The Leela Palace Udaipur Tops ULTRAs 2023 as Best Hotel in Middle East & India

The Leela Palace Udaipur Tops ULTRAs 2023 as Best Hotel in Middle East & India

By Author

Published on November 29, 2023

The Leela Palace Udaipur has been crowned the Best Hotel in Middle East & India at the 17th edition of the Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) 2023. This prestigious accolade was presented at a glamorous ceremony in Dubai, recognizing global travel excellence.

Voted for by the 25 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, the ULTRAs celebrate the finest in global travel. The Leela Palace Udaipur, perched along the tranquil Lake Pichola, stands as a testament to Rajasthani architecture and the grandeur of Udaipur’s royal heritage. Its luxury is a reflection of the Land of the Mewars, adorned with traditional artisanal crafts and cultural inspirations from Rajasthan.

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“We are humbled to receive this recognition on such a renowned platform,” said Nishant Agarwal, Vice President and General Manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. He credits the award to the hotel’s commitment to authentic luxury experiences and the continuous support of their guests.

GHA CEO Chris Hartley highlights the ULTRAs as a true barometer of luxury traveler sentiment, emphasizing the awards' reflection of evolving travel demands. The ULTRAs 2023, hosted at Nikki Beach Club in Dubai, celebrated travel leaders across 18 categories. The ceremony, attended by celebrities and sports stars, was a testament to the luxury travel sector's resilience and innovation.

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The Leela’s focus on meeting the needs of luxury travelers is evident in its experiences that embrace “Atithi Devo Bhava”—seeing the guest as God. The brand, part of the Global Hotel Alliance, has been repeatedly recognized for its excellence in showcasing India’s rich heritage and luxury hospitality.

The ULTRAs 2023 award is a significant milestone for The Leela Palace Udaipur, underlining its status as a premier destination for luxury travelers and affirming its commitment to offering unforgettable experiences that embody the spirit and elegance of India.


Courtyard by Marriott Surat Hosts 'RISE WITH SURAT'—A Soulful Wellness Gathering

Courtyard by Marriott Surat Hosts 'RISE WITH SURAT'—A Soulful Wellness Gathering

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 30, 2025

In a city where wellness is fast becoming a way of life, RISE WITH SURAT stood out as a heartfelt celebration of community, movement, and mindfulness. Hosted at Courtyard by Marriott Surat at Earthspace, the morning event brought together fitness lovers across age groups for a balanced start to the day—one that moved from energy to stillness.

The experience was co-created by three wellness-forward partners: Conquering Kilometers (run community partner), Yoga with Pooja (yoga and sound healing facilitator), and Courtyard by Marriott Surat (hospitality and venue partner). The morning began with an energizing 3 km group run that radiated motivation, connection, and purpose across the streets of Surat.

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After the run, the mood gently shifted into a serene sound healing session conducted by Yoga with Pooja. With sound bowls, chimes, and gongs filling the space, participants were invited to drop into a space of calm and presence. The peaceful setting of Courtyard by Marriott Surat perfectly complemented this inward journey, allowing guests to unwind and restore.

To complete the experience, guests were treated to a nourishing breakfast thoughtfully curated by the hotel’s culinary team. The menu celebrated health and flavour, featuring a mix of wholesome, refreshing, and indulgent items to satisfy every palate.

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With its lush open setting, warm hospitality, and commitment to wellness-driven experiences, Courtyard by Marriott Surat once again proved itself as more than just a hotel—it was a mindful host that championed Surat’s growing wellness culture.

As Surat evolves into a city that embraces both vitality and tranquillity, events like RISE WITH SURAT reflect a community ready to thrive in all dimensions—physically, mentally, and socially.


Lords Hotels & Resorts Unveils Luxury Resort in Basar, Telangana

Lords Hotels & Resorts Unveils Luxury Resort in Basar, Telangana

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2025

Setting a new milestone for hospitality in Telangana, Lords Hotels & Resorts has launched its third property in Southern India — The Lords Hrim Akshara Resort in Basar. Crafted with a perfect balance of elegance and comfort, this luxurious resort offers 42 beautifully designed deluxe and premium rooms.

Guests can indulge in delightful dining experiences at the resort’s pure vegetarian and multi-cuisine restaurants. With a lagoon-shaped swimming pool, lush green gardens, and premium amenities, every stay promises relaxation and joy in a serene environment.

The resort stands out as a picture-perfect venue for weddings and special celebrations. With three sprawling lawns ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet, a spacious banquet hall, and a modern boardroom, it offers versatile spaces ideal for events like Haldi, Sangeet, Reception, and private parties. The charming outdoor settings add to the magic of memorable wedding ceremonies.

Basar, famous for the revered Gnana Saraswati Temple, is quickly becoming a growing center for IT and FMCG industries. Nearby attractions like the scenic Ali Sagar Reservoir and the Shastrakund Waterfall make the location appealing for both business and leisure travelers looking for a perfect blend of work and downtime.

Conveniently connected by road to cities like Nanded, Nashik, Pune, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Mumbai, the resort ensures easy access for guests. The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, while Basar Railway Station is just a short 5-minute drive away.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Pushpendra Bansal, COO of Lords Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are delighted to open our doors in Telangana and offer our guests a world-class experience. Our goal is to blend luxury, comfort, and personalized service, creating an unforgettable stay for all who visit."

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Sudhir Jena, Corporate Vice President of Lords Hotels and Resorts, shared, "We envision this property as the ultimate destination for weddings, leisure, and MICE travelers, offering a sophisticated, comfortable, and memorable experience for every guest."

With this opening, Lords Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across India and beyond, now boasting a portfolio of over 70 hotels and 3000+ keys across three countries.


Stotrak Hotels Expands in Uttarakhand with the Launch of N3N Ganga Retreat by Stotrak in Rishikesh

Stotrak Hotels Expands in Uttarakhand with the Launch of N3N Ganga Retreat by Stotrak in Rishikesh

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 29, 2025

Stotrak Hotels, a name synonymous with immersive and experiential stays across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, has announced the opening of N3N Ganga Retreat by Stotrak in Rishikesh. Strategically located on the Main Road in Tapovan, just a short stroll from the sacred River Ganga and the iconic Lakshman Jhula, the property offers a harmonious blend of spirituality and contemporary comfort.

Designed to cater to solo travellers, families, and spiritual seekers alike, N3N Ganga Retreat by Stotrak features 38 thoughtfully appointed rooms, including one luxurious suite, seven spacious triple-bed family rooms, and 30 deluxe rooms. Whether guests are here for yoga retreats, spiritual experiences, or simply to unwind amidst the Himalayan foothills, the property serves as a perfect base for an unforgettable Rishikesh experience.

Manish Goyal, Founder of Stotrak Hospitality, shared, "At Stotrak, we don’t just manage hotels—we create gateways to immersive journeys. With N3N Ganga Retreat by Stotrak, our first partnership with N3N Hotels, we aim to offer travellers stays that bring them closer to the spiritual essence of destinations, without compromising on comfort or convenience."

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The hotel offers a host of amenities, including a 48-seater in-house restaurant, a dedicated yoga and banquet hall, 24-hour reception and concierge services, and ample parking space. A key highlight is the daily evening Ganga Aarti, an intimate spiritual gathering held within the property that captures the soulful rhythms of Rishikesh.

Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport, the retreat also enjoys proximity to Tapovan’s lively cafes, yoga centres, and spiritual landmarks, making it a prime choice for both leisure and wellness-focused stays.

Puneet Sharma, Partner at Ganga Beach Resort, commented, “We have been wanting to enhance the guest experience while preserving the essence that has drawn visitors here for years. Stotrak Hospitality felt like the perfect partner for this vision.”

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Adding his thoughts, Naveen Gupta, Partner at N3N Hotels, said, “Rishikesh holds a special place in the hearts of travellers seeking peace, purpose, and transformation. With N3N Ganga Retreat, our vision was to create a space that feels both grounding and inspiring—a place where comfort meets consciousness.”

With this launch, Stotrak Hospitality further strengthens its presence in Uttarakhand, reaffirming its commitment to offering travellers soulful and meaningful journeys across the Himalayas and Rajasthan.

About Stotrak Hospitality

Founded by IHM alumni Yogita and Manish, Stotrak Hospitality is dedicated to making experiential travel accessible for all. With a growing presence across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Stotrak blends thoughtful hospitality with rich storytelling to create lasting travel experiences. Supported by sub-brands Stotrak Hotels Pvt Ltd and PINK leaf Events LLP, the company offers a holistic approach to hospitality and event management. To learn more, visit www.stotrakhospitality.com.

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