Grand Mercure Bangalore in Koramangala has unveiled the reimagined By the Blue, the hotel’s signature poolside restaurant, designed to offer guests an elevated dining experience. The refreshed concept presents a refined journey through Indian gastronomy, where heritage recipes meet contemporary artistry.

Speaking on the relaunch, Parag Shah, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore, said, “By the Blue is envisioned as a space where timeless Indian culinary traditions are celebrated with modern creativity. From our carefully curated menu to the ambience by the poolside, every detail is designed to offer guests a soulful and elevated dining experience. We are delighted to welcome our patrons to this exciting new chapter at Grand Mercure Bangalore”.

Celebrating the essence of Indian culinary traditions, the newly curated menu draws inspiration from age-old cooking techniques, from the gentle smokiness of clay pot roasting to the layered richness of dum slow-cooking. Guests can expect flavours that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Indian kitchen, enhanced with contemporary presentation and modern flair.

To complete the dining journey, By the Blue also offers a repertoire of expertly crafted beverages, creating a holistic experience for guests. With its refined menu, elegant poolside ambience, and thoughtful design, the restaurant reaffirms Grand Mercure Bangalore’s commitment to delivering soulful, memorable dining moments.

Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd, known for its eco-tourism and nature-inspired escapes, has unveiled its newest destination, Shivalaya Resort by Botanix in Ghorakhal, Bhowali, Nainital. Spread across 1.2 acres in the Kumaon hills, the boutique resort features 25 rooms, including Deluxe, Executive, Premium, Luxury Suites, Deodar Suites, and spacious Deodar Family Suites. Guests can dine at Panache, a multi-cuisine restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating, offering a mix of global flavours and local Kumaoni dishes.

“At Botanix, our vision is to create soulful sanctuaries that celebrate local landscapes and traditions. Shivalaya Resort by Botanix brings together Kumaon’s spiritual heritage, natural splendour, and authentic flavours, while staying true to Botanix’s ethos of warmth and sustainability amidst lush greenery”, said Mr. Atul Vashisth, Managing Director, Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd.

Beyond its scenic setting, the resort offers unique experiences such as an aviary of exotic birds, an observation deck with panoramic valley views, cultural evenings with Kumaoni folk dances, and interactions with village life. Modern amenities include a landscaped lawn, indoor games, a heated covered swimming pool, a gym, a badminton court that doubles as a multi-sport space, and a mini banquet hall for social and corporate events.

Perfectly located, the resort serves as a gateway to Kumaon’s heritage and spiritual circuits. Guests can visit nearby attractions like the Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple, Neem Karoli Baba’s Kainchi Dham, and Kasar Devi Temple, famed for its cosmic energy and global spiritual connections. Scenic trails to Mukteshwar and Jageshwar Dham, as well as lake getaways to Nainital, Bhimtal, Saat Tal, and Naukuchiatal, are within easy reach. Local culinary favourites such as Aloo ke Gutke and Bal Mithai further enrich the Kumaoni experience.

Shivalaya Resort by Botanix is already planning its next phase of growth, with 20 more rooms, a modern banquet hall, and a party lawn slated for 2026, making it a destination for weddings, retreats, and celebrations.

This launch strengthens Botanix Resorts’ vision of building 11 botanical-themed resorts across North India, complementing its portfolio of resorts and residences that focus on sustainability, wellness, and deeper connections with nature.

About Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd
Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd creates botanical-themed living experiences rooted in sustainability, wellness, and education. Alongside resorts, the company operates Botanix Residences, a community of eco-friendly villas and cottages designed with biophilic architecture. More details can be found at www.botanix.in.

 Vivanta Stays, one of India’s fastest-growing luxury villa networks, has unveiled plans to expand its footprint with 500+ curated villas by March 2026. Backed by Bajaj Auto, the brand is strengthening its model of guest-first hospitality, transparent policies, and personalised local experiences across the country’s leading leisure hubs.

The upcoming villas will span formats ranging from intimate family retreats to affordable luxury stays for groups. Each villa will come with private pools, in-house chef services, and event-ready amenities, supported by centralised quality checks and staff training for a consistent guest experience.

Unlike traditional aggregators, Vivanta Stays follows a product-led approach with fewer but higher-quality homes. The team ensures every booking is tailored—coordinating chef menus, event setups, last-mile transfers, and local experiences so that guests feel personally cared for rather than managed through a transaction.

Guests already highlight the brand’s transparency and service standards as key differentiators:

Hassle-free reservations with clear inclusions and pricing

Dedicated concierge and villa teams trained in hygiene, dining, and guest care

Reliable policies (60% advance, 40% at check-in) with guest-friendly refunds

Strong service consistency across destinations like Lonavala, Igatpuri, Alibaug, Karjat, Nashik, Goa, and Himachal

With Bajaj Auto’s backing, Vivanta Stays brings operational discipline to the leisure travel segment. Internal SOPs focus on staff training, food safety, hygiene audits, and fast grievance redressal ensuring safety and comfort alongside curated experiences.

Corporate groups, families, and creators have repeatedly praised Vivanta Stays for cleanliness, food quality, and staff courtesy, often returning for repeat stays across multiple locations. Each villa manager personally tracks bookings with checklists, ensures timely refunds as per policy, and provides proof of closure to reinforce trust.

By March 2026, Vivanta Stays aims to be recognised as India’s most trusted villa network, where safety, reliability, and personalised hospitality come together to deliver memorable and stress-free stays.