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By Nishang Narayan
Published on March 30, 2024
The Indian hospitality sector is witnessing a significant transformation, fueled by the burgeoning demand for spiritual tourism. As more travellers seek meaningful, transformative experiences, the industry is quickly adapting, providing accommodations that cater specifically to this growing niche. A recent report by CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd., titled ‘Decoding Real Estate through the Spiritual Tourism Lens,’ sheds light on this trend, highlighting the retail and hospitality boom in 14 key spiritual cities across India.
Cities such as Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, and Shirdi are at the forefront of this shift, attracting not only pilgrims but also travellers drawn to the spiritual heritage of these destinations. This influx of spiritual tourists has led to an increase in demand for accommodations that offer more than just a place to stay. Today's spiritual travellers are looking for clean, hygienic, and family-friendly environments, and they're willing to pay a premium for these features.
Recognizing this shift, major hotel chains, including global names like Marriott, Taj, and Hyatt, are venturing into these markets, offering a mix of economy, midscale, upscale, and luxury accommodations. These branded hotels provide a comforting blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality, specifically tailored to meet the needs of spiritual seekers. Moreover, boutique and experiential hotels are making their mark by offering personalised services, curated spiritual activities, and authentic local experiences.
The rise in spiritual tourism is supported by improved infrastructure, such as better-connected roads, airports, and public transportation options. Additionally, the development of various accommodation types, from hotels and guesthouses to wellness centres, is making these spiritual destinations more accessible to a broader audience.
Government initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and improving connectivity between pilgrimage sites have also played a crucial role in this growth. Furthermore, the advent of online retail platforms offering easy access to faith-based products and services has contributed to the sector's expansion.
According to Anshuman Magazine, chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East, and Africa, CBRE, the rapid expansion of spiritual tourism is not only driving the growth of India's faith-based tourism market but also bolstering the overall economy. Ram Chandnani, Managing Director, Advisory & Transaction Services, CBRE India, echoes this sentiment, noting the surge in investor interest in capitalising on the market's potential. This trend underscores a commitment to cater to the unique needs of spiritual travellers, driving regional economic growth while safeguarding heritage sites.
As spiritual tourism continues to gain momentum, the hospitality and retail sectors in these key destinations are set to thrive, offering spiritual travellers an enriching and authentic experience that goes beyond the conventional.
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By Hariharan U
Published on October 31, 2025
High above Mumbai’s ever-buzzing skyline, AER at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai continues to set the tone for sophisticated evenings. Adding a refreshing new chapter to its story, the rooftop bar introduces Gimlet Garden, an enchanting hideaway of greenery and understated elegance that invites guests to unwind and savour the art of crafted cocktails.
At Gimlet Garden, cocktails aren’t just drinks they’re culinary adventures in a glass. The new menu draws inspiration from ports and coastal traditions across the world, turning familiar ingredients into bold expressions of culture. Think truffle and basil, tamarind and green apple, or even squid-infused gin paired with shiso leaf creative combinations that redefine how a cocktail can taste and feel.
Each creation on the menu carries its own story. The Oaxaca Me Margata captures Mexico’s warmth through smoky agave, cacao, and chili, while the Citrus Caravan Paloma sparkles with grapefruit and kokum, a playful nod to global markets. The Siren’s Cove, blending coconut tequila, mulberry liqueur, sloe gin, and black tea, evokes the ocean’s rhythm, while Giloy brings layered complexity through tequila, Martini Extra Dry, Cointreau, D.O.M. Bénédictine, and subtle notes of Islay peat, Penja pepper, cucumber, shiso, and milk oolong. For those who crave something truly unexpected, the Pescadito transforms Peru’s iconic ceviche into a bright, savoury liquid experience.
The menu extends beyond drinks, pairing each cocktail with globally inspired small plates. Dishes like The Bombay Guac, Salmon Ceviche with Peruvian Tiger’s Milk, and Truffle and Parmesan Fries complement the cocktails perfectly, creating a seamless connection between kitchen and bar.
“Our new menu at Gimlet Garden is designed to take our guests on a journey,” says Nitesh Gandhi, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. “Each cocktail and dish is a narrative in itself, crafted with care, creativity, and intention. Whether at golden hour or under a starlit sky, Gimlet Garden offers an experience that is both intimate and inspiring, where every moment lingers long after the last sip.”
With panoramic views, lush ambience, and a spirit that celebrates flavour and artistry, Gimlet Garden at AER is more than a rooftop bar, it’s a sensory escape above the city, where mixology meets gastronomy and every visit turns into a lasting memory.
The LaLiT Mumbai has once again reaffirmed its status as a beacon of art, culture, and inclusivity with the launch of “Cause of You bvby”, a visually stunning music video collaboration by Rahul Rajkhowa, ICONYK, and UpsideDown. Filmed inside the hotel’s magnificent 96-foot-high atrium, the video beautifully captures the creative spirit that defines The LaLiT Mumbai.
This collaboration has quickly become the city’s latest buzz, not just for its music but for the space that made it possible. The LaLiT Mumbai, where architecture, sound, and soul meet serves as the perfect canvas for such artistic expressions.
“Some spaces don't just host you they inspire you. Grateful to collaborate with The LaLiT Group, a brand that truly celebrates art, music, and creativity. From the vibe to the vision, The LaLiT became our creative haven for this project,” shares Rahul Rajkhowa, National Award-winning singer-songwriter and one of India’s most versatile contemporary artists.
Rajkhowa has performed across 36 cities spanning India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bhutan, exploring sounds from Pop and Reggae to Hip Hop and Blues. Known for his global musical outlook, he became the first Indian artist to release an independent Korean collaboration album with RnB star Jimmy Brown. His work has appeared alongside major international artists like Jennie, Jungkook, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Rosé on Spotify editorial playlists, while he has shared the stage with icons such as Ne-Yo, Steve Vai, Ronan Keating, and The Lumineers.
Outside of music, Rahul also serves as a History teacher, Visiting Professor at IIM Ranchi, and the founder of Rajkhowa & Arya Aid, a non-profit that has helped over 2,500 flood-affected families in Assam and supported education in rural communities.
Joining forces with him, ICONYK, a Canada-born, India-based producer and composer, adds his signature sonic artistry to the track. Known for blending pop, poetry, and folk influences, ICONYK has modernised Assamese folk music, earned a National Award, composed for Sonakshi Sinha, and produced tracks for Sanjay Dutt’s Bhootni.
The LaLiT Mumbai, known for its grandeur and artistic soul, offers much more than luxury. Home to Asia’s largest atrium lobby, the property features remarkable artworks including Tripathga by Manmohan Bhaskar and Ashwamedha Turang by Satish Gujral. Regular live performances by Zoheb Khan of the Banaras Gharana add a touch of heritage and rhythm to the ambiance.
“With collaborations like this, we celebrate creativity in all its forms,” says Rohit Sharma, General Manager, The LaLiT Mumbai. “At The LaLiT Mumbai, we see art as an emotion that connects people beyond boundaries. Our vision is to create spaces where creativity thrives, voices are heard, and inclusivity is embraced.”
With its artistic essence, exceptional hospitality, and inclusive spirit, The LaLiT Mumbai continues to be not just a luxury destination — but a living, breathing space for culture and connection
Published on October 30, 2025
Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, has announced the upcoming opening of SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, marking the brand’s first all-inclusive resort outside Europe and Ennismore’s debut lifestyle hotel in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort is slated to open in November 2025.
Set along Ras Al Khaimah’s spectacular coastline — where desert, mangroves, and mountains meet the turquoise Arabian Sea, SO/ Ras Al Khaimah brings a fashion-inspired aesthetic to a stunning beachfront escape. The property will feature 257 guestrooms and suites across seven categories, each offering uninterrupted sea views and interiors inspired by the region’s natural hues — sunset oranges, ocean teals, and stone neutrals — paired with walnut wood and bronze accents for warmth and elegance.
The resort will feature five distinct dining destinations curated by Ennismore’s Global F&B Platform. Guests can explore diverse culinary experiences at:
The Market, a casual all-day restaurant
Chiano, serving refined Mediterranean and Italian cuisine
Hadaba, offering Levantine-inspired dining
Floating World, a Pan-Asian and Japanese specialty restaurant
Savant, a high-energy cocktail bar with live entertainment on the 10th floor
Complementing the line-up are two pool bars, Cabini and Bungalow (an adults-only space) — along with an independent beach club. The property will also include event and meeting spaces, including a 345-guest function hall, pre-function area, and flexible workshop zones.
Wellness takes center stage at SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, with a spa featuring treatment rooms, sauna, and a cold-water pool. Guests can enjoy fitness classes, a 24-hour gym, or nearby outdoor activities including golf, horse riding, kayaking, and sunrise dune walks.
Strategically located at the entrance of Al Marjan Island, the resort will be part of a new wave of luxury developments in Ras Al Khaimah — home to cultural landmarks, designer boutiques, and the region’s first casino. According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the emirate recorded 1.28 million overnight visitors in 2024, reflecting a 12% increase in tourism revenue as it moves toward its goal of 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030.
Ras Al Khaimah’s rise as an all-inclusive luxury destination follows the success of Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, both of which set new benchmarks for immersive experiences that combine gastronomy, entertainment, and design. Building on this momentum, SO/ introduces a fresh, style-driven perspective to the all-inclusive segment.
The opening underscores Ennismore’s growth in the global lifestyle all-inclusive space, now boasting a portfolio of over 60 resorts representing more than 25,000 rooms worldwide. Recent milestones include Rixos Tersane Istanbul, SLS Playa Mujeres, and Hyde Bodrum, with upcoming projects across Mexico, Egypt, Dubai, and Vietnam.
SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will join Ennismore’s ALL Inclusive Collection, a curated platform that unites leading brands such as Rixos, SO/, Hyde, SLS, and Swissôtel. The collection redefines traditional all-inclusive stays by offering immersive luxury experiences with design, dining, and entertainment at their core.
Cenk Unverdi, COO of Rixos & All-Inclusive Collection - GCC, Central Asia & Europe, Ennismore, said, “Ras Al Khaimah is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing luxury destinations in the region, making it the perfect location to debut the first SO/ all-inclusive resort in the Middle East. Building on the success of Rixos through the ALL Inclusive Collection, we’re delighted to welcome the first lifestyle all-inclusive resort to the emirate. SO/ Ras Al Khaimah will offer a timeless, intimate take on the art of escape — where bold design, exceptional food, and creativity merge into a seamless experience.”
About Ennismore:Founded in 2011 by entrepreneur Sharan Pasricha, Ennismore is a global collective of entrepreneurial, founder-led brands that embody creativity, community, and purpose. A joint venture with Accor since 2021, Ennismore has grown into a leading lifestyle hospitality group with 16 brands, 180+ hotels, 500+ restaurants and bars, and 45+ branded residences across 40+ countries.
For more information, visit ennismore.com.
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