Spree Hospitality Unveils Spree Maati Jungle Resort in Bandhavgarh, Opening October 2024

Spree Hospitality Unveils Spree Maati Jungle Resort in Bandhavgarh, Opening October 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 22, 2024

Spree Hospitality, a subsidiary of EaseMyTrip.com, has announced the signing of its newest property, Spree Maati Jungle Resort, located in the heart of Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh. Scheduled to open by October 2024, this resort marks Spree Hospitality’s fourth property near tiger reserves, joining their existing resorts in Corbett, Sariska, and Ranthambore.

Spree Maati Jungle Resort is poised to offer an unparalleled blend of luxury and nature, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and adventure seekers. The resort features spacious cottages, each equipped with private plunge pools and gardens, providing guests with a serene and exclusive retreat amidst the wilderness.

The resort's amenities cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring a delightful stay for families, couples, and groups. The property boasts a poolside multicuisine restaurant, Feast, which can accommodate up to 40 guests and offers a diverse menu catering to all palates. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids' play zone, while a cosy 15-seater mini-theatre provides an intimate entertainment experience.

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Spree Maati Jungle Resort is distinguished by its strong commitment to sustainability. This eco-friendly sanctuary is home to approximately 2000 trees and practices organic farming, with a focus on preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings. The lush green lawns and recreational areas further enhance the resort’s appeal as a tranquil escape into nature.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations and eco-friendly initiatives, Spree Maati Jungle Resort offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that cater to all ages and preferences. Whether guests are looking to relax in the serene environment or embark on an adventurous exploration of Bandhavgarh’s natural beauty, the resort ensures there is something for everyone.

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"We are excited to bring Spree Maati Jungle Resort to Bandhavgarh. This property is designed to offer a unique blend of luxury and nature, making it a perfect destination for both leisure and business travellers. We look forward to welcoming our guests to experience the exceptional hospitality that Spree is known for,” said Sagar Khurana, COO of Spree Hospitality.

Spree Maati Jungle Resort is expected to be a significant addition to Spree Hospitality's portfolio, further cementing its reputation for providing luxurious yet eco-conscious experiences in some of India's most breathtaking natural settings.

With its strategic location in Bandhavgarh and a strong focus on both luxury and sustainability, Spree Maati Jungle Resort is set to become a preferred destination for travellers seeking an extraordinary retreat into the wild, without compromising on comfort or responsible tourism practices.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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