Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced the signing of a Tree of Life resort in Pondicherry. The brownfield project will restore and transform a heritage-listed property in the heart of White Town, reinforcing IHCL’s commitment to boutique hospitality.

Ms. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said, “Pondicherry’s unique blend of heritage and leisure makes it an ideal destination for the Tree of Life brand. As IHCL continues to scale brands that reflect evolving traveller preferences, Tree of Life is poised to meet the growing demand for slow travel and experiential stays. This signing reinforces our commitment to curating boutique experiences that offer authenticity and exclusivity. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Karthik Annamalai for this project.”

The 18-key heritage property sits at the junction of Rue Suffren and Bazaar Saint Laurent Street, close to New Sand Beach. Recognised earlier by Vieilles Maisons Françaises (VMF) as “Patrimoine Historique”, the resort will celebrate Pondicherry’s French colonial legacy. It will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a tranquil swimming pool, and a spa, designed as a retreat for relaxation and cultural immersion.

Mr. Karthik Annamalai, the project’s partner, added, “We are happy to partner with IHCL and pay tribute to the city’s timeless heritage through the Tree of Life experience.”

Mr. Karthik Annamalai is a reputed real estate developer in Pondicherry with a strong interest in boutique hotels. Here, guests will be able to explore Pondicherry’s vibrant offerings, including sun-kissed promenades, French-heritage cycling tours, colonial architecture, and thriving café culture.

With this addition, IHCL will have four hotels in Pondicherry, including three under development, further strengthening its presence in the city. 

W Goa has announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals to its leadership team, welcoming Mr. Farhan Hamidani as Director of Sales & Marketing and Mr. Anuraag Kadam as Director of Human Resources. Their combined expertise and visionary leadership are expected to bring fresh perspectives, drive innovation, and further elevate W Goa’s standing in the world of luxury hospitality.

Farhan Hamidani – Director of Sales & Marketing

With over 17 years of proven leadership, Farhan Hamidani brings a strong record of driving growth, delivering results, and creating memorable guest experiences. Known for his bold, modern approach, he has successfully reimagined sales strategies, strengthened brand positioning, and built strong relationships across the travel trade, corporate, and lifestyle segments.

Before joining W Goa, Farhan held key leadership positions at The Westin Goa and Novotel Mumbai Juhu, where he played a significant role in boosting growth and strengthening brand presence. His approach goes beyond numbers, focusing on storytelling and designing experiences that resonate with modern travelers, values that align seamlessly with W Hotels’ philosophy of “luxury with a pulse.” His collaborative spirit and passion for guest-centric innovation make him a valuable addition to the W Goa team.

Anuraag Kadam – Director of Human Resources

Anuraag Kadam joins W Goa as Director of Human Resources, bringing over 12 years of leadership experience in people management. Having worked with renowned hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels and Resorts, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, he has gained deep expertise in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and aligning HR strategies with business goals.

At W Goa, Anuraag’s strategic vision will be instrumental in strengthening the resort’s vibrant workplace culture while reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and its signature Whatever/Whenever spirit. His appointment not only supports W Goa’s growth as a luxury destination but also enhances its reputation as an employer of choice.

W Goa warmly welcomes both Farhan Hamidani and Anuraag Kadam, looking forward to their dynamic leadership in shaping the next chapter of the resort’s journey in luxury hospitality.

 Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi has announced the appointment of Alisha Bansal as its new General Manager, effective 17th September 2025.

Alisha is a graduate in Tourism, Aviation, and Hospitality Management from ITFT Chandigarh. With over 16 years of experience across India’s leading hospitality brands, she brings a strong track record of operational excellence, guest-centric leadership, and people development to her new role.

She began her career with ITC Hotels and went on to hold leadership positions at RHG, Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa Udaipur, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad. Recognized for her contributions to the industry, she has received multiple accolades, including Best Director of Rooms, Upscale at the Hotelier Awards 2022 and Manager of the Year at Radisson Blu Ahmedabad.

Commenting on her appointment, Alisha Bansal said, “I’m truly delighted to join the IHG family and take on the leadership of Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to further nurture a culture of guest-centricity and position the hotel as a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers.”

With this leadership addition, Holiday Inn Express Pune Hinjewadi aims to strengthen its reputation for simple, smart, and efficient hospitality, tailored to the needs of today’s business and leisure travelers.

About Holiday Inn Express
Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express is the group’s largest and fastest-growing brand, focused on delivering simple and smart travel experiences. Designed for savvy, on-the-go travelers, it offers a consistent and value-rich experience with thoughtful design and essential amenities.

About IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with 19 hotel brands and one of the world’s largest loyalty programs, IHG One Rewards. With over 6,300 open hotels across 100+ countries and a strong development pipeline, IHG operates a diverse portfolio from luxury to essentials.