Anantara brand enters India with luxury resort in Coorg and flagship urban hotel in Kolkata development

(IN SHORT) Minor Hotels has announced the signing of its first Anantara-branded properties in India, introducing both a luxury resort in Coorg and an urban hotel in Kolkata. The projects reflect a dual strategy targeting leisure and business travel, with the Coorg resort focusing on immersive, nature-driven experiences and the Kolkata hotel designed to support a major mixed-use development. Scheduled to open in 2028 and 2032 respectively, the properties mark a significant step in Minor Hotels’ expansion plans in India, where the group aims to build a portfolio of 50 hotels over the next decade through partnerships and an asset-light model.

(PRESS RELEASE) INDIA, 2026-Apr-8 — /Travel PR News/ — Minor Hotels has unveiled a major expansion into India with the signing of its first properties under the Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand, marking a significant milestone in the group’s global growth strategy. The announcement includes two distinct projects: the Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort, a nature-focused luxury retreat, and the Anantara Kolkata Hotel, an urban property designed to cater to business and events demand.

The dual signing highlights Minor Hotels’ approach of expanding across both leisure and city destinations in India, aligning with rising demand from domestic and international travellers. The move also reinforces the group’s broader ambition to establish a strong foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality markets.

Set to open in 2028, Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort will be located in the UNESCO-recognised Western Ghats near Madikeri. The 69-key resort is being developed as a greenfield project and will immerse guests in the region’s lush landscapes, coffee culture, and Kodava heritage. Designed by Channa Daswatte, a protégé of Geoffrey Bawa, the resort will reflect principles of tropical modernism while integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Planned facilities include multiple dining venues, a spa and wellness centre, a swimming pool, and family-friendly amenities such as a kids’ club.

The project is being developed in partnership with Zanti Hospitality, with Chairman Bimal Desai highlighting the aim of delivering immersive experiences that showcase Coorg’s cultural and environmental richness while setting new standards for luxury hospitality in the region.

Complementing the resort development, Anantara Kolkata Hotel is scheduled to open in 2032 as part of the World Trade Center Salt Lake Kolkata, a large-scale mixed-use development. The 170-key property will serve as a hub for business travellers and events, offering meeting facilities alongside leisure amenities such as a spa, gym, and swimming pool. The development is a joint venture between Aryan Realty and Merlin Group, with leadership figures including Sanjay Saraf and Sushil Mohta emphasising the project’s role in strengthening Kolkata’s position as a commercial and cultural centre.

William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, described the Coorg resort as a natural fit for Anantara’s experiential luxury positioning, while noting that the Kolkata property reflects the brand’s adaptability across both resort and urban environments. Together, the projects represent a strategic step in building a diversified presence in India.

The signings build on the brand’s initial entry into the country with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur in 2025 and follow the introduction of other brands within Minor Hotels’ portfolio, including Avani. The company is targeting a pipeline of 50 properties in India over the next decade, spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and select-service offerings across major cities, emerging destinations, and transport hubs.

Minor Hotels’ expansion strategy in India focuses on management agreements and franchise partnerships, aligning with its global asset-light approach. By combining established luxury brands with conversion-friendly collections and a growing loyalty ecosystem, the group aims to attract both developers and travellers while strengthening its presence in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.

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