ELIVAAS, India’s leading luxury vacation rental brand, has partnered with Akasa Air to redefine the travel experience with seamless, pet-friendly holidays. This strategic alliance, which includes its sister brand Alaya Stays, will allow Akasa Air customers to enjoy exclusive discounts on over 100 ELIVAAS-managed luxury villas and fully serviced apartments across the country, all pet-inclusive.

The partnership brings together two customer-centric brands aiming to simplify travel for today’s modern Indian families, especially those with pets. With Akasa Air’s growing pet-friendly service, Pets on Akasa, and ELIVAAS’ thoughtful accommodations, travellers now have a smooth, end-to-end journey for every member of the family and their paws included.

“Through this collaboration, we’re not just offering a place to stay, we’re creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS. “Akasa Air’s inclusive approach aligns beautifully with our philosophy. We want every guest, including their pets, to feel at home the moment their journey begins.”

The collaboration caters especially to India’s emerging DINKWAD (Double Income No Kids With A Dog) demographic, which is increasingly seeking premium, pet-inclusive getaways. The special offer is available to all Akasa Air customers via a unique coupon code and applies to bookings of two nights or more, across any of ELIVAAS or Alaya Stays’ destinations.

Whether it's a weekend escape or an extended retreat, ELIVAAS’ concierge team provides personalized service to ensure every detail, from pet amenities to family-friendly setups  is taken care of. This partnership offers flexibility, warmth, and convenience, helping travellers skip the stress of planning while still enjoying a curated experience.

As India’s appetite for luxury and pet-friendly travel grows, this partnership between ELIVAAS and Akasa Air sets a new benchmark. With a shared commitment to thoughtful hospitality, they’re reshaping how India travels, one paw at a time.

Gurugram, once known mainly for its corporate skyline, is fast becoming India’s new-age retail capital. Moving beyond its identity as a tech and business hub, the city is now home to flagship retail stores that blend shopping with unforgettable experiences. Global and Indian brands alike from Samsung to LEGO are choosing Gurugram to launch their most interactive, immersive stores. Thanks to a young, affluent, and tech-savvy population along with top-notch infrastructure, the city has become the go-to destination for brands looking to reinvent how India shops.

Retail in Gurugram is more than just transactions, it's storytelling. At DLF CyberHub, Samsung’s 3,000 sq ft Experience Store offers a multi-sensory journey. From product demos and AI-led workshops to SmartThings integrations, it’s all about engaging consumers in meaningful ways. Similarly, Ambience Mall offers an inspiring atmosphere where LEGO fuels imagination for all ages, and TRENDS 3.0 brings fashion to life through tech-led personalisation. These spaces invite people to not just shop—but to connect, explore, and belong.

The city’s rise is also reflected in the numbers. According to Cushman and Wakefield, retail leasing activity across NCR’s malls and high streets jumped 57% year-on-year in Q1 2025, totaling 4.08 lakh sq ft. Of this, high-street locations made up 61%, showing brands’ growing preference for places that offer high visibility and footfall near residential areas. Gurugram led the charts, accounting for 52% of total leasing, followed by Noida and Delhi.

Fashion and food & beverage (F&B) topped the charts with 24% share each in the leasing mix, followed by entertainment (18%) and department stores (11%). Notably, F&B leasing nearly doubled compared to last year, highlighting the shift toward lifestyle-oriented retail.

This growth in demand has sparked a race for high-quality, Grade A retail spaces in Gurugram. Developers are now focusing on mixed-use hubs, smart high streets, and hybrid formats that combine convenience with engaging experiences. Emerging zones like Golf Course Extension Road, Dwarka Expressway, and New Gurgaon are developing into thriving micro-markets. With growing metro access, wide highways, and new residential areas, these pockets are transforming into well-rounded retail ecosystems beyond the city’s traditional hubs.

Pankaj Jain, Chairman and CMD of SPJ Group, notes, “Commercial growth in Gurugram has driven a boom in retail leasing. People are now drawn to spaces that blend food, fashion, entertainment, and leisure. And the real action is now shifting to new, promising areas that are witnessing increasing footfall and spending. These places are ideal for curated retail concepts that offer both convenience and discovery.”

Arjun Gehlot, Director of Ambience Malls, adds, “Gurugram’s evolving lifestyle is reshaping retail. Consumers now seek meaningful experiences, and malls are becoming key spaces for connection. With better metro links and higher spending power, the city is drawing big names. At Ambience, we’ve created spaces that go beyond shopping—offering food, wellness, art, and entertainment. Our malls are true destinations.”

Technology, too, is reshaping the city’s retail scene. From AI-powered tools that understand shopper behaviour to real-time inventory systems, brands are embracing tech to elevate both operations and experiences. Omnichannel strategies are bringing together online and offline touchpoints, while digital displays, smart parking, and loyalty apps are now common across malls and high streets.

Prakash Mehta, CMD of Ocus Group, highlights, “Retail leasing is gaining momentum, especially with the rise of organised high-street formats. Global brands are investing in spaces that offer visibility and strong returns. Corridors like Dwarka Expressway and areas like Sector 99 are turning into retail hotspots. We’re seeing a clear trend toward community-focused, experience-driven retail.”

By blending innovative real estate formats, cutting-edge tech, and immersive consumer journeys, Gurugram has carved a niche for itself as a future-ready retail destination. Whether it’s flagship showrooms or lively high streets, the Millennium City is offering a bold and fresh vision of how India will shop tomorrow.

Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, the upscale hospitality brand backed by Ananta Capital, has announced a strategic investment in Xenious Hotels, a fast-growing chain of mid to upscale properties. This move marks the official launch of Xenious as a distinct brand under the Alivaa umbrella, further reinforcing the group’s multi-brand growth strategy.

With this partnership, Xenious Hotels, which currently runs 11 hotels and has 7 more in the pipeline, will now be part of the Alivaa platform. The integration expands Alivaa’s reach and positions the group to serve a wider variety of travellers—from modern explorers to business guests.

Currently, Alivaa operates 16 hotels across key cities in India. Looking ahead, the company has mapped out an ambitious plan to grow to 100 hotels within five years, operating through three clearly defined brands:

• Alivaa – modern lifestyle stays
  

• Hoften – fresh, young, urban stays
  

• Xenious – quality comfort for business and leisure
  

This move gives a significant push to Alivaa’s vision of becoming one of the fastest-growing mid-market hospitality platforms in India.

Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, said, “This deal is more than just an expansion – it is a decisive step toward our mission of building one of the fastest-growing mid-market hospitality platforms in India.”

Praising the addition of Xenious to the group, he added, “Xenious is regarded for its warm service, well-maintained properties, and eclectic dining options. By integrating it into our portfolio, we will amplify its strengths and bring high-quality hospitality to more markets across India.”

Mr. Inder Pal Batra, Co-founder of Alivaa Hotels & Resorts, noted the scalability of the partnership, saying, “Our investment in Xenious Hotels reflects our focus on building a scalable mid-market brand. Together with the Xenious team, we aim to set new benchmarks in affordable hospitality by combining their local expertise with our operational excellence and innovative approach.”

From the Xenious side, Mr. Sanjay Kaw, Owner of Xenious Hotels, expressed enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to partner with Alivaa Hotels & Resorts. This collaboration opens new doors for Xenious Hotels, allowing us to enhance guest experiences while benefitting from Alivaa’s operational excellence and strategic vision.”

The partnership underscores Alivaa’s long-term commitment to scaling with purpose, offering differentiated experiences, and building a resilient, future-forward hospitality platform in India.