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.”


Rosetta Hospitality Bags Dual Wins in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards

Rosetta Hospitality Bags Dual Wins in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2025

It’s a proud moment for Rosetta Hospitality as both of its signature properties, Rosetta Sakleshpur and Elements by Rosetta - Varca, Goa have been named winners of the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025, earning spots among the top 10% of hotels worldwide.

This recognition is based entirely on consistent ratings and reviews shared by real guests on Tripadvisor over the past year, making it one of the most trusted awards in the global travel industry.

Celebrating businesses that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional guest experiences, the Travelers’ Choice Awards spotlight those who create lasting impressions and memorable stays. For Rosetta Hospitality, this double win highlights its dedication to thoughtful service, detail-driven design, and culturally rich experiences.

“This dual recognition is a proud milestone for our brand,” said Jai Sreedhar, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Rosetta Hospitality. “It reaffirms our commitment to delivering thoughtfully curated experiences — whether set amidst the expansive coffee plantations of Sakleshpur or in the serene tropical setting of Varca in South Goa.”

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At Rosetta Sakleshpur, guests enjoy serene, nature-immersed stays surrounded by lush coffee estates. In contrast, Elements by Rosetta – Varca offers a modern blend of Goan charm and contemporary comfort, promising warm hospitality near South Goa’s scenic beaches.

Kristen Dalton, President at Tripadvisor, congratulated the brand, stating, “Congratulations to Rosetta Hospitality for this remarkable achievement. Ranking among the top hotels worldwide is a true testament to the trust and appreciation of your guests.”

With this recognition, Rosetta Hospitality continues to strengthen its reputation as a leading name in Indian luxury getaways, offering a unique mix of tranquillity, culture, and impeccable service.


Sterling Strengthens Spiritual Circuit with New Resort at Rudraprayag

Sterling Strengthens Spiritual Circuit with New Resort at Rudraprayag

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts is deepening its commitment to spiritual tourism with the launch of Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag, a peaceful yet well-connected Himalayan retreat for pilgrims and travellers alike. This marks Sterling’s 11th property in its spiritual circuit and 7th resort in Uttarakhand, reinforcing its strategic focus on meaningful, immersive travel experiences in sacred destinations.

Located just 2 km from the revered confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, the new resort is perfectly placed on the Badrinath Highway, serving as a base for Char Dham yatris, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers heading to treks like Tungnath, Deoriatal, and Chandrashila.

The resort offers a range of thoughtfully designed accommodations—from cozy rooms to elegant suites with private balconies and panoramic valley views. Guests can unwind with pure vegetarian regional cuisine at Vatika, which also offers Jain meals, or grab a comforting sip at Chai & You, the in-house café lounge.

Adding to its appeal, the property includes a banquet hall for up to 60 guests, ideal for intimate retreats, spiritual gatherings, or corporate offsites. With Chopta nearby and excellent road access from Haridwar and Rishikesh, the resort is both serene and convenient.

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“Sterling Kastoori Rudraprayag is a strategic step in our vision to bring transformational travel experiences to destinations rich in spiritual and natural significance,” said Mr. Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts.

Shri Mahabeer Singh Panwar, MD of Hotel Kastoori Inn, added, “We’re proud to partner with Sterling. Their guest-first approach ensures that this new resort will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region.”

With spiritual tourism in India poised for significant growth, Sterling’s expanding portfolio includes destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Guruvayur, Puri, Amritsar, and more. This latest launch further solidifies its leadership in catering to spiritually inclined travellers seeking curated experiences.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts operates across 54 destinations with 62 resorts and over 3,200 operational keys. Its diverse offerings span hills, beaches, jungles, spiritual hubs, heritage spots, and more. A wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd and part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Sterling continues to grow its presence in India’s leisure and spiritual tourism space.


Ambica Empire Wins Big with Triple Honours at 2025 Achievers Award

Ambica Empire Wins Big with Triple Honours at 2025 Achievers Award

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

Ambica Empire, Chennai’s beacon of luxury and excellence, made a powerful mark at the Achievers Award Ceremony 2025, hosted by News7 Channel and the Indian Seafarers Welfare Organisation (ISWOT), by sweeping three major awards—further reinforcing its legacy in the hospitality industry.

The hotel was recognised as the Best Premium Business Hotel of the Year 2025 (4-star facilities). This award stands as a testament to Ambica Empire’s unwavering dedication to top-tier service, comfort, and world-class hospitality—making it a preferred choice for discerning business and leisure travellers alike.

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Adding a personal victory to the occasion, Mr. R. Kalathinathan, General Manager of Hotel Ambica Empire & Ambica Group of Hotels, was awarded the Best Outstanding Performer of the Year 2025. Known for his humble leadership style, decades of expertise, and an unshakeable commitment to service, Mr. Kalathinathan continues to lead the Ambica brand to greater heights. His ability to build a culture of integrity and excellence makes him a true stalwart of the industry.

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Another proud moment came when Ms. R.K. Pushpalatha, Admin Manageress at Hotel Ambica Empire, was honoured with the Woman of Excellence in Hospitality 2025 award. With 25 years of dedicated service, her contribution to the hotel and the wider hospitality industry is both inspiring and invaluable. Known for her coordination skills and support for women empowerment, her motto—“Qualify yourself, aim high, and choose excellence”—continues to inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.

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The award ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries, adding further prestige to the event. Notable guests included Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (Former Governor of Telangana & Lt. Governor of Puducherry), Hon’ble Justice Thiru. SK. Krishnan, Dr. K. Venkatesan, Mr. Krishna Kumar R (Advocate & Secretary, Madras High Court Advocate Association), Dr. A. Babu Mailan (Founder & Chairman, ISWOT), Mr. R.M. Ibrahim (Deputy Collector), Dr. C.A. Mohanraj (VP, Tamil Seidhi Vaasipaalargal Sangam & Special Police Warden), and Dr. P. Dhanasekar (MD, DSP Groups), among others.

Under the visionary guidance of Mr. Kalathinathan, who carries over 35 years of experience and multiple industry accolades, and the exceptional dedication of Ms. Pushpalatha, Ambica Empire continues to shine as a leader in Indian hospitality.

This triple recognition celebrates more than just achievements—it’s a reflection of Ambica Empire’s enduring spirit, team excellence, and heartfelt service. As they proudly say:
“Guests who stay with us, always stay with us.”

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