The Fern Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Its Portfolio with Two New Signings Under The Fern Residency Brand

Mumbai, April 2025: The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the signing of two new properties under its brand - The Fern Residency. These new additions underscore the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in key Indian markets while providing high-quality, sustainable hospitality. Designed to provide modern comforts and efficient service, each of these new properties caters to both business and leisure travellers, ensuring a seamless stay experience. The two new properties are The Fern Residency, Varale, Maharashtra and The Fern Residency, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are pleased to introduce these new properties under The Fern Residency brand, as part of our strategic expansion in key cities across India. These hotels are designed to offer guests a seamless blend of comfort, thoughtful amenities and warm hospitality, all while maintaining our strong commitment to sustainability."

The Fern Residency, Varale, Maharashtra

The Fern Residency, Varale is located in the picturesque and rapidly developing area of Bhamboli, Varale, Maharashtra, with its strategic location providing easy access to nearby industrial and commercial centres. This 80-room property will feature modern accommodations and dining options, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay. Additionally, the hotel will offer a banquet hall and other facilities for business meetings and small events, making it an ideal choice for both corporate and leisure travellers. The hotel is slated to be operational by 2026.

The Fern Residency, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Located in the bustling city of Ghaziabad, The Fern Residency, Ghaziabad will offer 74 well-furnished guest rooms, designed to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will feature a range of F&B outlets, offering a variety of dining options to suit all preferences. Additionally, the hotel will feature banqueting space, making it a perfect choice for events and gatherings. Scheduled to open in 2027, the property’s prime location in Rajnagar Extension will provide guests with easy access to the city’s commercial districts and nearby attractions.

These additions to The Fern Residency brand further demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering superior service and an exceptional stay experience, all while prioritizing sustainability in every facet of its operations.

Preserving Culinary Legacy and Empowering Communities in Uttarakhand

A Landmark Initiative Led by Hon’ble Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh

In March 2025, a groundbreaking initiative took root in Uttarakhand, setting the stage for cultural revival, culinary heritage preservation, and community empowerment. Led by the Hon’ble Governor, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, this initiative promises to redefine the state’s cultural and economic landscape. The two-day delegation visit to Raj Bhawan, Dehradun, began this transformative journey.

Key Projects Unveiled at Raj Bhawan

The Hon’ble Governor entrusted the delegation with three pivotal projects that aim to celebrate Uttarakhand's cultural richness:

1. Culinary Documentation Book
   A comprehensive coffee table book will showcase Uttarakhand’s traditional cuisines, forgotten recipes, indigenous ingredients, and rich food stories. This project not only preserves the culinary legacy but invites contributions from local chefs, historians, and food artisans. The book’s release at a prestigious event at Raj Bhawan is expected to cement Uttarakhand’s place on global culinary maps.

2. One-Day National Conference on Food and Spirituality
   Scheduled to take place at Raj Bhawan within six months, this conference will explore Uttarakhand's connection between food, spirituality, and culture. Key highlights include panel discussions, interactive workshops, live demonstrations of forgotten cooking techniques, and a curated exhibition of local dishes.

3. Women Empowerment Through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
   The Governor emphasized the importance of empowering local women by strengthening SHGs involved in food products. This initiative focuses on structured culinary training, entrepreneurship, and market integration, enabling women to achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.

Reviving Forgotten Recipes: The Mussoorie Food Trail

During the visit, the delegation experienced a heritage food trail in Mussoorie, where they discovered long-lost recipes and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations. A notable encounter with a local chef, whose family once served the royal kitchens of the King of Tehri Garhwal, unveiled rare heirloom ingredients and cooking techniques.

From copper vessel cooking to unique spice blends, the trail showcased Uttarakhand’s rich culinary diversity, sparking interest in preserving such traditions.

Culinary Heritage Meets Sustainability

The initiative is more than just celebrating flavors; it is about creating an ecosystem where food acts as a bridge between heritage, sustainability, and economic empowerment. The Governor’s approach blends traditional wisdom with modern policies, fostering collaborations between chefs, artisans, academicians, and institutions.

A Call for Participation

The initiative invites contributions from chefs, food historians, writers, and Uttarakhand natives passionate about preserving the state’s food culture. Whether through sharing recipes, participating in conferences, or collaborating on training modules, every effort counts toward a greater cause.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand’s culinary heritage is not merely about food—it’s a reflection of its history, identity, and resilience. Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Governor Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, this movement promises to position Uttarakhand’s food culture as a symbol of pride, unity, and empowerment.

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IHG Hotels & Resorts strengthens presence in Maharashtra with the signing of a new Holiday Inn Express hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway will cater to the growing demand in Maharashtra’s industrial corridors

India, April 2025: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Haware Engineers & Builders to launch Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028, the 126-room hotel will strengthen IHG’s footprint in Maharashtra, catering to market demand for world-class stays.

With over 3,200 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand. The brand has pioneered simple, smart travel since 1990, and it continues to be a preferred choice for travelers on-the-go. Once open, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pen Mumbai Goa Highway will deliver on the brand’s signature blend of modern comfort, smart solutions and efficient service.

Located in Pen, a growing industrial hub in Raigad district, the upcoming Holiday Inn Express will serve the rapidly developing Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Once operational, the hotel will feature 126 modern well-appointed rooms, a dining venue, banquet, spacious meeting spaces and a fitness center catering to business travelers needs.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, "We are delighted to debut the Holiday Inn Express brand in Pen, offering travelers smart, simple stays. With its strategic location, the hotel will provide easy access to key destinations, making it an ideal choice for business travelers."

He added, "We reinforce our commitment to strategically expanding in high-demand and emerging markets across India. Holiday Inn Express continues to be a globally trusted brand, and with this latest signing, we aim to meet the rising need for quality accommodation in Maharashtra’s industrial corridors."

Mrs. Ujjwala Haware, Chairperson and Director of Haware’s Lotus Hotels Private Limited added: "We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Holiday Inn Express to Pen. With its proximity to major industrial hubs, the hotel is well-positioned to cater to a diverse segment of travelers. Together with IHG’s global expertise and our local insights, we look forward to creating a world-class stay experience in this emerging business destination."