Category Archives: Hotels

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of two landmark luxury resorts under the Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham brand, marking a significant expansion of its premium homegrown brand, Anamore, and further strengthening its collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Registry Collection by Wyndham is a curated portfolio of distinctive, independent luxury hotels and resorts that blend individual character with the global reach, distribution, and commercial expertise of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Through this partnership, Cygnett aims to elevate Anamore’s luxury positioning by integrating contemporary Indian design, immersive experiences, and refined service with Wyndham’s international brand strength. Two New Luxury Resorts in Rajasthan The first development, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Pushkar, will span 18 acres and feature 288 rooms, making it one of Rajasthan’s largest luxury destination wedding and event resorts. The property will offer 20,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, expansive lawns, multiple dining venues, a bar, exclusive wellness zones under Blum Mudra by Ayurvayaas, and extensive recreation facilities. The resort is expected to open in late 2026. The second project, Anamore Registry Collection by Wyndham Kukas Jaipur, will be developed as a 25-acre greenfield luxury resort featuring 150 rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of banquet space, curated dining concepts, wellness facilities, and premium outdoor event areas. Located in one of Jaipur’s most sought-after hospitality corridors, the resort is designed to cater to domestic and international luxury travellers seeking culturally rooted yet modern experiences. Its opening is planned for early 2029. Both properties are being developed by M/S Turban Landmarks LLP and STurban Resorts Private Limited. Leadership Commentary Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said:“The Anamore brand represents Cygnett’s evolution into the …

Delhi will soon allow third-party fire audits and roll out a single-window licensing regime for hotels and restaurants in the NCT. The move aligns with the government’s broader push to streamline processes and enhance ease of doing business for the hospitality sector. The government also plans to route MCD, DDA, and Delhi Government licences for hotels and restaurants through a single-window system.

Speaking about the potential India poses for the luxury safari sector, Kennedy Ayoti, COO, Sopa Lodges, says, “Today, the Indian market stands at number three for us in terms of numbers. This made us realise its potential, so we took the initiative to study the market’s behaviour internally to be operationally prepared. Since our focused entry into India and partnering with Global Destination, we have realised tremendous growth — not less than 30% in barely a year. The cake is so big for everyone, and we want the lion’s share of it.”

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts announces key additions to its senior leadership team as the fast-growing hospitality chain prepares for its next phase of expansion across India. As India’s mid-market and upscale hospitality segment becomes increasingly competitive, hotel companies are strengthening functional leadership to drive performance and operational consistency. Cygnett Hotels & Resorts’ latest appointments reflect this shift, with the company bringing in three seasoned professionals across culinary, learning and development, and technology. For the trade, the move signals Cygnett’s intention to reinforce its talent pool as the brand accelerates its national footprint. Chef Rahul Rana becomes Director–Culinary Cygnett Hotels & Resorts appoints Chef Rahul Rana as Director–Culinary, expanding its senior leadership bench with an experienced global hospitality professional. With 22 years of international experience, Chef Rana holds an advanced diploma in hospitality, tourism and culinary studies from Switzerland. His career spans leading hotel chains including Accor, Marriott, Hyatt, InterContinental and Sarova Hotels across the United Kingdom, Caribbean, Maldives, Indonesia, Kenya and India. Known for his expertise in modern culinary techniques and large-scale buffet presentations, he has also launched several standalone speciality restaurants, including Thai Chi (modern Pan-Asian), Peruvian concepts and Kenyan cuisine formats. Sanjit Kumar Thakur takes on the role of Corporate Learning and Development Manager Cygnett names Sanjit Kumar Thakur as Corporate Learning and Development Manager. Thakur brings nearly 15 years of experience, combining operational knowledge with strategic capability in people development. An alumnus of IHM Kolkata with an MBA in human resources management, he has worked with leading hospitality brands including Taj, Oberoi, Radisson, Sarovar and Accor. He currently oversees the L&D function at Cygnett, strengthening training systems and talent development frameworks. Ravvinder Bhola joins as General Manager …

Clarks Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its newest property, Clarks Collection Jagatpura, in partnership with Virat Group. Located within the upcoming Virat NRI Avenue  a grade A commercial complex, the 100-key hotel is positioned to cater to upper segment travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and value. The development will also includes offices, kiosks, anchor showrooms, studio apartments, a shopping complex, and a range of additional facilities. The hotel itself will feature a multi-cuisine restaurant, well-appointed banquet spaces, and services aimed at both business travellers and the growing MICE market. This expansion reflects the brand’s strategy to meet rising demand for affordable yet upscale accommodations in emerging urban hubs. Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Vivek Chaturvedi, Director, Virat Group, said, “Jaipur is not only a historic destination but also a rapidly evolving capital city, with new industries and startups driving growth. With this property, we aim to offer moderately priced stays at a strategic location, ensuring strong value for our guests.” The addition of Clarks Collection Jagatpura marks an important milestone in the group’s broader mission to strengthen its footprint across India’s leisure, heritage, and business-driven markets.

The Hotel and Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (HOTREMAI) has unanimously elected Anil Malhotra as President for the 2025–27 term, marking his third time at the helm. A veteran in the hospitality equipment industry, Malhotra brings over 40 years of experience, backed by international training in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, and a long-standing association with the Taj Group. An Economics (Hons.) graduate from Hindu College and a qualified Hotel Kaufmann from Austria, he has led the HSMC Group for more than three decades, working closely with leading global hotel brands. Under his past leadership, HOTREMAI strengthened its domestic and international presence. Malhotra affirmed that future growth will rely on collective effort and the expertise of the newly elected Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (2025–27) includes: Ajay Khanna (Eagle Forgings), Sarina Marwah (Linen Talk), Anil Malhotra (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Company), JK Khurana (Venus Industries), Nirmal Khandelwal, (FCML Distributors), Arvind Khanna (Interiors Inc.), Bimal Khurana (Veer Hotelware), Jatin Kumar (Hotels Equipment Merchants), GS Kalra (Chair Craft India), Ramandeep Singh (Neena Crockeries), Rahul Gutt (Radha Krishna & Sons), Deeksha Batra (Radiant Designer Steels), Vikram Khurana (Kaapi Solutions India OPC), Vineet Juneja (Metal Craft), Angad Chachra  (The Bar Consultants). The EC comprises 15 members, including the President, who may also co-opt two additional office bearers. The Committee will also elect out-station Vice Presidents to address HOTREMAI’s pan-India initiatives, ensuring wider representation and deeper industry outreach.    

The Hotel and Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (HOTREMAI) has unanimously elected Anil Malhotra as President for the 2025–27 term. This marks his third tenure leading the association. Malhotra, a senior figure in the hospitality equipment sector, brings more than four decades of experience, including international training in Austria, Switzerland and Germany, as well as a long association with the Taj Group. An Economics (Hons.) graduate from Hindu College and a qualified Hotel Kaufmann from Austria, he has led the HSMC Group for over thirty years, working with several global hotel brands.  

THE Park Hotels group will start the construction of its new luxury property in Kolkata next year, with commissioning targeted for March 2029. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation recently approved the project, which will span 7,00,000 sq. ft. and feature both hotel and residential components.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts stands united with its communities during this period of adversity and remains committed to supporting recovery efforts while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its guests and employees. Adverse weather linked to Cyclone Ditwah temporarily affected operations at several of its properties. The hotel group has issued a statement that says, ‘At a time when many of the communities continue to feel the impact of the floods, our thoughts are with everyone affected. Throughout this period, our priority has remained the safety and wellbeing of our teams, our communities, and the guests in our care. All guest safety protocols were upheld, in house guests remained safe, and timely updates were shared with our travel partners and stakeholders to ensure clarity and continuity. Thanks to the swift response and dedication of our teams, we are pleased to confirm that all affected resorts Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Habarana Village by Cinnamon, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Kandy Myst by Cinnamon, and Trinco Blu by Cinnamon have now resumed welcoming guests.’ Hishan Singhawansa- CEO -Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, says, “Despite the temporary disruptions caused by Cyclone Ditwah, I am immensely proud of how swiftly and safely our teams restored full operations. Our focus now is twofold, continuing to support the communities around us as they rebuild, and ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of every guest who places their trust in us. The warmth and resilience of Sri Lanka’s hospitality remain unchanged, and all our properties are fully operational and ready to warmly welcome Indian travellers this holiday season.” As of 1st December 2025, all Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts properties are fully operational. Resorts’ operations are functioning as normal. Importantly, business continues uninterrupted across its …

Wynn Resorts announced continued progress on Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first integrated resort to open in the United Arab Emirates. The 305-meter tower is nearing its full height, with topping-out expected in late November 2025, ahead of the planned spring 2027 opening. The tower has now reached the 70th floor, and work on the roof deck is underway. Progress on the tower’s exterior is advancing at pace, with 19,206 of the 26,247 façade panels installed, representing 73% completion. Across the resort’s low-rise structures, the combined concrete and steel works are now 97% complete. Exterior façades, interior fit-out, and the installation of elevators and escalators are all progressing steadily. Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,530 rooms, suites, townhouses, and Marina Estates. Structural work is now complete for 1,526 of the 1,530 accommodations, representing 99.7% progress. Interior fit-out is also well advanced, with work underway in 1,504 rooms- approximately 98% of the total- as mechanical, electrical, and finishing activities continue across the property. Most recently, Wynn Al Marjan Island announced the introduction of Coral Court, the resort’s Events & Celebrations Center. Created for weddings, galas, and international gatherings, the 7,700-square-meter venue features a column-free Grand Ballroom, six versatile meeting rooms, private salons for bride and groom, prayer rooms, and an event lawn overlooking the Arabian ocean. Designed with a sense of quiet elegance, the space pairs natural light with a sun-washed palette to frame each celebration beautifully — ensuring the occasion, not the architecture, remains the centerpiece. In addition, Wynn Al Marjan Island also recently unveiled the first details of its dining and events portfolio. Among 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars planned for the resort are an elegant French-American steakhouse by …