Category Archives: Hotels

Starhotels announces the debut of Teatro Luxury Apartments Firenze – Starhotels Collezione, a flagship of a wider urban-regeneration initiative that has reimagined the former Teatro Comunale di Firenze. Today, after a thoughtful redevelopment, the building reopens as a contemporary collection of 156 luxury apartment-style residences that blend historical grandeur with modern Italian design. Located on Via Magenta, it sits just steps from the Lungarni – Florence’s scenic riverfront promenades along the Arno – and Santa Maria Novella, and with the city’s main attractions close by. Originally inaugurated in 1862 as the Politeama Fiorentino, the theatre – later relocated in 2014 to a new venue nearby – was a cultural beacon that hosted legends including Maria Callas and Franco Zeffirelli. Now the building, which has just undergone a regeneration project, restores value and beauty to a strategic area that had stood idle for years. Starhotels, born in Florence and recognised for its Made-in-Italy hospitality, has been selected to manage the property, which opened on 1 October, bringing the brand’s signature style and service to a contemporary residential setting. “The Teatro Luxury Apartments bring a new chapter to Florence’s cultural story. By reimagining this historic theatre as a place to live, we invite residents and visitors alike to experience the city’s art, history, and architecture in an entirely new way,” said Elisabetta Fabri, Starhotels’ President and CEO. The regenerated complex now hosts the Teatro Luxury Apartments across three buildings – Verdi, Rossini and Puccini – named in homage to the former theatre’s cultural legacy; at their center, a newly created square open to the community, Piazza Maria Callas, established by the City of Florence, provides an open civic space that reconnects the …

The Boutique Collection (TBC) is delighted to announce its appointment as the exclusive Sales Representative for three iconic Sri Lankan properties: Water Gardens Sigiriya, Glenross Living, and Blue Water Sri Lanka. This strategic partnership marks a significant step in TBC’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and luxury living experiences throughout South Asia. Each of the three properties reflects a unique identity rooted in Sri Lankan heritage, wellness, and design excellence. TBC will lead market outreach, trade partnerships, and sales strategies for all three properties, enhancing visibility among discerning travellers and buyers across India and beyond. Ashwin Joseph, Sales & Marketing Director, Union Resorts & Spas, mentioned, At Union Resorts & Spas, each of our properties embodies a unique philosophy and story. Water Garden Sigiriya is more than a resort – it offers an immersive blend of nature, wildlife & history from a perfectly placed central location in the cultural triangle. Glenross Living reflects our vision of conscious living in harmony with nature, while The Blue Water Hotel & Spa stands as a timeless testament to Geoffrey Bawa’s design and Sri Lankan hospitality. The Boutique Collection by Outbound Marketing as our partner, we are eager to deepen our connection with discerning travellers across India who seek serenity and soulful experiences. Their expertise in luxury travel and strong industry relationships will play a pivotal role in strengthening our presence in this market and in reaching the right audience who truly value meaningful escapes. “We are honoured to represent these three exceptional properties and look forward to crafting innovative campaigns that highlight their unique stories while expanding their presence in the luxury travel market,” said Tonia Sehan, Director of Sales, Hotels Outbound …

CGH Earth sees domestic tourism outpacing international arrivals. The group expects 20% inbound growth this year, driven by the demand from the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and Southeast Asia. “At the same time, short-stay domestic demand from Bangalore, Chennai, and Cochin has surged,” said Michael Dominic, MD, CGH Earth, stressing that the brand’s sustainability practices are value-driven and community-first. “To capture this market, we have intensified social media, PR, print, and influencer-led campaigns to ensure year-round visibility and occupancy.”

At the 69th Annual General Meeting of FHRAI, Surendra Kumar Jaiswal was elected as the new President of the association. Outlining his vision for the tenure, he said, “The GST framework without ITC has created inequities that threaten our competitiveness. By restoring ITC, addressing copyright ambiguities, and granting Infrastructure and Industry status, the government can empower hospitality to support the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Summit Hotels & Resorts, Eastern India’s largest hospitality chain, announced its formal entry into the luxury hotel market with the launch of its flagship brand, The Summit, in Siliguri. Scheduled to open in May 2027, this landmark property signals a bold strategic expansion for the brand, long known for its mountain-based portfolio, into the high-end urban hospitality space. Located in the heart of Siliguri, the critical gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan, Rhe Summit is conceived as Eastern India’s first true urban luxury resort. The 100-room property, with each room featuring a private balcony, will offer an elevated combination of city convenience and resort indulgence. Designed by Vivek Singh Rathore, Partner at Salient and a Forbes India “Bold Club” honoree, the resort will integrate contemporary global design standards with Eastern India’s cultural and natural heritage, making it both an architectural landmark and the brand’s corporate headquarters. Setting a new benchmark for tier-II hospitality, The Summit will position Siliguri as a premier destination for luxury weddings, large-scale corporate events, and high-end leisure travel. The property will feature the largest banquet facilities in Eastern India, capable of hosting up to 2,000 guests and managing 10 simultaneous events. A complete wedding ecosystem, with multiple indoor and outdoor venues, accommodation for large parties, and dedicated planning services will meet the growing demand in the region’s lucrative ₹1 crore-plus wedding market, which draws families from Bihar and Bengal. In the MICE segment, state-of-the-art conference technology will cater to the increasing corporate presence in Siliguri, offering premium meeting and event solutions previously unavailable in the city. The lifestyle offering at The Summit will further differentiate it from existing hospitality options in the region. Guests will enjoy …

Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak is proud to take part in the global celebration of Negroni Week, honoring one of the world’s most iconic cocktails while supporting Slow Food’s mission for a more sustainable future. It will start on 20th September 2025 – 30th September 2025. Guests are invited to enjoy specially crafted Negroni serves in two unique venues within the hotel: • Aero Street Bar – The perfect spot to sip and socialize, available daily from 3 PM to 11 PM. • Kuuki Rooftop Dining – A stylish all-day dining destination where guests can enjoy Negroni creations anytime during operating hours. Negroni Week Menu • Bergamot Negroni – Gin, Campari, Milk Washed Earl Grey Cordial, and a drop of saline solution. • Classic Negroni – Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and syrup. Both cocktails are priced at IDR 130,000. With every sip, guests not only indulge in timeless flavors but also contribute to protecting Slow Food Biodiversity. Whether at the vibrant Aero Street Bar or the chic Kuuki Rooftop, Cross Paasha Bali Seminyak offers the perfect setting to celebrate Negroni Week in style.

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands, has announced a key leadership appointment as the group expands its portfolio across Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. The company has appointed Mr. Prarit Aggarwal as Chief Resorts Officer. With over 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Aggarwal brings deep expertise in resort management, large-scale operations, and people-first leadership. He began his career with ITC Hotels during multiple pre-openings and went on to lead operations at Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., where he managed 18 resorts across Uttarakhand, West Bengal, the North-East, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He later served as CEO of Manu Maharani Resorts & Spa Pvt. Ltd., spearheading their entry into Uttarakhand’s luxury segment. An alumnus of the University of Michigan’s Global Management Program and a Certified Hospitality Administrator, Mr. Aggarwal combines operational mastery with strategic vision. At Summit Hotels & Resorts, his leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in driving portfolio expansion, elevating guest experiences, and reinforcing the brand’s position in both regional and national hospitality. Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO of Summit Hotels & Resorts, said: “This leadership addition comes at a crucial time as Summit accelerates its expansion into new geographies. With Mr. Aggarwal’s proven expertise in resort management, we are confident of strengthening our hospitality ecosystem while staying true to our commitment of creating memorable experiences for every guest.”

The 55ᵗʰ FHRAI Annual Convention has kicked off in Bengaluru with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, projecting India as a $30 trillion economy by 2047. Highlighting hospitality’s rising demand, he noted industry status for 50 iconic destinations and said 18 states had extended this recognition. He stressed investments today will power tourism and hospitality growth tomorrow.

At its roadshow in New Delhi, Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth Experience Hotels, revealed the group’s ambitious expansion beyond South India. Upcoming projects include a wellness retreat in Uttarakhand and tea-estate-based properties in Kalimpong and Kurseong, scheduled to open by early 2026. Additional developments are planned in Bandhavgarh, Spiti Valley, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Goa, and Sakleshpur. By the end of 2025, the brand will add four new units, with three more slated for early 2026. The group’s Saha brand is driving growth by converting heritage villas into unique experiential stays, reinforcing its positioning in sustainable, community-driven hospitality.

The Skål International India National Congress 2025, held recently in Mumbai, brought together more than 200 delegates from across India and abroad. The roadmap for Vision 2025-2030 was also unveiled at the event, outlining strategies to expand Skål’s footprint across India, strengthen member engagement, and deepen global linkages. India’s leadership in the Skål movement was reaffirmed during the congress as the country officially became the largest Skål nation in the world by membership, surpassing the USA. Mukesh Batra, President, Skål International Mumbai South, said, “This congress is not just about numbers; it is about values, vision, and vitality.”