The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands in Western India with Three New Properties

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands in Western India with Three New Properties

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on May 29, 2024

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a prominent player in eco-friendly hospitality in India, is proud to announce the opening of three new hotels in Western India. This expansion includes The Fern Residency in Gandhinagar, The Fern Wisteria Resort in Dhari, Gujarat, and The Fern Residency in Bhiwandi-Pimplas, Maharashtra. With this addition, The Fern now operates 27 properties in Gujarat and 28 in Maharashtra, further solidifying its leadership in these key markets and showcasing its dedication to exceptional guest experiences.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, shared his excitement about the group’s ongoing growth. “We are thrilled to introduce three new hotels to our guests. Each property embodies our dedication to providing unparalleled service, comfortable accommodations, top-notch facilities and unforgettable experiences. In line with The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ philosophy of sustainability and community engagement, the new properties are committed to implementing eco-friendly practices and supporting local initiatives in their respective regions.”

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The Fern Residency, Gandhinagar

Situated near Sargasan Cross Road, The Fern Residency in Gandhinagar offers 75 modern rooms and suites. The hotel features a fully-equipped gym, the multi-cuisine restaurant Amara, and extensive banquet and meeting facilities. With three distinct meeting spaces—Utsav I, Utsav II, and Utsav Hall—the hotel caters to both social and corporate events. Its strategic location, just 8.4 km from Gandhinagar Railway Station and 17.6 km from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, makes it ideal for business and leisure travelers.

The Fern Wisteria Resort, Dhari

Located in the serene surroundings of Gujarat’s Ambardi Safari Park in Amreli District, The Fern Wisteria Resort in Dhari offers a tranquil retreat with 30 well-appointed cottages and villas. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a gym, the vegetarian specialty restaurant Orchard, the open-air Wisteria Café, and spaces for indoor and outdoor games. The resort is also equipped for large gatherings, with the 1034 sq. ft. Den and the expansive 28,000 sq. ft. Sherbagh. Despite its peaceful setting, the resort is easily accessible, being only 6 km from Dhari Railway Station and 170 km from Rajkot International Airport.

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The Fern Residency, Bhiwandi-Pimplas

The Fern Residency in Bhiwandi-Pimplas, located north-east of Thane, offers 79 rooms and suites. As a significant trade hub connecting Mumbai and North-West Maharashtra, Bhiwandi is a strategic location for business travelers. The hotel boasts a range of facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, the multi-cuisine restaurant Flavors, a pool-side café, and a rooftop Restobar. For events, the hotel provides the 268 sq. ft. Board Room, Grand I and Grand II Banquet Halls, each 2500 sq. ft., and an 8000 sq. ft. lawn, perfect for weddings and corporate events. Conveniently, the hotel is only 3.9 km from Bhiwandi Railway Station and 34 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Each property integrates eco-friendly practices, ensuring that guests can enjoy luxury and comfort with a minimal environmental footprint.


Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

Chapters by Conrad Pune Brings Wine and Words Alive with Sonal Holland’s ‘One in a Billion’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 28, 2025

The third edition of ‘Chapters by Conrad’ at Conrad Pune unfolded into a memorable evening that beautifully blended storytelling and fine wine. The spotlight was on Sonal Holland, India’s first and only Master of Wine, who captivated guests with stories from her memoir ‘One in a Billion’, a book that traces her journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Hosted at Conrad Pune’s award-winning Asian restaurant MASU, the evening brought together an intimate gathering of the city’s cultural enthusiasts, wine lovers, journalists, and tastemakers. The event celebrated not just Sonal’s achievements but also the art of storytelling, where every conversation felt as rich as the wine poured.

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In a warm and engaging conversation moderated by Mr. Abhishek Sahai, General Manager, Conrad Pune, Sonal reflected on her inspiring path, from leaving a corporate job at thirty-three to pursuing a passion that few understood at the time. “Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a stable job for wine, but I was chasing meaning, not money,” she shared, drawing smiles and admiration from the audience.

Sonal spoke about her transformative experiences in the world of wine, including dining with Barone Ricasoli at the world’s oldest wine estate in Italy and tasting vintages steeped in centuries of tradition. These moments, she said, helped shape her understanding of purpose, balance, and the importance of pursuing one’s goals wholeheartedly.

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The session concluded with a lively Q&A followed by an exclusive wine-tasting experience curated by Sonal Holland in association with Grover Zampa. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine red and white wines paired with a specially designed high-tea menu by Conrad Pune’s culinary team, enhancing the evening’s elegant atmosphere.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Mr. Abhishek Sahai shared, “At Conrad Pune, our vision with ‘Chapters by Conrad’ has always been to curate experiences that go beyond the expected, where stories, ideas, and inspiration come together. Having Sonal Holland with us for this edition was truly special, her story is one of purpose and persistence, much like the Conrad spirit itself.”

Speaking about the experience, Sonal Holland said, “It was such a delight to be part of ‘Chapters by Conrad’. The evening felt like a celebration of dreams, dialogue, and stories that persevered. Sharing my journey over conversations, laughter, and a glass of wine was truly special. I was touched by the audience’s warmth  and of course, delighted to raise a glass to storytelling, as like great wines, stories only get richer with time.”


Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Shines Bright with 3 MICHELIN Keys and Top Condé Nast Traveller Honours

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Shines Bright with 3 MICHELIN Keys and Top Condé Nast Traveller Honours

By Hariharan U

Published on October 28, 2025

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has once again raised the bar for Thai luxury with two remarkable achievements, retaining its 3 MICHELIN Keys and securing the top spot as the “Best Resort in Thailand” by Condé Nast Traveller readers. Nestled along Krabi’s pristine coastline, this exclusive retreat continues to impress travellers and industry experts alike.

The MICHELIN Guide 2025 honoured Phulay Bay with 3 Keys for the second consecutive year, a recognition reserved for only six properties across Thailand. Of these, just three are beach resorts  and only one, Phulay Bay, is located in the scenic Krabi province.

The guide applauded the resort for its flawless blend of luxury and authenticity, where Southern Thai warmth meets world-class service. It highlighted the thoughtful design that reflects local culture, from the traditional-style welcome pavilion to villa interiors that exude understated elegance. The MICHELIN team also praised the resort’s culinary variety, featuring everything from fresh seafood and Thai classics to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, alongside an extravagant spa experience.

One of the most straightforward ways to stand out in the crowded field of Thai luxury hospitality is to simply create one of the most luxurious resorts anywhere, and that’s the path chosen by Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.,” The MICHELIN Guide 2025 notes, applauding the property’s exceptional taste and refined presentation.

Adding to its global acclaim, Phulay Bay earned high praise at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, voted #1 “Best Resort in Thailand” by the UK readership and #10 “Best Resort in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler USA readers. These awards, chosen by seasoned travellers worldwide, underline Phulay Bay’s enduring appeal among those who seek thoughtful luxury and genuine hospitality.

“I am delighted and deeply honored to have retained our 3 MICHELIN Key status for the second year, and to have been voted as the best resort in Thailand – and one of the ten best in the world – by the esteemed readers of Condé Nast Traveler. This is a testament to the passion and commitment of our Ladies and Gentlemen, who create highly personalized guest journeys every day,” says Vidya Sagar, General Manager, Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

As the resort continues to evolve, guests can look forward to new experiences such as dining at Sri Trang, a reimagined Thai restaurant, and relaxing at the soon-to-open Pirom Bar. Both additions promise to elevate the sense of indulgence and community that defines Phulay Bay’s charm.

Set against the Andaman Sea’s turquoise waters, Phulay Bay remains a sanctuary for travellers seeking serenity, exclusivity, and authentic Thai spirit — reaffirming its place among the world’s finest luxury resorts.


Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Stamps Brand with Jodhpur Property

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts Expands Stamps Brand with Jodhpur Property

By Hariharan U

Published on October 27, 2025

Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts is expanding its Stamps by Eight Continents brand with the launch of Stamps Jodhpur, a boutique property designed to merge the ease of business travel with the pleasures of leisure.

Located near Nagaur Road, just minutes from the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, Stamps Jodhpur features 21 well-appointed rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, and lush garden spaces. Guests can enjoy authentic local cuisine at 8 Café, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, which offers a specially curated Rajasthani menu.

The property caters to both corporate travelers and weekend visitors, while offering intimate venues for destination weddings and private events. Thoughtful design, modern amenities, and warm hospitality reflect the cultural grandeur of the Blue City.

Commenting on the expansion, Haninder Sachdeva, CEO of Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said, “Jodhpur is a vibrant cultural and travel hub. With Stamps, we aim to create stays that resonate with today’s traveler, blending business convenience with leisure discovery. Each property tells a story, and our goal is to help guests experience it first-hand.”

Eight Continents continues to strengthen its midscale portfolio, focusing on high-growth leisure destinations across India. With a combination of modern comfort, local flavors, and immersive design, the brand aims to deliver memorable experiences that capture the essence of each destination.

As the Stamps brand expands, Eight Continents remains committed to providing exceptional stays inspired by culture, connection, and comfort throughout India and beyond.

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