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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts expands presence with new Le Morne Resort in Mauritius

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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is preparing to debut The St. Regis Le Morne Resort in Mauritius, nestled at the foot of the iconic Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set along one of the Indian Ocean’s most sought-after beaches, the resort promises to deliver the brand’s hallmark luxury—featuring refined dining experiences, signature family offerings, and timeless St. Regis traditions—all at one of the island’s most exclusive beachfront locations.

“The evolution of The St Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius reflects the brand’s dedication to elevating the world’s most exclusive destinations, and our commitment to the growth of the St Regis resort portfolio,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Joining St Regis Hotels & Resorts will allow guests to embrace the resort’s timeless glamour through the St. Regis hallmarks of personalised service and signature rituals. We look forward to ushering in this new chapter.”  

The resort, previously known as JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, has been rebranded as The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius. As part of this transformation, the all-suite resort has introduced curated upgrades, most notably at its signature Le Manoir restaurant. Guests can now enjoy elevated Mauritian cuisine, including exquisite curries crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, the newly refreshed La Patisserie, styled with French inspiration, now serves artisanal pastries such as the Signature Exotic—a tropical indulgence featuring layers of passion fruit, banana, mango, poached pineapple, vanilla, and coconut mousse.

Later in the year, the resort’s beachfront villa will be reimagined as The St. Regis Grand Beachfront Villa. Drawing inspiration from the exclusive retreats once favored by the Astor family, the villa spans an impressive 1,659 square meters. Designed for up to 16 guests, it offers direct beach access, four private suites each with their own deck, expansive indoor and outdoor living areas, three plunge pools, and a breathtaking infinity pool—positioning it among the largest and most luxurious villas in the Indian Ocean.

The resort will celebrate the iconic St. Regis ritual of transitioning from day to evening with a champagne sabering ceremony at 7 PM daily, set to the backdrop of the island’s dramatic sunset. Guests can also indulge in Afternoon Tea by the Sea, choosing from a curated selection of premium teas, served either by the oceanfront or beneath the shaded grandeur of La Patisserie’s colonial-style veranda.

Honoring the brand’s cocktail heritage, The St. Regis Le Morne will offer a local interpretation of the famed Bloody Mary, first created at The St. Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934. Named ‘L’île Mary’, this unique version includes Mauritian Cane Rhum infused with curry leaves, a dash of mango vinegar, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and cayenne, all blended into a ripe tomato base and topped with flavorful masala foam.

Guests at The St. Regis Le Morne can expect the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, a hallmark of the brand for over 100 years. This personalized service ensures that every guest’s unique preferences are thoughtfully anticipated and fulfilled, offering a seamless and bespoke stay.

The resort offers immersive, curated experiences that reflect the local culture, nature, and cuisine. As part of the Family Traditions program, children can participate in vibrant kite-flying sessions along Le Morne’s breezy beach. Additional family-friendly activities include private kite surfing lessons and horseback riding adventures.

For guests eager to explore, guided hikes up Le Morne Mountain are available, with light refreshments served at a scenic midway point. More daring guests can trek to the mountain’s summit for panoramic views. The resort also hosts culinary workshops, such as the exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where guests enjoy local flavors crafted with herbs and produce grown in Caroline’s Garden, named in honor of Caroline Astor.

Launching later this year, the resort will unveil The St. Regis Le Morne Pirogue, a restored traditional Mauritian fishing boat. This elegant vessel will offer family fishing outings, private lagoon cruises, and romantic sunset sails, all complete with drinks and light refreshments.

Le Morne Peninsula remains a hotspot for water sports lovers, especially among elite kitesurfing enthusiasts drawn to the famed ‘One Eye’ wave and other nearby wave spots. For guests seeking calmer experiences, the resort provides kayaking and snorkeling adventures through the peninsula’s serene turquoise lagoon.

“Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, we are thrilled to be opening The St Regis Le Morne Resort in Mauritius and present a distinct and elevated view of coastal luxury. Situated at the best address on the island, our resort offers an unparalleled location on the breathtaking Le Morne Peninsula, featuring an expansive, pristine stretch of golden sandy beach” said Mathieu de Tonnac, General Manager of The St Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius. “From enhanced dining experiences to curated signature rituals, every detail has been crafted to celebrate the island’s beauty while honouring the traditions of St Regis.The St Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands.

Nextiva expands global AI and CX presence with major investment in India

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Tomas Gorny, Co-founder and CEO of Nextiva

Nextiva, a leader in Unified Customer Experience Management (Unified-CXM), has unveiled a new 35,000-square-foot innovation hub in Bengaluru, strengthening India’s role in its global product and technology operations. This state-of-the-art facility—Nextiva’s largest outside the U.S.—will act as a center of excellence, driving advancements in product innovation and next-gen platform capabilities.

As part of its accelerated growth strategy, the company plans to onboard over 150 new hires in India, following a year in which it more than doubled its local team to 300 members. The expansion also includes the full integration of the Simplify360 brand, enhancing the company’s capabilities in AI-driven customer experience solutions and reinforcing its global leadership in the CX space.

“The next era of customer experience technology is being built in India,” said Tomas Gorny, Co-founder and CEO of Nextiva. “This isn’t just about expansion, it’s about acceleration. Our teams in India are building foundational AI technologies that will redefine how businesses connect with their customers globally. This is where category-defining innovation is happening.”

India now plays a pivotal role in shaping Nextiva’s product strategy, leading the development of several key innovations. A major AI-driven customer experience solution—slated for global launch later this year—has been primarily built by the India-based team. This group is integral to the evolution of Nextiva’s core platform, which powers over 10 billion customer interactions annually for more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.

The expansion also marks the full integration of Simplify360, the AI-powered, social-first CX platform acquired in 2023. Now operating completely under the Nextiva brand, Simplify360 adds strong expertise in AI, social media, and multichannel customer experience, further enriching Nextiva’s global Unified-CXM capabilities.

“India is not just our fastest-growing region, it’s a strategic center for our AI and product roadmap,” said Senthil Velayutham, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Nextiva. “Our new office in Bengaluru is where we’re building the future of customer experience—intelligent, scalable, and designed to meet the complexity of tomorrow’s business challenges.”

Nextiva is the trusted partner for many of India’s most forward-thinking and influential enterprises, enabling intelligent, multichannel customer engagement across over 35 digital platforms. Industry leaders such as Tata Play, ITC, Xiaomi, Cred, Axis Max Life, ICICI Bank, Oppo, Upgrad, ZEE5, PhonePe, Meesho, and Kotak Securities use Nextiva’s Unified-CXM platform to deliver AI-powered, real-time customer experiences.

One standout example is Tata Play, which achieved a 40% reduction in customer resolution costs by streamlining support workflows and adopting WhatsApp as a key engagement channel through Nextiva’s technology.

Purpose-built for modern enterprises, Nextiva’s Unified-CXM platform integrates voice, messaging, chat, email, and social media into a single, AI-driven system. It eliminates silos, activates actionable intelligence across channels, and enables businesses to deliver personalized, coordinated customer interactions at scale.

Backed by Goldman Sachs and holding over 50 patents in AI, automation, and CX innovation, the company continues to set new benchmarks for the future of customer engagement worldwide.

ECKO Hotels & Resorts debuts in India with 100 keys in Uttarakhand

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Perkin Rocha - founder & CEO of ECKO Hotels & Resorts

ECKO Hotels & Resorts, a contemporary collection of hospitality destinations across India, has officially launched with 100 keys spread across three properties in the spiritual heartland of Uttarakhand—ECKO Antarman Ganges, Haridwar; ECKO Rishikesh; and ECKO Tapovan by the Ganges.

Drawing inspiration from the Greek word Echo, ECKO symbolizes a commitment to echoing guest satisfaction through exceptional service and a relaxed, refined atmosphere. The brand is built on pillars of quality, personalized service, and a deep connection with each destination—be it for business, spiritual journeys, or leisure escapes.

With a promise of simplified yet premium hospitality, ECKO aims to cater to a diverse audience. Its offerings extend beyond accommodation to include MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), weddings, corporate retreats, and spiritual tourism packages. The brand’s philosophy is encapsulated in its tagline: “Living in the moment”—encouraging guests to fully embrace and experience the present, whether for business or pleasure.

ECKO Antarman Ganges, Haridwar offers a tranquil setting on the banks of the Ganges and boasts one of the largest private ghats in the city.

ECKO Tapovan by the Ganges is a modern, upscale retreat featuring premium rooms, a 24×7 bakery and pizzeria, all-day dining, a rooftop pool, lounge, and a spa.

ECKO Rishikesh, located in the heart of the city, is designed for corporate events and social gatherings, equipped with versatile banquet and meeting spaces, ideal for offsites, conventions, and contemporary weddings.

On the occasion, Perkin Rocha – founder & CEO stated, ”We are excited to launch ECKO Hotels & Resorts in Devbhoomi – Uttarakhand first. It is a significant milestone for our brand, as Uttarakhand is one of the only states to offer spiritual, adventure and wellness tourism along with several national wildlife parks and scenic mountains. I am certain that our unique hotels in Haridwar, Tapovan and Rishikesh will delight guests with engaging unique dining, stay and bespoke experiences.”

With its thoughtful approach to hospitality, scenic locations, and a blend of modern amenities and spiritual charm, ECKO Hotels & Resorts is set to redefine guest experiences in Uttarakhand and beyond. Rooted in the ethos of “Living in the moment,” the brand promises a stay that’s immersive, meaningful, and truly memorable—whether for business, celebration, or soulful retreat.

Signature Global Secures ISO 31000:2018 Certification for Risk Management Excellence

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Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd

New Delhi, April 25, 2025: Signature Global (India) Limited, one of India’s leading real estate developers, has announced that it has received the prestigious ISO 31000:2018 certification for risk management. This global recognition highlights the company’s steadfast commitment to adopting best-in-class international practices and ensuring a structured, proactive, and effective approach to risk identification, assessment, and mitigation across all facets of its operations.

ISO 31000:2018 is a globally accepted standard that guides organizations in identifying potential risks, analyzing their implications, and implementing effective mitigation strategies. By attaining this certification, Signature Global has demonstrated that it has built a comprehensive and integrated risk management framework. This framework is implemented across all key departments at Signature Global—including Development and Construction, Legal, Sales, Marketing, Business Development, CRM, Facility, IT, HR, Finance, Operations, and other support functions—ensuring a unified and forward-looking approach to managing risk at every level of the organization.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., said: “At Signature Global, we strive to uphold the highest standards for the benefit of all our stakeholders. Earning the ISO 31000:2018 certification is yet another key milestone in our journey. It reflects our commitment to building a resilient and future-ready organization and drives us to continually raise the bar in the real estate sector. Risk management isn’t just a best practice—it’s a responsibility we take seriously as a forward-thinking company.”

This new certification adds to Signature Global’s impressive list of ISO accreditations, which includes ISO 27001 for information security management, ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, and ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety.

With the ISO 31000:2018 certification, Signature Global further strengthens its reputation as a responsible and visionary industry leader—committed to managing risks efficiently while upholding excellence across all areas of its operations.

As the company continues to grow and expand, it remains deeply focused on maintaining robust risk management practices that safeguard its projects, its people, and its promise of long-term value to stakeholders.

PB Fintech invests Rs 539-Cr in healthcare arm, reduces stake to 32.14%

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PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar and Paisabazaar, has invested Rs 539.4 crore into its healthcare subsidiary, PB Healthcare Services. This forms the first tranche of a larger Rs 1,461.6 crore seed funding round that also includes external investors.

The investment, approved by shareholders through a postal ballot, was made by subscribing to 5.39 crore Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at Rs 100 each, as per a stock exchange filing. The funding round will also set up an Employee Stock Option Plan (Esop) pool.

Following this round, PB Fintech’s ownership in the subsidiary will drop from 100% to 32.14% on a fully diluted basis. The move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen PB Healthcare’s finances, fuel its expansion, attract outside investors, and incentivize talent retention through Esops.

In January, PB Healthcare Services was incorporated as a wholly-owned arm after board approval last year. It aims to build hospitals with a capacity of 1,000 beds within its first year, primarily serving Policybazaar policyholders with managed healthcare services.

Additionally, PB Fintech’s board recently cleared a proposal to invest up to Rs 696 crore in the healthcare unit during FY 2025-26 through equity or CCPS. The company has shown strong growth, reporting a 48% year-on-year rise in operating revenue to Rs 1,292 crore in the December quarter of FY25, with net profit doubling to Rs 72 crore from Rs 37 crore.

IHCL expands footprint in Goa with new property launch

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Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has signed a new SeleQtions hotel in Anjuna, Goa, marking the conversion of an existing independent resort. As part of the transformation, the property’s capacity will be expanded to 51 rooms.

Suma Venkatesh, executive vice president – Real Estate & Development,IHCL said, “Goa, with its vast and scenic coastline, remains one of India’s most sought-after travel destination. It continues to witness growing demand for experiential stays in distinctive locations like Anjuna. With a legacy of over five decades in the state, this signing reinforces IHCL’s strategy of deepening its presence in key leisure markets. We are pleased to partner with Mr. Ravinder Kumar for this project.”

Set in the lively heart of North Goa, the upcoming 51-key IHCL SeleQtions Anjuna resort promises a charming and scenic retreat. According to a release by IHCL, the hotel will feature a variety of dining options, including an all-day restaurant, a specialty dining venue, and a cocktail bar. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate with access to recreational amenities such as a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym.

Ravinder Kumar, director, Just Perfect Resorts Goa Pvt. Ltd. said,“Partnering with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company, marks a defining moment for us. This partnership allows us to marry the reach of the SeleQtions platform with the uniqueness of this property. With IHCL’s legacy of excellence and the region’s rising prominence, we envision creating a landmark that sets new benchmarks in hospitality,and becomes a source of pride for Goa.”

With this new addition, IHCL continues to strengthen its footprint in Goa, reinforcing its commitment to offering unique and immersive hospitality experiences in one of India’s most popular travel destinations. The SeleQtions Anjuna resort is set to blend vibrant Goan charm with signature IHCL service, catering to both leisure travelers and lifestyle seekers.

GreenGrahi secures ₹32-Cr funding in round led by Avaana Capital

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Siddharth Sharma and Shivali Sugand, Co-founders, GreenGrahi

Agri-biotech startup GreenGrahi has raised ₹32 crore (approximately $3.73 million) in a funding round led by Avaana Capital. The round also saw participation from Huddle, Campus Fund, Blume Founders Fund, and notable angel investors, including Nitin Sharma from Nexus Venture Partners and Sameer Brij Verma of Northpoint Capital.

The new funding will be used to strengthen GreenGrahi’s insect-based biomanufacturing platform, expand its scientific and engineering team, and fuel its international market expansion.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, the startup previously raised an undisclosed pre-seed round from Campus Fund in July 2023.

Founded in 2021 by Siddharth Sharma and Shivali Sugand, GreenGrahi develops high-quality insect-derived ingredients and supplements for animal and plant nutrition, utilizing a circular economy model. The company partners with FMCG firms and agri-input suppliers to transform agricultural waste into valuable bio-products.

In addition to its core offerings, GreenGrahi also manufactures biofertilisers, biostimulants, and biopesticides, aimed at enhancing soil health and improving crop resilience.

Currently operating as a B2B platform, the startup serves over 10 clients in the agri-nutrition sector. It aims to grow its scientific capabilities and expand into international markets including the US, UK, and EU, which are expected to account for 30–35% of its future revenue.

SAMHI Hotels partners with GIC to launch ₹2,200-Cr premium hotel investment platform

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Ashish Jakhanwala CEO & Managing Director, SAMHI

SAMHI Hotels rallied 6.61% to ₹185.55 after revealing a major strategic alliance with Singapore’s GIC to launch an upscale hotel investment platform across India.

The partnership kicks off with a robust portfolio of five premium hotels — the “Seed Assets” — totaling over 1,000 rooms and valued at approximately ₹2,200 crore. GIC will take a significant 35% minority stake in the SPVs that own these properties, investing about ₹752 crore in total.

This investment spans three key SAMHI subsidiaries, which include high-profile assets like Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott in Bengaluru ORR, Hyatt Regency in Pune, and the recently acquired Trinity Hotel in Whitefield, Bengaluru. Of the ₹752 crore, around ₹603 crore will be deployed immediately to slash SAMHI’s debt and manage transaction expenses, while the remaining ₹149 crore will be used over the next two years to develop a dual-branded Westin/Tribute Portfolio hotel at the Whitefield location.

This move not only boosts SAMHI’s financial flexibility but also strengthens its foothold in the luxury hospitality segment across India.

Ashish Jakhanwala CEO & Managing Director, SAMHI said, “We are pleased to announce this transformational partnership with GIC. We have a strong track record in the hotel sector in India and GIC brings unparalleled institutional capabilities for us to benefit from. In addition to helping us strengthen our balance sheet, this partnership gives us tremendous firepower to grow our portfolio.”

The funds from GIC’s investment will be strategically deployed by SAMHI for capital expenditure, new acquisitions, and further debt reduction across its hotel portfolio. SAMHI will retain operational control and continue to oversee both current and upcoming properties under the newly formed platform.

Staying true to its successful category conversion strategy, SAMHI aims to reposition assets into higher-performing segments to enhance overall returns. With this partnership, the company expects to cut its debt by approximately ₹580 crore and achieve a significant profitability boost — projecting a 15–20% increase in profit after tax (PAT) post-closure.

GIC, founded in 1981, manages Singapore’s foreign reserves and is recognized globally for its steady, long-term investment approach across diverse asset classes — making it an ideal partner for this high-potential venture.

SAMHI Hotels is a leading branded hotel ownership and asset management platform in India, operating under an institutional ownership model with a seasoned leadership team and professional management. The company has strategic long-term management agreements with three global hotel giants—Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt. With a portfolio of 31 operational hotels, comprising 4,823 rooms, SAMHI has established a diverse footprint across 13 key cities in India, including the National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune.

For the third quarter of December 2024, SAMHI Hotels reported a strong turnaround, posting a net profit of ₹22.79 crore compared to a net loss of ₹74.42 crore in the same period the previous year. Net sales for Q3 December 2024 rose by 10.43% year-on-year, reaching ₹295.77 crore, reflecting the company’s robust recovery and growth trajectory.

SAMHI Hotels continues to strengthen its position as a prominent player in India’s hospitality sector, with a well-established portfolio, strategic partnerships with global hotel brands, and a strong leadership team. The recent strategic tie-up with GIC further bolsters its growth potential, enabling the company to reduce debt, fund key developments, and expand its presence in high-performing segments. With positive financial momentum, as evidenced by the impressive turnaround in profitability and consistent revenue growth, SAMHI is well-positioned for continued success in the competitive hotel market across India.

Max Estates to invest ₹2,000-Cr in reviving ‘Delhi One’ project

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Max Estates Ltd has announced the successful takeover of the long-delayed ‘Delhi One’ project in Noida through the insolvency resolution process, with plans to invest ₹1,400 crore to develop the mixed-use property.

According to a regulatory filing, the company has acquired 100% equity in Boulevard Projects Pvt Ltd, the entity behind the Delhi One development, bringing an end to a seven-year wait. The acquisition was completed through the allotment of 34,000 new equity shares to Max Estates and its nominees, effective April 23, 2025.

The project is envisioned as an integrated mixed-use development, featuring ultra-luxury serviced residences, high-end office spaces, and premium retail areas.

Max Estates received the final go-ahead to take over the project after securing approvals from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in February 2023 and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in October 2024.

“The company is acquiring the Delhi One Project pursuant to a Resolution Plan, and the total capital commitment, including settlement of outstanding liabilities, is estimated to be ₹1,400 crore,” Max Estates said.

This strategic acquisition unlocks substantial development potential, with approximately 2.5 million square feet planned — including units that have already been sold.

“The project is expected to generate a total sales potential of approximately Rs 2,000 crore, along with an annuity rental income potential of around ₹120 crore,” Max Estates said.

The company said the acquisition of this stalled project is in line with its strategy to expand real estate business.

Max Estates has developed a few office complexes in Delhi-NCR and has entered the residential segment as well.

With the successful acquisition of Boulevard Projects Pvt Ltd and the revival of the long-stalled Delhi One project, Max Estates is set to transform a key location in Noida into a premium mixed-use destination. Backed by regulatory approvals and a planned investment of ₹1,400 crore, the project marks a major milestone in the company’s growth strategy, reflecting its commitment to delivering high-quality real estate developments with long-term value.

Accenture acquires TalentSprint to strengthen LearnVantage’s future-ready workforce solutions

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Kishore Durg, Global Lead of Accenture LearnVantage

Accenture has acquired TalentSprint, a top deep tech education provider, from NSE Academy Ltd., a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE). This strategic move boosts Accenture LearnVantage’s ability to scale high-impact bootcamps and university-certified programs. As a result, it will help build future-ready talent pipelines for both enterprises and government initiatives.

Established in 2009, TalentSprint has played a key role in shaping the tech workforce in India. The company empowers both emerging and experienced professionals with in-demand digital skills through partnerships with top academic institutions and enterprise tech leaders. Its long-standing collaborations with institutes like IITs, IIMs, IIITs, and global research centers ensure its programs stay current, practical, and aligned with industry needs.

Headquartered in Hyderabad, India, with an additional office in Sunnyvale, California, TalentSprint’s team of around 210 experts will now be part of Accenture LearnVantage. This integration will enhance LearnVantage’s ability to support businesses in reshaping their workforce through targeted upskilling, reskilling, and AI-driven training solutions.

TalentSprint delivers its high-impact learning through bootcamps, certification programs, and e-degrees, serving professionals at various career levels. These programs focus on disruptive technologies and modern managementdisciplines. From AI, data science, cybersecurity, and chip design to semiconductor tech, sustainability, digital transformation, and leadership development, TalentSprint equips learners with the future-ready skills needed in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.

“TalentSprint’s end-to-end delivery capabilities of focused learning programs provide a competitive value proposition for learners and enterprises alike, making it a great fit for our expanding LearnVantage business,” said Kishore Durg, global lead of Accenture LearnVantage. “The addition of TalentSprint further boosts our ability to meet our clients’ demand for training, helping their people gain the essential technology skills in emerging areas needed to reinvent their organizations and achieve greater business value.”

The acquisition of TalentSprint strengthens Accenture’s ongoing investment in cutting-edge learning platforms, following its recent partnerships with Udacity and Award Solutions. It aligns with the company’s $1 billion commitment to LearnVantage, announced in early 2024.

LearnVantage is Accenture’s comprehensive learning and development platform designed to help organizations become talent creators. By putting people at the core of business transformation, it empowers clients to drive growth using the power of technology, data, and AI.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ashishkumar Chauhan, Managing Director & CEO, NSE said, “This transaction underscores NSE’s strategic focus on its core business while divesting from non-core business areas. This acquisition is a testament to the exceptional quality and potential of the business that NSE has built over the years.”

“Since inception, our mission has been to equip learners with deep expertise for a disrupted world,” said Anurag Bansal, Managing Director and CEO of TalentSprint. “Joining forces with Accenture LearnVantage allows us to scale our impact, delivering cutting-edge technology and next-gen management programs that are valued and trusted by students, professionals, organizations, and governments alike.”