Long regarded as one of Luang Prabang's most distinctive hilltop retreats, the resort joins The Luxury Collection with its original architecture, tropical landscape and hilltop pool preserved, while its interiors, culinary identity and guest rituals have been reimagined to reflect the brand's global standards.

"Opening our 800th property in the APEC region is a proud moment that reflects the trust our owners and guests continue to place in Marriott International," said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "Laos represents an exciting new chapter for us, and the opening of La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang underscores Marriott's commitment to thoughtfully expanding our presence in places that are rich in culture and character. Through its storied heritage and deep connection to Luang Prabang, La Résidence Phou Vao embodies The Luxury Collection's promise to invite guests into the authentic spirit of the destination."

"La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, embodies the very essence of The Luxury Collection," said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. "This is a storied hotel with an unmistakable sense of place that serves as a gateway to the soul of its destination. From its preserved hilltop setting heritage and craftmanship, to experiences rooted in Lao culture and craft, the resort invites global explorers to discover Luang Prabang in a way that is both deeply authentic and entirely its own."

A hilltop setting

Set on Phou Vao, the resort is the only hillside retreat within the UNESCO World Heritage zone. It looks out over the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si on Mount Phou Si and the golden spire of Wat That Luang. The old town is two kilometres away, with the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and the Mount Phou Si sunset viewpoint close by.

Suites

The 36 suites combine comfort with local craftsmanship, with rosewood accents and handwoven textiles; select suites have separate living spaces and private terraces. Bathrooms feature terrazzo bathtubs, twin vanities and rain showers. Categories are Garden Heritage, Mountain View and Phou Si Temple Suites.

Dining

La Brasserie de la Résidence serves a contemporary French menu of classic bistro fare built on seasonal produce, garden herbs and regional ingredients, with a Lao sensibility that favours ingredients for their restorative virtues as well as their flavour. Guests can dine in the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the stupa and mountains. The adjoining bar serves signature cocktails made with premium local spirits.

The Be Epicurean programme adds daily pre-sunset terrace nibbles and a private Epicurean Journey dinner in the garden of Villa des Arts, a preserved colonial residence five minutes from the resort. A Lao tasting menu traces the flavours of Luang Prabang, and every Saturday and Sunday morning a local artisan prepares Nem Kao, the steamed rice crêpe known across the Mekong valley as Banh Cuon, on the Brasserie terrace.

Wellness

The award-winning Mekong Spa, set in an open-air Garden Pavilion, draws on Lao healing traditions. Its five signature treatments include a living pharmacopoeia ritual with Hmong indigo compresses and the Sip Sen Lao massage, alongside a sauna, relaxation lounge and pool. The resort also has a 13-metre cliff-edge freshwater infinity pool, a fitness centre and a dawn gong meditation ritual.

Experiences

Curated experiences include sunset cruises at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan, boat trips to the Pak Ou Caves and their thousands of Buddha images, visits to the Kuang Si Waterfalls and elephant encounters at Manifa Sanctuary. At the resort, guests can take part in the traditional Baci blessing ceremony.

La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang is now welcoming guests.

Images: courtesy of Marriott International

Key highlights

• 27 consecutive profitable quarters, with record Q2 revenue of ₹1,272 million, up 17% year-on-year

• Biggest quarterly expansion: seven resorts opened in Q2, taking the portfolio to 83 resorts and more than 4,000 keys

• H1 performance: revenue up 19% to ₹2,971 million, EBITDA up 15% to ₹910 million and PBT up 22% to ₹623 million

• Operating metrics: H1 occupancy up 500 bps to 68% and ARR up 11% to ₹7,222

• Balance sheet: debt-free, with cash reserves of ₹3,805 million

Record expansion past 4,000 keys

Sterling opened seven resorts in Q2 FY27, its highest-ever quarterly expansion, taking its portfolio to 83 resorts and past 4,000 keys. Six further resort sign-ups during the quarter strengthened the pipeline.

The managed-resort business is emerging as a significant growth driver. Q2 revenue from managed resorts grew 67% year-on-year to ₹379 million, contributing 23% of enterprise revenue. With 42 managed resorts, Sterling is scaling its asset-right model across India.

Strong first half

In H1 FY27, revenue from operations grew 19% year-on-year to ₹2,971 million, EBITDA rose 15% to ₹910 million and profit before tax increased 22% to ₹623 million. Higher room demand and improved pricing lifted occupancy by 500 bps to 68%, while ARR rose 11% to ₹7,222. The company continued to focus on revenue productivity and maximising revenue beyond rooms.

Debt-free balance sheet

Sterling ended Q2 FY27 with cash reserves of ₹3,805 million, up 12% sequentially, and zero debt. Operating free cash flow for H1 grew 16% to ₹593 million, giving the company flexibility to invest in resort upgrades, technology, guest experience and expansion while maintaining capital discipline.

Guest experience and recognition

Sterling's TripAdvisor rating improved to 4.63 from 4.60 a year ago, with 31 resorts ranked No. 1 in their respective areas. The company was named "Fastest Growing Leisure Hotel Chain" at the Today's Traveller Awards 2026 for the third consecutive time, while its distribution platform, Sterling ONE, won "Smart Tech Enabled Platform of the Year 2026 – B2B" at the Indian Travel & Technology Summit & Awards 2026.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, SHRL, said: "Our 27th consecutive profitable quarter reflects the resilience of Sterling's business model and our ability to sustain growth through different demand cycles. Delivering record Q2 revenue in a seasonally weaker leisure quarter is significant alongside as our increasingly diversified operating model gains scale and momentum.

"Our record pace of openings, crossing 4,000 keys, and a strong, debt-free balance sheet give us the confidence to accelerate our growth while remaining disciplined about returns. We remain focused on building a larger, sustainably profitable and capital-efficient hospitality enterprise while consistently enhancing guest experience and creating long-term stakeholder value.

"With the seasonally stronger second half ahead, we remain optimistic about sustaining our growth momentum, improving revenue productivity across our portfolio and delivering greater value from our expanding hospitality network."

Sterling operates 83 resorts, hotels and retreats across more than 67 destinations in India, serving leisure travellers, MICE, destination weddings, reunions and group travel. It is a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited and part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

Images: courtesy of Sterling Holiday Resorts

The event drew participants from 32 countries, with approximately 60% arriving from overseas, reinforcing its position as one of the region's leading international sporting events and its growing appeal among competitive athletes and active-lifestyle travellers.

A race through the destination

Participants swam in Lagoi Bay, cycled through the resort precinct and completed their run along the waterfront. Alongside the Olympic, Sprint, Relay and Duathlon categories, the programme featured Youth, Kids, Splash & Dash and Family Duo races, opening the event to participants of all ages and making it a family-friendly travel experience as well as a competitive one.

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, said: "Signature sporting events are integral to our long-term vision for destination growth. Twenty-one editions on, the Bintan Triathlon has evolved into one of the region's most anticipated sporting events, consistently attracting international participants, encouraging repeat visits and showcasing Bintan as a world-class sports and leisure destination."

Two decades of sports tourism

First held in 2005, the Bintan Triathlon has grown into one of Bintan's flagship annual events and a key driver of sports tourism for the island.

Bintan Resorts is an integrated tourism destination on Bintan Island in Indonesia's Riau Islands, with 23 resorts along the northern coastline and four golf courses. It is a 60-minute catamaran ferry ride from Singapore, and a new 1-hour 30-minute direct ferry links Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan Resorts. Direct flights also operate from Jakarta to Tanjung Pinang and Batam Island.

Images: courtesy of Bintan Resorts

Founded by Raj Mehta, Little Italy has grown into a brand with more than 50 outlets across 18 cities and four countries. Amrut Mehta, Managing Director of the Little Italy Group and Concept Lead for Little Italy Reserve and Lily, is now carrying his father's vision forward with a contemporary expression of the brand, built around what it calls The Mediterranean Way of Life.

From Italian familiarity to Mediterranean discovery

The culinary direction is led by Alessandro Comis, Executive Chef for Little Italy Reserve, who hails from Sicily. Italian technique stays at the centre, with pizza, handmade pasta, risotto, breads, cheese, tomatoes and olive oil remaining foundational, while the menu travels across the Mediterranean, with influences from Greece, Spain, France, Turkey and the Levant. The philosophy centres on "an elevated experience with the flavours you remember".

Long-standing favourites such as Nachos, Pasta del Barone, Pasta Barbaresca, Lasagne, Sicilia and Chocolate Bomb remain on the menu. New additions include the Mezze Tower, Hummus Deconstructed, Crispy Fried Gnocchi, Moderna Caprese, Truffle Tagliatelle, 100-Layer Batata Harra and Mushroom Shawarma, reinforcing the brand's vegetarian identity.

A dedicated Steamed Pasta section serves cappelletti, tortellini, ravioli and manti as starters in smaller portions, almost like dim sum, with creations such as Black Truffle Raviolo and Ricotta & Lemon Tortellini. Desserts include Olive Oil Citrus Cake, Tiramisu Italiano, Baklava and freshly made gelato.

Lily: a new cocktail chapter

Lily marks Little Italy's move into cocktail culture and after-dark hospitality. Its drinks programme follows the mood of the evening: bright, aperitivo-led pours at Golden Hour, produce-led cocktails in At the Table, and richer, deeper flavours in After Dark. Signatures include The Sinatra, Cedar and Smoke, Signora Limone, Caprese Martini and Garden of Byblos. Bar bites reimagine familiar classics, from French onion soup as a tart to Pan con Tomate on crisp puff pastry and a Croque Monsieur Toastie. By around 10:30 pm, Lily After Dark takes over the space, retaining food, seating and conversation rather than adopting a conventional nightclub format.

One destination, different chapters of the day

Tutto Bene offers brewed coffee, fresh bakes, breakfast favourites, cakes, pastries, house-made gelato and café classics. The Piazza, an alfresco space centred around a striking fountain, hosts leisurely lunches, sundowners and intimate dinners, with live music ranging from jazz to saxophone and violin on select days of the week.

Raj Mehta, Founder, Little Italy Group, said: "Little Italy has always been a family restaurant at heart, becoming part of birthdays, celebrations, first dates and everyday memories for generations. Reserve is about carrying that connection forward while creating an experience that reflects how people eat, meet and spend time together today. The Italian roots remain, but the table now travels further along the Mediterranean coast."

Amrut Mehta said: "Reserve represents our evolution from a traditional restaurant proposition into a more integrated hospitality experience. By bringing dining, cocktails and café culture together, we are creating a format that responds to changing consumer lifestyles while building on Little Italy's established strengths. Pune is the starting point for this next phase of growth."

A blueprint for expansion

The Shivajinagar flagship is intended to serve as the blueprint for future Reserve locations, with the group aiming to take the concept to five to eight more cities by 2030. Hyderabad and Jaipur are among the next planned markets.

Images: courtesy of Little Italy Reserve

A star-studded digital line-up

Across film and OTT, the campaign features Shruti Haasan, Rana Daggubati, Sreeleela, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, Rohit Saraf, Malavika Mohanan and Shriya Pilgaonkar. They are joined by television personalities Ankita Lokhande, Vicky Jain, Divyanka Tripathi and Mahima Makwana, as well as filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and actor-comedian Aparshakti Khurana. Faces from southern cinema, including Daggubati, Sreeleela, Haasan and Mohanan, lend the festive content a regional flavour.

Beyond celebrity endorsements, the brand has worked with digital entertainers Purav Jha and Aaditya Kulshreshth (Kullu) and content creator Rida Tharana, and has experimented with AI-led storytelling through a collaboration with AI creator Sardar Jappu Singh. The celebrity and creator-led videos are running across Instagram and YouTube.

Festive cheer meets quick commerce

Haldiram's has partnered with Blinkit around the line "Arrey, Diwali pe meetha kaun ginta hai? Diwali hai, Haldiram's toh banta hai!" and has launched a dedicated "Haldiram's House of Sweets" storefront on the platform. With Zepto, the brand is running "Iss Baar Mithai Kam Nahi Padne Denge", offering complimentary mithai and gifts with every Zepto order from 6 to 8 November 2026.

Print and outdoor across key markets

Outdoor placements cover high-footfall sites across western and southern India and select locations in Delhi, while print ads have appeared in titles including Bombay Times, Bangalore Times, Hyderabad Times, Chennai Times, Pune Times, Nashik Times, Maharashtra Times, Navbharat Times, Vijay Karnataka, Bangalore Mirror, Sakal, Eenadu and Dainik Bhaskar.

Divya Batra, Vice President – Marketing, Haldiram's, said: "Haldiram's has always been an integral part of Diwali celebrations in Indian households. This year, we wanted to take that association to an entirely new level, both in terms of scale and how we connect with our consumers. Our approach has been digital-first, but more importantly, audience-first. We recognise that India doesn't consume content in one language, through one format or from one kind of personality. So, whether it's Bollywood celebrities, regional cinema stars, television favourites, comedians, digital creators or even an AI creator, we wanted to be present wherever our consumers are, with the people they love watching and the content they genuinely engage with."

She added: "We have made a conscious effort to strengthen our regional connect across India, while also experimenting with newer formats and creator-led storytelling. At the same time, our partnerships with Blinkit and Zepto bring together brand engagement and shopping convenience, making Haldiram's even more accessible during the festive season. For us, the idea is simple: Diwali is incomplete without those little moments of indulgence, sharing and togetherness. And when it's Diwali, Haldiram's toh banta hai! After all, Haldiram's Se Bani Khaas Diwali."

Images: courtesy of Haldiram's

Occupancy stood at 60%, with 84,067 room nights sold over the six months. The period includes the monsoon, usually a difficult season for leisure hotels in the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. The company credits sharper pricing, revenue management and tighter cost control.

"Achieving 162% growth in net operating profit against 14% revenue growth, particularly during a period that includes the monsoon off-season, reflects better revenue management, operating efficiencies and the commitment of our teams." – Sumit Mitruka, Founder & CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts

Expansion and culture

Summit expects a stronger second half (October 2026 to March 2027), supported by peak season and newly opened hotels. It is growing through three collections: Signature, for premium destination stays; Off Beat, for lesser-explored leisure destinations; and Mandir, for spiritual and pilgrimage travel. Upcoming properties include Varanasi, Salasar and Rishikesh, along with new developments in the Eastern Himalayas.

The company is also rolling out The Summit Way, an internal culture programme built on its purpose of "Making Every Journey Better". It covers genuine care, fair pricing, employee wellbeing and service consistency across the portfolio.

"While profitability remains essential to building a sustainable business, our larger purpose is to make every traveller's journey better." – Sumit Mitruka

Images: courtesy of Summit Hotels & Resorts

Rooms and facilities

The 218 rooms and suites span six categories, including Garden View, Pool View and Pool Access, and range from 24 to 48 sq m. All have floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies and workspaces, and there are flexible configurations for families and groups. The hotel has two swimming pools with a water slide, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Dining

Breakfast is a buffet at the all-day dining restaurant. Breeze Café & Bistro serves Thai and international dishes for lunch and dinner, with evening entertainment. Style Bar serves sunset cocktails, and S Bar offers light bites and drinks by the pool.

"The debut of Fairfield by Marriott in Thailand is an exciting milestone as we continue to bring the brand to more destinations across Asia Pacific." – Cristiano Rinaldi, Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International

"Our aim is to provide a warm, uncomplicated stay where travelers can feel comfortable, maintain their routines and explore everything Ao Nang and Krabi have to offer." – Kritchanut Phramthong, Multi-Property General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Krabi Ao Nang Beach

Fairfield is Marriott International's largest brand, with more than 1,395 properties in 20 countries and territories.

Images: courtesy of Marriott International

The estate

Manjunath and Chaithra of Studio White scape designed the estate in a minimalist Scandinavian style. It sits within an established plantation of Arabica coffee and black pepper under Silver Oak and jackfruit trees in the Western Ghats. The Phase 1 civil works are complete: internal roads, boundary fencing, 24-hour security, water distribution, underground utilities and solar grid integration. On-site facilities include an open-air pool, indoor and outdoor games areas and a restaurant.

"As India's HNIs grow increasingly drawn to nature-connected, experience-led assets, the future of land ownership lies in structured ecosystems that combine hospitality-grade service, transparent management, and genuine long-term value." – Ashwin Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, Vibez Estates

Development of Phase 2 begins on 1 December. Founded in Bengaluru in 2009, Vibez Estates says it has delivered 25 managed estates covering more than 1,100 acres, with over 1,100 owners across Karnataka.

Images: courtesy of Vibez Estates

Jagatpura is an emerging residential and commercial area of the city. The hotel will serve business, leisure and social travellers, with 90 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and a gym. Cozzet is Cygnett's premium economy and micro-hospitality brand, built around the line "Smart, Safe & Sensible". It has a pipeline of approximately 600 keys across Noida, Ayodhya, Amritsar, Jaipur and Arunachal Pradesh, among other destinations.

"Within the city, emerging locations such as Jagatpura offer opportunities for well-positioned branded hotels as residential and commercial development expands. The signing of Cozzet Grand Jagatpura aligns with our strategy of strengthening our presence in high-potential urban markets through efficient, value-driven hospitality offerings." – Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

Images: courtesy of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

• Bar/Pub with Live Gigs of the Year – West: Radio Bar Khar

• Restaurant Icon of the Year – West: Hitesh Keswani, Managing Director & CEO, Aspect Hospitality

• QSR Chain of the Year: Nom Nom Express, led by Sandeep Singh, CEO, Aspect QSR

Aspect Hospitality's portfolio includes Akina, Opa Kipos, Radio Bar, Nom Nom, Nom Nom Express and Brunch & Cake. Aspect QSR runs Nom Nom Express, Indie Rasoi and 1762 Sandwiches & Rolls.

"I am honoured to receive the Restaurant Icon of the Year – West award from The Economic Times. This recognition belongs equally to the incredible team at Aspect Hospitality and our guests, whose trust inspires us to create memorable experiences every day." – Hitesh Keswani, Managing Director & CEO, Aspect Hospitality

"Winning the QSR Chain of the Year award at the ET Hospitality World Restaurants & Nightlife Awards 2026 is a proud moment for the entire Nom Nom Express team. This recognition reflects our continued focus on delivering quality Asian cuisine through a consistent, customer-centric and innovation-led QSR model. It is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the trust our customers place in us. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to strengthening our operations, enhancing the customer experience and building a brand that responds to evolving consumer preferences." – Sandeep Singh, CEO, Aspect QSR

Images: courtesy of Aspect Hospitality / Madison PR

Chins Bar, Coffee & Kitchen, Lavelle Road

An evolution of Chinlung, the 400-seat venue spreads over three floors: a coffee bar on the ground floor, dining on the first and a bar on the third. The menu ranges from sushi, dim sum and bao to Indian grills, coastal dishes, pizzas and pastas. Highlights include Ponzu Butter Dimsum, Mushroom Katsu Bao, Bengali Five Spice Chicken, Ghee Roast and Coastal Prawn Curry. A Victoria Arduino Eagle One NEO anchors the coffee programme, which runs from flat whites by day to Espresso Martinis by night. There is also Baileys Soft Serve in Berry Frost and Coffee Hazelnut flavours, and Finding Chins, a trail of hidden mascot graphics around the space.

Timings: 11am to 1am | Price for two: INR 2,500 plus taxes | Reservations: 063603 82176

Bountyful, Indiranagar

The 40-seat vegetarian restaurant draws on 18 to 20 regional cuisines, many of them overlooked in mainstream dining. Dishes include Hari Moong Dal, Bihari Sattu, Malai Gatta, Bhapa Paneer, Khatte Nadru, Himalayan Thukpa and Tomato Tulsi Rasa. Zero-proof drinks use kokum, jeera, coriander-chilli and shilajit, with sweeter Paan, Rose and Thandai options. Desserts include Kesar Bhapa Doi, Rose Milk Cake and Gud Til Chocolate Mousse.

Timings: 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm | Price for two: INR 2,000 plus taxes | Reservations: 90356 55007

Koko Samba, Brookefield

This restaurant and bar covers 42,000 sq ft and seats 750, and it combines food, cocktails, music, drums and performance in a fire-lit setting. AR Abhigyan Neogi designed the interiors, drawing on tribal environments, tropical landscapes and indigenous craft. They use stone, bamboo, cane, thatch and wood, with rock formations, water features and tropical planting. The food is designed for sharing. Koko Samba sits in the city's IT corridor, a short walk from Kundalahalli Metro.

Location: Brookefield Main Road | Price for two: INR 2,500 | Reservations: 094896 06060

Images: courtesy of Chins Bar, Coffee & Kitchen, Bountyful and Koko Samba / Pitch Perfect Media

What changes

Registry Collection currently has more than 30 hotels across nine countries, including the Bristol Panama, Hodges Bay Resort & Spa in Antigua and the Balfour Miami Beach. Many of the incoming Elegant member hotels are small luxury boutiques of between 20 and 50 rooms. They will plug into Registry Collection's sales, marketing and distribution channels and into Wyndham Rewards, which has approximately 129 million enrolled members, while remaining members of Elegant Hotels of the World. Owners keep full control of their ownership, operations and brand identity.

The first hotels

• Rosselli AX Privilege, Valletta, Malta: a restored 17th-century palazzo, and Malta's only hotel with three MICHELIN distinctions under one roof: a Key for the hotel, a Star for Under Grain and a Bib Gourmand for Grain Street.

• The TownHouse Mykonos, Greece: an adults-only boutique hotel in an 18th-century manor house above Mykonos Harbour, which kept its MICHELIN Key in the 2026 selection.

• Galgorm Resort, near Belfast, Northern Ireland: an AA Five-Star resort on 550 acres along the River Maine, known for its Thermal Spa Village and championship golf.

• TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao, Thailand: an adults-only retreat above Phang Nga Bay with private plunge pools and a beachfront setting.

• Cinco Quintas Hotel Boutique, Cartagena, Colombia: a restored colonial house in the walled city, newly awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2026.

• Roe Valley Resort, near Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland: a four-star country retreat on 155 acres with its own 18-hole golf course.

Beyond Registry Collection

A separate, flexible model launching later this year gives hotels in HotelREZ's Best Loved Hotels collection selective access to Wyndham's technology stack, including Wyndham Connect and Wyndham AI Concierge (formerly Wyndham Connect PLUS), and to its third-party distribution platform.

"Whether it's a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, a destination wedding, or a milestone celebration, members want their points to take them to places that feel as special as the moments they're celebrating. By partnering with HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts, we're expanding those offerings, opening the doors to a broader array of exceptional luxury hotels and resorts in highly coveted destinations around the world." – Scott Strickland, Chief Commercial Officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

"At its heart, our partnership with Wyndham is about unlocking commercial opportunities for our member hotels. For more than two decades, we've worked hard to earn the trust of independent hoteliers around the world and today, we're building on those relationships by partnering with one of the world's largest, most trusted hotel ecosystems." – Mark Lewis, Group CEO, HotelREZ Hotels & Resorts

Images: courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Druma, Jayanagar

The pure-vegetarian fine-dining restaurant at the Cosmopolitan Club has an extensive festive spread. The Indian section runs from Dal Makhani, Kadhai Paneer and Dahi Bhindi to Alleppey Mango Curry, Paneer Chettinad and Gongura Paneer Koora. From the tandoor and South Indian kitchen come Tandoori Soya Chaap, Bharwan Mushroom, Malai Broccoli, Achari Paneer, Ghee Roast Mushroom and Andhra-Style Chilli Paneer. Beyond Indian food there are soups, salads and chaats, including Manchow Soup, Watermelon Feta Salad, Dhokla Chaat and Samosa Mille-Feuille Chaat. The chef's special is Parota Quesadillas, and there is an assortment of sliders. Desserts include Rose Milk Tres Leches, Berry Cheesecake, Tiramisu and Lotus Biscoff Ice Cream Cake.

Venue: Druma, Cosmopolitan Club, Jayanagar 4th Block
Timings: 12:30pm to 12am
Price for two: INR 2,200 plus taxes
Reservations: 080 4166 3007
Instagram: @druma_india

Goonj – Indian Food House, Indiranagar

The highlights at Goonj are Murgh Gilafee Kebab, Dal Bukhara, Murgh Mussallam and Angoori Rasmalai. To drink, there are signature cocktails including Gulal and Jugalbandhi.

Venue: 100 Feet Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar
Timings: 11:30am to 12:30am
Price for two: INR 2,000 onwards
Reservations: 6364832585

Bountyful, Indiranagar

Bountyful focuses on India's lesser-known regional vegetarian cuisines, and its menu balances sour, sweet and spice. Starters are Lucknowi Dahi Kabab, Tawa Mushroom Galouti and Tandoori Soya Seekh Kebab, followed by Tomato Tulsi Rasa. Mains include Nawaratn Korma, Awadhi Paneer Kali Mirch, Ma Ke Haath Ka Chole Bhature, and Kala Chana Dum Tehri with Imli Chilli Jam and Achari Raita. Lal Mirch Laccha Paratha comes with Double Tadka Dal. Sweets are Khoya Jalebi and Kaju Katli Chocolate Barfi, and Pineapple Jaljeera, Paan Sharbat and Kokum Konkan act as palate cleansers.

When: Sunday 8 November 2026
Timings: 12pm to 4pm and 7pm to 11pm
Average price for two: INR 2,000 plus taxes
Reservations: 90356 55007

Images: courtesy of Druma, Goonj and Bountyful / Pitch Perfect Media

The space

The restaurant covers about 1,000 sq ft. It is a small, intimate room with soft lighting and music. The brand picked Golf Course Road for its mix of offices and homes: Sector 54 already has a cluster of cafés and restaurants, and its office blocks and residential towers bring in both walk-in diners and nearby households.

On the menu

The signature Butter Chicken, named among Zomato's Top 10 in Gurgaon in 2025, leads the menu. Alongside it are Dal Makhani, slow-cooked and served in a clay handi, Paneer Lababdar, high-protein non-fried Paneer Cigar Rolls and Chicken Tikka. For dessert there is Phirni and the signature Gulab Jamun Nut, a gulab jamun shaped like a doughnut.

The chef

Owner and head chef Vatsala Khanna was an academician before she turned to food, training on national and international culinary programmes. She runs the kitchen day to day and develops the dishes and recipes herself.

"Our guests have trusted us with their meals at home, and this space lets us welcome them to our table for the first time. Every dish we serve carries a story written in spice, from our Butter Chicken to our slow-cooked Dal Makhani, and Golf Course Road, with its energy and love for good food, felt like the perfect place to share it." – Chef Vatsala Khanna

The catering arm serves private and corporate events, with grazing tables, charcuterie and cheese boards, Mediterranean mezze, Mexican spreads, executive lunch combinations and customised Jain, vegan and vegetarian menus. The brand has also received Times Group recognition for its delivery service and eco-conscious packaging.

Details

Location: Golf Course Road, Sector 54, Gurugram, Haryana
Format: Dine-in, cloud kitchen and catering
Cuisine: Mughlai and North Indian
Timings: 11:30am to midnight
Average cost for two: Rs 1,200
Contact: +91 9555318159

Images: courtesy of The Masala Story / Wishbox Studio

Design and rooms

The resort follows Shura Island's Coral Bloom master plan by Foster + Partners. Its signature canopies, made using recycled fishing nets and inspired by reef forms, give shade across the outdoor spaces. Muza Lab designed the 430 rooms, suites and villas, all with balconies or terraces overlooking the sea, lagoon or gardens. Select accommodations have private pools.

Dining

Two of the nine venues are open: Embers, for live-fire cooking, and Drift Pool Bar. Seven more will follow: The Amalfi Club, Café Maude French bistro, Havana Social, Charcoal Tandoor Fire Grill, El Ta'koy Hawaiian street food by Chef Luis Pous, Akira Back Korean BBQ from Michelin-starred chef Akira Back, and 2am: dessert bar by pastry chef Janice Wong.

Wellness and events

There are five pools, the 750 sq m Ethereal Spa featuring VOYA with 12 treatment rooms, and a 500 sq m fitness centre. Event spaces include five meeting rooms, a Junior Ballroom and the Grand Ballroom, the largest on Shura Island.

"The opening of Grand Hyatt The Red Sea is a significant milestone for Hyatt in the Kingdom and comes just months after Miraval The Red Sea welcomed guests earlier this year." – Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt

"Shura Island is unlike anywhere else, and we've designed every part of the experience, from our rooms and pools to our nine dining venues, to reflect the vibrancy and beauty of this incredible destination." – Jean-Francois Durand, General Manager, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea

To mark the opening, World of Hyatt members booking the "New Hotel Member Bonus Offer" rate earn 2X points on the room rate and eligible incidentals.

Images: courtesy of Hyatt

On the menu

Starters include Chakunder Akhrot Ki Seekh, Peshawari Paneer Tikka and Murgh Gilafee Kebab. For mains there is Paneer Pasanda, Dal Bukhara, Gosht Korma and Murgh Mussallam. Desserts give familiar mithai a contemporary twist: Angoori Rasmalai, Zafrani Phirni and Gulab Aur Kala Jamun.

To drink

The signature cocktails are Gulal, Saffron, Nazakat and Jugalbandhi, and festive mocktails are built on pomegranate, rose, saffron, jasmine and seasonal ingredients.

Details

Venue: Goonj – Indian Food House, 100 Feet Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
Timings: 11:30am to 12:30am
Price for two: INR 2,000 onwards
Reservations: 6364832585
Instagram: @goonjindianfoodhouse

Images: courtesy of Goonj – Indian Food House / Pitch Perfect Media

The resort

The resort will sit on 17.5 acres. It will have premium rooms, villas, and one-, two- and three-bedroom units, as well as banquet venues, an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant and bar, and large outdoor spaces. It is aimed at leisure travellers, families and longer stays, as well as weddings, social celebrations and corporate events.

Promoters Rakesh Yadav and Veena Yadav have business interests in real estate and healthcare, and this is their company's first move into hospitality. Nathdwara, in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, is best known for the Shrinathji Temple and sits close to Udaipur, the Aravallis and southern Rajasthan's heritage circuit.

"Nathdwara offers a distinctive combination of spiritual significance, regional tourism appeal and proximity to nearby Udaipur. We see an opportunity to develop a resort that serves both leisure travellers and the growing demand for weddings and celebrations, supported by a broad accommodation offering, dining experiences and dedicated event facilities." – Rakesh Yadav and Veena Yadav, Promoters, Aurette Hotels & Resorts Pvt. Ltd.

"Through Registry Collection Hotels, Aurette Hotels & Resorts Nathdwara can retain its individual character while benefiting from Wyndham's global distribution, marketing capabilities and Wyndham Rewards programme, with approximately 129 million enrolled members worldwide. This agreement reflects our focus on purposeful growth in India, matching the right brand to the right destination while supporting our owners' long-term ambitions." – Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Images: courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

The numbers

• RevPAR: up 6.5 percent worldwide, 7.4 percent in the US & Canada and 4.4 percent in international markets

• Net income: $794 million reported, up 9 percent from $728 million; Adjusted net income $790 million, against $674 million

• Diluted EPS: $3.04 reported, against $2.67; Adjusted diluted EPS $3.02, against $2.47

• Adjusted EBITDA: $1,512 million, up 12 percent from $1,349 million

• Franchise and base management fees: $1,341 million, up 13 percent from $1,190 million, driven mainly by higher co-branded credit card fees, RevPAR and rooms growth

• Incentive management fees: $181 million, up 22 percent from $148 million

Growth

Marriott added roughly 20,100 net rooms in the quarter, including over 13,400 in international markets, and net rooms grew 4.6 percent from the end of the third quarter of 2025. The system now totals over 10,200 properties with nearly 1,834,000 rooms. The development pipeline hit a record 4,209 properties with more than 634,000 rooms, 44 percent of them under construction, counting hotels pending conversion. Marriott Bonvoy reached approximately 309 million members.

The company repurchased 3.5 million shares for $1.3 billion in the quarter. Year-to-date through 28 October, it has returned approximately $4.0 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

"Our excellent third quarter results reflected continued momentum across our business, the benefits of our global scale, and the power of our brands and revenue engines." – Anthony Capuano, President and CEO, Marriott International

Capuano said APEC led international growth with RevPAR up over 9 percent on robust international inbound demand, and EMEA rose over 4 percent on solid growth in Europe. The conflict in the Middle East continued to weigh on that region, though trends improved meaningfully from the second quarter. Conversions made up over a third of signings and over 40 percent of openings in the first nine months, and the company recorded record global organic signings year to date through September.

Images: courtesy of Marriott International (The Cape Town EDITION)

What's on offer

The launch collection runs from Florida Keys pool houses and Rocky Mountain ski homes to Carolina coastal escapes, private villas in St Barts and clifftop retreats above the Mediterranean. Hundreds more stays, including cabins, yurts and tiny homes, are expected over the coming months. Wyndham has partnered with independent property managers and hospitality firms including Brightwild, Simpson Travel, StayTerra and Thousand Trails.

Wyndham cites Phocuswright research showing that about 30% of US leisure travellers stayed in a short-term rental on their most recent trip.

Earning and redeeming

• Members earn 5 points per US dollar spent on qualified bookings, and qualified nights count towards the next Member Level.

• Free nights start at 15,000 points per bedroom per night, with further tiers at 30,000 and 45,000 points. A 5,000-point tier is expected as the collection grows.

• Redemptions must be booked through Member Services at least 60 days ahead and cover the base rate only, not taxes, cleaning fees or other mandatory charges. Not every property will qualify.

• Some villas need an online reservation request, followed by a call from a reservation specialist.

"No two trips are the same, and the best rewards programs should reflect that. Homes & Havens is one more step in creating a fully immersive travel rewards experience, one designed to meet members wherever their journey takes them." – Michael Shiwdin, GVP, Integrated Marketing, Loyalty and Digital, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts franchises about 8,500 hotels in around 100 countries across 25 brands. Bookings are open at WyndhamRewards.com/HomesandHavens.

Images: courtesy of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts