Upfront

Prestige group expands its spa operations with 'The Banyan'

The Prestige Group in a bid to expand its spa operations has once again opted for Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, Singapore for managing its second Spa centre, in Whitefield, Bangalore. Scheduled to roll out by October 2006 features a day spa, meeting/convention hall, library, restaurant and a swimming pool. The spa property will be managed by Banyan Tree solely on a management contract, keeping the ownership rights with the Prestige Group.

"If it's a spa, then it is Banyan Tree. We are extremely satisfied with the management of our spa by the Banyan Tree that any further expansions in this module, we would consider only Banyan Tree", says Nawabzada Omar Bin Jung, managing director, Prestige Leisure Resorts. The existing property - Angsana Oasis Resorts and Spa at Rajanukunte, situated on the outskirts of Bangalore city opened in 2001, is also managed by The Banyan Tree.

Cicada stretches across Karnataka

Wilderness Resorts, promoting ‘Cicada’ group of eco-tourism resorts in its expansion module, is planning to operate six resorts by end 2007. Of the six, 'Cicada Kabini,' situated near the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole on the banks of the river Kabini is under renovation and will be fully functional by August 2006. Early 2007 will see the opening of 'Cicada Bandipur' and 'Cicada Bhadra,' each with about 20 rooms. Says TG Ramesh, chief executive officer, Wilderness Resorts, "We are keen on making our presence felt only in wildlife areas and near national parks. " In the first phase, the company is expanding in Karnataka while the second phase will see 11 more resorts being opened in other parts of India.