September 1, 2026

Araiya Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of Soul by Araiya Paithalmala – A Vihaara Resort, the latest addition to its growing portfolio of boutique hotels and retreats across India. Owned by Subhakaran K V and family, managed by Araiya Hotels and Resort, this new property reinforces Araiya’s commitment to bringing thoughtfully curated hospitality experiences to emerging leisure destinations that celebrate authenticity, wellness and a deep connection with their surroundings.   A new retreat in Kerala’s Western Ghats Araiya Paithalmala designed for slow living and immersive escapes   Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghats, the resort is envisioned as a sanctuary where nature sets the pace inviting guests to slow down, reconnect and experience the restorative beauty of one of Kerala’s most serene mountain destinations. With cool mountain air, panoramic valley views and lush forests forming its backdrop, the property embodies a sense of quiet luxury that is increasingly sought after by today’s discerning traveller.   The resort features 18 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, including 17 Deluxe Rooms and 1 Honeymoon Suite, each offering expansive views of the surrounding hills and designed to create an atmosphere of privacy and comfort. Warm interiors, contemporary amenities and nature-inspired design come together to provide guests with an experience that is both luxurious and deeply relaxing.   True to Araiya’s philosophy of destination-led hospitality, Soul by Araiya encourages guests to experience Paithalmala beyond its scenic beauty. Carefully curated experiences such as guided nature walks, sunrise and sunset trails, stargazing sessions and mindfulness programmes invite travellers to immerse themselves in the rhythms of the landscape. For those looking to explore further, nearby mountain treks, coffee estate visits and the region’s rich biodiversity offer memorable opportunities to discover northern Kerala through a slower, more meaningful lens.   Speaking on the collaboration, AMRUDA NAIR, Founder and Director – Araiya Hotels and Resorts said “Soul by Araiya began with a simple observation: Indian travellers are done paying for ceremony. Soul promise is quality without theatre good rooms, honest food, and places worth the journey. Most of India discovers Kerala from the backwaters up; we wanted to introduce it from the hills down.   Paithalmala is one of the state’s most cherished highland escapes shola forests, rolling coffee estates, mornings that arrive through mist and it deserves hospitality at its own scale: eighteen rooms, a spa, and trails in every direction. We are pleased to partner with the Shubakaran family to bring Soul by Araiya to Kerala. The best properties come from owners with deep roots in their destination, and Vihaara’s commitment to Paithalmala matched with Araiya’s operating discipline is exactly that pairing. There was no better address for Soul’s debut, and no better way to bring Araiya to Kerala.”   Speaking on the collaboration, Subhakaran KV, Director, from Vihaara Resort said “Paithalmala is one of the most extraordinary yet undiscovered corners of South India, and Soul by Araiya, Paithalmala, A Vihaara Resort was built to honour that — its landscapes, its culture, and the sense of calm that defines this hill retreat.   Our vision has always been to create a retreat where guests can reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort, wellness, and thoughtful service. We are delighted to announce that this property will be managed exclusively by Araiya Hotels & Resorts, whose expertise and commitment to exceptional hospitality will bring this vision to life.We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the unique charm of Paithalmala and the warm hospitality that defines Soul by Araiya, Paithalmala, A Vihaara Resort.”   Conveniently located just 90 minutes from Kannur International Airport, the resort serves as an ideal gateway for travellers seeking a peaceful mountain retreat, a wellness-focused holiday or an immersive nature escape. Whether visiting for adventure, relaxation or celebration, guests can expect an experience that balances comfort with the timeless beauty of Kerala’s misty highlands.   About Araiya Hotels & Resorts Araiya Hotels & Resorts is India’s conscious hospitality collection — boutique hotels where the stay gives back: to the communities around each property, the landscapes they sit in, and the guest’s own stillness. Founded and led by third-generation hotelier Amruda Nair, the portfolio spans the Himalayan foothills, the forests of Gir and Rajaji, and the hills of northern Kerala, across its Araiya, Araiya Anthology, Soul by Araiya and Essence by Araiya collections. Working in partnership with property owners, Araiya combines investor-grade operating discipline with a simple philosophy: small by design, rooted in place, and giving more than it takes. Upcoming openings include Vanin, Araiya Anthology in Ranthambore. Stay. Give. Return.  

India’s luxury housing developers are increasingly designing projects around wellness rather than conspicuous consumption, betting that affluent homebuyers will pay a premium for residences that promise healthier lifestyles, preventive healthcare and better ageing.   Luxury developers pivot to wellness as India’s affluent buyers seek healthier homes   The shift marks a departure from the sector’s traditional emphasis on scale, imported finishes and clubhouse amenities. Instead, developers are investing in low-density masterplans, biophilic design, clean-air systems and integrated health infrastructure as India’s wealthy increasingly view homes as long-term lifestyle assets rather than purely financial investments. The trend comes as luxury housing continues to outperform the broader residential market, even as affordability pressures weigh on mass housing demand.   The move also reflects a global real estate transition. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate is the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy, expanding from $584 billion in 2024 and projected to almost double to $1.1 trillion by 2029. Increasingly, developers are embedding wellness into neighbourhood planning rather than treating it as a premium amenity.   In India, developers say the post-pandemic buyer has become markedly more discerning. Privacy, environmental quality and everyday liveability now feature alongside location and brand when affluent consumers evaluate a purchase. Recent market data from JLL shows launches of premium housing rose sharply in the first quarter of 2026, underlining sustained demand at the top end of the market.   Some developers anticipated the shift before “wellness” became an industry buzzword.   Yukti Nagpal, Director, Gulshan Group, points “Luxury today is moving beyond premium specifications to encompass healthier, more meaningful ways of living. Buyers increasingly value open spaces, greenery, privacy and a stronger connection with nature. At Gulshan Group, this thinking has been integral to all our projects, including our recently handed over Gulshan Dynasty, where low density planning and expansive green landscapes were designed to enhance everyday well-being. We believe wellness is fast becoming a defining dimension of luxury housing.”   The concept is now evolving further.   Rather than treating wellness as an amenity, Trehan IRIS is building an entire residential proposition around it. Its recently launched Omara in Gurugram is positioned as “India’s First Luxury Well-being Residences”, bringing together preventive health, a dedicated longevity clinic, recovery, movement, nutrition and environmental design within a single residential ecosystem, with wellness experiences curated in association with partners such as L’Occitane & Knox.   This approach reflects a broader evolution in wellness real estate globally, where the focus is shifting beyond conventional gyms, spas and fitness facilities towards environments designed around long-term wellbeing and healthier ways of living. The Global Wellness Institute identifies longevity, healthy buildings and community-scale wellbeing among the key themes shaping the next generation of residential development.   Aman Trehan, Executive Director, Trehan IRIS, said, “The future of luxury living is not simply about creating more refined spaces, but about creating environments that meaningfully enhance the way we live. Omara has been conceived as a residential ecosystem where preventive health, architecture and everyday experiences come together to foster a more holistic approach to wellbeing. At Omara, wellness is not an amenity within the project. It is the organising principle behind it.”   The emergence of wellness-led projects also points to a broader shift in how luxury housing is being evaluated. While some developers are building dedicated health and longevity ecosystems, the underlying expectation is becoming more mainstream: that the home and its surrounding environment should actively contribute to better everyday living. This is bringing elements such as natural light, ventilation, greenery, privacy, open spaces and cleaner environments into the broader conversation around what constitutes premium housing.   Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA Group said, “Wellness is becoming part of the decision-making process when buyers evaluate a luxury home, and that is changing the way residential projects are planned. The expectations are no longer limited to the size of the apartment or the clubhouse. There is also a greater attention to natural light, ventilation, open spaces, greenery, privacy and the quality of the surrounding environment. Recent reports also substantiate this uptick in residential demand. As buyers move up the value curve, expectations are also becoming more considered. A home is increasingly being assessed for how it supports everyday living, not just how it looks at the time of purchase.”   This shift is also changing what buyers expect from the broader luxury residential experience. As wellness moves beyond specialised facilities and into the fundamentals of planning and design, developers are seeing greater emphasis on spaces and environments that support healthier everyday routines.   Kapil Chugh, VP, Rise Infravetures Limited said, “The luxury housing buyer has become much more conscious of what daily life inside a project actually looks like. This is one reason wellness is finding a stronger place while evaluating a residential project. The demand is not necessarily for another gym or spa, but for better planning, more open areas, cleaner surroundings and spaces that make healthier routines easier to follow. Only shortly, JLL reported a 30% year-on-year increase in sales of homes priced above Rs. 1 crore in Q1 2026, while the segment’s share of sales across the top seven cities reached 71%. That kind of premiumisation is also giving buyers more room to question what they are getting for their money. Wellness, therefore, is becoming less of an add-on and more a part of the value proposition.”   Whether wellness ultimately becomes a durable pricing advantage remains to be seen. Yet as India’s luxury housing market matures, developers appear increasingly convinced that the next competitive battleground will not be taller towers or larger clubhouses, but whether the built environment can demonstrably improve how residents live.

Celebrity Prime Hospitality (CPH), a growing hospitality group focused on building differentiated hotel and stay experiences across India, has announced the launch of its latest property, CASA Hotels by Trunk & Trolley, in Warangal, Telangana.   CASA Hotel Launch in Warangal   Casa Hotels by Trunk & Trolley is an endorsed hospitality brand that brings together the contemporary, accessible stay experience of Casa with the distinctive identity and hospitality philosophy of Trunk & Trolley.   casahotel.in   The new property marks another step in CPH’s expansion strategy, bringing its contemporary and accessible hospitality proposition to one of Telangana’s important emerging cities.With Warangal witnessing increasing movement across business, tourism, education and local commerce, the new property is positioned to serve both business and leisure travellers looking for a comfortable, reliable and contemporary stay experience.   trunkandtrolley.com   “Warangal is an important market for us as we continue to look beyond the conventional hospitality centres and build a network of properties that are relevant to how India is travelling and doing business today,” said Varun Kancharla, Founder & CEO, Celebrity Prime Hospitality.   Casa by Trunk & Trolley is designed around a simple idea — making a quality hospitality experience more accessible without compromising on the essentials that matter to a guest. Our entry into Warangal is part of our larger vision to build strong hospitality brands across emerging and established markets.   The property will offer guests premium stay, along with Akali — restaurant / banquet / spa, making it suitable for both short business stays and leisure visits.   The launch further strengthens CPH’s growing portfolio of hospitality assets and supports the group’s broader ambition of creating a multi-brand hospitality platform serving different guest segments and markets.   With Casa by Trunk & Trolley from CPH aims to build a hospitality brand that combines functional comfort, contemporary design and dependable guest service, while adapting its properties to the character and needs of each local market.   The Warangal launch is part of Celebrity Prime Hospitality’s(CPH) broader expansion roadmap,with our upcoming launches soon in Goa and Bengaluru, we are rapidly scaling our footprint to serve travelers nationwide. The group continues to evaluate opportunities across Telugu states and other high-potential markets in India.   Celebrity Prime Hospitality (CPH) is a hospitality platform focused on developing, operating and scaling differentiated hospitality brands and properties across India. Its portfolio includes brands such as Trunk & Trolley and CASA Hotels by Trunk & Trolley, with over 500 keys, 9 properties and growing serving distinct guest segments across business, leisure and lifestyle hospitality.   CPH’s vision is to build a scalable hospitality platform that combines strong operating systems, differentiated guest experiences and locally relevant properties to create an enduring hospitality brand.   Know more: celebrityprimehospitality.com.

BPTP Limited, one of the National Capital Region’s leading real estate developers, has been recognised with the ‘Premium High-Rise Development of the Year’ award for BPTP Skynest at the Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026, held on August 30, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt, Gurugram.   BPTP Skynest bags ‘Premium Highrise Development of the Year’ at Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026   Located in Sector 80, Greater Faridabad, BPTP Skynest is envisioned as a premium high-rise residential development that combines contemporary architecture, thoughtfully planned homes and a holistic lifestyle experience. The project comprises 504 residential units and brings biophilic design into the high-rise format through 20 dedicated Sky Nests, landscaped green pockets woven into the tower design alongside a curated mix of wellness, leisure and social spaces. Homes are planned as expansive, light-filled layouts with wraparound balconies, designed to support multi-generational living and give every family member room to belong. The development brings together the convenience of high-rise living with carefully curated recreational spaces, creating an environment built for both everyday life and leisure.  So far, BPTP has delivered 38.63 million sq. ft. (3.86 crore sq. ft.) of development in Faridabad, spanning high-rise apartments, plots, villas, commercial spaces and community sites.   Sector 80 sits within Greater Faridabad’s extremely well-connected belt and is connected to the rest of the city via the Bata Chowk and Escorts metro stations on the Delhi Metro’s Violet Line. It is also linked to Delhi and the wider NCR through NH-148NA, which provides onward connectivity to IGI Airport. The Delhi link of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway further strengthens regional connectivity, improving access between Delhi and the wider expressway network and enabling smoother regional travel. This is particularly significant for Greater Faridabad, enhancing its strategic connectivity with key NCR and regional destinations.   The partially operational Faridabad-Noida-Ghaziabad (FNG) Expressway, passing through Greater Faridabad’s developing sectors, is further strengthening the corridor’s connectivity to Noida and Ghaziabad. Additionally, the NHAI-approved signal-free upgrade of the Kalindi Kunj corridor is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi, Noida and Faridabad. This improving infrastructure, combined with growing social infrastructure, schools, hospitals and retail, has positioned Sector 80 as one of Greater Faridabad’s emerging residential growth corridors, with Skynest occupying a prominent address within it.   Commenting on the recognition, Amaan Chawla, President, BPTP Limited, said, “We are delighted to see BPTP Skynest recognised as the ‘Premium Highrise Development of the Year’. This award is a testament to our approach of creating developments that combine thoughtful planning, contemporary design and a strong understanding of the aspirations of today’s homebuyers. Greater Faridabad is emerging as an important residential destination within the NCR, and with Skynest, we aim to contribute to this transformation by offering a premium living experience that is designed for the future.”   The award further strengthens BPTP’s growing portfolio of recognised residential developments across the NCR. The company has continued to expand its presence in Greater Faridabad with projects that seek to combine quality, scale and lifestyle-oriented development with the region’s improving infrastructure and connectivity.   BPTP Skynest is part of BPTP’s broader presence in Greater Faridabad, where it has established a significant residential footprint. The project reflects BPTP’s continued focus on creating aspirational communities in locations with strong long-term development potential.   The Times Realty & Infrastructure Conclave 2026 brought together leading stakeholders from the real estate and infrastructure sectors to recognise excellence and innovation across the industry. The recognition of BPTP Skynest adds another accolade to BPTP’s portfolio and reinforces its position among prominent developers shaping the NCR’s evolving residential landscape.   About BPTP Limited BPTP is one of NCR’s leading real estate developers with over two decades of experience in creating landmark residential and commercial developments. With a portfolio of more than 50 projects and over 25,000 homes delivered, the company has consistently transformed the urban landscape through thoughtfully planned communities, premium design, sustainable development, and customer-centric innovation. Recognised among the Top 3 Developers in the ET Now Real Estate North Survey 2026, BPTP continues to redefine modern living by creating destinations that combine quality, innovation, trust, and long-term value.

Hong Kong Mark your calendar for Sunday, 11 October, as the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon (Hong Kong Cyclothon) returns. Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), Hong Kong’s largest annual cycling event this year features two scenic rides – a 56km Ride and a 32km Ride – inviting visitors and cycling aficionados from around the world to enjoy a unique cycling journey through Hong Kong’s iconic bridges, tunnels and urban landscapes. Participants can look forward to a distinctive cycling experience like nowhere else, while immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the Events Capital of Asia. Registration for the event is open. Be among the first to secure your spot and experience Hong Kong from a rare perspective.   Registrations are now open for a one-of-a-kind cycling adventure through Hong Kong’s iconic cityscapes along enhanced routes   For Indian travellers seeking to combine a mix of city experiences, outdoor adventure and short-haul escapes, the Cyclothon offers an opportunity to discover a different side of Hong Kong. Beyond the cycling routes, visitors can further discover a dynamic metropolitan destination, where urban excitement meets breathtaking natural landscapes and a wealth of outdoor adventures.   56km Scenic Ride with an All-New Route Takes Cyclists Through Hong Kong’s Diverse Cityscapes to Showcase Different Sides of Hong Kong The Hong Kong Cyclothon will once again feature two popular non-competitive rides, both set against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour’s signature skyline. More than 6,000 cyclists from around the world will set off from the heart of the city at West Kowloon Cultural District, passing through multiple Hong Kong landmarks along major roads while taking in Hong Kong’s distinctive scenery blending a dynamic metropolis with a picturesque harbour. Whether taking on the more challenging 56km Ride featuring an all-new route or the shorter 32km Ride, participants will have the rare opportunity to cycle on major roads that are closed to all traffic, savouring the thrill of riding through the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.   The excitement of the Hong Kong Cyclothon will extend far beyond the cycling routes. On event day, the HKTB will present an action-packed Cyclothon Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring a fascinating array of activities from morning until dusk. Spanning sports, entertainment, family-friendly experiences and gourmet offerings, the carnival will immerse cyclists, visitors and locals alike in a vibrant celebration that captures Hong Kong’s dynamic city charm.   Registration for the 2026 Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon is open  now. Cycling enthusiasts and visitors are invited to experience this premier annual sporting event. Stay tuned for more event and registration details at www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/cyclothon.html.   This October Escape to Discover the Natural Wonders Found “Only in Hong Kong” Autumn is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong, thanks to its mild and pleasant weather. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping Cyclothon, visitors can also embrace the city’s spectacular natural landscapes and remarkable geological wonders through a wide variety of outdoor experiences. Home to an abundance of natural attractions, Hong Kong offers everything from lush countryside and scenic outlying islands to magnificent hiking and cycling trails. Visitors can transition effortlessly from the electrifying city to tranquil natural surroundings in less than an hour. From exploring iconic routes such as Dragon’s Back, The Victoria Peak Walk and the MacLehose Trail, to discovering the extraordinary coastal scenery of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and enjoying various water sports in GO PARK Sai Sha (Aqua), you can experience the unique proximity of urban and natural environments that can be found “Only in Hong Kong”. For more inspiration on Hong Kong’s outdoor experiences, visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/outdoors.html.  Images can be accessed at: assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems categoryId=2528&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1    About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.