Tag: Luxury Travel

Business

Celebrate Holi in Luxury: Taj Unveils ‘Festivals of India’ Experience

Tanisha Cardozo

Celebrating the arrival of spring, Taj Hotels, the iconic hospitality brand from Indian Hotels Company Limited, has announced the Holi edition of its much-loved ‘Festivals of India, Celebrations by Taj’ across its properties nationwide. Rooted in India’s rich cultural traditions, Holi marks a time of joy, renewal, and togetherness, and Taj’s latest offering brings these emotions to life through thoughtfully curated experiences that blend heritage with luxury.

Across the country, guests can immerse themselves in festive celebrations set against some of Taj’s most stunning destinations. From the timeless grandeur of Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai to the serene coastal charm of Taj Cidade de Goa, the tranquil backwaters surrounding Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, the peaceful seaside escape at Taj Alibaug Resort & Spa, and the regal elegance of Taj Lalit Bagh, Udaipur, each property offers a unique way to celebrate the festival of colours.

The experience goes beyond just a stay. Guests can enjoy exclusive festive benefits including special room rates, 20 percent savings on dining, spa therapies, and salon services, along with curated cultural activities that capture the true essence of Holi. Members can also earn up to 8 percent NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends, adding more value to their celebrations. These offers are available for bookings made before March 4, 2026, for stays between March 2 and March 5, 2026, making it a perfect short festive getaway.

With a legacy that dates back to 1903, when Jamsetji Tata opened the doors of the first Taj hotel, the brand has consistently set benchmarks in luxury hospitality. Today, Taj continues to evolve while staying deeply connected to its roots, offering guests not just a place to stay, but experiences that celebrate India’s diverse culture and traditions. Recognized globally, Taj stands as a symbol of excellence, blending timeless elegance with modern comfort across its expansive portfolio of hotels and resorts.

Through initiatives like ‘Festivals of India’, Taj reimagines how cultural celebrations can be experienced, turning traditional festivals into immersive journeys filled with warmth, colour, and meaning. This Holi, the brand invites guests to step into a world where every moment is thoughtfully designed to reflect the spirit of the festival, creating memories that go far beyond the colours of the day.

Travel

Goa Crowned ‘Best Romantic Destination’ at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa has been conferred with the Winner – Best Romantic Destination at the prestigious Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025, further reaffirming its position as one of India’s most admired and loved travel destinations. The award was presented at a distinguished ceremony held at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on December 16, 2025. The honour on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, was received by Ms. Swati Prabhu Shastri, currently serving at Goa Sadan on deputation from the Education Department.

This recognition highlights Goa’s timeless appeal, from its scenic coastline and intimate hospitality experiences to its vibrant cultural fabric and seamless balance of luxury with laid-back charm. Over the years, Goa has evolved beyond its beach identity, offering meaningful experiences rooted in heritage, wellness, hinterland exploration, and responsible tourism, making it a preferred destination for couples and travellers alike.

Reacting to the recognition, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte described the award as a proud moment for the state, noting that Goa offers far more than picturesque landscapes. He emphasised that the essence of romance in Goa lies in its culture, warmth, authenticity, and strong sense of place, while reiterating the government’s commitment to regenerative tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik also welcomed the honour, stating that the recognition reflects the consistent efforts of the Department of Tourism, industry stakeholders, and local communities. He highlighted how curated experiences such as heritage stays, wellness retreats, immersive cultural encounters, and responsible tourism initiatives continue to strengthen Goa’s identity while keeping pace with evolving traveller expectations.

Now in its 14th year, the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards is a marquee celebration recognising excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. This accolade reinforces Goa’s positioning as a destination that effortlessly blends celebration with serenity, luxury with simplicity, and romance with sustainability. The Department of Tourism expressed its gratitude to Travel + Leisure India, industry partners, and travellers for their continued trust and support, viewing the award as a strong endorsement of Goa’s vision for experience-led, responsible, and regenerative tourism.

Travel

IRCTC Golden Chariot Luxury Train Showcases Goa’s Culture to Premium Travellers

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Tourism warmly welcomed the IRCTC Golden Chariot Luxury Train at Madgaon on November 5, 2025, offering high-end travellers a chance to experience the State’s rich culture, heritage, and hospitality. Among the guests were 26 international travellers who enjoyed a carefully curated itinerary featuring immersive heritage-led activities.

Visitors explored prominent churches in North Goa, gaining insights into the region’s spiritual and architectural significance, and experiencing a side of Goa beyond its famous beaches. Following the cultural tour, the Golden Chariot continued its journey towards Bengaluru.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized that such visits help travellers appreciate Goa’s culture, heritage, and warm hospitality, while supporting initiatives that create meaningful experiences and benefit local communities. Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik noted the growing interest in cultural and heritage tourism, welcoming the opportunity to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings to discerning travellers.

This visit aligns with Goa Tourism’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable, immersive, and culturally rooted experiences, positioning the State as a premium, year-round travel destination. By bringing together luxury travel and authentic local experiences, the Golden Chariot visit reinforces Goa’s reputation as a destination that combines heritage, culture, and world-class hospitality.

Business

IHCL Adds 15 Hotels to Portfolio, Strengthens Eastern India Presence

Tanisha Cardozo

Mumbai, July 21, 2025 – India’s largest hospitality brand, The Indian Hotels Company Ltd. (IHCL), has announced a significant expansion by signing a strategic agreement with Ambuja Neotia Group for the development of 15 new hotels, marking a major milestone in their longstanding collaboration, which now spans over 40 properties.

This move is aimed at unlocking the vast tourism potential of Eastern and North Eastern India, focusing particularly on West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh—regions known for their natural beauty and cultural richness.

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of destination creation now extends to the East and North East. We are delighted to grow our partnership with Ambuja Neotia, whose developments reflect the spirit of the region,” said Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL.

The new properties will include a mix of Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Gateway, and Ginger brands, catering to a broad range of travelers—from luxury to upscale and experiential segments. These hotels will be located in scenic and emerging tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong (Sikkim), Siliguri, Shimla, and Raichak.

“This is a testament to the strength of our collaboration. With Taj being named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, these destinations will gain visibility on the global tourism map,” said Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group.

🏨 New Hotels Overview:

BrandDestinations
Taj Resorts & VillasDarjeeling, Lataguri, Sunderban, Rabong, Shimla, Raichak
SeleQtionsKolkata (2), Siliguri, Raichak, Digha
Tree of LifeLataguri, Ramgarh
GatewaySiliguri
GingerHaldia

📌 IHCL Portfolio Snapshot

Current Operating Hotels (Select):

  • Taj: Chia Kutir (Darjeeling), Guras Kutir (Gangtok), Taal Kutir & City Centre (Kolkata)
  • SeleQtions: Raajkutir (Kolkata)
  • Tree of Life: Present in Agra, Corbett, Jaipur, Varanasi, Srinagar, Gangtok, and more

Upcoming Projects:

  • Taj Ganga Kutir (Raichak)
  • Tree of Life: Sirmaur, Naldehra, Shivpuri

🏢 About the Partners

IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Ltd.)
A Tata Group company, IHCL operates iconic hospitality brands including Taj, SeleQtions, Tree of Life, Vivanta, Ginger, and the Claridges Collection. With over 400 hotels in 14 countries, IHCL leads India’s hospitality sector with a strong commitment to sustainability and destination creation.

Ambuja Neotia Group
Based in Kolkata, Ambuja Neotia is a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, hospitality, education, and healthcare. Notable projects include City Centre malls, Raichak on Ganges, and Neotia Bhagirathi hospitals.