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.


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.

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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.”

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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.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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