Tag: hotels

Business

Radisson & MBD Join Forces to Expand Luxury Hospitality in India

Tanisha Cardozo

In a major boost to India’s evolving hospitality landscape, Radisson Hotel Group has announced a long-term strategic partnership with MBD Group under a Master Franchise Agreement, aimed at expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across the country. The collaboration will primarily focus on scaling two of Radisson’s premium brands—Radisson Collection and Radisson RED—at key locations nationwide.

Anchored in global brand standards and governance, the partnership combines Radisson’s international hospitality expertise with MBD Group’s strong foothold in development and operations. While Radisson Hotel Group continues its independent expansion strategy in India, this alliance adds a powerful channel to accelerate growth in one of its most important markets.

As part of this collaboration, the well-known Radisson Blu MBD Hotel in Noida will undergo a significant transformation and be repositioned as Radisson Collection MBD following a comprehensive upgrade. The property, already among the top-performing hotels in Radisson’s India portfolio, will be elevated to align with the luxury standards of the Radisson Collection brand, reinforcing the group’s strategy of upgrading landmark assets alongside developing new properties.

India’s premium hospitality sector is witnessing strong momentum, driven by rising demand for high-end, design-focused experiences. This partnership directly responds to that shift, with both companies aiming to deliver hotels that blend aesthetic refinement with immersive guest experiences. The vision is not just expansion, but the creation of distinctive spaces that reflect both global standards and local cultural narratives.

Over the next decade, the partnership targets the development of 50 co-branded hotels across Radisson Collection MBD and Radisson RED MBD. The strategy will largely follow an asset-light model, with approximately 80 percent of the portfolio comprising managed and franchised properties, while the remaining 20 percent will be owned assets. This approach allows for scalable growth while maintaining operational efficiency and long-term brand value.

The positioning of the two brands within the partnership is clearly defined. Radisson Collection MBD will cater to the luxury segment with a focus on curated, timeless experiences, while Radisson RED MBD will take a more dynamic and aggressive approach, targeting the lifestyle segment with bold, design-driven concepts. Together, they aim to redefine how luxury and lifestyle hospitality is perceived in India.

The partnership also builds on a longstanding relationship between the two groups, spanning over two decades. Rooted in trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence, the collaboration reflects a deeper vision of shaping India’s hospitality future. With a combined focus on innovation, cultural storytelling, and operational excellence, both organizations are positioning themselves to meet the expectations of modern travellers.

As India continues to emerge as a key global travel destination, initiatives like this are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s hospitality ecosystem. By integrating global expertise with local insight, the partnership between Radisson Hotel Group and MBD Group sets the stage for a new generation of luxury and lifestyle destinations, designed to deliver meaningful experiences while contributing to sustainable, long-term growth in the sector.

Fit & Fabulous

GUESS Celebrates Global Unity and Heritage with ‘One World, One Brand 2025’ in Marrakech

Tanisha Cardozo

As GUESS approaches its 45th anniversary in 2026, the brand chose Marrakech, Morocco, as the stage for its global conference One World, One Brand 2025 — a vibrant celebration of creativity, heritage, and unity. The city holds deep personal meaning for Paul Marciano, GUESS’s Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, who was born there.

Now in its eighth edition, the conference brought together over 800 guests from 100 countries, marking one of the most ambitious gatherings in the brand’s history. The event unfolded over three days of inspiring conferences, fashion showcases, gala dinners, cocktail receptions, and luxurious experiences that reflected GUESS’s signature blend of glamour and authenticity.

The grand finale was a breathtaking fashion show at the El Badi Palace, an architectural marvel of 16th-century Morocco, where guests witnessed the unveiling of the Spring/Summer 2026 and Pre-Fall 2026 collections and a special MARCIANO by GUESS capsule created exclusively for Marrakech.

“It’s far beyond a corporate gathering,” said Paul Marciano. “One World, One Brand is about bringing people together from across the globe to share ideas, celebrate creativity, and experience the lifestyle that defines GUESS. I chose Morocco to honor my family’s humble beginnings and to showcase the beauty and progress of this country that shaped who I am.”

The overarching theme, Never Forget Your Roots, resonated throughout the event, paying tribute to Marciano’s Moroccan heritage and GUESS’s evolution from its iconic denim origins to a global lifestyle powerhouse.

Among the attendees were GUESS executives, business partners, and international talent, including Chiara Ferragni, Leonie Hanne, Lea Elui, Maura Higgins, Krystle D’Souza, and Andrea Brillantes, along with global media and fashion influencers. Guests experienced curated adventures across Morocco — from sidecar tours through Marrakech’s vibrant souks to hot-air balloon rides over the Agafay Desert and private explorations of the Medina.

To extend the celebration, GUESS will take over the luxurious White Camel glamping resort in the Agafay Desert through the fall season, offering immersive experiences and décor inspired by the brand’s iconic heritage.

As GUESS moves closer to its 45th anniversary, One World, One Brand 2025 stands as a symbol of its enduring vision — a world united by creativity, connection, and timeless style.

Spotlight

Ninaad Kambli: Redefining Luxury Living in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

When Ninaad Kambli founded Nivasa in 2019, he wasn’t starting fresh—he was building on a solid foundation. Backed by the technical strength of Rahee Constructions, a firm with over 30+ years of experience under the leadership of Ashish Kambli, Nivasa was created to offer something Goa’s real estate landscape was missing: a complete, experience-led approach to luxury living.

In a market that often focuses on land volume or transactional value, Ninaad saw an opportunity to shift the conversation. Nivasa was envisioned to elevate the meaning of home—spaces that feel intimate, rooted in design integrity, and tailored for those seeking more than just property ownership. According to him, true luxury isn’t about extravagance, but about how a space makes you feel. At Nivasa, that means creating homes that are calm, functional, and deeply connected to nature. From the breezy courtyards to the locally sourced materials and custom interiors, every detail is designed to support a lifestyle of ease and beauty.

More Than Villas: A Full-Service Living Experience

What makes Nivasa stand apart is its 360-degree service model. It’s not just about building homes—it’s about creating and sustaining value. From land acquisition and architectural planning to Vastu consultancy, interior design, and project execution, Nivasa takes care of every step. Even after a villa is complete, clients benefit from long-term support through property maintenance, Airbnb management, and hospitality services. This end-to-end offering ensures that every home continues to be a valuable asset, both emotionally and financially.

Sustainability is integral to the Nivasa philosophy. The brand is committed to eco-conscious building—incorporating features like passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient layouts into each project. Ninaad is particularly drawn to biophilic design, where natural elements are brought indoors to foster a sense of calm and well-being. This design approach reinforces the Goan charm, giving each villa a warm, grounded identity.

One of the most memorable and challenging projects for Nivasa involved restoring a heritage villa in Goa. Maintaining its original character while integrating modern conveniences required careful planning and collaboration with local artisans. The project taught Ninaad the value of patience, cultural sensitivity, and craftsmanship—lessons that now guide many of Nivasa’s current projects.

The Vision Ahead: Thoughtful Living, Invested Living

Leadership at Nivasa is fluid and responsive. While villa development demands structure, precision, and adherence to timelines, the hospitality side requires empathy, flexibility, and attention to guest experience. Ninaad shifts his approach based on the domain, but always maintains a core focus on creativity, accountability, and alignment with the brand’s values. His team operates with the same ethos—sharing a collective vision of soulful living, nurtured through open communication, collaboration, and ongoing inspiration.

As for Goa’s real estate future, Ninaad anticipates a rise in wellness-focused architecture, sustainable luxury, and tech-enabled smart homes. He also sees increasing demand for dual-purpose homes—spaces that are both personal sanctuaries and viable investment properties. For today’s investors, his advice is simple: look for legal clarity, regulatory compliance, and long-term viability. Choosing Nivasa means choosing a holistic ecosystem that delivers not just a home, but lasting value.

For Ninaad, the idea of home is deeply personal. It’s a sanctuary—somewhere you feel at peace and inspired at the same time. This belief shapes every project Nivasa undertakes, creating homes that feel warm, grounded, and thoughtfully designed for the realities of modern living. When asked to describe Nivasa as a person, he says: “Elegant. Grounded. Visionary.” Whether it’s a villa in Goa or a dream home in Tuscany surrounded by vineyards, Ninaad Kambli continues to lead with intention—building not just houses, but homes with soul.