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.


Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels has launched a UAE engagement initiative as part of its Global Alliance Collaborator (GAC) program. The program connects communities and organizations across the UAE with global partners, supporting the development of movable underwater hotels at 33 destinations worldwide.

The eco-luxury underwater hotels, designed under a U.S. Patent-approved concept, will feature 26 guest suites located about 30 feet below the surface, offering panoramic views of marine ecosystems. The project also integrates coral reef restoration using Biorock technology, promoting biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

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Tony Webb, founder of Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, said, "Our vision is to create opportunities for collaboration between nations while protecting fragile marine environments. By inviting participation from the Emirates, we see alignment with regional strategies such as Dubai’s D33 Agenda and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030."

As part of the initiative, local organizations in the UAE are encouraged to promote participation in the GAC program. The program offers employment opportunities in hotel and resort operations and provides a platform for regional media to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and marine conservation.

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels emphasizes community involvement, workforce development, and environmental benefits. A core aspect of the initiative is supporting coral reef restoration to enhance local ecosystems while contributing to global sustainability goals.

About Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels LLC

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC is an international eco-tourism venture developing movable underwater hotels that combine luxury travel with marine conservation. Based on U.S. Patent Design D736,947, the project integrates advanced engineering, sustainable practices, and global community collaboration.

For more information, visit Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels or contact Tony Webb via email at info@PlanetOceanUnderwaterHotel.com.


Sterling Launches Sterling Ameris Kasauli, Its 5th Resort in Himachal

Sterling Launches Sterling Ameris Kasauli, Its 5th Resort in Himachal

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts has launched Sterling Ameris Kasauli, a boutique retreat nestled amidst pine-clad slopes and panoramic Shivalik views. Located along the scenic Dharampur–Kasauli Road, the resort invites travellers to slow down and rediscover mindful mountain living.

Once a colonial hamlet, Kasauli has grown into one of North India’s most loved escapes, where misty mornings, heritage trails, and a gentle pace of life blend seamlessly. Just a short drive from Chandigarh and Delhi NCR, Sterling Ameris Kasauli offers peace, wellness, and understated sophistication for travellers seeking a serene getaway.

The resort features Shivalik-facing rooms with private sit-outs, combining contemporary mountain chic with natural elegance. Warm palettes, handcrafted accents, and design simplicity mirror the quiet grace of its surroundings.

Dining at Valley View offers more than a meal, it’s a mindful experience. The pure-vegetarian menu features local classics like Siddu, Sepu Vadi, and Cholai Kheer, reinterpreted with modern sensibilities and served against panoramic mountain views. As evening falls, the terrace transforms into an open-air lounge, ideal for yoga, relaxation, or leisurely conversations.

As part of Sterling’s Discoveries & Experiences program, guests can explore Gilbert Trail, Manki Point, Christ Church, Sunset Point, or join guided pine walks to fully experience Kasauli’s charm.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, "Sterling Ameris Kasauli reflects our intent to grow with purpose, expanding into destinations that embody serenity, design, and discovery. Our ‘What a Trip’ curated circuits link destinations like Kasauli, Chail, Shimla, and Kufri into immersive travel experiences, shaping a soulful travel ecosystem across India."

Madhav Gupta, Director of Satvik Bliss Pvt. Ltd., added, "Our vision for Ameris Kasauli was to create a retreat that honours the land’s natural grace while offering guests refined simplicity. Partnering with Sterling was a natural choice, and together we hope to present Kasauli as a destination that stays with you long after you leave."

About Sterling Holiday Resorts

Sterling Holiday Resorts is a leading hospitality brand in India with a footprint across hills, beaches, jungles, heritage, and spiritual destinations. With five resorts in Himachal Pradesh, including Chail, Kasauli, Kufri, Shimla, and Manali, Sterling offers immersive experiences for today’s travellers. A wholly managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, Sterling continues to blend local character with national scale, crafting memorable stays across India’s favourite holiday destinations.


ITC Hotels Signs New Luxury Property in Patna

ITC Hotels Signs New Luxury Property in Patna

By Hariharan U

Published on October 8, 2025

ITC Hotels is expanding its luxury portfolio with a new 140-room property in Patna, in collaboration with Kumar Infra Hotel Private Limited (KIHPL). The hotel, set on a 1.5-acre site, is expected to raise the bar for luxury accommodation and dining in Bihar and the surrounding region.

The project was awarded to KIHPL through a competitive government bid under Bihar’s tourism development initiatives, with ITC Hotels finalised as the operator. The property will offer world-class amenities, meeting facilities, and curated experiences that reflect the cultural and heritage ethos of the region.

Speaking on the announcement, Anil Chadha, Managing Director of ITC Hotels, said, "It shall be a privilege to showcase our iconic culinary and service excellence in Bihar through this ITC Luxury Hotel. Our luxury properties epitomize the culture and ethos of each destination offering indigenous experiences while celebrating the rich heritage of the region through distinctive architecture, arts, crafts & rituals."

Manish Kumar, Director of KIHPL, added, "We are excited and honoured to have entered into management agreements with ITC Hotels for a new luxury hotel in Patna. It is a matter of pride for us to develop this project with the vision of Bihar Government to strengthen the commercial and cultural identity of Patna. We look forward to our association with ITC Hotels to develop an iconic luxury project to elevate the tourism potential and hospitality landscape of Bihar."

The upcoming ITC Hotel in Patna is expected to attract both business and leisure travellers, contributing to the growth of the state’s hospitality sector while offering guests a luxury experience that highlights the city’s culture and charm.

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