Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Emerges as Karnataka’s Top Monsoon Getaway

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Emerges as Karnataka’s Top Monsoon Getaway

By Hariharan U

Published on August 26, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is rewriting the story of monsoon travel in India. Once seen as an off-season, the rains are now a vibrant travel window, and Stone Wood’s properties in Karnataka’s Western Ghats are at the heart of this change.

Both Stone Wood Premier Dandeli and Stone Wood Nature Resort Gokarna have seen record-breaking guest numbers this season. The surge reflects a wider trend, with domestic monsoon bookings in India rising by 25% year-on-year. With rain-soaked forests, swelling rivers, and mist-draped valleys, Karnataka has become a magnet for travelers seeking authentic experiences that celebrate the monsoon rather than avoid it.

Our Dandeli and Gokarna properties are seeing unprecedented demand”, says Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “Travelers today want authentic, sustainable experiences that celebrate the raw beauty of the monsoon rather than avoid it”.

In Dandeli, the Premier property has turned into a monsoon favorite. Located near the wildlife sanctuary, it features 31 suites and cottages, a pool, multi-cuisine dining, and adventure activities. Guests come for misty treks, riverside thrills on the roaring Kali River, and rare wildlife sightings that peak during the rains.

Gokarna offers another side of the season. Stone Wood Nature Resort, set along Om Beach Road and surrounded by spice plantations, has cottages and tented suites that open to lush valleys and rain-fed pools. The experience blends coastal serenity with the drama of the monsoon, giving guests both luxury and closeness to nature.

Karnataka is seeing this trend on a bigger scale. Coorg, for example, has witnessed a stunning 1910% jump in hotel bookings during the rains. For travelers, the Western Ghats’ waterfalls, trails, and mist-covered forests have become the ultimate monsoon escape.

What sets Stone Wood apart is its focus on sustainability and community. From solar power and rainwater harvesting to zero-waste kitchens, the group puts eco-practices at the core of its operations. With 70% of staff hired locally, guests enjoy authentic insights into the culture and ecology of the region.

The properties also curate seasonal experiences, guided rain walks, birdwatching, wellness retreats, and rain-fed beach explorations that turn the wet months into a celebration rather than a barrier.

With six new properties planned for 2025 and a long-term goal of 50 hotels and 3,000 rooms by 2030, Stone Wood is betting big on premium monsoon tourism. Current occupancy rates 50–60% on weekdays and up to 75% on weekends during the rains show that the model is both profitable and sustainable.

The group is also tapping into corporate travel, with MICE-ready facilities attracting conferences and retreats in the monsoon season. This signals a broader shift, where rains are no longer viewed as downtime but as a unique opportunity to host experiences that combine work, leisure, and nature.

By embracing the season, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has set a new benchmark in Indian hospitality. Their approach proves that the monsoon, with its ecological richness, can be transformed into a premium tourism driver—one that uplifts local communities while giving travelers unforgettable journeys.

For more details, visit: https://www.stonewoodresorts.com/


Hyatt Signs The Landmark Kanpur as India’s Second JdV by Hyatt Hotel

Hyatt Signs The Landmark Kanpur as India’s Second JdV by Hyatt Hotel

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the signing of The Landmark Kanpur, which will soon join the JdV by Hyatt portfolio, becoming India’s second hotel under this lifestyle brand. The property, owned by Som Datt Landmark Hotels and Recreations Private Limited, is set to open in 2026.

Located in one of Kanpur’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, the hotel is being thoughtfully restored to reflect the JdV by Hyatt ethos while building on The Landmark’s rich legacy in the city. Once open, it will feature 170 guest rooms, a spa, four food and beverage outlets, and expansive event spaces, including a 7,200 sq. ft. lawn on the 21st floor, designed to serve both corporate travellers and social gatherings.

The JdV by Hyatt brand short for joie de vivre is known for its vibrant, independent hotels that capture the spirit of their neighbourhoods while offering heartfelt, joy-driven hospitality. With this signing, Hyatt continues to expand its presence in India’s fast-growing lifestyle and experience-driven hotel segment.

Speaking on the development, Dhruva Rathore, Vice President, Real Estate & Development for India & South West Asia, Hyatt, said, “We're thrilled to welcome The Landmark Kanpur to the JdV by Hyatt family. This association reflects our commitment to collaborating with exceptional local operators to deliver unique guest experiences in promising markets. Building on The Landmark's esteemed legacy in Kanpur, we're excited to take this property to new heights.”

Echoing the sentiment, Vikas Malhotra, Managing Director, Som Datt Landmark Hotels and Recreations Pvt. Ltd., added, “As Kanpur’s first and only five-star hotel, The Landmark has long been a pioneer in the city’s hospitality landscape. Collaborating with Hyatt and joining the JdV by Hyatt brand marks an exciting new chapter – one that brings global standards of service while retaining our deep local roots. We look forward to welcoming guests to an enhanced, reimagined experience.”

This signing underscores Hyatt’s strategy to strengthen its lifestyle portfolio in India, offering travellers distinctive stays that combine global quality with strong local character.


Sterling Opens Rampath Ayodhya Resort, Blending Devotion with Comfort

Sterling Opens Rampath Ayodhya Resort, Blending Devotion with Comfort

By Hariharan U

Published on October 3, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its footprint into Uttar Pradesh with the launch of Sterling Rampath Ayodhya, its 67th property and 57th destination. Located just steps away from the ceremonial Ram Path, the hotel offers pilgrims, families, and culture-seekers a perfect retreat while visiting the Ram Mandir.

With this opening, Sterling marks its 11th spiritual location, reinforcing the brand’s vision of offering journeys that balance devotion with modern comfort. The move comes at a time when Ayodhya is emerging as one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations, attracting a rising wave of travellers seeking cultural immersion.

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The boutique hotel features 35 thoughtfully designed rooms, across Cocoon Double, Deluxe, and Classic categories, crafted to provide calm and comfort after temple visits. Dining is led by The Divine, a pure-veg restaurant serving sattvic-inspired meals, with special Jain options available on request reflecting the ethos of Ayodhya itself.

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Speaking about the launch, Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, “Ayodhya is at the heart of India’s spiritual and cultural renaissance. Sterling Rampath Ayodhya is more than a hotel — it is a gateway to devotion and discovery, serving guests who arrive with faith, families, and a sense of cultural curiosity.”

Adding to this, Rishi Uppal, Director, Kalyan KK Hotels India Pvt Ltd., shared, “Ayodhya is emerging as one of India’s most important spiritual destinations. Our vision was to create a property that not only serves pilgrims with comfort and care but also honours the cultural fabric of the city. In Sterling, we found a partner who shares this vision.”

Sterling’s spiritual portfolio has been growing steadily, with recent openings in Guruvayur, Vellore, and Rudraprayag. The addition of Ayodhya strengthens the company’s mission to bring together tradition, devotion, and hospitality across sacred destinations in India.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is among India’s leading hospitality brands, with 64 resorts, hotels, and retreats across 55 unique destinations, offering over 3,400 rooms. Its properties cover hills, beaches, jungles, pilgrimage sites, heritage towns, and drive-to locations. The company caters to leisure travellers, MICE, weddings, and group events. Sterling is a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

For bookings and more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com


Sterling Unveils Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur, a Boutique Retreat in the Western Ghats

Sterling Unveils Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur, a Boutique Retreat in the Western Ghats

By Hariharan U

Published on September 29, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has launched Sterling Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur, a boutique resort created as a sanctuary for those looking to unplug, reconnect, and rejuvenate amidst nature. This marks Sterling’s first boutique property in Sakleshpur and the fourth in Karnataka.

Located high on a scenic hill in the Western Ghats, the resort welcomes guests with a signature 4x4 jeep ride that sets the tone for an offbeat adventure. Spread across 14 acres of untouched landscape, the property features handcrafted wooden cottages that open to sweeping views of valleys and forests, blending comfort with the spirit of slow travel.

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At Rasavati, the resort’s dining space, food takes a wellness-first approach with wholesome vegetarian meals and Malnad-inspired specials. Guests can further unwind at the wellness centre, which offers authentic Ayurvedic therapies aimed at holistic healing. For those seeking adventure, options include treks to hidden waterfalls, birdwatching, plantation walks, and a visit to the famed Bisle Ghat viewpoint, often called “India’s Amazon.”

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Speaking about the launch, Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, “Sterling Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur is a milestone in our journey to create immersive, boutique resorts that redefine leisure travel. This property is designed as an expansive canvas for discovery—where wellness, slow travel, and mindful living come together.”

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Mr. Raghavendra, Owner, Kadumane Hills Resorts, added, “We are delighted to partner with Sterling, who bring deep expertise and a shared vision for ‘slow travel’ in this region. Together, we aim to create experiences that highlight the culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of Sakleshpur.”

The retreat’s tranquil setting and intimate vibe make it ideal for couples, families, wellness seekers, and offbeat travellers who want more than just rest they return home refreshed and renewed.

Sterling Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur is located 17 km from Sakleshpur town and about 224 km (roughly 5.5 to 6 hours by road) from Bangalore. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, around 3.5 hours away.

With this launch, Sterling reinforces its growing portfolio of resorts across India, offering experiences that range from hill stations and jungles to beaches and heritage towns.

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