Kerten Hospitality has announced the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla in India, marking another step in the group's expansion strategy as it targets the development of 1,000 keys across its Cloud 7, hosme and The House Hotel brands in the country.
Located amid the
forests and hills of Shimla, the lifestyle resort will offer accommodation with
panoramic views of the Himalayas, alongside wellness, dining and leisure
experiences inspired by the region's culture and natural surroundings.
The property will
initially open with a selection of rooms and suites, with further facilities
planned as part of a phased expansion. These will include dedicated wellness
suites, a destination spa, swimming pool, gym, two private cottages and nine
additional luxury suites.
Marloes Knippenberg,
CEO of Kerten Hospitality, said: “Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla reflects the
strong momentum behind our growth journey in India. The country offers
significant potential for experience led, lifestyle hospitality, and we are
committed to building a meaningful long-term presence by working closely with
owners and partners who share our vision. With an initial target of 1,000 keys,
Shimla is an important step in creating a diverse portfolio of destinations
that connect guests with local communities, culture and place.”
The resort has been
designed around Kerten Hospitality's approach to locally rooted, experience-led
destinations, incorporating Himachali traditions, regional craftsmanship and
locally inspired design.
A key feature will be
The Observatory Bar, a rooftop lounge inspired by the theme “Where Mountains
Meet the Stars.” The venue will offer panoramic Himalayan views, with
handcrafted walnut furniture, copper detailing and a nautical telescope
allowing guests to observe the surrounding mountain peaks and night sky.
Its beverage offering
will incorporate Himalayan botanicals and locally sourced ingredients, while
outdoor terraces, wellness activities, meeting facilities, seasonal events and
cultural programming will complement the experience.
Regional cuisine
and local partnerships
The resort's food and
beverage programme will focus on Himalayan flavours and regional produce
sourced from local farmers and suppliers. The culinary offering will be curated
by Kerten Hospitality's Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas, featuring contemporary
interpretations of mountain cuisine through sharing plates and seasonal menus.
Another feature will
be the daily Cloudfall Sessions, a sunset experience combining curated music,
signature cocktails, selected whisky and premium canapés.
The property will also
collaborate with artists and craftspeople from Shimla and across Himachal
Pradesh to showcase commissioned artworks, local photography, handmade ceramics
and rotating exhibitions.
Partnerships with
regional farmers, ingredient suppliers, cultural organisations and tourism
operators will further support the resort's engagement with local communities
and the regional economy.
Through these
initiatives, Kerten Hospitality aims to create a destination that connects
visitors with the area's cultural traditions, artistic heritage and natural
environment.
India remains a strategic growth market for the group, which plans to work with local owners and partners to develop lifestyle hospitality destinations that respond to increasing demand for personalised and experience-led stays. -TTN