NEWS | Wat-a-Burger to touch 100 outlets by the end of current fiscal

Currently, the company is registering 50,000 orders every month and expects to recover 100 percent and see additional sales to touch a mark of one lakh orders per month by next year.

With 63 outlets currently, homegrown burger company Wat-a-Burger plans to touch a mark of 100 outlets by the end of the fiscal. The company’s target is to tighten the grip in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Currently, the company is registering 50,000 orders every month and expect to recover 100 percent and see additional sales to touch a mark of one lakh orders per month by next year.

“Currently, the primary challenge is the broken supply chain as most of the manufacturing units were disturbed during the lockdown. Hence, the turnaround time got pushed by a week for the orders at the manufacturing units. We are trying to streamline the same,” Farman Beig, Co-founder & CEO, Wat-a-Burger said.

Beig informed that after the second wave, the company is still signing at least two franchisees monthly. “Pre covid we were serving 80,000 orders on an average, per month. Currently, we have recovered to 50,000 orders per month. We are recovering,” he added.

Commenting on how prepared Wat-a-Burger is for the anticipatory third wave, Beig said “We have been following all the safety measures within the outlets. We had issued SOPs after the first wave itself, which we are still following anticipating the third wave. However, we all will have to move in accordance with the government guidelines. If there appears a scope of maneuvering through the difficult situation, we will close the dine-in option first. Nevertheless, the majority of the business is still being catered through online delivery options, we will focus on that only in case the situation becomes difficult. The idea is to mitigate any chances of infection spread.”

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Marriott International | JW Marriott Charlotte Debuts in North Carolina

Charlotte’s Newest Hotel is Set to Redefine Luxury Hospitality with Stunning Design, Exceptional Service and a Holistic Approach to Well-being

JW Marriott, part of Marriott International, makes its debut today in North Carolina with the opening of JW Marriott Charlotte, located in the bustling Southern city’s dynamic Uptown neighborhood. The 381-room luxury hotel, including 34 custom suites, offers discerning guests an urban retreat with inspired surroundings in which to relax and be present.

“With the opening of JW Marriott Charlotte, we will make sure every detail is taken care of, so our guests can focus on themselves during their stay,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “With thoughtful details throughout the property, holistic programming, and an array of wellness offerings, guests will be encouraged to experience every moment to the fullest.”

Inspired Culinary Creations
JW Marriott Charlotte embraces the brand’s focus on authentic dining experiences that are gratifying and refined with three new concepts for guests and locals alike:

• Dean’s Italian Steakhouse – A classic American steakhouse with Italian expression set in a modern, rustic open space. Dean’s features a show kitchen where guests can watch American Wagyu beef and other prime cuts - as well as authentic homemade pasta dishes - being prepared.

• Caroline’s Oyster Bar – A fanciful take on coastal seafood celebrating the neighborhood charm and fresh flavors of the North Carolina coast. The scene is set by a 360-degree centerpiece bar and an 8-seat Carolina-style raw oyster bar.

• Aura Rooftop – Hidden atop the fifth floor, this lush botanical paradise includes a bar and pool serving up magnetic vibes and a regal tone. When night falls, the building’s mirror-like exterior reflects the city back onto itself, creating a powerful aura, softened by lush greenery, similar to English gardens and conservatories. The menu features botanical craft cocktails, boutique wines, and small bites.

“We couldn’t be more proud to introduce the JW Marriott brand to the Carolinas,” said David Malmberg, General Manager, JW Marriott Charlotte. “With its seamless integration into the bustling Uptown neighborhood, modern design, well-being amenities, and inspired culinary concepts, JW Marriott Charlotte brings excellence and legacy to life to another new city.”

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New Opening of 2021 | #10 Zulal Wellness Resort, opening in second half of the year 2021

A 90-minute drive north of Doha is the soon-to-open Zulal Wellness Resort, perched on its own private stretch of Arabian coastline over the Gulf. An entirely new concept by Thailand-born wellness brand Chiva-Som, it’s self-described as a pioneering destination in the Middle East, promising an immersive health and lifestyle reset in the surroundings of one of the largest wellness resorts in the region.

New Opening of 2021 | #9 Raffles Al Areen Palace, opening in second half of the year 2021

The debut Raffles hotel in Bahrain is a monumental transformation of the current Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor into Raffles Al Areen Palace. A collection of 78 pool villas set the five-star standard for guests checking in. Providing a holistic sanctuary for guests, it will also boast one of the largest spa and wellness centers in the region.

New Opening | Amintiri opens its first flagship cake store in Bangalore

Amintiri, an online cake store, the first of its kind in India has now opened its first flagship store in Bengaluru’s Museum Street. Priyanka Bhojwani, the co-founder of Amintiri spoke to ET Hospitality World about the journey from the online to the live store..

Amintiri was the first online, social cake store in India. They started operations 2 years ago as an online platform that delivered cakes in Bangalore and cake loaves to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Pune. This venture is the brainchild of Suraj Madhnani, a passionate foodie who decided to put his passion for food and entrepreneurial zeal combined with his love for feeding people into an online cake business, and Priyanka Bhojwani who began her tryst with business at 19 with Flaunt, a clothing line.

Speaking about the small beginnings they had, Priyanka Bhojwani says, “Suraj wanted to enter the restaurant space with specialty cakes, and we thought it was better to test the waters with an exclusive online store that caters to the Bangalore market. We decided not to tie up with any of the online delivery stores because we wanted our products to be delivered in a particular style. We would like to call ourselves an affordable luxury cake store because as decadent as our cakes are, they are easy on your pockets.”

This is a crowded market segment with many home bakers and bakeries offering cakes, but our cakes are professionally crafted, made with premium ingredients and packaged extremely well so we stood a better chance amidst the crowd. Also, since food needs to appeal to the senses of sight, feel and taste, initially we sent out samplers to many people to give them a glimpse of our cakes. With time this along with great word of mouth reviews, our business steadily grew,” reminisces Bhojwani.

“After two years of being an exclusive online store, we finally decided to be a little more daring and went for our first anchor store in Bangalore. This gave us a chance to display our offerings as smaller pastries that were single servings, along with this the freshly brewed coffees, cold chocolate, freshly made pasta etc. have gotten a tremendous response, our regular online shoppers are happy to see the brand presence in a store format. Our price points are what gets people’s attention to begin with, we offer cakes beginning from just INR 860. Our motto is, if there is a cause for celebration we are there and if there isn’t we can speak one,” adds Bhojwani.

New Opening | New Holiday Inn opens in Candolim, Goa

IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announced the grand opening of Holiday Inn Goa Candolim. Located in one of the most buzzing streets of North Goa, the hotel is just a few meters away from the pristine beaches, forts and other tourist attractions, creating a perfect setting for leisure and business stays.

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim features 106 spacious, stylish, modern rooms, all with an attached balcony, overlooking the scenic green landscapes of Sinquerim. The fully air-conditioned rooms are soundproof to allow for a great night’s sleep and are fitted with a smart TV plus tea and coffee facilities. All rooms include a dedicated work area with a desk and multiple device connection options is perfect for those who want to get some work done in their room. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and features an array of food offerings around the clock to ensure that all guests feel welcomed at any time of day or night.

The culinary experts at the hotel have put together a special menu at the Viva lounge & Bar, the all-day dining restaurant and the mixologist at the Atrium bar has created a range of handcrafted cocktails. The guests can also indulge with their favourite drink at the Shell Pool Bar while taking a dip in the swimming pool. The concierge team at the hotel curates customised experiences for guests to explore the tiny emerald state. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness centre and a business workspace.

The hotel is an ideal place for intimate weddings, social gatherings and conferences. Coral, the pillar less banquet hall at Holiday Inn Goa Candolim spans over 2,000 sq ft and 12.8ft clear ceiling height which can be converted into two separate venues. The outdoor lawn venue alongside the pool offers a perfect setting for exquisite events in the heart of the bustling Candolim.

Globally synonymous with offering guests an ideal setting to enable connections, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim features spaces to connect and unwind with friends and family. Its popular Kids Stay & Eat Free program welcomes families and ensures that our little guests are always well looked after.

Mr. Surajit Chatterjee, General Manager, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim said: “We are delighted to bring Holiday Inn to North Goa. Every aspect of the hotel from room decor, services and facilities to restaurant and bar offerings is strategically designed to provide guests with the unmatched comfort and hospitality that comes with staying at Holiday Inn. When visiting any IHG hotel, guests can be reassured that cleanliness is top of mind throughout each step of their stay. I am looking forward to present a world class experience for our guests.”

IHG Rewards members will receive exclusive member rates, earn points for future stays and save more when they book direct at ihg.com.

Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and IHG Way of Clean

As part of the IHG family, Holiday Inn Goa Candolim will comply with IHG’s Way of Clean industry-leading standards, including the new IHG Clean Promise. IHG’s global Clean Promise was announced in May as part of an overhaul of IHG Way of Clean to introduce heightened cleanliness standards to protect guests in the wake of COVID. Using new, science-led protocols and service measures, partnering with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, these strengthened measures will give guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed.

New Opening | Minor Hotels Announces Upcoming Debut in Bahrain

Minor Hotels is pleased to announce its strategic entrance into Bahrain with the upcoming debut of its Avani and Tivoli brands.

Scheduled to open in 2024, Avani Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort and Tivoli Bilaj Al Jazayer Bahrain Resort will be part of Bilaj Al Jazayer, a new waterfront leisure mixed-use masterplan owned by Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.

Bilaj Al Jazayer is located on the south-west coast of Bahrain and encompasses 1.3 million square metres of land with a three-kilometre beachfront. The new development will offer resorts, residential villas and apartments, food and beverage outlets, retail, offices and entertainment.

The new Tivoli and Avani hotels, each with 110 keys, will be located along the main boulevard of Bilaj Al Jazayer on the waterfront and will offer a selection of guest rooms and suites, multiple food and beverage outlets, swimming pools, leisure facilities including gyms, spa and wellness, plus meeting space. In addition, the hotels will share a beach club within the Bilaj Al Jazayer development.

Minor Hotels currently has 29 hotels and resorts in operation and in the pipeline in the Middle East region across its Anantara, Avani, Tivoli and Oaks brands, with the pipeline including the upcoming launch of two new brands to the region – NH Collection and NH Hotels.

New Opening of 2021 | #8 Nobu Hotel in Riyadh , Opening in second half of the year 2021

First announced in 2012, the hotly anticipated opening of Nobu Hotel in Riyadh has been pushed back several times, but is now set for this year. The luxury lifestyle hotel, the brainchild of actor Robert De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, is a modern, design-led property within 23 story, glass-panelled skyscraper touted as the first five-star luxury boutique hotel in the kingdom. Inside, Nobu Hotel Riyadh will feature 119 stylish guestrooms and suites, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, executive club lounge. The Kingdom’s very first Nobu restaurant is already welcoming guests.

New Opening | SETTE MARA - A MIDDLE EASTERN LOUNGE, BAR and KITCHEN OPENS AT THE ST. REGIS MUMBAI

Sette Mara, the newest addition to the vibrant F&B offerings at The St. Regis Mumbai is a Lounge, Bar and Kitchen, at Level 9M.

Sette Mara takes inspiration from the rich coastline, linking the vibrant culture of Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, Persia and Georgia.  Helmed by the charming Chef Reuben, the menu is curated with deep nuances of aromatic spices and wholesome ingredients originating from The Levant.  Chef Reuben, extremely passionate and creative about his craft, has shaped the experience, preserving and celebrating the tradition of the community and family sharing style of the middle eastern countries.   

The menu with ‘The Cold Kitchen’ and ‘The Hot Kitchen’, opens with appetizers of freshly tossed salads and tempting Mezzes that are crafted with a blend of contemporary and traditional recipes.  Cold and Hot Mezzes like Hummus Beiruti, Talatouri, Muhammarah, Garlic Labneh, Kataifi Prawns and Lamb and Bell Pepper Souvlaki begin your journey at Sette Mara.  ‘The Large Plates’ with dishes like Israeli Cous Cous Risotto, Eggplant & Sweet Potato Moussaka, Salt Baked Whole Seabass, Braised Chicken Maqlouba and Dijaj Bil Sanieh are brought fragrant and steaming hot to the table.  The Mangal Grill, a traditional middle Eastern charcoal grill, holds pride of place in the menu with a unique style of ‘grilling to perfection’ mastered by Chef Reuben and his team.  The soft and fluffy Georgian bread under the ‘The Khachapuri Bar’ is aromatic and served freshly baked from the ‘Tone’, a traditional stone oven. The menu closes with luscious desserts and house made ice-creams selections.

The energetic Bar and Lounge at Sette Mara features a collection of handcrafted cocktails and Negronis, freshly concocted by our interactive and spirited bartenders.  The Negroni, with equal parts Campari, Gin, and Sweet Vermouth are barrel aged and served from a barrel making the drink, bitter, sweet, dry and refreshing all at once.  The selection of a variety of cocktails like Oak Barrel Aged Negroni, The Luxury Boulevardier, Sette Mara Aromatic Spritz, Turkish Old Fashioned and Crystal Truffle Negroni can be relished at Sette Mara.

Sette Mara is an exhilarating, vibrant and energetic space set against the backdrop of deep, marine blues.   From azure to Prussian blue, Chef Reuben’s menu comes alive under the magnificent navigational constellation compass suspended above the dining area.  The Lounge and Bar are reminiscent of the exciting middle Eastern ports with burnished rusts, burgundies and cinnamon tones reflective of the precious cargo of spices, wines and perfume.  The intricate mural behind the long bar and the iconic motifs harken on the stories of dancing against flickering candlelight unbelievable adventure in exotic locales.  Welcome to Sette Mara.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication with a modern sensibility, St. Regis is committed to delivering exceptional experiences at nearly 40 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Since the opening of the first St. Regis hotel in New York City over a century ago by John Jacob Astor IV, the brand has remained 

New Opening | Anantara Announces Upcoming Launch of New Resort on Dubai’s World Islands

We are pleased to announce an exciting addition to the brand’s portfolio in Dubai with the upcoming launch of Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort in Q4 of 2021. The new resort will be the first hotel in the South American continent of the World Islands development.

The island will be completely dedicated to the resort, with guests able to access by boat in just 15 minutes from the jetty at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. The property will feature 70 keys comprised of villas and suites. Villas will have a private pool, an outdoor dining area and direct access to the beach, making the perfect retreat for families and couples.

The new resort will offer multiple dining options, in addition to a stylish bar lounge with magnificent panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, including the famous landmarks Burj Khalifa and Burj al Arab. In-room spa treatments, a gym and a kid’s club will also be part of the new resort's amenities.

New Opening | Rakabi The Fern opens in Igatpuri

Rakabi The Fern opens in Igatpuri

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has opened Rakabi The Fern, Igatpuri in Nashik District in Maharashtra. This is the 18th hotel which the company is managing in the state. This takes the tally to 81 operational properties in India, Nepal and Seychelles.

Suhail Kannampilly, the CEO of the company said, “The Fern brand is extremely popular in the state. We have as many as 18 hotels in the state. Within the next few weeks we are going to open another two hotels in Maharashtra. All our hotels are environment-friendly and follow all health and safety protocols for our associates and our guests.”

Rakabi The Fern, Igatpuri is an upscale 76 room hotel, offering four different categories of rooms-Winter Green, Fern Club, Fern Club Premium and Hazel Suite.  The rooms are fitted with all modern amenities.  All the rooms have digital in-room safe, weighing scale, bedroom slippers, pillow menu, eco-friendly room lighting, eco-friendly  bathroom amenities and rain showers.

The hotel boasts of a finely designed multi cuisine restaurant, an authentic Indian vegetarian restaurant, bar, swimming pool and state of art banquet halls. The hotel is situated on National Highway 3 with easy access to public transport and  major sightseeing attractions. The hotel offers spacious banquet and meeting rooms, business centre facilities, and huge lawns for open air banqueting. The hotel also has a swimming pool, spa, gym, activities centre and children’s play area. 

DINING: The hotel provides ample dining and entertaining options to its guests.

 Mélange, a multi cuisine restaurant offers a wide range of Indian, Asian and international spreads and non-alcoholic beverages.

Spice Della, the Indian vegetarian restaurant, gives the best experience of a wide range of exotic flavors and ingredients.

Cake Boy, a bakery serving light snacks, freshly baked goods along with hot & cold beverages.

Ecstasy Bar, a contemporary bar offering a mix of appetizers and cocktails from a wide range of outstanding liquors and spirits. It is the perfect place to come and unwind after a busy day.

Location: The hotel is 120 km from Mumbai Airport, 3 km from Igatpuri Railway Station, and 48 km from Nashik city. 

Address:

G.N.431 433, NH-3

Talegaon TQ, Igatpuri 422 403

Nashik, Maharashtra, India

T: +91 97678 99526

E: fom.tf.igatpuri@fernhotels.com

New Opening of 2021 | #7 Habitas AlUla , opening in second half of the year 2021

Millennial-focused Habitas, which began life as a brand that brought a like-minded community of travellers together around immersive events, will open a 100-room, luxury eco-resort in the desert canyons of Ashar Valley this October. Self-described as a brand that prioritizes “human connection and experiences over the traditional luxury experience of five-star hotels”.

New Opening of 2021 | #6 Waldorf Astoria Kuwait, opening in second half of the year 2021

Kuwait’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, The Avenues, will welcome the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Kuwait later this year. Slated for an autumn debut, guests will be able to enjoy direct access to Avenues Mall, with more than 1,100 shops plus a 28-screen cinema. The portfolio of 200 rooms and suites will offer panoramic views of the Kuwait skyline, and guests will also be serviced by the 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa and signature lobby lounge, Peacock Alley.

New Opening of 2021 | #5 Jumeirah Muscat Bay opening in second half of the year 2021

The first Jumeirah hotel in Oman will open in Muscat late in 2021. In addition to 206 suites and rooms, the hotel includes a Talise spa along with top bars and restaurants for dining experiences and sunset drinks. The hotel’s rooftop signature restaurant and lounge also offers views over the Oman Gulf and Al Hajar Mountains.

New Opening | Sarovar Hotels signs new hotel in Tadoba, Maharashtra

The 35-room property is scheduled to open near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve some time in 2023.

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts’ announced the signing of a new property in Tadoba, Maharashtra. A place well-known for its wildlife sanctuary and enthralling tiger sightings. The property is being built by Avani Resorts LLP, according to Rajesh Ranjan, Vice- President, Development, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts who was present at the signing along with K. Rama Reddy of the owning company.

Sarovar Hotels & Resorts currently operates 96 hotels in India and abroad. Sarovar Portico is nestled close to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. An ideal getaway to explore wildlife and nature. Upon completion in 2023, the hotel will offer 35 well-appointed rooms offering a natural ambiance alongside modern comforts. The hotel will have an exciting all-day diner and an inviting swimming pool.

Tadoba wildlife sanctuary enjoys the beauty of dense forests, Tadoba Lake, large grasslands, and a sprawling valley. It’s also home to the highest number of tigers in central India-the major attraction for tourists.

Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are extremely delighted to expand our portfolio in the destination which is known for its rich wildlife history, culture and untamed beauty. We’re confident that on opening, Sarovar Portico will offer a unique experience to guests visiting Tadoba and will become a preferred hotel of choice for travelers visiting from different parts of India”.

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New Opening of 2021 | #4, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island opening in second half of the year 2021

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is set to welcome its first guests in September 2021. Joining an existing collection of hotels on Al Marjan Island that includes DoubleTree by Hilton and Rixos Bab Al Bahr, the hotel is set in landscaped gardens with its own beach. It will add 418 hotel keys to RAK, all with direct sea views, with guests able to choose from large-sized family rooms, suites or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens.

New Opening of 2021 | #3 The Dubai Edition, opening in second half of the year 2021

Launching by the end of 2021, the Dubai EDITION will be the UAE’s second EDITION property, following on from the successful arrival of the Abu Dhabi EDITION in the capital’s Al Bateen Marina at the end of 2018. In Dubai, the luxury lifestyle hotel will be located opposite The Dubai Mall. The hotel will feature 275 guestrooms and suites and will cater to the leisure traveller with a number of restaurants and bars, a pool, spa and fitness centre. With business travellers in mind, the hotel will also feature events spaces including meeting rooms and a flexible ballroom.

Marriott International | St. Regis Hotels and Resorts Makes Glamorous Debut in China’s Coastal City of Qingdao

The St. Regis Qingdao Introduces Iconic Butler Service, Celebrated Rituals, and Exquisite Dining to the Region’s Modern Luminaries

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott International's portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced the debut of The St. Regis Qingdao. The highly anticipated opening marks the first Marriott International luxury brand hotel in the northeastern Shandong region. Strategically located in the landmark Haitian Center in the heart of historic Qingdao, the hotel is set to delight the city’s luminaries and tastemakers with its elegant design, refined craftsmanship and time-honored signature rituals.

"We are very excited to expand our luxury footprint to one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the region with the debut of the iconic St. Regis brand, bringing bespoke experiences curated for the most discerning travelers," said Henry Lee, President, Greater China, Marriott International. "The opening of The St. Regis Qingdao ushers in a new benchmark of luxury hospitality in this dynamic city and underscores our commitment to continuously grow in Eastern China."

Occupying the 58th to 78th floors of the 369-meter-tall Haitian Center, The St. Regis Qingdao is the tallest hotel in the region, enthralling guests with panoramic vistas of the Yellow Sea and picturesque coastal scenes. Within an hour’s drive from Qingdao Liuting International Airport, the hotel is adjacent to scenic Fushan Bay, the venue for the sailing competitions during the Beijing Olympics, and with views of iconic local landmarks such as Badaguan Cultural Architecture Centre and Qingdao International Sailing Centre.

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage, the renowned Singapore-based interior design firm, LTW Designworks, subtly infused local Qingdao influences with St. Regis’ avant-garde aesthetic. This includes a crystal chandelier inspired by a legendary dress of golden thorns that Caroline Astor, mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV and doyenne of New York high society in the Gilded Age, wore to one of her famed Midnight Suppers. A brilliantly lit grand staircase offers the perfect venue for the celebrated St. Regis tradition of sabering a bottle of champagne to mark the transition from day to night. The backdrop of the grand staircase is a 74-meter-high atrium art wall that reflects the delicate traces left on the beach by the ebb and flow of the Yellow Sea.

New Opening of 2021 | #2 Raffles Resort The Palm, opening in second half of the year 2021

Raffles bringing a second luxury resort to Dubai later this year, rebranding the former Emerald Palace Kempinski into an ultra-luxury Raffles resort. There will be eight restaurants and bars, while those familiar with the Raffles brand will welcome the arrival of the brand’s signature Raffles Patisserie, Writer’s Lounge and butler service. There will be 389 keys, with guest rooms starting from 65 square metres and each coming with a balcony or terrace with sea views.

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New Opening | Raffles Udaipur set to bring Raffles’ legendary hospitality experience to the romantic city of Udaipur

Raffles Udaipur set to bring Raffles’ legendary hospitality experience to the romantic city of Udaipur

August 2021 – Raffles Udaipur, India’s first Raffles hotel, opens on August 2, 2021 offering a fresh perspective on the city of Udaipur and the region of Rajasthan from a 21-acre private island set in the middle of the serene Udai Sagar lake.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the expansive property is reminiscent of a magnificent country estate, with beautifully manicured, ornamental gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding hills, a tranquil lake and a 400-year-old temple. Arrival is via a scenic 20-minute drive from the airport, followed by a calming boat ride tailed by migratory birds, as a natural spectacle unfolds before the eyes of visiting guests.

The hotel itself is an architectural marvel of 101 luxurious rooms, suites and signature suites that elegantly interweaves western cultural references with Rajasthan’s royal heritage and elements of Mughal architecture. Guestrooms have uninterrupted lake views, private gardens, balconies, plunge pools and an east-west design aesthetic with murals, handcrafted furniture and other crafts by local artisans.

Under culinary director Prasad Metrani, Raffles Udaipur is a culinary aficionado’s paradise with fresh, new flavours to relish every day. At Sawai Kitchen, the Indian speciality restaurant, guests can expect to be graciously served the lost recipes from the region’s royal households, reinvented for modern tastes. Harvest, set to open in October, offers an interactive farm-to-table dining experience with produce foraged from the estate farm, spotlighting the region’s food traditions; while culinary enthusiasts can enjoy a co-cooking experience at Rasoi, the cookery school. The Raffles Patisserie offers freshly baked bread, classic French desserts, signature Raffles pastries and more. Mindfully crafted alfresco dining experiences, framed by the picturesque hills that surround the lake, draw inspiration from the five elements: earth, fire, water, air and space. 

For a sophisticated and discreet experience, guests can linger over intimate conversations or take a book to read at The Writers Bar while indulging in bespoke artisanal and classic cocktails and a champagne & caviar menu. In contrast, the iconic Long Bar, a hallmark of the Raffles brand designed with European wood and leather, with engravings by local artisans, is a perfect place to socialise. It offers fine Indian spirits, single malts, local brews from across Rajasthan and the signature Udaipur Sling – the Singapore classic remade with fresh produce from the island and homemade syrups. 

The Raffles Spa, a space full of natural light with an embroidered canopy to encourage a sense of nurturing, offers a private escape, with authentic treatments and personalised programmes that prioritise both emotional and physical well-being. The fitness centre is well-equipped for an invigorating work-out and the swimming pool invites guests to take a languorous dip while enjoying a beautiful sunset. 

Raffles Udaipur, as with every Raffles hotel around the world, reflects the cultural and natural heritage and mood of its location and offers unforgettable experiences, from a celestial cruise under the moon, to guided farm tours, astronomy, yoga and meditation. Raffles’ legendary service is delivered by private butlers and thoughtfully tailored to individual travellers’ needs.

“Whether you are looking for a rare place of extraordinary discovery or a romantic getaway with captivating sunsets, Raffles Udaipur is the ideal choice,” said Abhishek Sharma, General Manager. “With breath-taking views of the lake from every room, the chance for long, leisurely, romantic walks around our magnificent gardens, and experiences like star gazing and full moon rituals, we are a sanctuary for travellers on a quest for peace and rejuvenation.”  

Guests can also choose this island location as a memorable setting for special events and celebrations. The Grand Ballroom of 9,000 sq ft, including pre-function area, multiple outdoor gathering areas and an on-site temple, is set to make landmark moments simply unforgettable. 

Speaking about the opening, Puneet Dhawan, ‎Senior Vice President of Operations - India & South Asia, Accor, said, “India is a strategic market with long-term growth potential for Accor and it’s an exciting time for us as we present the iconic Raffles brand to the ‘Venice of the East’. The rich cultural heritage, the regal past, and the grand architecture that gives the city its splendour all contribute to the Raffles Udaipur experience. Discerning travellers will now be able to experience the bespoke and immersive hospitality that is quintessentially Raffles. We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests and allowing them to discover what we have created, a confluence of Raffles’ global ethos and local Indian sensitivities.” 

Guests can plan their first stay at Raffles Udaipur with an exclusive Royal Escape featuring Raffles high tea, morning yoga with the in-house master and sunset cocktail hour. Visitors are encouraged to breathe in the enchanting views of the Udai Sagar Lake and discover the lush green landscapes with the in-house naturalist during their stay. Enjoy culinary sensations at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The experience comes with the opportunity to upgrade to the next category of room subject to availability, with a relaxed late check-out time of 16:00 hours. The inaugural package ‘A Royal Escape’ is attractively priced at INR 45,000 plus taxes per night and is valid only for stays between August 2 and September 30, 2021. 

This  opening offer can be booked by emailing udaipur@raffles.com, calling +91 294 2779000, or alternately b