The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Gujarat with Two New Openings

The Fern Hotels & Resorts Expands Presence in Gujarat with Two New Openings

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 2, 2024

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has made a significant stride in expanding its presence in Gujarat with the unveiling of two new properties: The Fern Sattva Resort, Little Rann of Kutch, and The Fern Residency, Porbandar. With these new additions, the brand now boasts a total of 38 operational properties across the state, further solidifying its leadership position in the region.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement over this milestone, stating, "Today marks a significant milestone for The Fern Hotels & Resorts as we unveil two new properties in the vibrant state of Gujarat: The Fern Sattva Resort in the enchanting Little Rann of Kutch, and The Fern Residency in Porbandar. We are pleased to expand our footprint in this culturally rich region, offering unique hospitality experiences that celebrate both the beauty of Gujarat and our commitment to sustainability."

The Fern Sattva Resort, Little Rann of Kutch

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Nestled amidst captivating landscapes of deserts and forests, The Fern Sattva Resort is a luxurious retreat for both business and leisure travelers. Just a 10-minute drive from the starting point of Wild Ass safaris, this resort is perfectly positioned for exploration and adventure. It features 47 elegantly appointed rooms equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay, including high-speed Wi-Fi, LED televisions, complimentary in-room tea and coffee, digital safes, eco-friendly lighting, and 24-hour hot and cold water.

Culinary delights await at Dune, the resort’s multi-cuisine restaurant offering an extensive buffet and à la carte options. Guests can relax at the Monolith Bar, the hotel’s café bar, which serves a variety of snacks, mocktails, and beverages while providing stunning views of the Rann. For special occasions, tailored private dining experiences can be arranged.

The Fern Residency, Porbandar

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Conveniently located along the Porbandar-Somnath Highway and just a short distance from the picturesque coastline, The Fern Residency features 45 well-appointed rooms designed for comfort and convenience. Each room includes high-speed Wi-Fi, an LED television, a digital in-room safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, and eco-friendly bathroom amenities.

Dining at The Fern Residency is a delight at Krishna, the multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. With a diverse menu offering buffet and à la carte options, diners can enjoy their meals in a serene setting overlooking the swimming pool, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Additionally, 24-hour in-room dining is offered for guests’ convenience.

Guests can take advantage of a range of in-house amenities, including a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, and a spacious banquet hall suitable for social and corporate events. The Unnati banquet hall spans 2,378 sq. ft., making it an ideal venue for various occasions. With a children's play area and options for sea tours, both properties promise a memorable experience for all guests.

The expansion into Gujarat highlights The Fern Hotels & Resorts' commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality while celebrating the unique cultural heritage of the region. With a focus on sustainability and guest satisfaction, the brand looks forward to welcoming visitors to these remarkable new locations.


Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

Planet Hotels & Resorts Accelerates India Expansion with Lifestyle Hospitality Focus

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

Planet Hotels & Resorts is steadily strengthening its presence across India, with a clear focus on lifestyle-driven hospitality and premium travel experiences. Based out of Mumbai, the brand is building a strategically curated pipeline aimed at high-potential leisure, urban, and spiritual destinations.

Under the leadership of Anand Chatterjee, who has led the hospitality vertical for over a decade, the company is positioning itself as a key player in India’s evolving premium hospitality space.

The group’s journey began with the launch of Planet Hollywood Beach Resort in Goa in 2013, which set the tone for its design-forward and experience-led approach. Since then, the portfolio has expanded across destinations such as Thane, Powai, and Manali.

Flagship urban properties like Planet Hollywood Thane City and The Beatle Hotel reflect the brand’s commitment to design-led stays and immersive guest experiences. Expanding its boutique footprint, the group also marked its entry into the hills with a Manali property under The Beatle brand in 2025, catering to travellers seeking elevated mountain retreats.

In line with its focus on the elite segment, the brand recently introduced Kings Mansion in North Goa. Designed as an ultra-premium destination, the property aims to deliver privacy, bespoke services, and a refined hospitality experience tailored to discerning travellers.

Looking ahead, Planet Hotels & Resorts has outlined an ambitious roadmap with upcoming projects planned across New Delhi, Tirupati, Udaipur, and Hyderabad, while also evaluating additional markets. The expansion strategy is focused on tapping into India’s most sought-after travel destinations, spanning leisure, spiritual, and urban segments.

Speaking on the growth trajectory, Anand Chatterjee highlighted that the brand’s expansion is driven by a deep understanding of emerging lifestyle destinations and evolving consumer expectations. He emphasised that the focus remains on creating design-forward environments, intuitive service, and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

With a growing portfolio that blends aesthetics, personalisation, and experience-led offerings, Planet Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself to play a significant role in shaping India’s next phase of premium hospitality growth.


Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

Banyan Tree Samui Named Thailand’s Best Spa Resort for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on April 2, 2026

In a significant recognition for luxury wellness hospitality, Banyan Tree Samui has been named the “Best Spa Resort – Thailand” at the Global Spa Awards 2026, presented by The Luxury Spa Edit.

The award reflects a combination of expert panel evaluations, insights from global travel journalists and sustainability specialists, and over 85,000 public votes, reinforcing the resort’s strong positioning in the global wellness space.

At the heart of this recognition is the resort’s integrated approach to holistic wellbeing. The spa experience at Banyan Tree Samui goes beyond traditional treatments, offering a thoughtfully curated journey rooted in its “8 Pillars of Wellbeing” philosophy, focusing on rest, nourishment, mindfulness, movement, and personal growth.

A standout feature is its signature hydrotherapy facility, The Rainforest, which takes guests through a multi-sensory circuit of water jets, saunas, steam rooms, ice fountains, and vitality pools. This immersive experience has become a defining element of the resort’s wellness offering.

Speaking on the achievement, Naphasawan Badklang, Spa & Gallery Manager, credited the team’s rigorous training at the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy and their commitment to delivering personalised guest experiences. Each treatment begins with a detailed consultation, followed by customised herbal oils and signature rituals that include sound healing, breathwork, and traditional techniques.

The award also coincides with the rollout of Banyan Tree Spa 2.0, an evolved concept that blends ancient Asian healing practices with modern wellness techniques. From personalised therapies to curated closing rituals featuring herbal foot cleansing and tea ceremonies, the experience is designed to create a deeper sense of relaxation and renewal.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Koh Samui’s Lamai Bay, the resort’s 88 private pool villas further enhance the sense of seclusion and calm. Complemented by curated dining experiences, wellness programmes, and nature-integrated design, the property continues to offer a sanctuary for travellers seeking both luxury and restoration.

With this recognition, Banyan Tree Samui strengthens its reputation as one of Asia’s leading wellness destinations, setting new benchmarks for immersive and experience-driven hospitality.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.

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