The Fern Hotels and Resorts Expands with New Properties in Gujarat and Maharashtra

The Fern Hotels and Resorts Expands with New Properties in Gujarat and Maharashtra

By Nishang Narayan

Published on June 1, 2024

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a prominent player in the Indian hospitality sector, has proudly announced the opening of three new properties: The Fern Residency, Gandhinagar, and The Fern Wisteria Resort, Dhari in Gujarat, along with The Fern Residency, Bhiwandi-Pimplas in Maharashtra. This expansion brings the total to 27 properties in Gujarat and 28 in Maharashtra, with several more expected to commence operations soon.

The Fern Residency, Gandhinagar

Strategically positioned near Sargasan Cross Road, The Fern Residency, Gandhinagar is equipped with 75 sophisticated rooms and suites, each furnished with the latest amenities for maximum comfort. The hotel boasts a range of facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, an on-site multi-cuisine restaurant called ‘Amara’ offering both buffet and à la carte dining options, and comprehensive local transport and sightseeing services. For those looking to host events, the hotel provides three versatile meeting and banquet spaces: Utsav I (2715 sq. ft.), Utsav II (1263 sq. ft.), and the Utsav Hall (3978 sq. ft.), capable of accommodating a variety of social and corporate gatherings. Located just 8.4 km from the Gandhinagar Railway Station and 17.6 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the hotel serves as an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers.

image

The Fern Wisteria Resort, Dhari

Set in the serene landscapes of Gujarat’s Ambardi Safari Park, Amreli District, The Fern Wisteria Resort, Dhari provides a tranquil escape from urban life, offering 30 well-appointed cottages and villas. This nature-integrated resort features a vegetarian specialty restaurant ‘Orchard’ with alfresco dining, the Wisteria Café for an airy outdoor dining experience, various indoor and outdoor games for children, and comprehensive local transport and sightseeing options. Additionally, the resort offers extensive outdoor and meeting spaces, including the 1034 sq. ft. ‘Den’ and the 28,000 sq. ft. ‘Sherbagh’, perfect for large gatherings and events. Despite its peaceful setting, the resort remains well-connected, situated just 6 km from Dhari Railway Station, 8 km from Dhari Bus Stand, and 170 km from Rajkot International Airport.

The Fern Residency, Bhiwandi-Pimplas

Located in the burgeoning commercial hub of Bhiwandi, northeast of Thane, The Fern Residency, Bhiwandi-Pimplas features 79 elegantly designed rooms and suites. The hotel offers a variety of dining options including the multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Flavors’, a pool-side café, and a rooftop Restobar. Recreational facilities include a well-equipped gym and a swimming pool. The property is an excellent venue for events and conferences, equipped with a 268 sq. ft. Board Room, two 2500 sq. ft. Grand Banquet Halls, and an 8000 sq. ft. lawn, making it an attractive option for weddings and corporate events. Conveniently located, it is just 3.9 km from Bhiwandi Railway Station and 34 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Expanding Horizons

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the group's expansion, emphasizing their commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and promoting sustainable practices across all their properties. The addition of these three hotels not only bolsters The Fern's portfolio but also enhances the hospitality offerings in Gujarat and Maharashtra, contributing significantly to the local tourism and hospitality industries.


Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

Marriott to Bring Westin to Ludhiana with Vardhman Amrante

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.”

image

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.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

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.

image

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 Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

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.”

image

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.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.