Hotels & Accommodations
InterContinental Osaka’s Sky-High Urban Sanctuary Celebrates a Decade of Distinction

FOR TWELVE REMARKABLE YEARS, InterContinental Osaka has carved out a reputation as Japan’s premier urban retreat, securing the coveted number one position in Osaka and a spot among the Top 10 best city hotels nationwide.
Under the visionary leadership of General Manager Jerome Palacoeur, this 272-room property — comprising 215 luxurious guest rooms and suites plus 57 exclusive residences — has mastered the art of personalised hospitality that transforms everyday stays into extraordinary experiences.
What sets this property apart isn’t just its accolades, but a deep commitment to crafting guest journeys you simply can’t find elsewhere. A new and exclusive Insider Partnerships programme allows the concierge team to orchestrate moments of pure magic for guests. Its inaugural offering is authentic — and on-trend — a Matcha tea ceremony at Isshin-an, a heritage tea house nestled in the heart of Kyoto, where guests discover firsthand the profound traditions and ceremonial beauty of Japan’s most revered beverage ritual.
Design That Speaks to the Soul
The hotel’s breathtaking interiors emerge from the collaborative genius of Hong Kong’s Bilkey Llinas Design Ltd and Tokyo’s celebrated Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio. Together, they’ve woven what they call “Contemporary Luxury” into every corner, using locally sourced natural stone, wood and glass to create spaces that breathe modern sophistication through each space while honouring Japan’s timeless aesthetic principles.
Hashimoto Yukio Design Studios’ award-winning and philosophical approach to the property was to design ambience instead of spaces. This vision manifests spectacularly in the dramatic 20th-floor lobby, where guests are greeted by sweeping views of Osaka’s urban expanse.
The design narrative continues through generously sized guest rooms, averaging 50 square metres each, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that separate the sleeping and bathing areas, flooding the spaces with natural light.
Local artists’ innovative works grace both the ground-floor entrance and the sky-high lobby, creating a gallery-like experience that celebrates regional creative talent.
The design journey reaches its crescendo in the wedding chapel, where an awe-inspiring Aji Stone waterfall invites nature’s mystical essence to each ceremony. A gracefully curving seven-metre stairwell was crafted to convey feminine beauty and form across two floors.
Culinary Theatre in the Clouds
In addition to the Hotel lobby, InterContinental Osaka offers most compelling culinary destination, housing fie distinct dining experiences that showcase everything from Michelin-starred French cuisine to sweets and cocktails.
Pierre, the hotel’s signature French eatery and crown jewel, has maintained its Michelin star for an impressive nine consecutive years. It’s a place where master chefs transform seasonal ingredients using classical French techniques while an extraordinary wine collection boasts over 200 labels, including rare vintages and prestigious Champagnes.
NOKA Roast & Grill brings Osaka’s vibrant energy to life through an open kitchen concept, where culinary theatre meets curated seasonal ingredients in an atmosphere that reflects the city’s dynamic spirit. When evening arrives, adee Lounge & Bar becomes the stage for Osaka’s most sophisticated nightlife, featuring original cocktails, projection mapping that transforms walls into living art and weekend live music performances against the backdrop of the glittering Yodogawa River.
For quieter moments, Lounge ‘3-60‘ offers floor-to-ceiling windows that gracefully frame the city below, creating an intimate setting for important conversations or romantic evenings. The ground-level Patisserie ‘STRESSED‘ serves as your gateway to indulgence, offering artisanal cakes, chocolates, and baked goods perfect for fueling daytime adventures or business meetings.
Your Urban Escape Awaits
Beyond dining, this vertical sanctuary has comprehensive wellness facilities that include a 24-hour fitness centre, traditional Japanese bathhouse, MEGURI Spa, and an indoor pool, while four versatile event spaces and a complete wedding complex make it Osaka’s most sought-after venue for celebrations.
Located just five minutes from three major transportation hubs — JR Osaka Station, Umeda Station and Hankyu Umeda Station — InterContinental Osaka positions you at the heart of everything while providing an elevated refuge from the city’s bustle. Discover why discerning travellers have chosen InterContinental Osaka as their Osaka sanctuary for over a decade. Experience the difference that comes from twelve years of refined hospitality, where every detail serves a single purpose: making your stay unforgettable.
InterContinental Osaka
3-60 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Japan
Tel:+81 6 6374 5700
Website: www.icosaka.com
Article Sponsored by InterContinental Osaka.
Images courtesy of InterContinental Osaka.
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Hotels & Accommodations
voco Muscat Al Mouj: Oman’s First voco Hotel To Open With 251 Keys, Beachfront Views & More

Oman is set to welcome its first-ever voco hotel, and it’s arriving in one of Muscat’s most high-profile neighbourhoods. IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new management agreement with Golden Group Holding to bring voco Muscat Al Mouj to life. The premium beachfront property is scheduled to open in Q4 of 2025, adding another name to IHG’s growing footprint in the region.
Oman’s First voco Hotel Is Coming To Al Mouj Muscat With Beachfront Views
With 251 rooms and suites, voco Muscat Al Mouj is designed to serve both business travellers and holidaymakers looking for something a little more elevated. It’s going up right in the heart of Al Mouj, Muscat’s sought-after waterfront district. Locals will know the area well, it’s where luxury apartments sit next to a world-class golf course, a sleek yacht marina, and a collection of high-end shops and dining spots.
A Global Brand With Local Roots
The voco brand, launched by IHG in 2018, has quickly become the fastest-growing premium name in its portfolio. It’s already made a name for itself in key cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With its bright colour palette and a more relaxed take on luxury, voco has found a sweet spot between the warmth of boutique hotels and the reliability of a big international brand.
This new Muscat property will carry that same identity. Guests can expect all the signature touches, plush bedding, intuitive service, and stylish spaces, but with a local twist that speaks to the setting.
What To Expect From voco Muscat Al Mouj
When it opens its doors, the hotel will feature:
- 251 keys, including a mix of standard rooms and suites
- Five dining options, including an all-day eatery, a speciality restaurant, and a laidback lobby lounge
- A full-service spa, fitness centre, and swimming pool for guests looking to relax or stay active
- Three meeting rooms, a business centre, and ample parking to support business travellers
Why It Matters
Oman continues to attract global travellers with its mix of heritage and modern living. Hotels like voco Muscat Al Mouj will shape the next wave of hospitality in the country.
Keep an eye out for the launch later in 2025. And if you’re planning a Muscat staycation or business trip around then, this beachfront address might be the one.
Cover Image Courtesy: voco hotel/Website, Canva Pro
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First Published: July 28, 2025 4:30 PM
Hotels & Accommodations
Minimalist Hotels Expands to Udaipur with Boutique Property by Lake Pichola, Launching November 2025

- The design-first lifestyle brand marks its seventh property with a lakeside retreat featuring a luxury rooftop bar that promises to “Elevate Your Evenings Above the Venice of the East.”
Delhi, 28th July 2025 — Minimalist Hotels, one of India’s most forward-looking lifestyle hospitality brands, is set to make its debut in Udaipur with a 20-room boutique property overlooking the iconic Lake Pichola. Scheduled to open in November 2025, this thoughtfully designed retreat continues the brand’s mission of blending understated luxury with immersive local experiences.
Nestled in the cultural heart of Udaipur, the new hotel is more than just a stay, it’s a destination. It will feature a stunning rooftop bar, envisioned as a sleek, contemporary escape above the city’s bustling charm. With uninterrupted views of the lake and the city’s glittering skyline, the rooftop experience is designed to serve Udaipur’s rising wave of leisure and party tourism, further establishing the city’s status as the Venice of the East.
The bar will offer an intimate, high-design environment for guests and locals alike, with a carefully curated menu of sophisticated cocktails, global and regional influences, and an atmosphere that invites connection and calm. Strategically located near upscale restaurants and heritage sites, the property will also offer bespoke cultural experiences and local tours, transforming each guest visit from a simple night out into a deeply memorable journey.
“Udaipur is a canvas of history, art, and soul—and we wanted to craft a property that speaks to all three through the lens of minimalism. This hotel is a reflection of where we see travel headed: towards meaning, design, and locality. With the rooftop bar, we’re creating not just a place to unwind, but a space where evenings become unforgettable. Our goal is to offer an elevated experience in every sense—visually, emotionally, and culturally.”
Gautam Munjal, Founder of Minimalist Hotels,
This marks Minimalist Hotels’ seventh property and its most ambitious one yet, reinforcing its commitment to slow, intentional growth across India’s most storied destinations. Each property is rooted in the brand’s philosophy of “less but better,” offering travelers a refined yet grounded alternative to traditional luxury.
About Minimalist Hotels
Minimalist Hotels is a modern lifestyle hospitality brand that champions thoughtful design, local context, and elevated simplicity. With a growing presence across India’s cultural and leisure destinations, the brand offers spaces that are as calm as they are compelling—crafted for travelers who seek authenticity over excess.
Hotels & Accommodations
Leisure Hotels Group Expands Footprint in Rajasthan with a Heritage Haveli in Jaipur

- An 18th-century haveli reimagined as a luxury stay—immersed in the soul of the Pink City
Jaipur, 28th July 2025 – Leisure Hotels Group (LHG), North India’s leading experiential reort chain, rooted in ‘Dev Bhumi’ Uttarakhand, is delighted to announce the addition of Jaipur’s iconic ‘Royal Heritage Haveli’ to its experience-led portfolio. This latest addition highlights LHG’s commitment to embracing culturally rich destinations, with Jaipur—steeped in history and royal legacy—marking a significant chapter in its journey.
Set in the heart of Jaipur, the Royal Heritage Haveli is a timeless gem that offers an immersive glimpse into Rajasthan’s regal past. Originally commissioned in the 18th century by His Highness Madho Singhji as a royal hunting lodge, the haveli has since been meticulously restored into a luxurious boutique retreat.
Blending traditional grandeur with the calm elegance of contemporary design, the Haveli offers guests a refined, heritage-led experience rooted in the art, architecture, and spirit of Jaipur.
On the occasion, Vibhas Prasad, Director Leisure Hotels Group, said, “Having built a legacy of experiential hospitality in Uttarakhand and beyond, our expansion into Rajasthan marks a strategic milestone for the Group. Jaipur’s rich cultural landscape offers the perfect canvas for our brand. After our debut in Ranthambhore, Royal Heritage Haveli becomes our second property in the state. With prior experience operating heritage stays in Nainital and Haridwar, we see this 300-year-old haveli as a rare opportunity to craft soulful, immersive stays where royal charm meets heartfelt hospitality.”
The Royal Heritage Haveli has long been our family home, with a legacy of gracious hospitality that has been passed down through generations. In earlier times, our ancestors would welcome guests with warmth and pride, often taking them on deer and wild boar hunts through the jungles that once bordered Queen’s Road, named after Queen Mary of England, who visited Jaipur during the 1911 Delhi Durbar. Today, in collaboration with Leisure Hotels Group, we are proud to carry this legacy forward—offering an experience rooted in tradition, comfort, and the timeless charm of Jaipur”, further added Shambhavi Singh, Director, Royal Heritage Haveli
The Royal Heritage Haveli features 25 bespoke suites adorned with frescoes and jharokhas, preserving its historic character while providing a refined, contemporary stay.
The Haveli’s culinary offerings include Kigelia Court, an open-air all-day fine dine serving gourmet cuisine, and the atmospheric Mehrab bar, known for its curated selection of fine spirits and heritage-inspired “lost recipes” from the family kitchens. For wellness, the Frangipani Spa offers therapies rooted in traditional Indian healing practices, providing a tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation. Additional facilities at the Haveli include a serene outdoor pool, elegant indoor venues, and lush garden spaces—ideal for intimate weddings, private celebrations, and thoughtfully curated corporate events.
Located in Jaipur’s Khatipura district, the retreat is just 10 km from Jantar Mantar and 18 km from Amber Fort. It is a 20-minute drive from Jaipur Railway Station and 45 minutes from the airport, offering easy access for both domestic and international travellers seeking an authentic heritage escape in the Pink City.
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