand’s story.”
As the resort prepares to unveil its new brand identity, this year’s cake mixing stood as a symbolic celebration of blending tradition with innovation. With the festive cheer in full swing and an exciting future ahead, Clarks Exotica continues to redefine hospitality through experiences that celebrate togetherness and timeless joy.
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