Notably, the company has named the property after the Tamil word for “peace and tranquility,” thereby reinforcing its core philosophy of mindful living. Furthermore, Auroville-based architect Mona Doctor-Pingel has designed the resort with a strong emphasis on sustainability and regional identity. The property features locally crafted interiors, curated artworks by Auroville artists, dedicated wellness spaces, Ayurveda suites, and garden-facing rooms, which together create an immersive eco-luxury experience.

Moreover, the resort offers unique wellness amenities, including Heiwa, a dedicated wellness space, along with a Watsu pool maintained at 32–34°C to support warm-water therapy. These features enhance the growing demand for wellness tourism and experiential travel in India.

“At CGH Earth, we believe every space can tell a story when shaped with care,” said Michael Dominic, CEO & Managing Director, CGH Earth. “Sanctuary Amaidiyana is that story brought to life, a quiet refuge that restores balance while gently inspiring creative expression. In harmony with the spirit of Auroville, we have created a space where architecture is intertwined with the land, cuisine honors seasonality and craft, and wellness is a lived experience. Amaidiyana represents eco-luxury with purpose—rooted in awareness, connection, and the joy of meaningful living.”

In addition, the retreat integrates wellness with culinary excellence through its food philosophy. George Joseph, Vice President – Operations, CGH Earth, emphasized the integrated approach to well-being.

“Amaidiyana brings together the many dimensions of well-being into one harmonious, integrated space. It is not just a place for wellness but a philosophy that unifies healing practices, conscious tourism, and quiet restoration under one roof,” he said.

He further added, “The retreat’s culinary program is guided by CGH Earth’s Conscious Cuisine philosophy and the vibrant food cultures of Tamil Nadu and Auroville. Fresh herbs and vegetables are harvested from the on-site organic kitchen garden, complemented by artisanal Auroville cheeses, breads, chocolates, grains, and condiments.”

CGH Earth’s launch of Sanctuary Amaidiyana highlights the rising demand for eco-luxury resorts, sustainable hospitality, and wellness tourism in India. As travelers increasingly prioritize mindful experiences, sustainability, and holistic well-being, such developments will continue to redefine the future of the hospitality industry.

Importantly, the flagship property, The Tamara Coorg, holds certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, thereby reinforcing its alignment with global sustainability standards. Furthermore, the company continues to implement a structured roadmap to extend this benchmark across all its properties, ensuring consistency in sustainable hospitality practices.

Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “Our nine-property portfolio is aligned to GSTC principles. And I want to be honest about what that distinction means, because the certification is the outcome, but the real value is in the discipline the journey instills across your entire organisation. This is not a badge. It is a framework to make your circular systems auditable, measurable, and accountable. Our goal is to make that the portfolio standard, not a novelty at one property.”

Moreover, the company integrates sustainability into real-time operations and guest experiences. It emphasizes that “Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of shared responsibility towards the planet, and at Tamara Leisure Experiences, this is reflected through on-ground actions across its properties, from farm-to-table experiences and community clean-up drives to sustainability-led engagements. These efforts extend into Earth Week (22–28 April) through nature-led activities, conscious dining, and community participation, where sustainability is not an add-on but the experience itself. At Tamara, responsible hospitality is foundational, shaping every stage from design and conceptualization to operations and guest experience. For us, sustainability is not a seasonal campaign, but a part of our daily operating philosophy.”

To begin with, Tamara integrates sustainability directly into design. Each property aligns closely with its natural surroundings, allowing the ecosystem to influence architectural planning and guest experience. For instance, at The Tamara Coorg, the company has followed a “build less to preserve more” philosophy. It has developed the resort across 28 acres of largely untouched landscape while minimizing ecological disruption by cutting only 17 trees. Additionally, it has reduced the number of cottages from 60 to 56 to preserve more natural cover. The structures stand elevated on stilts, thereby allowing the forest ecosystem to remain undisturbed and seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

Furthermore, the company actively prioritizes community integration and cultural continuity. It reflects this approach through local immersion, farm-to-table practices, and menus rooted in regional cuisines—from Kodava cuisine in Coorg to location-specific dining experiences across properties. At Verandah, the in-house boutique, guests can access locally inspired crafts, natural wellness products, and plantation-grown spices, thereby extending the region’s cultural narrative into the hospitality experience.

In addition, Tamara strengthens local economies by hiring nearly half of its workforce from nearby communities and sourcing close to 40% of its procurement regionally. It ensures that operations remain deeply connected to local ecosystems and livelihoods. This approach becomes particularly evident in offerings such as organic minibars featuring local, traceable products and kitchen menus driven by seasonal and locally available ingredients. The company also continues to support education and local institutions, thereby reinforcing its long-term commitment to community development.

At the same time, Tamara adopts a zero-waste approach across its properties. It actively repurposes 15–40 tonnes of waste through a closed-loop system where it treats waste as a resource rather than discarding it. The company recycles 100% of food waste in-house using low-impact processes such as Bio Manthan. Moreover, it replaces plastic with glass bottles, stainless steel dispensers, and refillable amenities. Circular practices extend to repurposed linen, reused bottles, kitchen gardens, greenhouses, and seed-saving initiatives, and it has reduced food waste to just 0.54 kg per guest.

With zero significant chemical spills recorded in FY 2024–25, the company ensures that sustainability remains both visible and experiential for guests through initiatives like towel reuse, alternative linen changes, bamboo products, and sapling giveaways.

Equally important, Tamara ensures mindful resource utilisation across all operations. It preserves natural water sources such as waterfalls and streams to protect community access. Meanwhile, it implements rainwater harvesting systems and tap aerators to reduce water consumption. It also deploys energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting, heat pumps, lithium battery-powered buggies, key tag controls, EV infrastructure, solar panels, and emission management systems. Behind the scenes, advanced systems such as smart laundry operations and STP and ETP plants enable efficient reuse of water and resources. Continuous monitoring of water, energy, and carbon footprints ensures operational efficiency and low environmental impact.

Additionally, the company adopts a philosophy of quiet design and conscious technology. It avoids loud DJ music and harsh lighting to reduce noise and light pollution. Instead, it uses low-lux pathways, timers, and sensor-based systems to minimize ecological disruption. Simultaneously, it enhances operational efficiency through digital check-ins, e-billing, and paperless feedback systems, thereby reducing waste. From horn-free EV buggies to reusable linen elements and locally rooted design details, the company ensures that every aspect of the guest experience remains intentional and environmentally conscious.

Overall, Tamara Leisure Experiences continues to embed responsible hospitality into every aspect of its operations. It aligns sourcing, consumption, and recovery systems to ensure sustainability becomes an integral and seamless part of daily functioning rather than a separate initiative.

Sharing his thoughts on the signing, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Gujarat continues to be a key market in our growth strategy, offering immense potential driven by increasing tourism, commercial development, and infrastructure expansion. The signing of Desert Inn Beacon, Greater Rann of Kutch, further strengthens our regional footprint and aligns with our vision to expand into emerging destinations with quality hospitality offerings that cater to the evolving needs of today’s travellers.”

Furthermore, highlighting the partnership, Prahlad Singh, Partner, Hotel Desert Inn, said, “We are delighted to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts for Desert Inn Beacon, Greater Rann of Kutch. With The Fern’s strong brand reputation, operational excellence, and commitment to sustainable hospitality, we are confident that this collaboration will create a distinctive hospitality destination in the region and offer guests a memorable and elevated stay experience.”

The company will develop the upcoming property with 35 well-designed rooms and suites, thereby ensuring a refined and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travellers. Additionally, the hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant that will offer a wide range of culinary options in an inviting setting, making it suitable for casual dining as well as social gatherings.

Moreover, the hotel will cater to corporate and social requirements by offering well-equipped event facilities, positioning it as an ideal venue for meetings, conferences, and celebrations. At the same time, guests will be able to relax and rejuvenate with amenities such as a swimming pool and dedicated recreation facilities, thereby enhancing the overall guest experience.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its footprint in Gujarat’s growing hospitality market through strategic partnerships and expansion into emerging destinations like the Rann of Kutch.

At the same time, Starline Hospitality is positioning itself to address changing industry expectations by offering end-to-end hotel management solutions. The company is actively working to improve sales performance while ensuring consistency in guest experience and asset quality. Moreover, it combines traditional Indian hospitality practices with structured service standards and streamlined operational processes to deliver measurable outcomes.

In addition, the company follows a dual operational strategy across owned and franchised properties. For owned assets, Starline takes full responsibility for profit and loss while also managing operations, sales, and capital planning. On the other hand, for franchised hotels, it focuses on maintaining brand standards, representing owners, and optimising fee structures. As a result, this model will enhance asset performance and maximise returns for hotel owners.

Furthermore, Starline Hospitality has implemented a performance-driven framework that targets annual growth through improvements in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) and gross operating profit. It also standardises operations across franchised properties and leverages its internal Quality Index (SQI) for owned hotels. Alongside this, the company incorporates cost optimisation strategies such as centralised procurement, workforce planning, and energy efficiency to strengthen overall operational efficiency.

This strategic approach draws significantly from Dey’s extensive experience with hospitality brands such as Stone Wood Hotels and Resorts, Great Value Hospitality, VITS Kamats Hotels, Cambay Hotels & Resorts, and K Raheja Hotels. His background spans key functions including sales, business development, hotel operations, and asset management, thereby providing a strong foundation for this new venture.

Commenting on the launch, Abhijit Dey said, “Starline Hospitality has been established with a focus on consistent performance and guest engagement. Our work with investors, travel partners, and corporate clients is centered on delivering value through structured operations and long-term growth.”

Meanwhile, technology plays a critical role in Starline’s growth strategy. The company deploys advanced tools for guest personalisation and revenue optimisation, including the NORTH STAR Model. These systems enhance the entire guest journey—from booking to check-out—while simultaneously unlocking new revenue opportunities for hotel partners.

Additionally, Starline Hospitality is integrating sustainability into its long-term vision. The company plans to guide its premium properties toward LEED Platinum certification while also pursuing carbon reduction goals under its ‘Responsible Luxury’ framework, thereby aligning with global sustainability standards in the hospitality industry.

Beyond operations, the company is also focusing on curating guest-centric experiences across dining, cultural engagement, and lifestyle programming. This approach aims to strengthen property positioning in competitive markets while enhancing overall guest satisfaction.

Equally important, Starline places strong emphasis on people development. The company is investing in training programmes, continuous learning, and employee engagement initiatives to ensure consistent service delivery and operational excellence across its portfolio.

Starline Hospitality’s launch reflects a broader shift in the Indian hospitality industry toward performance-driven, tech-enabled, and sustainability-focused hotel management models.

Despite the above challenges, evolving guest expectations, and increased competition, Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced a stellar year-end performance for 2025 and reported double-digit revenue growth across its portfolio, driven by strong occupancy rates and enhanced average room revenues, underscoring its resilience, strategic expansion, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In 2025, Lords Hotels & Resorts expanded its footprint with 18 new properties across emerging markets, including Bettiah, Bhopal, Chintpurni, Gir, Goa, Joshimath, Katra, Kota, Mandi, Nanded, Purulia, Rajkot, Sagara, Salangpur, Sanand, Shivamogga, Udaipur, and Chitwan (Nepal), bringing the brand closer to its long-term vision of 100 operational hotels by 2030. This expansion not only strengthens market presence but also reflects the brand’s commitment to accessible, quality hospitality for business and leisure travellers alike.

Financial and Operational Highlights​

* Revenue Growth: Sustained double-digit increase in top-line performance, driven by higher RevPAR and strong F&B contributions.

* Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes and technology adoption enhanced profitability while maintaining service excellence.

* Guest Experience: Innovative service protocols and curated experiences elevated satisfaction scores across properties.

* Sustainability: Eco-conscious initiatives, including energy-efficient operations and waste reduction programs, reinforced the brand’s pledge to responsible hospitality.

Mr. Pushpendra Bansal- COO, Lords Hotels & Resorts, commented, “2025 has been a landmark year for Lords Hotels & Resorts. Our strong financial performance reflects not only the resilience of the hospitality sector but also the trust our guests and partners place in us. With continued expansion, sustainability-driven initiatives, and a focus on authentic guest experiences, we are confident of sustaining this growth momentum into 2026 and beyond.”

Looking Ahead

With a robust pipeline of new openings, enhanced digital integration, and a sharpened focus on sustainability, Lords Hotels & Resorts is poised to further consolidate its position as a leading hospitality brand in India and emerging international markets.

About Lords Hotels & Resorts

Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest-growing mid-market hospitality chains, having a presence across business, leisure, pilgrimage, and wedding segments, operating 3000 rooms in 70 hotels, 57 destinations across India and Nepal. The company is known for its True Value Hospitality, comfortable stays, warm and personalized service, and delivering consistent experiences across its growing portfolio.

Anchored by the iconic Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya has rapidly emerged as a global pilgrimage hub, with visitor numbers rising from 57.5 million in 2023 to over 160 million in 2024, and more than 230 million devotees in the first half of 2025. Supported by enhanced infrastructure, pilgrim amenities, and strong connectivity, the city continues to attract domestic and international travelers. This growth is generating significant opportunities for local MSMEs, artisans, transport services, and employment, fostering a vibrant economic ecosystem around Ayodhya’s spiritual heritage.

The company’s new property is strategically positioned to serve this expanding market, offering 33 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant on the top floor, a landscaped lawn, and a swimming pool for a premium yet comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy satvik cuisine emphasizing fresh, vegetarian, and culturally authentic meals. “Sahar—Back to the Roots” restaurant serves food without onion and garlic and also offers Glutin free breakfast. Located just 5 kilometers from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple with direct highway access, the hotel ensures convenient connectivity for pilgrims and cultural travellers. Its sustainable practices, including efficient resource management and responsible energy use reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to environmentally conscious hospitality.

The launch also reflects the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in emerging pilgrimage destinations across India. With Ayodhya witnessing unprecedented tourist inflow, the need for professionally managed hotels that combine comfort, accessibility, and responsible practices has become increasingly important. Eco Hotels & Resorts aims to address this gap by offering a thoughtfully designed property that caters to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and group tours while maintaining high standards of service, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Speaking on the launch, Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman of Eco Hotels And Resorts Limited, said: “Ayodhya represents one of India’s most dynamic tourism markets. Launching our hotel here is a strategic step in expanding our footprint in spiritual and cultural destinations. We aim to deliver a premium hospitality experience while implementing eco-conscious practices that respect both the environment and the city’s cultural heritage.”

With this property, the company strengthens its presence in Uttar Pradesh’s tourism economy and expands its portfolio of eco-friendly hospitality assets, including brands such as The Eco, The Eco Grand, EcoXpress, The Eco Boutique and EcoValue.

To support this expansion, the group confirmed that it will adopt a hybrid growth strategy, combining owned assets with a calibrated asset-light model. Moreover, Tamara Leisure Experiences will anchor all upcoming developments around sustainability, wellness, and technology, while prioritising location-led design and long-term community engagement.

Explaining the strategic direction, Samir MC, CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “This phase of growth is rooted in Tamara’s foundation and is guided by three pillars. First, a destination-first lens that allows each property to emerge organically from its cultural and geographic context. Second, the thoughtful use of technology to enhance guest experiences, personalize journeys, and enable seamless interactions across touchpoints. And third, a commitment to responsible hospitality, where sustainability is embedded into design, operations, and long-term value creation.”

Under its 2030 vision, the group will introduce The Tamara Kaziranga, The Tamara Alleppey, and The Tamara Hosur. In parallel, the company will launch O by Tamara in Bodh Gaya and Whitefield, expand the Lilac brand to Velankanni, Kufri, and Kannur, and open Kalyana Mandapam in Madurai. Notably, eight projects will follow the owned-asset model, while Kufri will mark the group’s first asset-light signing. The company expects these properties to become operational between 2028 and 2030.

Highlighting the broader industry context, Samir added, “The Indian hospitality industry is at a clear inflection point, supported by sustained policy impetus and rising demand from both domestic and international travellers. Alongside leisure and urban hospitality, where we already have a strong presence, we see a clear opportunity to deepen our footprint in core categories and selectively enter the faith-led segment, which industry estimates to be valued at over $200 billion in India. While 8 of the launches will be our own investment, we have also signed our first asset-light deal in Kufri. As we step into FY27, we are actively evaluating opportunities pan-India across multiple segments.”

Meanwhile, industry estimates continue to signal strong momentum for India’s hospitality and tourism sector, which analysts project will reach approximately USD 60 billion by 2028. Growth remains driven by a sharp increase in domestic travel, with total trips expected to approach 5.2 billion by 2030, alongside a steady recovery in international arrivals.

Additionally, rising public and private infrastructure investments—including airports, rail connectivity, destination development, and sustainable hospitality formats—are accelerating growth across segments.

Currently, Tamara Leisure Experiences operates eight hotels across India along with one AYUSH hospital, reinforcing its diversified presence in wellness-led and experiential hospitality.

Looking ahead, the upcoming hotel will feature 50 rooms and suites and will cater to both leisure and business travellers. Additionally, the property will offer an all-day dining restaurant along with meeting and event infrastructure, including one conference room and two banquet halls, thereby catering to corporate meetings as well as social gatherings.

Sharing his perspective on the development, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Leisure destinations with strong ecological and experiential appeal are increasingly shaping the next phase of hospitality growth in India. Thekkady stands out as a destination that attracts discerning travellers seeking immersive experiences rooted in nature and culture. The Fern Residency Thekkady, Series by Marriott, will further strengthen our presence in South India while reinforcing our commitment to responsible and experience-led hospitality.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the partnership, Jose Mathew, Managing Director, Maria Shopping Complex Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are pleased to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts for this project in Thekkady. We believe this collaboration will deliver a compelling hospitality offering for both domestic and international travellers.”

As per the current timeline, the hotel will open in the second half of 2026.

As part of its planned growth, Machan Resorts is expanding Moments by The Machan through a flexible development approach. The brand looks forward to collaborating with property owners who share its vision for modern hospitality. Built on a technology-led model, Moments by The Machan features digital check-ins, smart systems, and intuitive service touchpoints that appeal to Gen Z and millennial travellers, while ensuring a consistent, value-driven guest experience.

Rooted in the group’s philosophy of sustainability, authenticity, and mindful design, Moments by The Machan will offer modern comfort with eco-conscious hospitality. Strategically planned across business-led urban centres and high-growth leisure corridors, these hotels will provide convenient access to corporate parks, shopping hubs, and major attractions, making them ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

The hotels will feature smartly designed rooms focused on comfort, efficiency, and ease of stay, complemented by streamlined dining options and business-ready services tailored for short and extended stays. Versatile banquet and meeting spaces will further make the hotels a preferred choice for conferences, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Rakshit Sharma, COO, Machan Resorts, commented, “Our vision is to focus on comfort, sustainability, and thoughtfully designed experiences. Moments by The Machan reflects our ongoing effort to create hospitality offerings that resonate with today’s conscious traveller, without compromising on purpose or design integrity.”

About Machan Resorts

Machan Resorts, India’s leading name in eco-luxury hospitality, is all set to expand its presence across the country. After establishing itself through distinctive treehouse experiences in Lonavala and heritage hospitality in Mandawa, the brand is now preparing to launch new properties in Mulshi, Pawana, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Karjat, Aurangabad and Bhiwandi.

Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet above sea level, Almora offers sweeping Himalayan views and showcases colonial-era heritage, spiritual significance, and enduring traditions in art, literature, and craftsmanship.

Consequently, the destination attracts leisure travellers, pilgrims, and nature enthusiasts who seek meaningful and authentic mountain experiences deeply rooted in local culture. To address this demand, the upcoming Best Western hotel will occupy a strategic location on Mall Road, Almora’s primary commercial and social hub, thus offering guests convenient access to key attractions while minimising travel impact within the town.

Moreover, the hotel will open by the end of 2027 and will feature guestrooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, meeting and banqueting facilities, and a fitness centre. In line with BWH Hotels’ global commitment to responsible hospitality, the property will embed sustainability at its core by prioritising energy-efficient operations, water conservation practices, responsible waste management, and the use of locally sourced materials and services wherever feasible. In addition, the hotel aims to support the local economy through employment generation and active community engagement.

Commenting on the development, Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, BWH Hotels South Asia, said, “We are proud to bring the Best Western brand to Almora in a way that respects the destination’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Sustainable development is integral to our growth strategy, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas. This hotel will offer guests the comfort and reliability they expect from Best Western, while operating responsibly and contributing positively to the local community.”

Sharing a similar perspective, Inderpreet Singh Sidhu, Owner, said, “Partnering with BWH Hotels allows us to introduce globally recognised hospitality standards to Almora with a strong focus on sustainability. Our vision is to create a hotel that blends modern comfort with environmentally conscious practices and local character, ensuring long-term value for both guests and the destination.”