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/


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.

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