Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Announces Ambitious Expansion Plans with New Branding Strategy

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Announces Ambitious Expansion Plans with New Branding Strategy

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 12, 2024

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, a prominent Goa-based boutique hospitality company, has unveiled bold plans to expand its portfolio to 50 properties across India within the next five years. The company currently operates 16 boutique hotels and resorts and plans to add 5-6 properties annually through a combination of management contracts, lease agreements, and owned properties. This expansion aims to offer guests a unique blend of affordable luxury while reaching a broader spectrum of travelers.

Expansion Focus: A Mix of Urban and Serene Destinations

Stone Wood’s growth strategy includes establishing a strong presence in both serene, nature-rich destinations and bustling Tier 1 cities. The company is targeting tranquil locales like Kabini, Coorg, Jawai, and Ranthambore for its owned properties, offering peaceful escapes for nature lovers. At the same time, Stone Wood is expanding into urban markets like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Amritsar, and Chandigarh through lease and revenue-sharing models, responding to the growing demand for luxury stays in key cities.

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A Refreshed Branding Strategy: Tailored Offerings for Every Traveler

To cater to the diverse needs of its guests, Stone Wood has also launched a refreshed branding strategy with three distinct sub-categories: Stone Wood Hotels, Stone Wood Premier, and Stone Wood Comfort.

  • Stone Wood Hotels: Focuses on quality, comfort, and memorable experiences in leisure, business, pilgrimage, and wellness settings.

  • Stone Wood Premier: Offers premium accommodations with spacious rooms, multiple dining options, and enhanced facilities.

  • Stone Wood Comfort: Aimed at value-conscious travelers, offering affordable yet comfortable stays.

Vision for the Future

"Our vision is to redefine boutique hospitality by offering guests unique experiences that combine premium services with exceptional value," said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. "The introduction of our new brand categories and aggressive expansion plans reflect our commitment to bridging the gap between affordability and luxury, creating experiences that resonate with today’s discerning travelers." 

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Building for the Future

The group’s in-house construction arm plays a vital role in supporting this expansion by enabling rapid development of owned properties. This ensures quality control and timely execution of projects, with upcoming developments in key destinations like Calangute, Kasauli, and Jawai. These projects highlight Stone Wood's ability to deliver properties that align with its high standards.

Reputation for Quality and Reliability

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has gained a reputation for maintaining impeccable service standards and building trust with property owners. Many management companies struggle to meet quality expectations, but Stone Wood has built itself as a reliable partner by ensuring properties are managed with the utmost care.

With its bold expansion strategy, refreshed branding, and dedication to guest satisfaction, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is set to make a significant impact on India’s hospitality landscape. Offering a range of premium and value-driven options, the company is poised to set new benchmarks in boutique hospitality.

About Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts

Founded in 2017 and based in Goa, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts offers boutique stays that combine value and luxury across prime destinations in India. From the beaches of Goa to the lush landscapes of Karnataka and the serene mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Stone Wood promises a memorable stay with exceptional service, premium amenities, and personalized experiences.

Website: Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts


Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Hyatt Hotels in Goa have announced the launch of GOA YOU 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of the destination-led campaign that celebrates Goa beyond its traditional tourism experiences. This year's edition introduces Hyatt Hideaways, a seasonal stay offering designed to encourage travellers to experience the destination at a slower, more personal pace during the summer and monsoon months.

Built around the belief that Goa allows every traveller to discover a different version of themselves, GOA YOU 2026 focuses on meaningful experiences ranging from relaxed mornings and local discoveries to leisurely dining and moments of quiet indulgence. The initiative highlights how every visit to Goa is unique, whether for families, couples, or solo travellers.

The campaign brings together Hyatt's five properties across the state: Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Goa, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, and Hyatt Place Goa. Together, the hotels offer diverse experiences spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary accommodation across North and South Goa.

Introduced as the centrepiece of this year's campaign, Hyatt Hideaways is a curated seasonal package available for stays from 28 April to 30 September 2026, with bookings open until 15 September 2026. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights and is designed to encourage guests to explore Goa beyond the peak holiday season.

The package includes a welcome beer on arrival, daily buffet breakfast, one cocktail or mocktail per guest during dinner or a daily beer bucket, along with an INR 1,000 hotel credit per night. Through these inclusions, Hyatt aims to enhance the guest experience while promoting longer, more immersive stays.

By showcasing Goa's lush monsoon landscapes, local culinary experiences, and slower pace of life, GOA YOU 2026 encourages travellers to rediscover the destination from a fresh perspective. The initiative reinforces Hyatt Hotels' long-standing connection with Goa while positioning the state as a year-round destination for leisure and experiential travel.


Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on July 11, 2026

Encalm Hospitality has announced the launch of its new International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, further expanding its airport hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its focus on delivering premium travel experiences.

The new lounge has been designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern international travellers by integrating comfort, wellness, dining, and personalised hospitality within a thoughtfully curated environment. The launch marks another milestone in Encalm's strategy of building a comprehensive airport hospitality ecosystem across India's leading aviation hubs.

Designed as a space for relaxation before departure, the lounge features state-of-the-art sleeping pods, therapeutic spa treatments, private dining facilities for families and guests seeking privacy, and a well-stocked bar. The experience has been curated to transform pre-flight waiting time into a seamless journey of comfort and rejuvenation.

Food remains a central part of the experience, with interactive live culinary stations serving freshly prepared dishes that combine regional Indian flavours with contemporary international cuisine. The curated dining programme is complemented by a refined beverage selection, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm, said the new lounge reflects the company's commitment to creating future-ready hospitality experiences driven by innovation, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. He added that Encalm aims to continue setting new benchmarks by delivering intuitive and differentiated experiences for global travellers.

Pooja Bhondekar, Business Head – Airport Hospitality, Encalm, said the expansion reflects the brand's mission of creating memorable experiences across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. She noted that every element of the lounge, from wellness facilities to curated dining and personalised service, has been carefully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and convenience.

With the addition of the Hyderabad International Lounge, Encalm continues to strengthen its integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, which includes premium lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, in-flight catering, and curated food and beverage concepts across major Indian airports.


Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

Taj Connemara, Chennai recently hosted the 15th edition of Screen Expresso, the popular conversation series by The Indian Express, marking the platform's first-ever event in Chennai. Held on June 30, the evening featured acclaimed actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, who engaged in an open conversation on cinema, gender equality, and staying true to one's values in the film industry.

The event was presented by AU Small Finance Bank, in association with Taj Hotels, with BMW KUN Exclusive as the Mobility Partner.

Known for her acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Parvathy has built a reputation for choosing meaningful roles while also advocating for gender equality within the film industry. During the session, she shared her thoughts on speaking up, navigating challenges, and remaining committed to authenticity and artistic integrity throughout her career.

The discussion was moderated by Pooja Pillai, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, and drew a distinguished audience comprising leaders from the business, arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, making it one of Chennai's notable cultural gatherings.

Commenting on the occasion, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said:

"It was a privilege for Taj Connemara to host the first-ever Chennai edition of Screen Expresso. At Taj, we have always believed that hospitality extends beyond creating memorable stays - it is about creating meaningful experiences and fostering conversations that inspire. Hosting an artist as accomplished and thought-provoking as Parvathy Thiruvothu made for an unforgettable evening. We are delighted to have partnered with The Indian Express to bring this celebrated platform to the city."

Guests were welcomed with an elegant high tea featuring a selection of regional delicacies and contemporary favourites. The menu included artisanal cookies, handcrafted tea cakes, open-faced canapés with roasted chicken and herb-infused mayonnaise, grilled seasonal vegetable sandwiches, cottage cheese and spinach turnovers, and a live station serving ragi paniyaram with gongura and cream cheese, accompanied by speciality teas, freshly brewed coffee, and refreshing beverages.

Following the conversation, attendees enjoyed a specially curated flying buffet featuring a mix of global and Indian flavours. The menu included honey chilli prawns, mutton galouti, Chettinad fried chicken, vegetable sushi, corn and jalapeño arancini, along with live stations serving dim sums, Thai curries, pastas, appams with stew, and dum biryanis. The evening concluded with desserts such as mango rasmalai, gulab jamun, vegan chia seed panna cotta, banana crème brûlée, and artisanal chocolates.

Through its association with Screen Expresso, Taj Connemara reinforced its commitment to creating spaces that celebrate meaningful conversations, creativity, and culture while continuing its legacy of blending hospitality with memorable experiences.

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