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.”

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.”

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Unveils Reimagined Menu at Spot 360

By Author

Published on July 30, 2026

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has introduced a reimagined menu at Spot 360, its signature open-air poolside bar and kitchen, offering guests an elevated dining experience that combines global flavours, Indian culinary traditions, contemporary mixology, and warm Hilton hospitality.

Located atop the hotel with panoramic views of Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road skyline, Spot 360 has refreshed its culinary identity under the philosophy “Curated. Crafted. Elevated. Reinvented.” The new menu focuses on premium ingredients, bold flavours, and innovative techniques designed for modern diners seeking memorable dining experiences.

The refreshed menu brings together progressive global comfort food with the richness of India’s regional cuisines and the artistry of traditional clay oven cooking. Designed around four signature culinary pillars, the experience balances creativity with familiarity.

The Artisanal Green Room features fresh soups and salads crafted with premium ingredients such as burrata, charred peaches, and pearl barley. The High-Octane Small Plates section introduces global lounge favourites enhanced with Indian flavours, incorporating ingredients like Mathania chilli, Kasundi, and wild mushrooms.

The Flame & Fire Grills selection highlights premium proteins including Norwegian salmon and New Zealand lamb chops, paired with refined sauces and expert grilling techniques. Meanwhile, the Comfort Sanctuary celebrates Indian culinary heritage through slow-cooked classics, aromatic dum biryanis, signature lagan preparations, and indulgent desserts.

Complementing the food menu is a new cocktail programme titled “Old Souls – Modern Pours”, which reinterprets seven iconic cocktails using premium spirits, house-made infusions, fresh botanicals, and contemporary mixology techniques.

Signature creations include the Smoky Negroni, Elderflower 75, Mediterranean Fig Old Fashioned, Milk-Washed Mediterranean Picante, Smoked Mary, and The Green Flame. Adding an element of personalisation, The Signature Surprise offers guests an off-menu cocktail experience where mixologists create bespoke drinks based on individual flavour preferences.

The beverage menu also features curated sharing cocktails, sophisticated zero-proof creations, and mindful mixes designed for different occasions.

The culinary transformation has been led by Executive Chef E. Lokesh, while Food & Beverage Manager Binod Singh has curated the beverage programme, creating a seamless pairing between food and drinks.

Speaking about the launch, Akash Kalia, General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “Spot 360 has always been envisioned as more than a restaurant, it is a destination where people come together to celebrate great food, handcrafted cocktails and memorable moments. With this reimagined menu, we have elevated every aspect of the experience, blending global culinary influences with the authenticity of India's rich food heritage.”

With this refreshed offering, Spot 360 strengthens its position as one of Bengaluru’s distinctive open-air dining destinations, providing guests with an ideal setting for sunset cocktails, weekend gatherings, intimate dinners, and evenings under the stars.

The new experience reflects Spot 360’s continued commitment to delivering contemporary hospitality through thoughtfully curated cuisine, innovative beverages, and memorable guest experiences.

About DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is an upscale hotel located in Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road IT corridor, offering convenient access to major technology parks, corporate offices, and business districts. The hotel features 172 spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and private balconies.

The property offers three dining destinations: Asia Alive, an all-day dining restaurant serving global favourites with regional influences; Tapeo, a tapas bar offering contemporary small plates and handcrafted beverages; and Spot 360, the open-air poolside bar and kitchen featuring panoramic city views, innovative cuisine, and signature cocktails.

The hotel participates in Hilton Honors®, Hilton’s guest loyalty programme, offering members exclusive benefits when booking directly through preferred Hilton channels.

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Vegas Mall Partners with Hindustan Marathon to Mark Kargil Vijay Diwas

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2026

Vegas Mall, Dwarka partnered as the venue partner for the 5th edition of the Hindustan Marathon, organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, bringing together fitness enthusiasts, families, and running communities for a day dedicated to health, community spirit, and remembrance.

The marathon featured 21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km race categories, attracting participants from across the city. Beyond promoting fitness, the event served as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of India's armed forces while encouraging individuals to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles.

Commenting on the initiative, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, "At Vegas Mall, we are committed to creating experiences that inspire and unite communities. It was a privilege to partner with the Hindustan Marathon on Kargil Vijay Diwas, an occasion that reminds us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. The enthusiastic participation reflects the growing spirit of fitness and community engagement, and we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate both national pride and holistic well-being."

The partnership reflects Vegas Mall's continued focus on supporting community-driven initiatives that promote wellness, social engagement, and cultural awareness. Through events such as the Hindustan Marathon, the mall aims to create experiences that extend beyond retail while fostering stronger community connections.