Zari has announced its entry into India's luxury hospitality landscape with the launch of Bijapur Lodge in Jawai, Rajasthan. The boutique property marks the debut of the new hospitality brand, which aims to create intimate, experience-led stays rooted in authentic local culture, thoughtful design and personalised hospitality.

Positioned as more than a traditional luxury hotel brand, Zari is built around the philosophy of offering meaningful travel experiences that celebrate destination, heritage and community. The company plans to expand its portfolio with several boutique luxury properties across India in the coming months.

Located in Rajasthan's renowned Leopard Country, Bijapur Lodge is an exclusive six-suite retreat set amidst Jawai's dramatic granite landscape. Spread across five acres of restored natural terrain, the property has been designed to offer guests privacy, tranquillity and immersive experiences while embracing sustainability and understated luxury.

One of the property's signature experiences is its private leopard safari, led by experienced naturalists who introduce guests to Jawai's unique ecosystem, where leopards have coexisted peacefully with the indigenous Rabari community for generations. The conservation-focused safari offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of India's most remarkable wildlife destinations while gaining insights into its ecological and cultural significance.

The culinary programme at Bijapur Lodge highlights Rajasthan's rich food heritage through its Curated Heritage Table, featuring consultant-designed menus prepared using hyper-local ingredients, seasonal produce and traditional recipes. Guests can enjoy regional specialities including Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri and wood-fired delicacies that celebrate the region's culinary traditions.

Beyond wildlife experiences, the lodge offers a range of curated activities including sunset sundowners overlooking Jawai's granite hills, guided Rabari village walks, birdwatching, boat excursions and sunrise yoga sessions amidst nature. Each experience has been designed to encourage deeper connections with the destination, its people and its cultural heritage.

Commenting on the launch, the management of Zari said the brand was created with the belief that true luxury is deeply personal and rooted in meaningful experiences, genuine hospitality and a strong sense of place. They added that Bijapur Lodge embodies this philosophy by offering guests an intimate connection with Jawai's wildlife, traditions and culture, while future Zari properties will continue to celebrate the unique identity of each destination.

The launch of Bijapur Lodge marks the beginning of Zari's vision to establish a portfolio of boutique luxury properties across India, focused on experiential travel, sustainability, cultural authenticity and personalised hospitality.

InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping has unveiled a collection of wellness, culinary and lifestyle experiences for July, inviting guests to embrace the slower pace of the season through thoughtfully curated offerings inspired by Northern Thailand's heritage and global flavours.

At the heart of the wellness programme is the Rainy Season Wellness Journey at The ii Spa. Designed to reflect Lanna's traditional healing practices, the experience combines a 60-minute Traditional Thai Massage with a 30-minute herbal compress treatment to ease muscle tension, improve circulation and promote deep relaxation.

Dining takes centre stage at the hotel's signature HONG Chinese Restaurant, where guests can enjoy A Taste of China, a four-course set lunch celebrating Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary touch. The menu features double-boiled chicken soup with ginseng, steamed scallop with egg white custard, wok-seared Wagyu beef, and chilled almond tofu with osmanthus syrup and goji berries.

At KAM Lobby Lounge, guests can indulge in a dragon fruit-inspired afternoon tea, blending tropical flavours with classic French pâtisserie in a setting enriched by traditional Lanna art. Available through the end of August, the experience includes handcrafted desserts, savouries and beverages, with an option to pair the tea with a glass of Prosecco.

Families visiting The Gad Lanna can also take advantage of a seasonal dining promotion, where children aged 12 years and below receive a complimentary dish from the kids' menu for every THB 800++ spent by an accompanying adult. The offer is available for lunch and dinner until the end of August.

The rooftop HONG's Sky Bar continues to elevate the city's nightlife with a series of seasonal promotions. Every Thursday in July, Gin & Glow Ladies Night offers female guests a complimentary Bombay Gin & Tonic, while Sky Social features a two-for-one offer on selected cocktails and wines every weekday through September. Guests can also enjoy Bao After Dark, pairing signature bao buns with a selected beverage as part of a special evening menu.

With experiences spanning wellness, family dining, afternoon tea, rooftop cocktails and refined Chinese cuisine, InterContinental Chiang Mai The Mae Ping offers guests a diverse selection of seasonal experiences designed to capture the spirit of summer while celebrating the hotel's signature hospitality

Passionate People Ventures (PP Ventures) has expanded its hospitality portfolio with the launch of Helen & Lorena's Place, introducing what it describes as India's first Porto-Spanish Crafthouse. Opening on Bengaluru's rapidly growing Sarjapur–Varthur Road corridor, the new venue marks the group's fourth restaurant in the city and its most ambitious concept to date.

The Bengaluru-based hospitality group already operates Roxie in Harlur, Roxie & Barry in Whitefield, and Helen's Place in Marathahalli. With Helen & Lorena's Place, PP Ventures aims to create a destination that blends authentic Portuguese and Spanish culinary traditions with immersive design, storytelling, and personalised hospitality.

Inspired by the coastal culture of Porto and the countryside kitchens of San Sebastian, the restaurant brings together Portuguese comfort food and Spanish regional cuisine under one roof. The menu features dishes such as Red Wine-Braised Chicken, Portuguese Pork Chorizo with herb mash, Andalusian Garlic Prawns, Octopus à la Plancha, Lamb Merguez Sausage Skewers, and Lumpia Cigar Rolls with Smoked Pepper Dip, offering diners a diverse selection of European coastal flavours.

A dedicated bakery, Lorena's Panadería, forms an integral part of the experience, serving handcrafted pies, puffs and baked specialties inspired by Spanish traditions. Signature offerings include Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Puff, Chicken Ghee Roast Puff, Cream Cheese & Bacon Puff Burger, alongside desserts such as Cherry Amaretto Tiramisù, Crema Catalana, and tableside Crepe Suzette.

Complementing the culinary experience is a thoughtfully curated cocktail programme featuring signature creations such as San Sebastian Stories, Bougainvillea Balcony, and Pineapple Postcards. Each cocktail has been designed to reflect the cultural narrative that defines the venue.

Beyond its food and beverage programme, Helen & Lorena's Place has been designed as an immersive cultural destination where storytelling extends into every aspect of the guest experience. Hand-drawn illustrations, architecture inspired by Spanish windmills, carefully crafted literature, and even Spanish birthday songs performed by the team contribute to creating a distinctive identity for the restaurant.

Speaking about the launch, Pravesh Pandey, Managing Director of PP Ventures, said hospitality is about showing up with intent rather than simply impressing guests. He added that Bengaluru's evolving dining audience is increasingly seeking concepts built with authenticity and depth, where every element reflects a clear point of view.

Located in one of Bengaluru's fastest-growing residential and commercial corridors, Helen & Lorena's Place also represents a strategic expansion for PP Ventures as it continues to build destination-led hospitality concepts across the city.

The restaurant officially opens on 10 July 2026, welcoming guests to experience India's first Porto-Spanish Crafthouse.