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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on August 10, 2024
Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts has announced the opening of its latest property in Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, marking its second venture in the state. Known for its affordable boutique hotels, the brand continues to expand its presence in India’s scenic destinations.
Strategically located just 100 kilometers from Udaipur Airport, the new Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh offers convenient access with a two-hour drive on well-connected roads. The hotel is situated near the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing guests with the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the area. Other nearby attractions include the Ranakpur Jain Temple and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
The property features 21 uniquely themed rooms, categorized into Deluxe, Super Deluxe, and Suite options. Each room is designed around specific themes, such as Fort, Moon, and Botanical, offering guests a distinctive and comfortable stay.
Dining at the hotel includes a multi-cuisine restaurant where expert chefs prepare a variety of fresh dishes. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, the rooftop café provides a unique dining experience with stunning views of the lush Kumbhalgarh valley.
Amenities at the hotel include a large swimming pool with a separate kids' pool, making it an ideal spot for families. A dedicated Games and Activity room is available, offering a range of indoor and outdoor activities for guests of all ages.
The Stone Wood Hotel Kumbhalgarh is also well-equipped for hosting corporate and social events, with extensive banqueting facilities that include a versatile banquet hall and a spacious open lawn. These spaces are suitable for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, weddings, and other social gatherings.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, the hotel offers curated experiences to nearby attractions such as Kumbhalgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Lord Shiva Temple, Vedi Temple, and Hammeripal Lake.
Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts, established in 2017, is headquartered in Goa and offers boutique stays at prime locations across India. With this new property in Kumbhalgarh, the brand continues its mission to provide travelers with unique, value-for-money experiences that blend luxury with personalized service.
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By Nishang Narayan
Published on July 7, 2025
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.
Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.
Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”
Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”
The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.
With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.
Published on July 5, 2025
Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.
As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.
Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.
Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.
Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.
Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”
The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.
As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.
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