Zostel's Newest Address in Poombarai: Where Chill Vibes Meet Hill Vibes

Zostel's Newest Address in Poombarai: Where Chill Vibes Meet Hill Vibes

By Author

Published on September 30, 2023

imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds, surrounded by lush green hills, and sipping on a cup of chai with breathtaking valley views. Welcome to Zostel Poombarai, a paradise nestled amidst the serene hills of Kodaikanal, where calm blends with adventure.

Discover Zostel: Where Wanderlust Finds a Home

Zostel, the world's largest backpacker hostel chain, is more than just a place to stay; it's a community of explorers. With a presence in over 60 destinations across India and Nepal, Zostel has redefined travel. Their range of accommodations, from vibrant backpacker hostels to cultural Zostel Homes and luxurious Zostel Plus properties, caters to every traveller's desire.

Unveiling Zostel Poombarai: Your Escape to Nature

Situated just 20 km from the renowned hill station of Kodaikanal, Zostel Poombarai offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's splendour. This quaint village boasts terraced farms, ancient temples, and quick access to scenic lakes—a hidden gem that beckons you to explore.

The Zostel Vibe: Where Strangers Become Friends

At the heart of every Zostel property are vibrant common rooms where travellers from around the world come together. Here, you can share stories, play games, and plan adventures. Whether you're a solo wanderer, part of a small group, or a couple, Zostel's warm and welcoming atmosphere ensures that you feel at home.

What Makes Zostel Poombarai Special?

Zostel Poombarai offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. From cosy rooms to vibrant dormitories, you can choose your preferred accommodation. The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of the majestic hills, making it the perfect spot to unwind with fellow travellers.

Explore Poombarai: Nature's Playground

Poombarai, with its pleasant year-round weather, offers a plethora of attractions. Explore Mannavanur Lake, known for its pristine waters and rich biodiversity, just a short drive away. Hike to Kookal village, a hidden treasure surrounded by lush greenery and enchanting falls. Capture breathtaking 360-degree views of the village at the Poombarai village viewpoint.

Adventures Await: What Can You Do?

For adventure enthusiasts, Poombarai offers exciting trekking trails like Perumal Peak, Dolphin's Nose Trek, and Vellagavi Forest Trek. If you seek offbeat experiences, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Potter's shed or explore terraced garlic farms. When it comes to dining, savour local chai at charming tea stalls or relish a delightful meal at the village cafes.

In Zostel Poombarai, you'll not only find a place to rest but a world of experiences waiting to be explored. It's where nature's tranquillity harmonises with the spirit of adventure, and where strangers become lifelong friends. It's time to hit the road and discover your own slice of paradise.

Image source- Zostel 


Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Hyatt Hotels in Goa have announced the launch of GOA YOU 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of the destination-led campaign that celebrates Goa beyond its traditional tourism experiences. This year's edition introduces Hyatt Hideaways, a seasonal stay offering designed to encourage travellers to experience the destination at a slower, more personal pace during the summer and monsoon months.

Built around the belief that Goa allows every traveller to discover a different version of themselves, GOA YOU 2026 focuses on meaningful experiences ranging from relaxed mornings and local discoveries to leisurely dining and moments of quiet indulgence. The initiative highlights how every visit to Goa is unique, whether for families, couples, or solo travellers.

The campaign brings together Hyatt's five properties across the state: Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Goa, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, and Hyatt Place Goa. Together, the hotels offer diverse experiences spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary accommodation across North and South Goa.

Introduced as the centrepiece of this year's campaign, Hyatt Hideaways is a curated seasonal package available for stays from 28 April to 30 September 2026, with bookings open until 15 September 2026. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights and is designed to encourage guests to explore Goa beyond the peak holiday season.

The package includes a welcome beer on arrival, daily buffet breakfast, one cocktail or mocktail per guest during dinner or a daily beer bucket, along with an INR 1,000 hotel credit per night. Through these inclusions, Hyatt aims to enhance the guest experience while promoting longer, more immersive stays.

By showcasing Goa's lush monsoon landscapes, local culinary experiences, and slower pace of life, GOA YOU 2026 encourages travellers to rediscover the destination from a fresh perspective. The initiative reinforces Hyatt Hotels' long-standing connection with Goa while positioning the state as a year-round destination for leisure and experiential travel.


Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

Encalm Hospitality Expands Airport Experience with New International Lounge at Hyderabad Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on July 11, 2026

Encalm Hospitality has announced the launch of its new International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, further expanding its airport hospitality portfolio and reinforcing its focus on delivering premium travel experiences.

The new lounge has been designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern international travellers by integrating comfort, wellness, dining, and personalised hospitality within a thoughtfully curated environment. The launch marks another milestone in Encalm's strategy of building a comprehensive airport hospitality ecosystem across India's leading aviation hubs.

Designed as a space for relaxation before departure, the lounge features state-of-the-art sleeping pods, therapeutic spa treatments, private dining facilities for families and guests seeking privacy, and a well-stocked bar. The experience has been curated to transform pre-flight waiting time into a seamless journey of comfort and rejuvenation.

Food remains a central part of the experience, with interactive live culinary stations serving freshly prepared dishes that combine regional Indian flavours with contemporary international cuisine. The curated dining programme is complemented by a refined beverage selection, catering to a wide range of traveller preferences.

Commenting on the launch, Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm, said the new lounge reflects the company's commitment to creating future-ready hospitality experiences driven by innovation, thoughtful design, and operational excellence. He added that Encalm aims to continue setting new benchmarks by delivering intuitive and differentiated experiences for global travellers.

Pooja Bhondekar, Business Head – Airport Hospitality, Encalm, said the expansion reflects the brand's mission of creating memorable experiences across every touchpoint of the passenger journey. She noted that every element of the lounge, from wellness facilities to curated dining and personalised service, has been carefully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and convenience.

With the addition of the Hyderabad International Lounge, Encalm continues to strengthen its integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, which includes premium lounges, meet-and-assist services, wellness offerings, in-flight catering, and curated food and beverage concepts across major Indian airports.


Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

Taj Connemara Hosts Parvathy Thiruvothu for Chennai Debut of Screen Expresso

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2026

Taj Connemara, Chennai recently hosted the 15th edition of Screen Expresso, the popular conversation series by The Indian Express, marking the platform's first-ever event in Chennai. Held on June 30, the evening featured acclaimed actor Parvathy Thiruvothu, who engaged in an open conversation on cinema, gender equality, and staying true to one's values in the film industry.

The event was presented by AU Small Finance Bank, in association with Taj Hotels, with BMW KUN Exclusive as the Mobility Partner.

Known for her acclaimed performances across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Parvathy has built a reputation for choosing meaningful roles while also advocating for gender equality within the film industry. During the session, she shared her thoughts on speaking up, navigating challenges, and remaining committed to authenticity and artistic integrity throughout her career.

The discussion was moderated by Pooja Pillai, Senior Assistant Editor, The Indian Express, and drew a distinguished audience comprising leaders from the business, arts, media, entertainment, and hospitality sectors, making it one of Chennai's notable cultural gatherings.

Commenting on the occasion, Shilpa Rameja, General Manager, Taj Connemara, Chennai, said:

"It was a privilege for Taj Connemara to host the first-ever Chennai edition of Screen Expresso. At Taj, we have always believed that hospitality extends beyond creating memorable stays - it is about creating meaningful experiences and fostering conversations that inspire. Hosting an artist as accomplished and thought-provoking as Parvathy Thiruvothu made for an unforgettable evening. We are delighted to have partnered with The Indian Express to bring this celebrated platform to the city."

Guests were welcomed with an elegant high tea featuring a selection of regional delicacies and contemporary favourites. The menu included artisanal cookies, handcrafted tea cakes, open-faced canapés with roasted chicken and herb-infused mayonnaise, grilled seasonal vegetable sandwiches, cottage cheese and spinach turnovers, and a live station serving ragi paniyaram with gongura and cream cheese, accompanied by speciality teas, freshly brewed coffee, and refreshing beverages.

Following the conversation, attendees enjoyed a specially curated flying buffet featuring a mix of global and Indian flavours. The menu included honey chilli prawns, mutton galouti, Chettinad fried chicken, vegetable sushi, corn and jalapeño arancini, along with live stations serving dim sums, Thai curries, pastas, appams with stew, and dum biryanis. The evening concluded with desserts such as mango rasmalai, gulab jamun, vegan chia seed panna cotta, banana crème brûlée, and artisanal chocolates.

Through its association with Screen Expresso, Taj Connemara reinforced its commitment to creating spaces that celebrate meaningful conversations, creativity, and culture while continuing its legacy of blending hospitality with memorable experiences.

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