The Earth at Ranthambore: A Perfect Blend of Eco-Conscious Luxury and Wilderness

The Earth at Ranthambore: A Perfect Blend of Eco-Conscious Luxury and Wilderness

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 5, 2024

The Earth at Ranthambore in Rajasthan is now fully operational, offering an eco-conscious luxury experience amidst the wilderness. This unique property stands out as the only resort in Ranthambore where sustainability and luxury coexist seamlessly.

With the recent addition of 12 new, eco-friendly cottages, The Earth at Ranthambore now features a total of 37 cottages made from mud, wood, and limestone, spread across nearly five acres of lush greenery. These new cottages are not only durable and energy-efficient but also fireproof, constructed primarily from soil and wood.

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Rohit Pareek, Managing Director of The Earth at Ranthambore, emphasizes their commitment to sustainability. “Our goal was to blend with the local ecology rather than disrupt it. We used natural and sustainable materials sourced from around the site to build these cottages. Our rammed mud and cob earth walls are self-insulating and energy-efficient, maintaining a stable internal temperature through all seasons,” Pareek explains.

Earth Structure Benefits

The Earth structures at Ranthambore offer numerous benefits:

Warm, Dry, and Healthy: These cottages provide a healthy indoor environment, counteracting humidity and maintaining a stable internal temperature throughout the seasons. This creates a warm and dry living space that is energy efficient.

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Non-Toxic: Built with non-toxic materials, the cottages ensure a safe and healthy environment for guests.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: These structures are low in embodied energy and produce reduced waste during the building process. They fit seamlessly into the landscape and look great while being sustainable.

Strong and Durable: The cottages are weather-resistant and suitable for a range of climates. Experienced rammers ensure maximum strength and durability for every project.

Unique and Customized Look: Each cottage has a unique and customised appearance, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Energy Efficient: The natural insulation of these cottages reduces the need for power-based heating and cooling systems, contributing to energy efficiency.

Noise, Pest, and Fire Proof: The cottages are sound insulated, reduce pest problems, and are fire-resistant, offering a secure and peaceful stay.

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Designed by renowned architect Eugene Pandala, The Earth at Ranthambore offers a range of amenities to enhance the guest experience. Guests can enjoy the all-day multi-cuisine restaurant (Tattva), a swimming pool (Taranaalya), and a recreation hall. For those seeking cultural experiences, Raasa provides an outdoor dining venue, while Kriya, the open-air amphitheater, hosts folk performances and wildlife documentaries. The spa, Sattva, offers a serene space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The resort boasts seven categories of rooms, each designed to offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern comfort:

Ambar Villas (5): These villas, crafted using the ancient cob earth technique, feature a king-size bed on the ground floor, a twin-sized bed on the mezzanine, and a spacious verandah overlooking the resort's Miyawaki forest. They also include an open-to-the-sky shower.

Neer Cottages (8): These intimate mud cottages, ideal for honeymooners and couples, come with a private indoor pool, a large bed, and a personal sit-out area.

Vayu Villas (4): Majestic duplex villas made entirely from rammed mud and cob earth, featuring a king-size bed on the ground floor, two twin-sized beds on the mezzanine, and an open-to-the-sky shower.

Tejas Cottages (8): Sustainably crafted mud cottages with an open-to-the-sky shower, offering a direct connection to nature.

Dhara Rooms (4): Luxurious cottages made entirely from stone and lime with oxide-finished floors and a personal sit-out area.

Vanam Cottages (4): Unique wooden cottages overlooking a tranquil pond, featuring an open-to-the-sky shower.

Anantam Rooms (4): Elegant rooms with stone and lime mortar construction, wooden flooring, a lavish bathtub, a kitchenette, and a private balcony.

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Located just 600 meters from Ranthambore National Park, 10 km from the railway station, and 4 km from the Trinetra Ganesh temple, the resort is easily accessible, being a five-hour drive from the National Capital Region (NCR) of New Delhi.

The Earth at Ranthambore takes pride in its sustainable construction practices. “We recycle or reuse materials from different stages of the build where possible and source materials locally to reduce carbon emissions,” adds Pareek.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Hits 20-Property Milestone with The Hoften Lotus Court, Greater Noida

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Hits 20-Property Milestone with The Hoften Lotus Court, Greater Noida

By Hariharan U

Published on September 16, 2025

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has reached a new milestone with the addition of The Hoften Lotus Court in Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh, marking the 20th property in its growing portfolio. The launch strengthens ALIVAA’s footprint in a key market and aligns with its ambitious expansion strategy.

Operating under The Hoften brand, the hotel is designed for modern travellers seeking smart, efficient service combined with comfort and convenience.

Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business), said, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hotel Lotus Court into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Greater Noida is a dynamic destination, and this partnership enables us to offer our guests an even broader range of exceptional experiences. Hotel The Hoften Lotus Court perfectly embodies the unique charm and high standards of our brand, and we're confident it will be a valuable asset to our expanding portfolio."

Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the strategic significance of Greater Noida, "As we strive to become a leading national player, Greater Noida holds a critical position in our roadmap. This signing establishes our foothold in the country's growing corporate hub. The upcoming Jewar Airport will be a game-changer, boosting business and leisure travel and creating immense opportunities for us."

Arjun Singh, owner of The Hoften Lotus Court, shared his excitement, "Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Lotus Court under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision. This is our second property with the same brand, reflecting our confidence and commitment. We look forward to delivering memorable experiences to our guests."

This milestone reinforces ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to expanding its portfolio, delivering exceptional stays, and creating unforgettable experiences across India’s key travel destinations.

About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts:
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic hospitality group focused on creating exceptional guest experiences. Operating under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, the company emphasizes quality, innovation, and guest delight, offering memorable stays across established and emerging destinations.


Treat Hotels & Resorts Expands to Rajasthan and Maharashtra with Two New Properties

Treat Hotels & Resorts Expands to Rajasthan and Maharashtra with Two New Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on September 13, 2025

Treat Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in North India with the addition of two new premium properties in culturally and historically significant destinations, Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra.

The first, Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh, marks the brand’s debut in Rajasthan. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kumbhalgarh Fort, the resort offers a tranquil escape where heritage and modern comfort come together. Guests can expect spacious rooms, landscaped lawns, panoramic views, and a setting ideal for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.

The second property, Treat Imperial, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is positioned at the city’s heart and designed as an upscale venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and family getaways. With regal architecture, expansive banquet spaces, gourmet dining, and premium hospitality services, it caters especially to large-scale weddings and events while reflecting the cultural spirit of Sambhajinagar.

These launches mark a new chapter in our journey,” said Mr. Alok Mundra, Managing Director, Treat Hotels & Resorts. “We’re not just building properties; we’re creating destinations that celebrate India’s diversity in architecture, cuisine, and celebrations, without compromising on luxury.”

Adding to this, Devendra Singh, General Manager, Development & Acquisitions, noted, “These developments are a testament to our vision of expanding thoughtfully into destinations that hold cultural, historical, and economic significance.”

With these upcoming launches, Treat Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands. Both properties uphold the brand’s philosophy of offering meaningful celebrations, memorable escapes, and enriching experiences — all while preserving India’s timeless heritage.

For inquiries and partnerships, visit www.treatresorts.com.


Holiday Inn Returns to Melbourne’s CBD with Bourke Street Mall Opening

Holiday Inn Returns to Melbourne’s CBD with Bourke Street Mall Opening

By Hariharan U

Published on September 13, 2025

Holiday Inn has made a grand return to Melbourne’s CBD with the opening of its new property at Bourke Street Mall. This launch is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first-ever dual-hotel development in Australia, alongside Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins.

The 273-room Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall combines modern design with heritage architecture, including preserved Art Deco façades from landmark buildings such as Diamond House and the York Building. Developed by Steadfast Capital with interiors by global design studio Buchan and construction by Hickory, the hotel showcases a fresh take on Melbourne’s vibrant culture.

Located right above the reimagined Melbourne Walk and steps away from Bourke Street Mall, the hotel positions guests in the very heart of the city. Its standout feature is a 220-square-metre private terrace, offering clear views of Bourke Street Mall, the GPO clock tower, and Melbourne’s skyline ideal for corporate events or celebrations.

Guests are welcomed into an open-plan lobby on Level 2, designed with soft wood tones, greenery, and flexible seating. Holiday Inn’s signature Open Lobby concept ensures the space doubles up as a spot for working, dining, or relaxing.

The hotel’s restaurant, The Greenery, serves buffet breakfasts, all-day meals, and hearty dinners in a light-filled setting. The menu features comforting dishes such as sirloin steak, crisp fried reef fish, and slow-braised beef cheeks. Families can enjoy added value through Holiday Inn’s Kids Stay & Eat Free promise, with fun touches like smiley-face burger buns for children.

Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall offers a range of rooms—standard, premium, kings, and twins—decorated with playful, retro-inspired finishes in warm tones. With 92 double-double rooms, the property is especially suited for families and groups. Each room includes free Wi-Fi, Chromecast-enabled TVs, coffee-making facilities, and city views from select categories.

The hotel also provides a fully equipped gym and access to The Causeway conference rooms for business gatherings of up to 70 guests.

General Manager Scott Hamilton expressed excitement at the opening, noting that the hotel will play a key role in reviving Bourke Street Mall and its laneways while serving as a hub for Melbourne’s iconic events, from the Grand Prix to the AFL Grand Final. Together with Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins, this opening reflects IHG’s commitment to creating destinations that blend global expertise with local spirit.

To celebrate the launch, Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall is offering breakfast for two for just $1 extra with its Opening Special flexible rate.Guests can also enjoy the benefits of IHG One Rewards, gaining access to perks and experiences across more than 6,700 hotels worldwide.

With its unbeatable location, welcoming design, and family-friendly touches, Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall is set to become a trusted base for travellers exploring Australia’s cultural capital.

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