Latest news with #LeisureHotelsGroup
Economic Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Now, there's more room to experience India- uniquely
Representative image New Delhi: Homegrown boutique hotels are holding ground and carving out their own unique spaces, undeterred by escalating competition from multinational and leading Indian hospitality chains. These brands are setting ambitious expansion plans, with distinctive properties and a strong focus on personalised guest experiences. They are also exploring public listings, and partnerships with states to capture a bigger slice of this expanding Hotels & Resorts is looking to open nine properties this fiscal year, a record for the 20-year-old boutique brand, said Ashish Vohra, its cofounder and chief executive. It currently runs 28 properties with over 900 rooms. Justa also operates wellbeing brand Bookmark and Nuo that is targeted at young travellers. "Till the pandemic, we were quiet and not large enough. But we pivoted, and got aggressive in expansion," said Vohra, underlining the company's "consistent profitability."Justa sees new properties across Varanasi, Rishikesh, Puducherry, Ayodhya, Indore, Chail, Jawai, Ujjain and Amritsar. Last year, it added architect IM Kadri's 150-year-old ancestral home in Ahmedabad. In the pipeline is an 80-year-old family home close to Assi Ghat in Varanasi that is being converted into a 14-room said the chain recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government, and it is looking at more avenues for expansion. "We work on management and revenue share arrangements and are exploring opportunities with state governments for long-term lease partnerships of 30-40 years," he said. "It's a new dimension. You have to have a larger strategy, and plan resources accordingly." Brij Hotels will be expanding to more than 15 properties by December, with new openings in Bandhavgarh and Dalhousie. Over the next two to three years, the plan is to double the portfolio by entering micromarkets in north, central, and south India, said cofounder Udit Kumar. 'We're not trying to standardise; we're trying to personalise, and we are looking to grow meaningfully while preserving our identity,' he said. Kumar said each Brij property is designed to evoke its surroundings—whether a mud-carved cottages at a former hunting lodge in Rajasthan or a 200-year-old Maratha palace in Varanasi. 'We're also deeply focused on curated local experiences—like aarti, forest walks with naturalists, cooking with local grandmothers, or participating in local traditions that aren't on any travel brochure.' Today's travellers are looking for more than just a place to stay, seeking experiences and stories that resonate long after their visit, said Vibhas Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels Group. While Leisure Hotels Group has tie-ups with chains such as Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) for its owned assets, it is also expanding in the boutique space organically through management contracts in locations such as Ranthambore. 'We are on the cusp of opening a boutique resort in Jaipur and are also actively exploring new opportunities across Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh,' Prasad added. Espire Hospitality, which owns Six Senses Fort Barwara, and runs mid-market resort chain Country Inn Hotels and Resorts, launched its boutique experiential brand Zana Luxury Resorts three years ago. "We have four Zana properties in Udaipur, Ranthambore, Rishikesh and Corbett currently and are planning six more Zana properties by the end of 2026 in locations such as Dubai, Nepal, Udaipur, Varanasi and North Goa,' said Akhil Arora, MD and CEo of the chain. 'We may double the number to 12 also considering the interest for the brand,' he said, adding the focus is on offering a distinct 'European look' and extending 'highly personalised service' to guests. Meanwhile, boutique hospitality chain Larisa Hotels & Resorts is aiming to go public, director Randhir Narayan told ET in May. Its brands include Larisa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection and 8fold by Larisa. The chain also does third-party hotel property management through its AM Hotel Kollection brand. 'The business is profitable, cash flow is there, and every month, we are trying to bring to the market a rebranded or a conversion hotel from our portfolio,' Narayan had said then. 'The plan is to (launch the) IPO and our timeframe is as soon as possible. We are hopeful that sometime this year it should come to fruition.'Competition has been intensifying in the boutique experiential segment after top hotels chains ventured into the space to capture changing consumer preferences since the pandemic. IHCL unveiled the SeleQtions brand, while Radisson rolled out Radisson Individuals, aimed at incorporating smaller independent hotels in its portfolio. ITC Hotels says its Storii brand is a collection of 'handpicked boutique' properties. "IHCL is very active in the boutique segment currently. Boutique brands work in offbeat locations and leisure oriented conventional markets and are characterised by limited inventory and personalised service," said Nandivardhan Jain, founder and chief executive of Noesis Capital March, IHCL said it will launch Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels, across metros and key leisure destinations in the country with the aim to reach over 20 hotels by 2030. The chain said the Claridges Collection portfolio will commence with The Claridges hotel in New Delhi, expanding to the Connemara, Chennai, and the Blue Diamond property in Pune after the latter undergoes a major renovation.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Now, there's more room to experience India- uniquely
New Delhi: Homegrown boutique hotels are holding ground and carving out their own unique spaces, undeterred by escalating competition from multinational and leading Indian hospitality chains. These brands are setting ambitious expansion plans, with distinctive properties and a strong focus on personalised guest experiences. They are also exploring public listings, and partnerships with states to capture a bigger slice of this expanding market. Justa Hotels & Resorts is looking to open nine properties this fiscal year, a record for the 20-year-old boutique brand, said Ashish Vohra, its cofounder and chief executive. It currently runs 28 properties with over 900 rooms. Justa also operates wellbeing brand Bookmark and Nuo that is targeted at young travellers. "Till the pandemic, we were quiet and not large enough. But we pivoted, and got aggressive in expansion," said Vohra, underlining the company's "consistent profitability." Justa sees new properties across Varanasi, Rishikesh, Puducherry, Ayodhya, Indore, Chail, Jawai, Ujjain and Amritsar. Last year, it added architect IM Kadri's 150-year-old ancestral home in Ahmedabad. In the pipeline is an 80-year-old family home close to Assi Ghat in Varanasi that is being converted into a 14-room hotel. Vohra said the chain recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Andhra Pradesh government, and it is looking at more avenues for expansion. "We work on management and revenue share arrangements and are exploring opportunities with state governments for long-term lease partnerships of 30-40 years," he said. "It's a new dimension. You have to have a larger strategy, and plan resources accordingly." Live Events Brij Hotels will be expanding to more than 15 properties by December, with new openings in Bandhavgarh and Dalhousie. Over the next two to three years, the plan is to double the portfolio by entering micromarkets in north, central, and south India, said cofounder Udit Kumar. Local Culture Focus 'We're not trying to standardise; we're trying to personalise, and we are looking to grow meaningfully while preserving our identity,' he said. Kumar said each Brij property is designed to evoke its surroundings—whether a mud-carved cottages at a former hunting lodge in Rajasthan or a 200-year-old Maratha palace in Varanasi. 'We're also deeply focused on curated local experiences—like aarti, forest walks with naturalists, cooking with local grandmothers, or participating in local traditions that aren't on any travel brochure.' Today's travellers are looking for more than just a place to stay, seeking experiences and stories that resonate long after their visit, said Vibhas Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels Group . While Leisure Hotels Group has tie-ups with chains such as Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) for its owned assets, it is also expanding in the boutique space organically through management contracts in locations such as Ranthambore. 'We are on the cusp of opening a boutique resort in Jaipur and are also actively exploring new opportunities across Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh,' Prasad added. Espire Hospitality , which owns Six Senses Fort Barwara, and runs mid-market resort chain Country Inn Hotels and Resorts, launched its boutique experiential brand Zana Luxury Resorts three years ago. "We have four Zana properties in Udaipur, Ranthambore, Rishikesh and Corbett currently and are planning six more Zana properties by the end of 2026 in locations such as Dubai, Nepal, Udaipur, Varanasi and North Goa,' said Akhil Arora, MD and CEo of the chain. 'We may double the number to 12 also considering the interest for the brand,' he said, adding the focus is on offering a distinct 'European look' and extending 'highly personalised service' to guests. Listing Ahead Meanwhile, boutique hospitality chain Larisa Hotels & Resorts is aiming to go public, director Randhir Narayan told ET in May. Its brands include Larisa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection and 8fold by Larisa. The chain also does third-party hotel property management through its AM Hotel Kollection brand. 'The business is profitable, cash flow is there, and every month, we are trying to bring to the market a rebranded or a conversion hotel from our portfolio,' Narayan had said then. 'The plan is to (launch the) IPO and our timeframe is as soon as possible. We are hopeful that sometime this year it should come to fruition.' Competition has been intensifying in the boutique experiential segment after top hotels chains ventured into the space to capture changing consumer preferences since the pandemic. IHCL unveiled the SeleQtions brand, while Radisson rolled out Radisson Individuals, aimed at incorporating smaller independent hotels in its portfolio. ITC Hotels says its Storii brand is a collection of 'handpicked boutique' properties. "IHCL is very active in the boutique segment currently. Boutique brands work in offbeat locations and leisure oriented conventional markets and are characterised by limited inventory and personalised service," said Nandivardhan Jain, founder and chief executive of Noesis Capital Advisors. This March, IHCL said it will launch Claridges Collection, a curated set of boutique luxury hotels, across metros and key leisure destinations in the country with the aim to reach over 20 hotels by 2030. The chain said the Claridges Collection portfolio will commence with The Claridges hotel in New Delhi, expanding to the Connemara, Chennai, and the Blue Diamond property in Pune after the latter undergoes a major renovation.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MP positions itself as hub for wellness & spiritual tourism
Ujjain: Riding on the spiritual appeal of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga—visited daily by nearly 1 lakh devotees, Madhya Pradesh is stepping up efforts to position itself as a hub for wellness and spiritual tourism, with Ujjain as the focal point of investor interest. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now State govt showcased land banks, polices and investment opportunities in the state to investors. Leading stakeholders held one-on-one discussions with chief minister Mohan Yadav, exploring opportunities worth thousands of crores in tourism and wellness infrastructure at the Wellness and Spiritual Conclave held on Thursday. Highlighting growing interest from national hospitality chains, Mukund Prasad, director at Leisure Hotels Group, said the company is actively expanding into Madhya Pradesh after acquiring land parcels in Kanha and Pench. The group is now exploring Ujjain and Omkareshwar for spiritual and wellness tourism projects. "The state policies are highly supportive and officials are responsive to the needs of promoters. The govt is encouraging investors to combine luxury tourism with wellness, and the group is planning to invest around Rs 200 crore, as wellness development heavily depends on quality infrastructure," said Prasad. Spiritual institutions too have shown keen interest in MP's sacred landscape. Swami Chaitanya Hari, founder of Yoga Nisarga and Vedic Yoga School, said his group is exploring tranquil locations along the Narmada Parikrama and Kshipra river regions to establish wellness centres and ashrams. "These areas offer a spiritually rich and naturally serene environment, ideally suited for holistic healing and yoga-based practices," said Hari. Apart from infrastructure, investors also emphasised the importance of rooting wellness in local culture and resources. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shubham Agnihotri, vice chairman of the Taiwan India Ayurveda Association, stressed that Madhya Pradesh's wealth of herbs, tribal wisdom, and nutrition-based biodiversity should be integral to the wellness ecosystem. "Local farmers must be included in the supply chain for sourcing food and herbs, ensuring that wellness tourism is both sustainable and authentic," said Agnihotri. The influx of spiritual tourism has also triggered large-scale interest from the real estate and hotel sector. CREDAI Ujjain president Mahesh Paryani said demand for hospitality infrastructure is growing rapidly. "Around ten major hotel chains have already tied up for projects in the city and are expected to begin operations by the next financial year. These hotels are expected to invest over Rs 3,000 crore," he said.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ujjain spiritual & wellness summit: Panel discusses harnessing wellness for future; highlights Madhya Pradesh's potential as spiritual investment hub
Spiritual & wellness summit The Spiritual & Wellness Summit in Ujjain witnessed a dynamic opening to its series of discussions with a panel that delved deep into the symbiotic relationship between government policy, private investment, and holistic wellness infrastructure. Kicking off the session, Roshan Kumar Singh, Collector of Ujjain, presented a compelling vision for Simhastha 2028, the upcoming Kumbh Mela, not just as a spiritual gathering but a massive opportunity to reposition Madhya Pradesh as a global wellness destination. Singh underlined that the state government is actively working on a multi-pronged development roadmap leading up to the event ranging from river conservation initiatives like the cleaning of the sacred Shipra, to planning large-scale settlements and modern amenities for the expected influx of pilgrims. He noted that the spiritual grandeur of Simhastha could seamlessly align with the growing global interest in wellness, alternative medicine, and yoga tourism. Moderated by Deepshika Sikarwar, deputy editor, The Economic Times, the first panel discussion revolved around the theme 'Ideating the Partnership Model'. The core premise: how the public and private sectors can forge enduring partnerships to nurture and scale India's wellness sector, with Madhya Pradesh as a natural hub. Panelists included Raghwendra Kumar Singh, principal secretary, DIPIP; Mukund Prasad, director of Leisure Hotels Group; Swami Chaittanya Hari, founder of Yoga Nisarga & Vedic Yoga School; Dr. Ramesh Varier, MD of AVN Group; and Dr. Megha KL, Lead, Strategic Projects at Apollo AyurVAID. The discussion struck a strong economic chord, emphasizing the potential of Madhya Pradesh as a magnet for spiritual and wellness tourism. Speakers cited reasons ranging from its serene natural landscapes and rich forest cover to infrastructural strides and its reputation for cleanliness highlighting cities like Indore, which has consistently topped the country's cleanliness charts. Crucially, the panel explored the untapped promise of India's traditional medicine systems Ayurveda, Yoga, and holistic health as a pillar of future wellness models. With the state's deep-rooted spiritual culture and historical ties to wellness practices, panelists agreed that MP stands at the cusp of becoming a wellness powerhouse. As discussions progressed, emphasis was placed on building trust between public and private sectors, introducing policy incentives, and improving quality control across wellness services. Panelists stressed that such collaboration could enhance accessibility to wellness offerings, especially in underserved areas, while simultaneously creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the state. Up next, the summit will feature a second panel that explores how Madhya Pradesh can develop a holistic wellness ecosystem and skilled workforce to power this vision. The day's events will culminate with a special address by chief minister Mohan Yadav, who is expected to share his vision for Ujjain's spiritual and wellness transformation.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Charting a new path to well-being: Ujjain to host spiritual & wellness summit
Charting a New Path to Well-Being: Ujjain to host Spiritual & Wellness Summit The sacred city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is all set to host the Spiritual & Wellness Summit on June 5. This significant event will bring together an esteemed gathering of spiritual leaders, wellness experts, policymakers and pioneers in Ayurveda, yoga, holistic healing, mental wellness and sustainable living. Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav will grace the occasion with his presence, further reinforcing Ujjain's growing stature as a center of spiritual consciousness and holistic well-being. The panel discussions at the event will delve into a range of transformative topics, including the integration of ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices, the role of spirituality in mental health, sustainable living and the impact of holistic approaches on personal and societal well-being. The highlight of the event will be an address by chief minister Mohan Yadav that will delve into Ujjain's timeless spiritual heritage and its rise as a premier hub for yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation. The discussion on 'Ideating The Partnership Model' will feature Raghwendra Kumar Singh principal secretary, DIPIP; Mukund Prasad, director, Leisure Hotels Group; Swami Chaittanya Hari, founder of Yoga Nisarga & Vedic Yoga School; Dr Ramesh Varier, MD, AVN Group and Dr Megha KL, lead, strategic projects Apollo AyurVAID. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The panelists will delve into innovative partnership models and reimagine approaches to wellness that bridge the gap between traditional knowledge systems and contemporary health practices. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary, Govt of MP & managing director MP tourism board; Dheeresh Khare, President, CREDAI Madhya Pradesh; Mona Walia, Vice President, Kairali Ayurvedic Group; Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore; Vijay Thakkar Celebrity Fitness & Wellness Expert and Shubham Agnihotri, Co-founder and Vice Chairman Taiwan India Ayurveda Association will share their views during a session on 'Building Wellness Ecosystem & Workforce'. The discussion will explore strategies to develop a robust infrastructure for holistic health and foster skill development in traditional and modern wellness practices. The event will also feature key addresses by prominent policymakers, highlighting Ujjain's rising prominence as a destination for tourism, spirituality and holistic wellness. As India continues to embrace a more holistic approach to health and wellness, the Spiritual & Wellness Summit in Ujjain will serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and action. It aims to inspire a collective vision for well-being that is deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking paving the way for a healthier, more conscious and sustainable future.
