Tree of Life to Open Heritage Resort in Pondicherry’s White Town

Tree of Life to Open Heritage Resort in Pondicherry’s White Town

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 19, 2025

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. 


Vegas Mall and PUMA Ignite Delhi with High-Energy Nitro Run

Vegas Mall and PUMA Ignite Delhi with High-Energy Nitro Run

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Vegas Mall in Dwarka, Delhi, proved once again why it’s a favorite lifestyle destination by teaming up with PUMA to host the brand’s exclusive Nitro Run. With more than 1,000 runners taking part across 5K and 10K categories, the mall came alive with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared spirit of fitness.

image

The event went beyond being a race; it celebrated togetherness, wellness, and the joy of an active lifestyle. Activity zones like a Glitter Station and T-shirt distribution counters added a fun, memorable touch for participants, making it a complete community experience.

“Vegas has always envisioned itself as more than just a shopping destination – we are a hub for lifestyle, fitness, and entertainment. Hosting the PUMA Nitro Run reflects our commitment to curating experiences that bring communities together while promoting health and well-being,” said Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall.

The Nitro Run successfully combined fitness, brand engagement, and community celebration, reinforcing Vegas Mall’s position as a go-to destination for large-scale, vibrant events in Delhi NCR.


TIA Wellness Resort and The Hari Hong Kong Shine in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

TIA Wellness Resort and The Hari Hong Kong Shine in Condé Nast Traveler Awards

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Condé Nast Traveler has revealed the winners of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and two standout properties have caught global attention. TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang, Vietnam, and The Hari Hong Kong have both secured top rankings, reflecting their commitment to exceptional hospitality and wellness experiences.

TIA Wellness Resort was ranked #6 among the world’s best Destination Spa Resorts, marking another milestone after last year’s top-ten recognition. “To be recognized on the list again and to claim the number six spot is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication in the wellness space and the growth of wellness tourism in Vietnam,” said Ramon Imper, General Manager of TIA Wellness Resort.

Located along Da Nang’s scenic coastline, TIA Wellness Resort focuses on holistic wellbeing rather than just relaxation. Guests can enjoy tailored wellness programs, inclusive treatments, and personalized retreat options. Its 22-treatment room wellness center features an adults-only waterfall pool, saunas, ice baths, exercise studios, and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Guests can participate in daily breathwork, yoga, HIIT, and creativity classes, while specialized retreats like the Strength & Recovery and Creative Healing programs combine personalized training, wellness treatments, and plant-based nutrition.

image

Meanwhile, The Hari Hong Kong earned #3 on the list of best hotels in Hong Kong & Macau, making its first appearance on this coveted award roster. Edward E. Snoeks, General Manager of The Hari Hong Kong, noted, “Scoring one of the top spots in Hong Kong and Macau, when there’s no shortage of stunning hotels, is a testament to our high service level and the dedication of all our team.”

Strategically located between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, The Hari Hong Kong is a 30-story architectural gem with 210 guest rooms, including three signature rooftop suites offering breathtaking city and harbor views. The hotel’s dining options include Italian ristorante Lucciola, Japanese restaurant Zoku, The Terrace bar, and The Lounge, combining cuisine, ambiance, and curated art collections to enhance the guest experience.

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards reflect insights from more than 757,000 survey responses from readers across the United States, making these recognitions highly respected in the global travel and hospitality industry. Both properties now join a celebrated list of award-winning destinations, drawing travelers seeking luxury, wellness, and exceptional service.


“Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok”: India’s Leading Desi Chinese QSR Launches Bold New Campaign

“Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok”: India’s Leading Desi Chinese QSR Launches Bold New Campaign

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

As India steps into the festive season, Chinese Wok, the country’s largest home-grown Desi Chinese quick service restaurant brand — has launched a bold new campaign that transforms everyday confusion into a craving.

Titled “Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok,” the campaign humorously spotlights the common tendency to mix up the names of Chinese eateries. Each short film dramatizes these relatable slip-ups in playful, slice-of-life moments, before landing on the catchy punchline: “Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok.”

The campaign aims to strengthen the brand’s recall as India’s go-to destination for Desi Chinese cravings, particularly during the country’s peak food, festival, and cricket season.

The films are being showcased across major OTT platforms, social media channels, and broadcast events, including the ongoing cricket season, ensuring high visibility among audiences nationwide.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Director, Lenexis Foodworks, said, “Over the last decade, Chinese Wok has become synonymous with how India enjoys Desi Chinese,bold flavours, youthful energy, and everyday indulgence. With this campaign, we’re not just launching an ad; we’re taking a leadership stance. ‘Chinese Bole Toh, Chinese Wok’ is a cultural hook that will define how the category is remembered and recalled for years to come.”

While the short films form the creative core, the campaign extends into influencer collaborations, AR-led in-store experiences, digital challenges, and cultural partnerships, making it a multi-platform engagement built for today’s youth-driven audiences.

Currently operating 240+ outlets across 45+ cities, Chinese Wok continues to expand rapidly, targeting 500 outlets by 2027. With this campaign, the brand reinforces its position as India’s most recognized Desi Chinese QSR — inviting the country to laugh, share, and indulge their next craving with Chinese Wok.

Watch the Campaign Films:

About Lenexis Foodworks

Lenexis Foodworks is a leading quick service food company in India, committed to crafting exceptional dining experiences across its portfolio of brands, Chinese Wok, The Momo Co., and Big Bowl.

Founded in 2015, Chinese Wok stands as India’s largest Desi Chinese QSR brand, redefining how Chinese cuisine is enjoyed in the country through bold flavours, hygiene, and affordability. The brand operates across 240+ outlets in 45+ cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and Hyderabad.

With continuous innovation and expansion, Lenexis Foodworks is set to shape India’s fast-evolving food culture with new culinary concepts and experiential formats.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.