Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle hospitality group known for developing purpose-driven, community-focused destinations, has announced the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla. The opening marks a significant milestone in the group’s expansion across India, bringing its experience-led hospitality model to one of the country’s most prominent leisure destinations.
The launch also advances Kerten Hospitality’s plans to develop 1,000 keys across its Cloud 7, hosme and The House Hotel brands in India during the current expansion phase. Through this initiative, the group aims to build a portfolio of locally rooted, experience-driven lifestyle destinations across key Indian markets.
Located amid the forests and hills of Shimla, Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla is a premium lifestyle resort designed for the Himalayan region. The property will initially offer thoughtfully designed rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Himalayas. As part of a phased expansion, the resort will subsequently introduce dedicated well-being suites, a destination spa, a swimming pool, a gym, two private cottages, and nine additional luxury suites. These additions intend to strengthen its positioning as a leading lifestyle and wellness destination in Northern India.
Commenting on the launch, Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, said, “Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla reflects the strong momentum behind our growth journey in India. The country offers significant potential for experience-led, lifestyle hospitality, and we are committed to building a meaningful long-term presence by working closely with owners and partners who share our vision. With an initial target of 1,000 keys, Shimla is an important step in creating a diverse portfolio of destinations that connect guests with local communities, culture, and place.”
Reflecting Kerten Hospitality’s philosophy of creating destinations inspired by their surroundings, the property celebrates Himachal Pradesh’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty through curated guest experiences, locally influenced design, and engagement with regional communities. Drawing inspiration from Himachali hospitality, the resort encourages guests to discover the destination through its people, cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. It brings accommodation, wellness, leisure, food and beverage, and social experiences together within an integrated resort setting.
A key highlight of the property is The Observatory Bar, a signature rooftop venue inspired by the concept “Where Mountains Meet the Stars.” Designed as an intimate mountain lounge, the space invites guests to unwind, reconnect, and enjoy the Himalayan landscape. Its relaxed cocktail and whisky lounge features low seating, handcrafted walnut furniture, and warm copper detailing, creating an atmosphere centred on comfort and discovery.
At the heart of the venue, a nautical telescope allows guests to view distant Himalayan peaks during the day and observe the moon and constellations after sunset. The beverage programme incorporates Himalayan botanicals and locally sourced ingredients, further connecting the experience to its natural surroundings. The Observatory acts as one of the hotel’s signature guest experiences.
The property also features outdoor terraces with panoramic mountain views, wellness offerings, meeting and event facilities, lifestyle programming, seasonal events, and locally inspired art and cultural experiences.
The resort’s food and beverage programme celebrates Himalayan flavours and regional ingredients. Kerten Hospitality’s Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas has curated the culinary offering, which draws on produce sourced from local farmers and suppliers. The menu will feature elevated sharing plates and seasonal dishes that evolve throughout the year, presenting contemporary interpretations of mountain cuisine.
Another distinctive feature is the Cloudfall Sessions, a daily sunset ritual that brings guests and local residents together. The experience combines a curated sunset soundtrack, a signature cocktail, a featured whisky, premium canapés, and a dedicated sunset service sequence, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the changing Himalayan landscape.
Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla will also incorporate locally inspired artwork, handcrafted objects, and cultural storytelling through collaborations with artists and craftspeople from Shimla and across Himachal Pradesh. Planned initiatives include commissioned artworks, local photography, handmade ceramics, handcrafted pieces, and rotating exhibitions.
In addition, the property intends to collaborate with regional farmers, Himalayan ingredient suppliers, cultural organisations and tourism partners while participating in seasonal festivals and community events. Through these partnerships, the resort aims to create opportunities for local creative communities, strengthen connections between guests and the destination, support the regional economy, and help preserve Shimla’s traditions, artistic heritage, and distinctive character.
With India identified as a strategic growth market, Kerten Hospitality plans to bring its bespoke-at-scale approach to the country by partnering with property owners to develop distinctive, locally rooted destinations that respond to rising demand for experience-led hospitality.
