Taj Malabar Resort and Spa, Cochin: A Revitalised Icon Reopens

Taj Malabar Resort and Spa, Cochin: A Revitalised Icon Reopens

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 9, 2024

Taj Malabar Resort and Spa, Cochin, part of the esteemed Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), proudly announces its reopening after a meticulous year-long renovation. Established in 1935, this iconic hotel has been thoughtfully reimagined to blend its historic charm with contemporary design, reflecting the multicultural essence and maritime legacy of Kochi.

Sarabjeet Singh, Senior Vice President – Operations at IHCL, expressed his enthusiasm about the reopening, stating, "Taj Malabar Resort & Spa holds a special place in the hearts of our guests due to its rich history and captivating charm. This renovation emphasises our commitment to celebrating and preserving the cultural legacy of the region, offering guests a unique blend of luxury and heritage."

Nestled on Willingdon Island with a breathtaking view of Cochin's harbour, the resort's revamped design pays tribute to the local heritage while infusing modern sensibilities that appeal to today’s global traveller. The redesigned 93 rooms and suites are a testament to timeless elegance, outfitted with modern amenities and subtle nods to local aesthetics.

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Guests can look forward to diverse culinary experiences at the resort. The all-day diner, Pepper, offers an assortment of global and regional dishes, while the Rice Boat specialises in seafood served on a traditional Kerala boat setting, providing a distinctive dining experience. For relaxation, the Mattancherry Bar offers an elegant backdrop for enjoying signature cocktails.

The J Wellness Circle Spa at Taj Malabar combines time-honoured Ayurvedic therapies with contemporary wellness practices, including a state-of-the-art yoga centre. The infinity pool, overlooking the serene backwaters, offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation and contemplation.

Lalith Viswakumar, Area Director – Operations and General Manager at Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, remarked, "The reopening of Taj Malabar Resort & Spa is a proud moment for us. We are thrilled to welcome back our guests to experience the rejuvenated resort, complete with stunning views, innovative culinary offerings, and the legendary Taj hospitality."

The resort also boasts versatile venues suitable for hosting both social gatherings and corporate meetings, making it an ideal choice for memorable events.

As IHCL continues to expand its presence in Kerala with a portfolio that includes various brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger, Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin, reasserts itself as a beacon of luxury and cultural richness in the region.

For more information on reservations and offerings, please visit the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa website.


The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

The Brandywine Boutique Hotel Opens on Philadelphia’s Main Line

By Hariharan U

Published on May 21, 2026

Brandywine Realty Trust has officially opened The Brandywine, a new boutique hospitality destination on Philadelphia’s Main Line, marking a significant addition to the region’s luxury hotel landscape.

The Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio property officially opened on May 15, 2026, in Radnor, Pennsylvania, offering a blend of contemporary hospitality, heritage-inspired design, and elevated culinary experiences for both leisure and business travellers.

The hotel features 121 guest rooms and suites, flexible event and meeting spaces, multiple dining venues, and a range of modern amenities including a 24/7 fitness centre, communal gathering spaces, in-room dining, and pet-friendly accommodations.

Speaking on the launch, Jerry Sweeney said the property combines timeless hospitality with modern comfort while celebrating the heritage and culture of the Main Line region.

A key feature of the property is Laurel, a 1,500-square-foot event venue designed for meetings, private dining, receptions, and celebrations. The venue includes retractable partitions, natural lighting, landscaped patio access, and a curated catering program.

The hotel’s culinary offerings include Merrick's Tavern, a tavern-style dining concept serving regional American cuisine alongside bourbon-focused beverage selections, and Pomelo Rooftop Terrace, a rooftop destination opening later this season with craft cocktails, coastal-inspired dishes, and panoramic views.

The architecture for the property has been led by DLR Group, while interiors were designed by Restoration Hardware and Bergmeyer, drawing inspiration from vintage train travel and the historic character of the Main Line region.

The property also incorporates sustainability-focused landscape design by Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, using native plantings and rainwater infiltration systems to reduce environmental impact.

Situated near SEPTA regional rail connectivity and several universities, healthcare campuses, and cultural attractions, The Brandywine is expected to cater to growing regional demand ahead of major events including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and MLB All-Star Week 2026.

As part of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio collection, guests at The Brandywine will also be able to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points during their stays.


Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Introduces ‘Renew & Restore’ Wellness Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 20, 2026

As Mumbai experiences rising temperatures and intense humidity during the summer season, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai is offering guests an opportunity to slow down and recharge through a new wellness experience at The Spa.

Called "Renew & Restore," the specially curated treatment has been designed as a seasonal wellness journey that aims to provide a refreshing escape from the city's fast pace and summer heat. Focused on relaxation and overall wellbeing, the experience is crafted to ease stress, support balance and leave guests feeling lighter and refreshed.

The wellness journey begins with a calming welcome ritual and a soothing foot cleanse to create a sense of relaxation from the very beginning.

Guests are then taken through a 90-minute customised massage designed to reduce physical tension and encourage deeper relaxation. This is followed by a 60-minute personalised facial tailored to refresh the skin and bring out a natural glow.

To further enhance the experience, mindful breathing techniques and gentle stretches are integrated throughout the treatment, helping create a feeling of calm and balance.

The journey concludes with a nourishing closing ritual, leaving guests with a sense of renewal and restoration aligned with the needs of the summer season.

The complete Renew & Restore experience is available for a duration of 150 minutes, offering guests a dedicated wellness break within the heart of Mumbai.


Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

Kairali Ayurvedic Group Launches Villa Raag, a Yoga-Inspired Ultra-Luxury Retreat in South Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on May 19, 2026

Kairali Ayurvedic Group has announced its entry into ultra-luxury hospitality with the launch of Villa Raag by Kairali, a yoga-inspired beachfront boutique retreat located at Agonda Beach in South Goa.

Designed as a private sanctuary for global travellers, the property blends Ayurvedic wellness philosophy with contemporary luxury living, offering an experience focused on privacy, mindfulness, and personalised healing. Spread across two acres, the retreat features just six elegantly designed rooms within a single exclusive beachfront villa.

The property offers a curated luxury experience with private butler and concierge services, direct beachfront access, yoga and meditation spaces overlooking the sea, a temperature-controlled saltwater pool, Zen gardens, a rooftop meditation pavilion, and a gourmet in-house kitchen. 

According to Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Villa Raag is designed to deliver a five-star wellness experience where nature, comfort, and refined living come together seamlessly. He described the property as a sanctuary that blends serenity, exclusivity, and personalised hospitality, with a strong focus on privacy and experiential luxury.

The architectural vision of Villa Raag has been crafted by Kochi-based Durga Sarath Architects, bringing together coastal design, natural landscapes, and wellness-centric spatial planning to create a quiet, immersive environment for guests.

Each villa room features bespoke interiors, premium amenities, and private terraces overlooking the Arabian Sea, ensuring a highly personalised and secluded stay experience tailored for individuals, couples, families, and small groups.

The retreat places a strong emphasis on customised wellness journeys rather than structured group programs. Guests can access one-on-one yoga sessions, meditation guidance, and holistic healing programmes designed around individual needs, fitness levels, and wellness goals.

Future offerings at Villa Raag are expected to include curated wellness experiences such as Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, restorative therapies, mindful nutrition workshops, and transformational wellness programmes like Mind Renewal, Joint Revival, and Metabolic Reset.

Located in the Canacona region, Agonda Beach has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for wellness travellers and slow tourism seekers, known for its tranquil coastline and growing reputation as a luxury wellness hub.

With over a century of Ayurvedic heritage, Kairali Ayurvedic Group brings its legacy into the hospitality space through Villa Raag, expanding beyond its established wellness centres and award-winning healing village in Kerala into experiential luxury retreats.

The launch marks a significant step in redefining Goa’s hospitality landscape by positioning wellness, Ayurveda, and slow living at the centre of luxury travel experiences.

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