ELIVAAS, the luxury vacation rental brand, has announced the opening of Sirmour Baag, a 16-cottage eco-retreat set amidst the tranquil hills of Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. Spread across one acre, the new property blends sustainable hospitality with immersive nature-based experiences, offering a haven for conscious travellers.

Each of the 16 standalone cottages features wooden interiors, private decks, jacuzzis, skylights, and panoramic views of pine-covered hills. Built with eco-conscious design in mind, the cottages offer both heating and air conditioning, allowing guests to enjoy the retreat year-round.

The retreat is also pet-friendly, with open green spaces that welcome animal companions. Guests can enjoy a variety of experiences including indoor and outdoor games, a clubhouse accommodating up to 60 guests, picnic areas, and nature trails that connect visitors with the local environment.

Dining at Sirmour Baag is focused on traditional Himachali cuisine, served in an open-air setting, adding to the retreat’s commitment to local culture and sustainable living. A chef-on-call, concierge service, and round-the-clock caretaker support ensure a personalised and comfortable stay.

“Sirmour Baag is a reflection of our vision to offer a new kind of luxury travel that combines comfort with authenticity,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS. “We believe that today’s travellers seek more than just a place to stay—they want an immersive experience that connects them to nature, local culture, and sustainable practices.”

The property avoids single-use plastics and instead provides biodegradable amenities such as jute slippers, wooden combs, and refillable toiletries, reinforcing ELIVAAS’ focus on low-impact travel.

With the launch of Sirmour Baag, ELIVAAS continues to expand its footprint in offbeat destinations, promoting community engagement and responsible tourism as core values of its brand.

Raffles Udaipur has unveiled its latest luxury offering, Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur, nestled on the tranquil shores of Udai Sagar Lake. The newly launched property boasts 36 carefully crafted accommodations, including 28 rooms and 8 suites, designed with influences from colonial-era aesthetics and the intricate artistry of Rajasthan.

Framing breathtaking views of the lake through expansive windows, the interiors feature bespoke furnishings, natural textures, and calming tones that together exude an ambiance of refined serenity. The suites, equipped with freestanding bathtubs and thoughtfully chosen palettes, are curated to offer guests a space for quiet reflection and luxurious comfort.

“This launch represents a significant milestone in our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality in Udaipur,” said Ratan Kant Sharma, Owner, Vardha Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. “We continue to set new benchmarks by blending heritage, elegance, and world-class service.”

Richard Schestak, Vice President Operations, Asia Pacific, Raffles & Fairmont, added, “Lakeshore is a proud continuation of the Raffles legacy—an invitation to enjoy world-class hospitality while remaining deeply connected to the cultural fabric of the destination.”

The property offers more than luxurious rooms. Guests can enjoy an infinity pool by the lake, manicured lawns with native flora, and meandering pathways designed to encourage connection with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

“Raffles Lakeshore Udaipur is more than a destination—it’s an evolution,” said Rajesh Namby, General Manager, Raffles Udaipur. “It embodies our dedication to creating extraordinary experiences while embracing the cultural soul of this enchanting city.”

With this addition, Raffles Udaipur continues to elevate luxury hospitality in the region, merging timeless service with the richness of Rajasthan’s heritage.

ITC Hotels Limited (ITCHL) has announced the signing of its latest Welcomhotel property in Bodhgaya, Bihar, in partnership with Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Private Limited. This marks the brand’s strategic foray into another of India’s prominent spiritual destinations, reinforcing its presence in culturally significant locations.

Spanning a generous 18-acre plot, the upcoming Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya will feature 98 well-appointed guest rooms, a 2,000-seat main auditorium, a secondary 500-seat venue, and a banqueting space of 800 sqm, catering to both leisure and large-format event needs. Guests will also enjoy facilities like an all-day dining outlet, a specialty restaurant, swimming pool, and a spa.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels, commented on the development:

"We are proud to announce the signing of ‘Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya’ in Bihar, a milestone that marks ITCHL's commitment to offering our signature hospitality in culturally rich destinations. Situated in the holy town of Bodhgaya, this property shall offer not only comfort but an immersive experience for travellers."

Manish Kumar, Director, Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Private Limited, added:

“We are excited to have entered into agreement for Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya with ITC Hotels Limited. It is a matter of pride for us to develop this new hotel with the vision and support of the Government of Bihar.”

Conveniently located just 10 km from Gaya International Airport, the hotel will be easily accessible from Gaya, as well as nearby cities like Patna, Asansol, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Varanasi. The project is expected to bolster Bodhgaya’s hospitality infrastructure, offering travellers a refined and culturally resonant stay.

This move by ITC Hotels further cements its commitment to promoting responsible tourism and regional development, aligning with Bihar’s growing efforts to enhance its pilgrimage and heritage tourism offerings.