ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced its entry into Madhya Pradesh with the signing of Maharaja Kothi, Bandhavgarh, in partnership with the HHR Group of Hotels and Resorts. The signing marks the hospitality company's debut in Central India's wildlife and upscale leisure segment while strengthening its growing presence across key travel destinations in the country.

Located in the heart of Bandhavgarh, the property sits close to one of India's most celebrated wildlife destinations, known for having one of the highest densities of Royal Bengal Tigers. Once the private hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Rewa, the region is renowned for its rich heritage, lush sal forests, scenic meadows, and the historic 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort, making it a sought-after destination for wildlife enthusiasts and leisure travellers.

Through this partnership, ALIVAA aims to combine its hospitality expertise with the destination's unique heritage, offering guests an elevated stay experience while expanding its footprint in India's growing wildlife tourism market.

Commenting on the signing, Akash Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer, Management & Franchise, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said:

"Entering Madhya Pradesh through a destination as iconic as Bandhavgarh aligns perfectly with our vision of curating exceptional leisure experiences. Maharaja Kothi captures the untamed spirit of the region while offering the refined comfort our guests expect. Our partnership with HHR Group lets us pair Bandhavgarh's royal heritage with ALIVAA's technology-driven revenue systems and high-touch service to create lasting value for owners and guests alike."

Vikramjit Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added:

"Our alliance with HHR Group reflects a shared set of hospitality values. As ALIVAA expands across India's premier leisure corridors, moving into wildlife tourism is a natural next step. Maharaja Kothi, Bandhavgarh will anchor our presence in Central India and set a new benchmark for boutique and experiential travel in the region."

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Maharaj Pushpraj Singh, Owner, HHR Group of Hotels and Resorts, said:

"Bandhavgarh holds deep personal and historical significance for us, and our aim has always been to offer a sanctuary worthy of its royal legacy and natural wonder. ALIVAA's operational expertise, distribution strength, and genuine respect for local heritage make them the right partner for HHR Group. Together, we look forward to elevating the guest experience so that every traveller feels the true essence of royal Central Indian hospitality, matched with world-class contemporary service."

With this signing, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues its expansion into high-potential leisure destinations, further strengthening its presence in India's hospitality landscape while tapping into the growing demand for wildlife and experiential travel.

Raymond Lifestyle has launched the 10th edition of its annual Garment Exchange Program (GEP), reinforcing its commitment to circular fashion and community development. Running from July 2 to July 23, 2026, the nationwide initiative encourages customers to donate pre-loved garments in exchange for free stitching vouchers on freshly purchased Raymond fabrics.

The campaign will be available across 1,000+ Raymond Shops and select multi-brand outlets across India. This year's edition also introduces a new digital campaign, "FIT FOR YOU. FEELS LIKE YOU.", conceptualised by BBDO India, part of Omnicom Advertising India.

The campaign highlights the value of customised clothing while encouraging consumers to move beyond the one-size-fits-all approach of fast fashion. Through the initiative, customers can donate garments across categories, including shirts, trousers, jackets, women's wear, and children's clothing, while experiencing Raymond's bespoke tailoring services.

All donated garments will be collected by Goonj, a non-profit organisation that uses clothing as a resource for rural development, disaster relief, and livelihood generation. After undergoing a detailed sorting and processing process at Goonj's Circularity Centres, the garments become part of material kits that are distributed as dignified rewards to rural communities participating in local development initiatives such as water body restoration, bamboo bridge construction, and other community projects.

Speaking about the milestone edition, Satyaki Ghosh, Director and CEO of Raymond Lifestyle Limited, said:

"Reaching the 10th-year milestone of 'Look Good Feel Good' is a proud moment that reflects the strong brand ethos. At Raymond, our relationship with our consumers has always been interwoven with threads of trust and timeless elegance and the intent to give back through circularity in fashion. As we continue our journey with Goonj, we stay committed to elevating the dignity of labour in our own ecosystem. As customisation and premiumisation continue to define the Indian luxury landscape, this initiative also serves as a bridge, allowing our customers to experience the unparalleled precision of Raymond tailoring."

Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, added:

"The long-standing partnership between Goonj and Raymond has evolved into a meaningful coming together of people, purpose and possibilities. Year after year, this campaign has shown that when citizens are offered a meaningful platform to contribute, they respond with ownership and commitment. Twenty-seven years ago, we recognised that despite being one of humanity's three basic needs, cloth remained one of the most neglected. Since then, Goonj has worked to change the lens, language and narrative around not only clothing but about material poverty, from an ignored necessity to a powerful resource for development and climate action. Millions of kilograms of discarded cloth and other underutilised material continue to burden the landfill and such relationships stop the same at a scale. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Raymond and continuing to demonstrate how collective action can transform an overlooked resource into opportunities for dignity and sustainable development."

Commenting on the campaign, Josy Paul, Chairperson and CCO, BBDO India, said:

"This campaign celebrates individuality and craftsmanship, reminding us that the best fit is the one that’s uniquely yours. Every garment is crafted to honour the person wearing it - because true style is personal. The catchy song in this beautifully styled film invites people to exchange pre-loved garments at The Raymond Shop for free custom tailoring for a fit that truly ‘feels like you”."

Customers participating in the program can redeem their free stitching vouchers on newly purchased Raymond fabrics at participating Raymond Shops and selected multi-brand outlets. The vouchers issued during the campaign will remain valid until July 31, 2026.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, strengthening its presence in the National Capital Region (NCR). The launch marks IHCL's 18th hotel in the NCR and further expands the Vivanta brand in one of India's fastest-growing business hubs.

Commenting on the opening, Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses and Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, "Gurugram continues to be one of India's most dynamic commercial centres, supported by strong corporate demand and infrastructure growth. The opening of Vivanta Gurugram strengthens IHCL's presence in NCR and expands Vivanta's footprint in a high-growth market. Designed for today's discerning traveller, the hotel combines contemporary design and intuitive service."

The 154-key hotel is strategically located in Sector 95A, offering easy access to Gurugram's key business districts and commercial centres, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guests can choose from a range of dining experiences, including Mynt, the all-day dining restaurant serving global and local favourites; Wink, the rooftop bar offering panoramic city views alongside signature cocktails; and Tease, a poolside lounge designed for relaxed evenings.

The hotel also features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Gurugram skyline, a fully equipped fitness centre, spacious banquet halls, and meeting rooms suitable for corporate events, conferences, weddings, and social celebrations.

Sharing her thoughts on the opening, Ashadeep Sidhu, General Manager, Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, said, "We are delighted to welcome guests to Vivanta Gurugram. Located in India's Millennium City, the hotel offers a contemporary urban oasis that reflects the city's energy while creating memorable experiences for both business and leisure travellers."

With the addition of Vivanta Gurugram Sector 95A, IHCL continues to strengthen its footprint across key business destinations while catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers.