Hotels & Resorts
The Ritz-Carlton Debuts In The Dynamic Metropolis Of Pune, India

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C today announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, the second hotel in India from the iconic luxury hotel brand. Situated in the heart of Pune’s captivating downtown and across from the prestigious Poona Golf Club, the hotel is ideally located for travelers seeking to take in the sights and unique experiences of this dynamic metropolis. With a storied history of nearly 1600 years, Pune is commonly referred to as the Oxford of the East and is considered the epicenter of academia in the country. Its carefully designed gardens, grand architecture and renowned museums, in addition to a diverse culinary scene and emerging start-up community, have increasingly made it a destination for regional and international travelers alike.
“We are delighted to bring the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton to Pune, a city that blends the splendor of the past with the pulse of the present, and the promise of the future,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “Through locally inspired design, culinary offerings and programming, The Ritz-Carlton, Pune will create an experience that is authentic to the city, facilitating a deeper connection between our guests and the destination.”
Set to elevate luxury in Pune, the hotel’s design reflects a seamless union of classical grandeur and timeless sophistication, offering both traditional and modern points of view. Small details such as design motifs inspired by Indian silhouettes and classic chandeliers gracefully evoke a sense of place. Celebrating the history and spirit of the city, guests will be invited every evening to toast to golden hour at Aasma, the hotel’s rooftop lounge, where they can learn the meaning behind the venue’s name and enjoy skyline views. Locally relevant experiences such as a sourcing trip for sustainable ingredients or a joint golf tour with a Pro at the adjoining Golf course are also available for guests who are interested in exploring the neighbourhood.
The hotel features 198 elegantly appointed guestrooms and 35 plush suites, designed to be refined and relaxing sanctuaries that are also the largest in the city. The Ritz-Carlton, Pune offers an exceptional Presidential Suite that is spread across 3,154 sq. ft and includes two bedrooms, a walk in closet, a spacious living room and dining area, private bar and in-suite treatment room. Guests staying on the Club Level floors will enjoy access to a signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, an urban sanctuary on the 18th floor that features picturesque views of the golf course, private check-in, a dedicated Club Concierge, and a variety of culinary presentations throughout the day.
Celebrating the region’s distinct culinary scene, The Ritz-Carlton, Pune captures the essence of the destination with five signature dining experiences. Gourmet world cuisine at Three Kitchens and Bar welcomes guests by offering three residential-style kitchens. The modern Japanese restaurant Ukiyo features a long sushi counter and robata grill complemented by an expansive selection of sake while The Ritz-Carlton Tea Lounge brings the time-honored custom of afternoon tea to the city. Vida Bar & Grill is a craft cocktail destination and Aasma, a rooftop lounge serving Indian cuisine, captivates with 180-degree views of the golf course and inventive adaptations from the royal kitchens of India.
“We are extremely pleased to debut The Ritz-Carlton in the evolving city of Pune, and expand our portfolio in major destinations in India,” said Neeraj Govil, Senior Vice President, South Asia at Marriott International. “Pune is a top choice for affluent travelers and international tourists seeking enriching experiences, and this opening reflects our continued commitment to provide those travelers with opportunities to explore destinations like Pune.”
The 25,000 sq. ft. wellness floor includes a Fitness Studio and Yoga Deck, allowingguests to maintain their wellness routines even while traveling. The Ritz-Carlton Spa with its 8 treatment rooms and Express Pods combines bespoke services, custom facials and unique treatments steeped in Ayurveda traditions and chakra energy inviting guests to indulge in relaxation while they immerse themselves in discovery of the local culture.
The hotel also boasts 35,000 square feet of elegantly designed banquet facilities are suited to gatherings of all kinds, from business meetings to social affairs. With access to a beautiful outdoor foyer and deck area, the ballrooms are perfect for intimate gatherings and romantic weddings alike.
Hotels & Resorts
Navarino Agora, a microcosm of handpicked experiences to launch on 1 July 2023

Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia, southwest Peloponnese, introduces Navarino Agora. This new curated marketplace and incubator of art and culture will enrich the Messinian experience for everyone who visits or lives in the region. The contemporary take on the ancient agora concept, is in a privileged seaside setting at the Navarino Waterfront area and will open on 1 July.
Navarino Agora will welcome all guests and homeowners of Costa Navarino, as well as locals and visitors of Messinia, in a vibrant, multicultural environment where tradition meets modernity. The new market will showcase handpicked retail, restaurants and street food venues, an open-air cinema, VR entertainment, alongside a rich program of events featuring music and dance performances, art and book exhibitions, antiques bazaar and much more, introducing visitors to both local and international cultural experiences.
Across more than 20 retail venues, visitors will find a wide range of luxury and handcrafted clothing, shoes and beachwear, accessories, eyewear, jewellery, beauty and health products, books and homeware, alongside beauty and travel services, and a museum shop.
Various partnerships which encapsulate Costa Navarino’s multifaceted character and experience-based philosophy, will enrich the offering at Navarino Agora.
As part of the collaboration between the internationally acclaimed Kalamata Dance Festival and the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, Navarino Agora will host two dance performances during July. Within the same month, further events which aim to showcase the local cultural heritage will be held in partnership with the Foundation, starting with a music performance inspired by Ancient Messinia, while the first book bazaar will also take place.
In August, the first antiques bazaar will be held, while a classical music concert, part of the “International Kalamata Music Days” festival, will welcome visitors.
Through the strategic partnership with the Athens School of Fine Arts, students will showcase their work during the “Art Market” that will be held in September. Within the same month, the open-air cinema will host the curated program “Oxbelly Nights” in collaboration with Danaos Cinema and the renowned Greek nonprofit Oxbelly, founded by producer Christos V. Konstantakopoulos, presenting the opportunity to enjoy masterpieces on the big screen and have a discussion of the film with talent in attendance.
In a welcoming environment where creativity flourishes, Navarino Agora will also play host to portrait sketching, storytelling of myths and legends, and regular music and dance performances in association with local cultural organizations.
Complemented by a wide variety of dining options, ranging from Mediterranean and fusion cuisine to street food venues with Greek, Middle Eastern and seafood flavors, alongside ice-creams, wines and beverages, visitors will benefit from an abundant choice of offerings. The gastronomy front is further enriched through olive oil tasting sessions, introducing participants to its discerning characteristics and subtle flavors. Furthermore, Navarino Agora will host local cheese and wine pairings, a lively open-air market with fruit & vegetables, and a wine festival in October.
Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Expands Presence in Mexico with the Debut of Hilton Monterrey

Hilton today announced the opening of Hilton Monterrey, located in the business and financial district of the capital city of Nuevo León, Mexico. With an emphasis on efficient design and conscious travel, from its farm-to-table restaurant and energy-conserving technology, the 225-room property provides a modern urban oasis with the intuitive service and world-class amenities of Hilton Hotels & Resorts to deliver an exceptional stay for mindful business and leisure travelers.
“As our ninth Hilton property in this thriving metropolis and industrial hub, we are delighted to debut Hilton Monterrey as part of our growing portfolio in Mexico,” said Jorge Giannattasio, senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton. “We look forward to welcoming guests and locals alike to this stylish hotel where they can experience our elevated accommodations and enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar, served with our signature hospitality for which Hilton is known.”
Hilton Monterrey is conveniently located just 23 miles from Mariano Escobedo International Airport in the heart of the commercial district and connected to Galerías Valle Oriente Mall. The modern city of Monterrey lies north of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range. Although historically known as an industrial city, Monterrey is rich in history and art, with the hotel located five miles away from the Mexican History Museum, Paseo Santa Lucía, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Fundidora Park.
“We’re thrilled to bring Hilton Hotels & Resorts to Monterrey, growing our flagship brand’s ever-expanding presence and best-in-class hospitality offerings in Mexico,” said Leonard Gooz, global brand head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “Hilton Monterrey offers thoughtful service, energizing, inviting spaces beautifully designed to reflect the destination, locally influenced dining options and memorable meetings and events, delivering an exceptional stay for business and leisure travelers alike.”
Accommodations with Inspired Design
Under the creation of world-renowned hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), Hilton Monterrey’s design concept highlights the city’s contrast of urban architecture and its surrounding natural beauty. A neutral palette offset by dark contrasting tones and elements of misty blue reflects the area’s beautiful landscape. Elements of stone, wood and metals combine to create a tranquil ambiance for relaxation or work.
Hilton Monterrey’s 225 rooms offer guests a choice of unobstructed city skyline views or sweeping mountain views paired with amenities that deliver the comfort and convenience for which Hilton is known, including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 55-inch flat-panel HDTVs, a dedicated work desk, rainfall shower, ample closet space and more. The design places high importance on energy efficiency, from heat recovery systems to save natural gas, to water-saving toilet tanks and showers, and an automation system that maintains the rooms at a certain temperature when guests are out exploring the city.
The elegantly appointed presidential suite represents the height of sophistication at Hilton Monterrey with its floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious living area, kitchenette, well-appointed king bed, desk for a quiet work area, access to the Executive Lounge, and oversized, modern bathroom with a free-standing soaking tub.
Dining to Inspire the Senses
Hilton Monterrey is home to three onsite dining experiences for guests and locals alike. Chef Alejandro González leads Hilton Monterrey’s culinary vision using innovative techniques and creating experiences that go beyond the senses with dishes inspired by the traditional cuisine of Mexico and grounded on sustainable practices and respect of the seasonality of the local ingredients.
Farm-to-table seasonal restaurant Härth is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving local and international cuisine with sustainable ingredients from local and regional vendors. Dishes that will tantalize the taste buds include shrimp ravioli with spicy tuna tartar in a Huancaína sauce and Tetela, a triangular corn tortilla filled with duck confit, breaded egg yolk and pea sprouts, served over homemade mole. The hotel’s signature Härth Bar, located adjacent to Härth, serves all-day fresh cocktails with seating available on its terrace. On the rooftop, guests can discover Wander, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge serving up the best views in the city along with cocktails and a special selection of international street food.
Flexible Meetings and Events Space
With eight meeting spaces spanning over 12,000 square feet, Hilton Monterrey’s flexible event space can accommodate a variety of settings from small social gatherings to large business conferences. Venues include an exquisite pre-function foyer and outdoor terrace, the triple-height, 24-foot ceiling Magnolia ballroom that can host up to 600 attendees, a boardroom and individual meeting rooms named after native trees of Nuevo León, all with onsite catering support available.
Hilton Monterrey participates in Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 19 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi, and access to the Hilton Honors mobile app.
Hilton Monterrey is the latest addition to Hilton’s rapidly expanding portfolio in Mexico, where guests are currently welcomed at approximately 90 hotels and resorts, with approximately 25 additional properties in development.
Hotels & Resorts
IMARAT signs Agreement to Construct its Fourth Hotel in Collaboration with Marriott International

IMARAT Group has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to develop a Courtyard by Marriott project in DHA Multan. The signing ceremony took place at Marriott International’s Office in Dubai.
Marriott International was represented in the ceremony by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Phil Andreopoulos, Chief Operating Officer, Owner and Franchise Services, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Chadi Hauch, Regional Vice President – Development, Middle East and Ziad Abi Raad, Director Lodging Development.
The event was attended by Chairman IMARAT Group, Mr. Shafiq Akbar, Director IMARAT Hospitality, Mr. Farhan Javed, IMARAT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Saad Ahmed Awan.
Chairman IMARAT Group, Mr. Shafiq Akbar, while speaking on the occasion, said, “On this day, we are elated to witness the culmination of years of effort; a collaboration with Marriott International to construct Courtyard by Marriott in DHA Multan. I see this project as the ‘Jewel of South Punjab’, a state of the art hospitality initiative that will give Pakistan’s, particularly South Punjab’s hotel and tourism sectors a much-needed economic boost”.
Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International commented, “We are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the IMARAT Group and expand our portfolio of in Pakistan. There is an unmet demand for hotel accommodation in South Punjab and with the Courtyard by Marriott Multan we look forward to supporting the expansion of the hospitality landscape in the market.”
Expressing his views at the signing ceremony, Group Director IMARAT Hospitality, Farhan Javed said, “IMARAT envisions and executes projects to take the hospitality sector of Pakistan to a level where we are at par with the international standards. By offering the best services in the hospitality business, Courtyard by Marriott is unquestionably on the verge of creating a benchmark in the sector.”
Since it first opened its doors more than 35 years ago, Courtyard by Marriott has been dedicated to creating an environment where great things can happen. Today, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfillment and professional growth.
Courtyard by Marriott is expected to be an ideal fit South Punjab and Multan. Multan, being the fifth-most densely populated city in Pakistan, serves as South Punjab’s economic and cultural hub. The new collaboration between Imarat and Marriott International aims to meet the demand for quality hospitality accommodation in the market.
IMARAT Group, one of Pakistan’s top real estate player, continues to construct and develop major projects that are coherent with the concept of transforming the real estate dynamics in the country. IMARAT’s top notch construction and property management seeks to assist Pakistan in making a name in the international hospitality sector.
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