Neha Mehrotra
07-May-2026
From landmark hospitality openings and global culinary debuts to immersive residencies, fashion collaborations, and experiential travel, this week raises the bar in luxury!
1. Bharti Real Estate Unveils World St at Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi
Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises, unveiled World St, a curated culinary and social destination at Worldmark, Aerocity. Positioned as "The Social Spine of Worldmark", World St transforms Worldmark into a vibrant and dynamic walkable lifestyle and F&B hub. World St is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly promenade lined with global cuisine, alfresco dining, green courtyards, art installations, and street furniture. It seamlessly connects three iconic developments, 4,5 and 6 Worldmark, offering a cosmopolitan blend of work, leisure, and culture all in one place. Among the headliners opening soon who will be making their India debut is Olive Garden, the globally beloved American-Italian casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants. It makes its India debut at World St and is slated to open soon. Time Out Market, the world-famous food and cultural market, opens its first India outpost here, featuring 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private events space, a live performance stage, and seating for 500+ guests. and slated to open soon.
2. Accor & InterGlobe to Bring Ennismore’s The Hoxton to India
Ennismore, with Accor India and InterGlobe Hotels, announces the signing of The Hoxton, Bengaluru City, marking the brand’s first hotel in India. Set to open in November 2026, the hotel will be located on Richmond Road. The Hoxton will feature 149 guestrooms and staying true to The Hoxton’s belief that a hotel lobby should act as the neighbourhood’s living room, the lobby restaurant & bar on the ground floor will serve as the hotel’s social hub from morning through evening. On the rooftop, Fi’lia, the acclaimed Italian concept, will serve as the hotel’s pool restaurant & bar. The property will also feature a dedicated meetings and events offering known as 'The Apartment'. The Hoxton will also collaborate with local brands for regular event series and guest chef takeovers, the signature rotating Hox Gallery and the ‘Best of’ collections in our Hox Shop.
3. Autograph Collection Hotels by Marriott International Debuts in India with NoorMahal Delhi NCR Karnal
Marriott International has launched its Autograph Collection Hotels in India with NoorMahal Delhi NCR Karnal, a 176-room palace set along the historic Grand Trunk Road. Blending Mughal, Rajput, Punjabi, and Persian influences, the hotel showcases intricate architecture, curated art, and immersive experiences rooted in royal heritage. Guests can enjoy signature stays, diverse dining concepts, wellness facilities, and expansive venues for weddings and events. Positioned as a cultural landmark between Delhi and North India’s key destinations, NoorMahal reflects the growing demand for design-led, experiential hospitality that combines storytelling with modern luxury.
4. Preferred Hotels & Resorts Launches a Luxury Driving Escape Through the Alps
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with InRadius, is launching The Preferred Experience in July 2026 – a five-day luxury driving journey through Germany and Austria. The Alpine experience pairs iconic mountain routes driven in high-performance sports cars with curated stays at select Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties, blending adventure with refined hospitality. Designed for a select group of just 20 participants, this immersive Alpine adventure invites guests to explore from the vibrant city of Munich to the serene beauty of the Austrian Alps and the Chiemgau region; each stage of the journey blends scenic exploration with exceptional hospitality and culinary excellence.
5. Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel Opens as a New Luxury Mountain Retreat in Nepal
Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel offers a serene mountain escape where every room, suite, and villa opens to sweeping views of the Himalayan range and valleys. Guests can choose from elegant Deluxe Rooms, expansive suites, and private villas designed for comfort, space, and immersion in nature. Dining spans global and local flavours across signature venues like Thaan Bela and a scenic wood-fired pizzeria. The resort’s Devarana Wellness centre focuses on mind–body balance through spa therapies, yoga, meditation, and outdoor experiences. With premium event spaces, an infinity pool, and panoramic surroundings, it is the perfect mountain retreat.
6. A New Chapter in Luxury Wildlife Hospitality at Vanin Ranthambore by Araiya Anthology
Vanin, by Araiya Anthology, a newly built boutique retreat in the heart of Ranthambore, is set to open its doors soon. This distinctive property is the result of a thoughtful collaboration between Araiya Hotels and Vasansi. At the 24-room design-led resort, guests can expect carefully planned wildlife encounters; personalised dining experiences based on local flavours; and well-thought-out spaces that encourage connection with nature, culture, and oneself. The goal of the property is to set a new standard for luxury that is also mindful in India's wildlife areas.
7. Paul & Shark unveils a new capsule collection with KL Rahul
For Spring/Summer 2026, Paul & Shark unveils a new capsule collection created in collaboration with KL Rahul, one of India’s most accomplished cricket players and the brand ambassador. Designed for the warm season, with a special focus on the Indian market, it features lightweight leisurewear pieces. Iconic elements of Indian culture inspire the capsule’s stylistic narrative, such as the Bandhgala, a V-neck pullover crafted from ultra-light, breathable PIUMA cotton, featuring a design that subtly echoes cricket uniforms, a quiet yet precise tribute to KL Rahul’s identity. The collection also includes some of the brand’s most recognisable signatures, from windproof and water-resistant Typhoon outerwear to field jackets and blends of wool, silk and linen, as well as knitwear made from exceptionally high-quality yarns, lightweight and highly breathable.
8. Baume & Mercier Welcomes Janhvi Kapoor as Friend of the Maison
Baume & Mercier announces Indian actor Janhvi Kapoor as its new Friend of the Maison, marking a fresh chapter for the brand. The collaboration coincides with the launch of the Joia de Baume & Mercier collection, celebrating expressive, instinctive elegance. Kapoor, known for her evolving artistic presence in Indian cinema, reflects the Maison’s values of individuality, emotion, and modern style. Together, they highlight a shared vision of watches as personal companions to life’s meaningful moments, blending heritage craftsmanship with a confident, modern identity for today’s women.
9. Timex Launches its Harry Potter-Inspired Collection
In collaboration with Timex and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the Harry Potter x Timex collection brings the wizarding world to life through finely crafted timepieces. The standout Waterbury Skeleton Automatic showcases a skeletonised dial with visible mechanics and Hogwarts detailing, while the Hailey Hogwarts watch offers a refined aesthetic with house-coloured crystal markers. The playful Weekender watches feature whimsical elements like the Sorting Hat and INDIGLO® backlight revealing house colours. Blending storytelling with craftsmanship, the collection starts at INR 12,495 and is available online and at select retailers across India.
10. D’YAVOL X Introduces Cruise: Eyewear Crafted for Intentional Journeys
D’YAVOL X introduces Cruise, a new-season eyewear style that distils the essence of travel. Crafted in Japan from select premium acetate, the frame is elevated with a precision titanium bridge signature X mark insert that anchors its architectural form, while laminated temples with an internal titanium wirecore add strength, depth, and quiet complexity. Fitted with ZEISS gradient lenses, it offers UV400 protection alongside anti-reflective, anti-scratch, and oleophobic treatments to ensure clarity and comfort on the move. It is available in two distinct colourways – Black with Shiny Gunmetal and Dark Blue Gradient lenses, and Chestnut with Shiny Gold and Forest Green Gradient lenses.
11. The Royal Commission for AlUla Foster Craft Education and Cultural Exchange with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewellery Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels to support the development of the arts and creative industries ecosystem in AlUla and expand creative learning opportunities through specialised workshops, professional courses, and knowledge programmes as well as hands-on learning experiences across L’ÉCOLE’s three pillars: jewellery craftsmanship, art history and gemology. These programmes will be implemented through the expansion of educational initiatives at Madrasat Addeera and the Aljadidah Arts District. The MoU also includes partnership in academic research as well as the production and publication of specialised content highlighting AlUla’s craft heritage and cultural identity. In addition, the partnership will explore the development of knowledge platforms that contribute to empowering local artisans at all levels. This includes expanding publishing activities through the translation of educational materials into Arabic and the production of new publications that shed light on AlUla’s rich craft heritage.
12. This Summer Travel to Reunion Island, France With Direct Flights from Chennai
(CREDIT: lionel_ghighi, dronecopters_dts)
IndiGo introduces direct services between Chennai and Réunion Island three times a week, bringing this captivating French island within a convenient six-hour journey from India. You can now easily explore the Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and hike over 900 km of trails amid the island’s Pitons, cirques, and cliffs—half of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Thrill-seekers can enjoy aerial adventures on exciting helicopter rides or paragliding experiences or embrace the island’s energy through canyoning, trail running, and mountain biking. Additionally, the west coast offers crystal-clear lagoons for snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, or sailing at sunset. Take your pick from accommodation options that add the comfort element to your sojourn in Réunion
13. Aditya Birla Group Brings CinCin, to Gurugram
Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality (ABNAH) brings its Mumbai-born Italian concept, CinCin, to Gurugram with a new outpost on Golf Course Road. Positioned as a premium-casual Italian restaurant, CinCin culinary programme is guided by authentic Italian techniques and ingredient-led cooking. The menu is structured with a balanced 50:50 vegetarian and non-vegetarian offering and signature highlights include dishes such as Crostini Zucca, Tajarin, Napoli pizza, Calamarata, Diavola, and Bombette. The bar programme focuses on aperitivo-led experiences, signature spritzes, and innovative cocktails. The wine programme is Italian at heart, with a global perspective, complemented by a dedicated zero-proof selection. Extending beyond traditional dining occasions, Cincineria introduces an all-day café format. With a focus on Italian coffee, fresh bakes, panini, and desserts.
14. Aufside Opens Doors to India’s Highest Sports Bar & Lifestyle Hub in Pune
Aufside Sports Bar has launched its flagship at Millennium Club Wakad, introducing a new era of sports-led social experiences in Pune. Developed with Ileseum Clubs and the Phoenix Group, the venue blends sport, dining, and community across multiple levels. Featuring India’s longest sports bar, terrace beer garden, and diverse sports facilities, it offers immersive viewing, interactive games, and curated food and cocktails. Designed as a complete lifestyle ecosystem, Aufside aims to redefine how urban India engages with sport, leisure, and social culture.
15. Alliance Française Celebrates Indian Art
This summer, Srila Chatterjee curates a vibrant lifestyle showcase at the Alliance Française de Delhi, bringing together art, design, and community under one roof. As an esteemed French institution proudly celebrating Indian art, the Alliance Française provides the perfect backdrop for this cultural fusion. From Leh to Rajasthan, Bengal to Central India, and Gujarat to Kochi, the affordable art show will bring together artists working across regions, materials, and traditions. Alongside respected folk and contemporary masters such as Venkat Raman Singh Shyam and Jogen Chowdhury, the show will feature compelling contemporary voices and much more. This show is presented with one clear belief: living with art should be for everyone.
Venue: Delhi, at the Alliance Française
Date: 15th to 17th May
16. Villa Swagatam 2026: Applications Open For India–France Creative Residencies
The French Institute in India and the French Embassy in India have launched the fourth edition of Villa Swagatam, inviting Indian and French artists, writers, designers, and researchers to apply for 2026–2027 residencies. With applications open until 31 May 2026, the initiative fosters long-term cultural exchange through immersive stays across South Asia and France. This edition expands into new territories, including residencies in La Réunion and Bhutan, alongside innovative formats like itinerant residencies across Indian cities. Focused on literature and arts and crafts, Villa Swagatam continues to build a dynamic Indo-French creative ecosystem rooted in collaboration and reciprocity.
Cover Credits: Paul & Shark
