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.

image

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." 

image

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


Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi Wins Indian Hotel of the Year Award

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi has earned a major international recognition after being awarded the Indian Hotel of the Year by Choice Hotels. The honour was presented during an event held in Las Vegas on 6 May 2026.

The achievement marks an important milestone for the property as well as the SUBA Group of Hotels, under which the hotel operates. The recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent focus on guest experience, hospitality standards, and operational excellence.

Presented under the “Best of Choice” platform, the award celebrates standout properties within the Choice Hotels network that have demonstrated exceptional performance and service quality.

The recognition places Clarion Hotel Khayal Kochi among the top-performing hospitality destinations representing India on a global stage, further strengthening its presence within the international hospitality industry.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Himachal Presence with RoyalPine Kasauli Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on May 14, 2026

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Treetop by Eight Continents - RoyalPine Kasauli, marking a significant expansion of the group’s presence in Himachal Pradesh and strengthening its portfolio of design-led experiential hospitality destinations in India.

The UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group, known for its focus on emotique hotels, continues its strategy of developing immersive, culturally rooted, and experience-driven stays across high-potential leisure markets.

Nestled amidst the hills of Kasauli, the 44-key property has been designed to offer uninterrupted valley views and sunset-facing experiences, with architecture that blends contemporary aesthetics with natural materials. Built along a natural gradient, every room has been positioned to maximise scenic vistas and create a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

A key design highlight of the property is the use of knotless pine wood sourced from Finland, bringing warmth and a nature-inspired character to the overall guest experience.

The property features a range of lifestyle and wellness offerings including 8 Cafe and a restaurant and microbrewery concept, along with a sunset deck, dedicated gathering spaces, a spa, steam and sauna facilities, an infinity pool, and a 10-seater jacuzzi. The development reflects the growing consumer demand for boutique hospitality experiences that combine wellness, design, and destination-driven travel.

Speaking on the launch, Richa Adhia, Managing Director of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said the addition of RoyalPine Kasauli aligns with the group’s broader strategy of building experience-led destinations in key leisure markets. She noted that Kasauli’s natural beauty and heritage charm make it an ideal setting for immersive hospitality experiences tailored to modern travellers seeking meaningful and design-focused stays.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts operates across India, the UK, and East Africa. Its hospitality portfolio includes brands such as Ocho Homes, Hanric, Treetop, and Stamps, all centred around boutique luxury, local storytelling, and experiential travel.

The launch of RoyalPine Kasauli comes at a time when India’s boutique hospitality segment continues to witness strong momentum, particularly in leisure and mountain destinations where travellers are increasingly prioritising personalised experiences, wellness, and destination authenticity over traditional hotel formats.

For more information, visit Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts


The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa Redefines Luxury Destination Weddings in Rajasthan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa is emerging as a sought-after destination for luxury weddings in Rajasthan, bringing together scenic landscapes, elegant venues, curated experiences, and premium hospitality under one roof.

Located amidst the peaceful surroundings of Pushkar and close to the town’s spiritual landmarks, the resort offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Hills along with stunning sunset backdrops, creating a memorable setting for wedding celebrations.

The property features four outdoor and two indoor venues designed to host multi-day wedding festivities with ease. One of the standout spaces at the resort is its dome-shaped venue inspired by the Shiv Ling, offering a unique setting for sacred pheras. The expansive lawns and smooth baraat processions within the property further add to the grand wedding experience while ensuring convenience for guests.

The resort houses more than 98 rooms and private villas, including pool villas and plunge pool villas, making it ideal for exclusive wedding buyouts. The spacious accommodation setup allows families and guests to celebrate together in privacy and comfort throughout the festivities.

Adding to the experience are the resort’s wellness and leisure offerings, including its premium spa, multiple swimming pools, and the Westin WORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities designed for all age groups.

On the culinary front, the resort offers diverse dining experiences ranging from global cuisine at Seasonal Tastes to rooftop dining with panoramic views at Panorama. The hotel also provides customised wedding menus curated to match the style and preferences of each celebration.

Speaking about the wedding experience at the resort, Vijay Chandran, General Manager, said, “Weddings today are about creating immersive, meaningful experiences, and at The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, we bring together nature, luxury, and thoughtful service to make every celebration truly personal and memorable. Our aim is to offer couples and their families a seamless, all-in-one destination where every detail is taken care of.”

Combining luxury accommodation, elegant venues, wellness experiences, and personalised hospitality, The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa continues to position itself as a refined destination for unforgettable weddings in Rajasthan.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.