BWH Hotels Focuses India Expansion on Secondary Markets
Skift Take
The Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa is accepting stay reservations as of April 25. The property will be located outside the National Park confines in Uttarakhand, India, near other high-end properties like Voco and Taj Corbett Resort & Spa on the banks of the Kosi River. The Marriott resort will offer 99 rooms and suites, each with views of the Kosi River. There will be four food and beverage outlets as some of the amenities.
BWH Hotels said they are expanding in India with 21 new properties, focusing on secondary markets to boost India’s hospitality sector and enhance guest experiences. BWH has plans to open 21 new properties over the next two years in India, focusing exclusively on new construction projects, a change in their approach. The company currently operates 32 hotels across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, growth that has been supported by its collaboration with Delhi-based Sorrel Hospitality Pvt Ltd. BWH Hotels said they are targeting India’s secondary markets. They currently have signed agreements for 54 properties along with five additional memorandums of understanding with potential owners. With this pipeline, they aim to grow their portfolio to 100 hotels within the next five to seven years. In the short term, they will add five more properties to its current 28 operational hotels in India this year with further openings expected in subsequent years. BWH is also preparing to introduce its Aiden brand in Amritsar, another milestone in their Indian expansion.
Ascott Limited is planning to open a resort on Siargao Island in the Philippines. Preference Siargao will be an exclusive beach and garden villa property minutes away from the marine sanctuary and premier surfing spots. It will offer 45 luxury villas and amenities including a spa and wellness center. This will be the group’s inaugural resort in Siargao and the first international resort on the island. Ascott is also building its debut property on Mactan Island, Cebu, the 200-room Citadines Mactan Cebu resort. This one will be a mixed-use development with amenities including a signature restaurant, guest lounge, grand ballroom, pool, spa, and more, expected to open in 2028. Since the opening of Somerset Millennium Makati in 2000, the collection of serviced residences under the Ascott Group has grown to a portfolio of 17 properties across the Philippines.
Azure Rich Group launched its first phase project, introducing nearly 1,000 keys across Jomtien-Pattaya and Bangtao-Phuket in Thailand. The venture will feature resort residences integrating AI, robotics, fintech, and sustainability alongside Thailand’s largest saltwater lagoon pool. The Nebu Resort Residences timeline was supposed to be completed in late 2024, but that was extended. Construction of the first and second hotels is well underway while the construction of the third is set to commence within two months at Jomtien, alongside 40% of the man-made lagoon, featuring two themed islands.
Exploring India’s power, influence, and evolution
March 17-18, 2025 - DELHI
The Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes has officially opened, offering premium accommodation and events facilities in the north of the Australian city. The new $70 million development is owned by Pelligra and One7 and represents the fifth branded hotel in Adelaide for IHG Hotels & Resorts. The 155-room hotel offers the first and largest premium accommodation in northern Adelaide, with onsite conferencing and event spaces just 25 minutes from the CBD and airport. The property has four conference and event facilities spanning 442 square meters. The hotel features the 120-seat Australian restaurant, Ember & Vine, along with the Aviator Bar.
Australia’s beaten-up Star Entertainment was moments from administration when they did a Hail Mary pass, agreeing to sell their 50% interest in the near $2 billion Queen’s Wharf IR in Brisbane to their partners Far East Consortium International and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises for A$53 million. As part of the deal, the two buyers will also get the old Treasury Hotel in Brisbane and two car parks while Star will get 100% of the 313-room Dorsett and 202-room Andaz hotel towers at The Star Gold Coast. While selling half near A$2 billion in assets for $53 million is a sign of desperation, assuming the deal gets approved, it has opened the floodgates to other financing offers. One is a desperately needed A$250 million bridge loan and an offer for up to another A$940 million in long-term debt financing. In the latest, U.S. casino operator Bally’s Corporation has offered A$250 million for 50.1% of the company. With the assumption of A$430 million in debt, Bally’s believes their offer is superior because Star won’t have to sell any assets.
The Rosewood Miyakojima, Rosewood’s first property in Japan, has opened on a secluded peninsula in Miyakojima, an island off the southern coast of Japan. The resort has four dining establishments, an infinity pool overlooking the beach, a private pavilion for weddings and special occasions, and a wellness concept through Rosewood’s Asaya brand. The resort has 55 accommodations with direct access to Oura Bay and views of Miyakojima’s blue waters. The accommodations are divided into five zones.
Patina Osaka, the inaugural Japanese property from Patina Hotels & Resorts, is set to open on May 1, 2025. Patina Osaka will rise as a 20-story sanctuary, featuring 221 rooms and suites designed to reflect kisetsukan, the Japanese appreciation of the changing seasons. The Patina Suite is a 233-square-meter retreat offering views of Osaka Castle. Amenities include Inaki Basque Grill, P72 Signature Restaurant, Nijiri Tea Lounge, Sonata Lounge & Bar, Barin Teppanyaki, the Patina Spa including a 20-meter pool and contemporary gym, and The Listening Room by OJAS.
CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels are expanding to Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Australia. The brand’s first hotel opened in Chinatown, Singapore in 2016. CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels are located in prime heritage districts. They describe themselves as differentiating by blending affordability with upscale amenities. The key target locations for expansion are Bali, Indonesia; Vietnam; Hong Kong; Penang, Malaysia; and Sydney, Australia. The last addition to the CUBE family is CUBE Social@Boat Quay, spanning three stories, housing 72 capsules featuring queen-sized and single beds. The property also includes 13 private rooms ranging from 11 sqm to 30 sqm.
Exploring India’s power, influence, and evolution
March 17-18, 2025 - DELHI