Virgin Limited Edition Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

Virgin Limited Edition Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 22, 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, has announced a new partnership with Virgin Limited Edition, adding nine ultra-luxury retreats to its prestigious Legend Collection. Effective immediately, these properties, known for their exquisite settings and exceptional service, are available on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts website.

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The new additions include Mont Rochelle (South Africa), Necker Island (British Virgin Islands), The Lodge (Switzerland), Ulusaba (South Africa), Mahali Mzuri (Kenya), Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas (Spain), The Branson Beach Estate (British Virgin Islands), Kasbah Tamadot (Morocco), and Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp (Kenya). These properties join the Legend Collection, which is celebrated for offering sophisticated accommodations, intuitive service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

This partnership builds on the strategic alliance formed in 2022 between Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Virgin Hotels Collection, which saw several Virgin Hotels locations join the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ L.V.X. Collection. As the Virgin Hotels Collection portfolio continues to grow, more hotels, including the recently announced Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, will join Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

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"We are thrilled to expand our strategic partnership with Virgin Limited Edition, bringing some of the world's most extraordinary properties into our esteemed Legend Collection," said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group. "This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to delivering unparalleled, personalized guest experiences and promotes transformational travel. For instance, guests at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa can engage in life-changing wildlife safaris, while those at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco can immerse themselves in the rich local culture through community projects and artisanal workshops. Each of Virgin Limited Edition's unique, luxury retreats offer distinctive opportunities for guests to embark on profound, meaningful journeys."

James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, said, "We are delighted to be introducing our unique Virgin Limited Edition retreats into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, further strengthening our successful partnership. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our strategy for careful growth and will allow us to bring Virgin Limited Edition’s ultra-luxury offering to even more travelers looking for incredible experiences around the globe."

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Virgin Limited Edition properties offer distinctive opportunities for guests to embark on profound, meaningful journeys. For example, visitors to Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa can enjoy life-changing wildlife safaris, while guests at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco can immerse themselves in local culture through community projects and artisanal workshops.

All Virgin Limited Edition properties now have access to Preferred Hotels & Resorts' expertise in leisure, corporate, and group sales, as well as innovative marketing and distribution solutions. Additionally, these properties will participate in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which offers points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other valuable benefits from eligible stays at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

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Travelers can book stays at any of the Virgin Limited Edition properties through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts website. Travel advisors and agents can book client stays using the “VL” and “PV” chain codes in the Global Distribution System (GDS).

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. The brand connects discerning travelers to unique luxury hospitality experiences tailored to their preferences. Each property within the portfolio meets high standards of quality and service as required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking unique experiences. For more information, visit Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

About Virgin Limited Edition

Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson's collection of unique, ultra-luxury retreats located in some of the most breathtaking settings in the world. The group includes properties such as Necker Island, The Branson Beach Estate, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Kasbah Tamadot, The Lodge, Mahali Mzuri, Finch Hattons, Mont Rochelle, and Son Bunyola Estate.

Image Credit: Virgin Limited Edition


Ganpati Group Invests ₹250 Crore in Proposed Sheraton Hotel in Lucknow

Ganpati Group Invests ₹250 Crore in Proposed Sheraton Hotel in Lucknow

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2026

Ganpati Group has announced a planned investment of approximately ₹250 crore in a proposed 200-key hotel in Lucknow, in partnership with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, marking a strategic move into branded hospitality for the diversified business group.

Located in Vibhuti Khand, the proposed development will combine Ganpati Group's real estate development capabilities with Sheraton's established international hospitality brand and management expertise. The project is part of the Group's broader strategy to expand its hospitality portfolio across key urban markets.

Ganpati Group is targeting the addition of approximately 800–1,000 hotel keys over the next three to five years. Hospitality is also a component of its upcoming development portfolio, valued at approximately ₹2,000 crore across residential, commercial and hospitality projects. Lucknow and Visakhapatnam are among its immediate focus markets.

Commenting on the announcement, Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director, Ganpati Group, said, “Hospitality is an important pillar of our long-term growth strategy, and our planned ₹250 crore investment in Lucknow, in partnership with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, reflects our conviction in the potential of India's evolving hospitality market. We believe markets that combine a growing business ecosystem, infrastructure development and tourism potential offer compelling opportunities for quality hospitality assets. Lucknow brings these fundamentals together, making it an important market for our expansion. By combining our real estate development capabilities with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts' established global hospitality expertise, we aim to contribute to the city's evolving hospitality infrastructure while building a stronger, more diversified portfolio for Ganpati Group.”

The partnership reflects the Group's approach of combining strategically positioned real estate investments with established international hospitality brands. Branded hotels are expected to play a growing role in diversifying its business and supporting long-term expansion across business and leisure destinations.

Lucknow's position as Uttar Pradesh's capital, along with its expanding business ecosystem, infrastructure development and tourism potential, underpins the investment. The proposed hotel is intended to contribute to the city's hospitality infrastructure as demand evolves across business, administrative and leisure travel segments.

The announcement also aligns with Ganpati Group's wider development plans across residential, commercial and hospitality real estate, with the Group looking to build a broader presence in markets offering opportunities for long-term growth.

About Ganpati Group

Founded in 1972 as a family business, Ganpati Group is a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, with interests in real estate, hospitality and healthcare. Its flagship real estate arm, Ganpati Infrastructure Development Company Limited, has delivered more than 20 residential and commercial projects across Agra, Vrindavan and other markets.

Its portfolio includes developments such as Ganpati Wonder City, Ganpati Classique and Ganpati World, alongside ongoing projects including Ganpati Smart City, Ganpati Upvana and Ganpati Capital Court in Lucknow. The Group is led by Chairman Anil Agrawal and Managing Director Nikhil Agarwal


Hyatt Place Dholera: GAP Group Begins Work on Proposed Five-Star Hotel

Hyatt Place Dholera: GAP Group Begins Work on Proposed Five-Star Hotel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

GAP Group has commenced work on Hyatt Place Dholera, a proposed five-star hotel being developed in partnership with Hyatt in Gujarat's Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The upcoming property will feature 200 rooms, including 20 suites, bringing an internationally recognised hospitality brand to the developing industrial region.

The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by former Gujarat Cabinet Minister Bhupendra Singh Chudasama and Kalubhai Dabhi, MLA from Dhandhuka. Sonale Zagade, General Manager at Hyatt Group, unveiled the hotel's finalised design, offering the first look at the upcoming development. The occasion also included a tree plantation by the dignitaries.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also visited GAP Group's Akhilam Township, where he explored the Hyatt Place Dholera site and other developments, including Avant, the coworking space and the food court. He was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Secretary M. K. Das, Chief Minister's Advisors Hasmukh Adhia and S. S. Rathore, Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL) Managing Director Kuldeep Arya, and other senior state government officials.

The hotel will spread across approximately 2.6 lakh sq. ft. of built-up area, including two basement levels, and will rise to approximately 65 metres. Its facilities will include a restaurant, banquet hall, pre-function area, business meeting facilities, swimming pool, gym, café and lounge.

The banquet and pre-function spaces, along with an outdoor lawn, will accommodate approximately 500 people. These facilities are expected to position the hotel for business meetings, conferences and social events, complementing its accommodation and leisure offerings.

Speaking on the occasion, Gopal Goswami, Chairman of GAP Group, said, “Dholera is entering an important phase of development, with several ongoing and upcoming industrial projects creating new opportunities. As business activity grows, there will be a greater need for hospitality facilities to serve investors, business travellers and other visitors. Hyatt Place Dholera is an important step in meeting this need, and we believe it will support the region’s growth in the years ahead.”

Ambrish Parajiya, Managing Director of GAP Group, said, “GAP Group has been part of Dholera’s development journey since commencing operations in 2014. As the first private developer to begin development in the Dholera Activation Zone, we have witnessed the region’s progress over the past decade. We believe that Dholera’s next phase of growth will require infrastructure that supports not only industry and commerce but also the people who will live, work and do business here. Hyatt Place Dholera is an important step in that direction. We remain confident in the region’s potential and plan to invest ₹2,500 crore in Dholera by 2030 across residential, commercial and industrial developments.”

Located along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Dholera SIR is being developed as a smart industrial city with planned infrastructure and multimodal connectivity. The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway and the proposed international airport are expected to improve access to the region as industrial and commercial activity expands.

As Dholera continues to develop, the demand for hospitality facilities is expected to grow alongside its industrial and commercial infrastructure. Hyatt Place Dholera aims to address this demand by bringing together accommodation, meeting spaces, dining and leisure facilities under one roof.

For GAP Group, the project forms part of its wider development plans for Dholera, complementing its residential, commercial and industrial investments. The hotel is expected to support the region's growing business travel needs while offering facilities for visitors attending meetings, conferences and social events.


IHCL Reports 21% Revenue Growth in Q2 FY2027, Raises Full-Year Guidance

IHCL Reports 21% Revenue Growth in Q2 FY2027, Raises Full-Year Guidance

By Hariharan U

Published on October 23, 2026

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has reported its 18th consecutive record quarter, with consolidated revenue rising 21% year-on-year to ₹2,566 crore in Q2 FY2027. The company has also upgraded its full-year revenue growth guidance to 15–17%, supported by strong hotel performance, higher management fees and portfolio expansion.

For the quarter ended 30 September 2026, IHCL recorded EBITDA of ₹788 crore, with a margin of 30.7%, while profit after tax (PAT) increased 23% to ₹349 crore. Operating revenue grew 22%, while operating EBITDA rose 24%, accompanied by a 50-basis-point expansion in operating EBITDA margin.

The performance reflects growth across IHCL's operating portfolio, supported by higher revenue per available room (RevPAR), new hotel openings and contributions from recent acquisitions.

Domestic Demand and Portfolio Growth Drive Performance

Domestic same-store hotels recorded 25% growth in RevPAR, while management fee income also increased 25%, supported by the momentum of new hotel openings. IHCL's Select Service business reported 25% revenue growth, while recent acquisitions, including Brij and Atmantan, added to the quarter's performance.

Demand from social celebrations and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) also remains an important growth driver for the hospitality sector. With seasonally stronger quarters ahead, IHCL expects continued support from domestic travel demand, events and business generated by newly opened properties.

FY2027 Revenue Guidance Upgraded

Building on its first-half performance, IHCL has raised its consolidated revenue growth guidance for FY2027 from 12–14% to 15–17%. The company expects its hotel segment revenue to grow by 17–19%, supported by demand trends and non-like-for-like growth from new properties and portfolio additions.

The upgraded guidance signals management's confidence in sustaining growth through the remainder of the financial year. It also reflects the contribution expected from hotels added to the portfolio, alongside continued performance from existing properties.

Portfolio Reaches 670 Hotels

IHCL signed 47 hotel deals during the first half of FY2027 across its brand portfolio, taking its overall portfolio to 670 hotels. The company said it is now positioned to achieve its Accelerate 2030 target of a 700-hotel portfolio well ahead of schedule.

The expansion reflects IHCL's strategy of growing through a diversified brandscape and a mix of operating models. New signings and openings can strengthen its geographic reach and management fee income, while the performance of existing hotels remains central to revenue and margin delivery.

IHCL's latest results underline the importance of combining same-store hotel growth with expansion across brands and markets. With its full-year guidance upgraded and the portfolio nearing the 700-hotel milestone, the company is entering the second half of FY2027 with a stronger growth outlook.

Key Q2 FY2027 Highlights

  • Consolidated revenue: ₹2,566 crore, up 21%

  • EBITDA: ₹788 crore, up 21%

  • EBITDA margin: 30.7%

  • Profit after tax: ₹349 crore, up 23%

  • Operating revenue growth: 22%

  • Operating EBITDA growth: 24%

  • Domestic same-store RevPAR growth: 25%

  • First-half signings: 47 hotels

  • Total portfolio: 670 hotels

  • Revised FY2027 consolidated revenue growth guidance: 15–17%

  • FY2027 hotel segment revenue growth guidance: 17–19%

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