Sterling Kodai Valley Unveils New Cycle-Themed Suites Inspired by Slow Travel

Sterling Kodai Valley Unveils New Cycle-Themed Suites Inspired by Slow Travel

By Hariharan U

Published on November 26, 2025

Sterling Kodai Valley has rolled out its new cycle-themed suites, adding a refreshing twist to how guests experience the hill station. Known for creating stays that reflect the soul of a destination, Sterling has once again built something that feels both playful and deeply connected to the outdoorsy charm of Kodaikanal.

Slow travel has become one of the biggest trends in global tourism, with more travellers now choosing unhurried holidays over packed schedules. Studies show that Indian leisure travellers increasingly prefer relaxed plans, while global research highlights a growing shift towards nature-based experiences. Cycling, easy walking trails and immersive outdoor time are now top picks for many holidaymakers and Kodaikanal fits right in with its cool air, lakeside paths and gentle forest routes.

This spirit of slow exploration shapes the new suites. Full-sized bicycles placed as art pieces, wheel-themed décor and tricycle-inspired amenity baskets bring a fun, nostalgic feel to every part of the room. The spaces are warm, imaginative and rooted in the vibe of the hills, giving guests a stay that feels far more personal than a regular resort room. Many visitors say the theme instantly connects them to the experience of Kodai, even before they step outside.

Speaking about the launch, Harinath M, SVP – Marketing, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said, “At Sterling, we focus on creating stays that help guests connect with a destination in authentic and memorable ways. Kodaikanal has a timeless appeal because of its calm setting, cool air and the sense of exploration it inspires. Our cycle-themed suites celebrate this spirit, mirroring the natural rhythm of Kodai, where guests often pick up bicycle rentals and ride around the lake or explore quieter forest trails at their own pace. We want them to return home with memories not just of what they saw, but of how deeply they felt part of the hills.”

Along with the theme, the rooms maintain the comforts guests look for during a hill-station getaway, spacious layouts, soft bedding and valley-facing sit-outs that make unwinding easy. Guests can also enjoy a spa, all-day dining, indoor games and a dedicated Discovery Central designed for children.

To keep the sense of exploration alive outside the rooms, the resort has added new experiences to its Discoveries and Experiences programme. These include a night jeep ride through quiet trails, an off-road trip to Puliyur Kombai and guided treks covering shola forests, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Evenings often turn cosy with bonfires and outdoor dinners. The resort has also introduced “Crispy Tales at Kodai,” where guests handpick vegetables, learn Murukku making and cook with the chef making meals more fun and hands-on.

These curated experiences reflect what travellers love about Kodaikanal pine forests, blooming parks, lake-side rides and postcard-perfect viewpoints. With its cycle-themed suites, Sterling Kodai Valley brings all of this into the stay itself, ensuring that the mood of Kodaikanal carries through every part of the holiday.

For more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.


IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

IHCL Partners with Etihad Guest to Expand Global Loyalty Benefits

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced a strategic partnership between its loyalty platform Taj InnerCircle-Neupass and Etihad Guest, expanding global benefits for travellers.

The collaboration brings together two established loyalty ecosystems, enabling members to access enhanced travel and stay privileges across participating hotels worldwide. As part of the alliance, Etihad Guest members can enjoy exclusive savings at IHCL properties and earn miles on hotel stays.

The benefits extend across IHCL’s diverse portfolio, including brands such as Taj Hotels, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Gateway, amã Stays & Trails, and Claridges Collection.

Commenting on the partnership, Praveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President – Commercial, IHCL, noted that as travel becomes increasingly seamless, guests are seeking familiarity and added value across destinations. He highlighted that the collaboration will allow IHCL to engage with a broader global member base while enhancing the overall loyalty experience.

From the aviation side, Etihad Airways strengthens its ecosystem by extending benefits beyond flights. Mark Potter, Managing Director, Etihad Guest, stated that the partnership enhances value for members by offering more opportunities to earn and redeem miles across a wider travel network.

The alliance reflects a growing trend in the travel and hospitality industry, where integrated loyalty ecosystems are becoming key to delivering seamless, personalised experiences. By combining hospitality and aviation rewards, the partnership aims to create a more connected journey for global travellers.

With this collaboration, IHCL and Etihad Guest are set to broaden their global reach, offering members a more rewarding and cohesive travel experience across destinations

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