Taj Roars into Kruger: IHCL Debuts in South Africa with Three Safari Lodges

Taj Roars into Kruger: IHCL Debuts in South Africa with Three Safari Lodges

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 1, 2025

In a majestic leap into African wildlife hospitality, The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced its debut in South Africa with the signing of three luxury safari lodges under the Taj brand in the Balule Game Reserve, part of the iconic Kruger National Park. This marks a significant milestone for the group as it extends the Taj’s timeless luxury and hospitality ethos to one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.

The three properties — Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp (30 keys), Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge (6 keys), and Taj Lion Kings River Lodge (6 keys) — will offer immersive safari experiences while maintaining the signature Taj charm. Nestled deep in the African wilderness, each lodge will feature all-day dining, a spa, swimming pool, and recreational areas, promising guests both comfort and an authentic connection to the wild.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, shared:

“As the demand for purpose-led travel continues to grow, Taj with its differentiated offerings brings exceptional safari experiences where expert-led jungle drives, community engagement, and conservation-led design come together to create unforgettable journeys. Our foray into Kruger National Park builds on this legacy, offering travellers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach.”

The project is in collaboration with OM USA LLC, a New York-based firm led by Adity Patel and Manish Patel, known for its expertise in diamonds, fine jewellery, and real estate ventures across the US and India. Their shared passion for wildlife conservation has inspired this exciting venture.

Manish Patel, speaking on behalf of OM USA LLC, added:

“The tightly controlled environment of the Balule Game Reserve ensures exclusivity and privacy, making it an ideal destination for discerning global explorers. Taj has been a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for over two decades. We are happy to partner with India’s largest hospitality ecosystem to bring the legendary Taj brand to Kruger National Park.”

Kruger National Park, spanning nearly 20,000 sq km, is home to Africa’s famed Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. The Balule Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger area, offers unmatched wildlife viewing with its unfenced borders, off-road game drives, and night safaris, ensuring intimate and rare encounters with nature.

This expansion strengthens IHCL’s international footprint, showcasing India’s luxury hospitality prowess on a global stage, while aligning with evolving global travel trends that seek meaningful, nature-focused experiences.


Wyndham to Expand Network with Five Ovolo Hotels Across Australia and Hong Kong

Wyndham to Expand Network with Five Ovolo Hotels Across Australia and Hong Kong

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 3, 2025

In a strategic move that boosts its lifestyle hospitality offerings, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Ovolo Group, announcing the integration of five Ovolo hotels into Wyndham’s global portfolio by the end of this year. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Wyndham’s Asia Pacific expansion, bringing more than 450 rooms across key cities—Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hong Kong—into its fold.

Under the agreement, Ovolo Group will retain ownership and operational control of its properties while capitalising on Wyndham’s global scale, franchising expertise, and powerful distribution and marketing infrastructure. This strategic alignment enables both parties to grow their presence without compromising on brand integrity or experience quality.

Shivang Jhunjhnuwala, Chief of Staff, Ovolo Group, stated,

“Ovolo isn’t just a hotel brand—it’s a lifestyle, a creative force that fuses fashion, art, music, and entertainment. Now, through our partnership with Wyndham, we’re flipping the script to unlock bold new growth opportunities by franchising a lifestyle brand without diluting its DNA.”

Founded in 2010, Ovolo has built a distinctive identity rooted in culture-led design and guest experience, setting itself apart from traditional hospitality offerings. The partnership allows Wyndham to tap into this unique appeal and further diversify its presence in the upscale lifestyle segment.

Joon Aun OOI, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, said,

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Wyndham, further expanding our upscale presence in the Asia Pacific region by combining Ovolo’s strengths in the lifestyle segment with our extensive global network. The future of travel isn’t about sameness—it’s about spaces with soul, brands with a point of view, and experiences that don’t blur into the background.”

Through this collaboration, the five Ovolo properties will gain access to Wyndham’s sales, marketing, and distribution platforms, increasing visibility and unlocking new commercial potential. They will also be integrated into the Wyndham Rewards® loyalty programme, offering guests enhanced value and flexibility.

With this alliance, Wyndham continues to strengthen its foothold in high-growth urban markets while reinforcing its position as a global leader in hotel franchising.


Goa Welcomes Miros Hotels: A New Name in Luxury Travel

Goa Welcomes Miros Hotels: A New Name in Luxury Travel

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2025

The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) has entered the hospitality world with the launch of Miros Hotels & Resorts, a luxury lifestyle brand that redefines how modern travellers experience their stay. 

Inspired by the words “miracle” and the Greek “os” meaning island, Miros represents more than just a place to stay, it’s a curated space meant to spark connection, reflection, and wonder. 

The first hotel in Goa showcases this philosophy with a vegetarian fine dining restaurant that includes vegan options, a wellness spa, gym, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games, and personalised cultural experiences, all crafted to foster a sense of calm, authenticity, and luxury without excess.

Speaking about the launch, Abhinandan Lodha, Chairperson of HoABL, said, “With Miros, we are extending our belief in reimagining legacy industries. Just as we’ve made land ownership aspirational and accessible, we’re now creating destinations that are rooted in emotion, curated with care, and designed to leave behind memories that last a lifetime.”

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Ranvir Bhandari, President of Miros Hotels & Resorts, added, “Guests today don’t just travel, they explore, seek and discover... Luxury today isn’t about the opulence of stays, but about rare moments crafted with warmth and authenticity”.

Samujjwal Ghosh, CEO of HoABL, echoed the sentiment: “By integrating a luxury hospitality brand such as Miros into our branded land developments, we are bringing aspiration and access together”.

Looking ahead, Miros is set to expand to Alibaug and Matheran in Maharashtra, along with other premium destinations across Goa and the Konkan coast, creating immersive sanctuaries for the modern explorer.


Vivanta Makes a Stylish Debut in Thane with Scenic Hillside Views

Vivanta Makes a Stylish Debut in Thane with Scenic Hillside Views

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 2, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has officially announced the opening of Vivanta Thane on LBS Road, marking a significant debut for the brand in one of the most dynamic urban pockets of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Set against the scenic Yeoor Hills, this new 97-key hotel offers a refreshing blend of nature and modern luxury, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Strategically located with excellent access to major business corridors and transport routes, Vivanta Thane brings a fresh perspective to the city’s hospitality landscape.

Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said,

“The opening of Vivanta Thane reflects IHCL’s strategy of expanding into key urban centres. Thane, as an immediate neighbour to Mumbai, has evolved into a major satellite city within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”

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Guests at Vivanta Thane can indulge in diverse culinary experiences. Mynt, the hotel’s all-day diner, offers panoramic views of the hills, while Zira, a specialty vegetarian restaurant, celebrates flavour-rich plates. For spirited evenings, Wink, the brand’s signature bar, serves expertly crafted cocktails in a lively setting. Adding a sweet touch, Swirl, a chic patisserie at the lobby level, presents colourful desserts in a playful atmosphere.

The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an infinity pool that overlooks the hills and city skyline, offering guests moments of calm and luxury. Business travellers and event planners can benefit from the hotel’s modern banqueting and meeting venues, tailored for seamless gatherings and upscale functions.

Tejas Bhoite, General Manager, Vivanta Thane, commented,

“Vivanta Thane, LBS Road captures the vibrant spirit of the city, offering guests a haven where style and substance converge. Our team is excited to welcome guests to this new landmark.”

With this launch, IHCL now operates 17 hotels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including 5 currently under development, further solidifying its stronghold in western India’s hospitality circuit.

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