Hospitality
CG Hospitality and Marriott International Launch Series by Marriott with The Fern Brand Portfolio in India
CG Hospitality Global, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global and majority stakeholder in Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), proudly announced a landmark collaboration with Marriott International for the Global Launch of Series by Marriott— A new midscale and upscale collection brand. This historic move is anchored by the affiliation of The Fern portfolio, one of India’s most respected eco-sensitive hotel chains.
Founded in 1996, CHPL has grown into one of India’s most respected hotel management companies. This partnership marks a major milestone for India’s hospitality sector. The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat will be integrated into Marriott’s global ecosystem. With over 120 operating hotels under various brands, in 90 cities and 40 additional properties in the pipeline at CHPLA, the deal is expected to add up to 84 Fern branded hotels and approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott’s India portfolio—making it one of the most significant multi-unit transactions in the country’s hospitality landscape.
The agreement includes a strategic equity investment by Marriott in CHPL and an exclusive long-term co-branding relationship for The Fern brands in India. Fern hotels will now benefit from Marriott’s global distribution platforms, digital systems, and the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program with 237 Million members, while retaining their independent spirit and regional identity.
This collaboration reflects CG Hospitality’s long-standing belief in the strength of regionally rooted brands with global potential. CG Hospitality, headquartered in Dubai, has nurtured Fern into a leading name in eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality. Having already established a strong footprint in the UAE with landmark properties such as Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, the partnership now takes that vision global, amplifying the reach and capabilities of The Fern across the Middle East and beyond.
Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings, said:
“This strategic collaboration represents more than just a portfolio expansion—it’s the alignment of two shared visions to redefine the mid-market hospitality landscape. At CG Hospitality, we’ve long championed sustainable, responsible, and accessible hospitality, particularly through Fern’s pioneering presence across India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With this partnership, we’re now setting our sights on taking The Fern to 500 hotels by 2030, and arguably making The Fern brands, the biggest in this segment, in India, while expanding CG Hospitality’s footprint to 650 hotels globally. Marriott’s global scale, trust, and loyalty ecosystem will be a powerful catalyst in achieving this ambitious vision. Together, we’re not only strengthening India’s hospitality infrastructure but enabling a regional eco-sensitive brand to thrive on the global stage. This is a defining moment for The Fern and a bold new chapter for Indian hospitality.”
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to scaling responsibly and serving consciously, particularly across emerging and culturally rich destinations in India.
“Series by Marriott furthers Marriott’s commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott’s reach among value-conscious travelers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners. We are thrilled to launch Series by Marriott through our founding deal with CHPL. This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott’s leading position in India, a key market for the company. We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world. The Fern portfolio throughout India is highly regarded and CHPL’s commitment to operational excellence and meeting the needs of regional travelers embodies the spirit of the Series by Marriott brand.”
CG Hospitality currently operates a diverse portfolio of 195 Hotels, Resorts, and Wellness destinations across 12 countries and 127 destinations. This partnership underscores CG Hospitality’s role as a global enabler for Indian hospitality brands and its continued investment in the future of India’s travel and tourism industry and in high-growth regions such as the Middle East. CG Hospitality and Marriott International recently also signed an agreement to convert The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines into an Autograph Collection resort, marking the brand’s debut in the country and a significant step in expanding the wellness-focused property to international markets.
Hospitality
ME BY MELIÁ DUBAI INTRODUCES GRILL BY ME: A SOPHISTICATED AL-FRESCO DINING EXPERIENCE
From the architectural icon that redefined Dubai’s skyline comes a new reason to linger after sunset. ME by Meliá Dubai, the visionary masterpiece and newly honoured with a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025 proudly unveils its latest culinary offering – Grill by ME.
A relaxed yet refined dining affair set beside the hotel’s striking pool terrace, Grill by ME offers guests an elevated open-air buffet where contemporary dining meets effortless style. Bringing together live grill stations, curated beats, and ME by Meliá Dubai’s signature modern energy, the new concept is designed for both intimate evenings and vibrant gatherings – a place to unwind, connect, and savour the city’s unmistakable atmosphere.
The menu celebrates simplicity with style, from fresh salads and handmade pasta to sizzling grills and decadent desserts, all prepared at interactive stations. Every element is thoughtfully curated to create a dining experience that feels relaxed, refined, and distinctly Dubai.
Priced at AED 180 per person including soft beverages, Grill by ME runs Monday to Sunday, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, at the hotel’s pool terrace. Little foodies aged six to eleven dine at half price.
Recently awarded a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025, ME by Meliá Dubai continues to push boundaries in design, hospitality, and dining. As the only hotel in the world designed inside and out by Zaha Hadid, it remains one of the city’s most iconic destinations – where every detail, from architecture, ambience and service is a work of art.
Hospitality
VINTAGE GRAND HOTEL EMBARKS ON A NEW JOURNEY AS IT JOINS THE MARRIOTT BONVOY PORTFOLIO
A landmark transformation unfolds in Dubai Production City as Vintage Grand Hotel joins the prestigious Marriott portfolio, becoming the area’s only five-star hotel and the first Marriott-branded hotel and executive apartments in the community. This milestone marks a bold new chapter in UAE hospitality, blending international standards of opulence, design innovation, and connectivity in one exceptional destination.
Beginning 18 November 2025, guests can enjoy all the privileges of Marriott Bonvoy – Marriott’s award-winning global travel and loyalty program, including exclusive rewards, points, and benefits across more than 8,000 hotels worldwide, as well as recognition and privileges in Dubai Production City. The property’s full transformation will come into fruition in Q1 2026 with the debut of the Marriott Hotel and the UAE’s largest Marriott Executive Apartments – a dual-branded destination redefining short and long stays with exceptional space, service, and sophistication.
The reimagined property, comprising two distinctive towers, has been thoughtfully designed to cater to both transient and long-stay guests. The hotel tower will embody the refined comfort and timeless sophistication of Marriott Hotels, while the serviced apartment tower will transition into Marriott Executive Apartments, ideal for long-stay residents and relocation clients seeking a seamless balance of magnificence and convenience.
As the only five-star property in Dubai Production City, it also offers the largest room and apartment inventory in the area, complemented by a diverse range of room categories to suit business travelers, families, and long-term guests alike.
Drawing inspiration from Marriott’s global design ethos, the transformed spaces feature modern interiors, elegant furnishings, and cutting-edge in-room technology, creating a sense of warmth and sophistication throughout. The hotel’s enhanced F&B portfolio introduces multiple new dining venues and bars, each blending stylish design with elevated culinary experiences that celebrate Marriott’s Wonderful Hospitality philosophy. For events and gatherings, guests can enjoy comprehensive facilities, including eight meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a terrace, and expansive outdoor event spaces, making the property a premier venue for corporate events, weddings, and social celebration. Perfectly positioned, the hotel provides convenient access (5–25 minutes) to major landmarks and business districts including Expo City, JAFZA, Dubai Sports City, DWC Airport, Mall of the Emirates, JBR, Miracle Garden, Global Village, and Dubai Hills Mall. This prime location ensures exceptional convenience for both business and leisure travelers.
“Having been part of the Marriott family for several years, this rebranding feels like a homecoming and I’m thrilled to bring that same culture of care and consistency to this exciting transformation,” said Olwin Desouza, General Manager. It’s an exciting opportunity to bring Marriott’s trusted standards and global recognition to Dubai Production City. This transition is not just about a new name – it’s about redefining the guest experience with a sense of familiarity, connection, and excellence that Marriott is known for worldwide. With Marriott Bonvoy now live, this marks just the beginning of an inspiring journey ahead of our 2026 relaunch.”
Guests, members, and partners are invited to experience this transformation firsthand by joining Marriott Bonvoy® and earning rewards from their very first stay. The property welcomes travelers and the local community to be part of this new era of hospitality excellence, as it prepares for the grand unveiling in Q1 2026.
Hospitality
GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED SYNTHONY TO PERFORM FOR THE FIRST-TIME EVER IN THE MIDDLE EAST AT BLA BLA DUBAI
Mark your calendars for Saturday 4th April 2026, to welcome SYNTHONY for their first-ever performance in the region at Bla Bla Dubai! Fans can expect a night of dance music reimagined with a high-energy musical experience delivering electronic and dance anthems from the last 30 years through a full live orchestra, DJs, vocalists, and immersive visuals. The historic Dubai debut will be amplified by Faithless Sound System, the pioneering three-piece electronic dance group featuring iconic dance legend and co-founder Sister Bliss, alongside members Amelia and Lily.
SYNTHONY’s experience has garnered a remarkable following of over 1.5 million on social media, going viral for their reimagined orchestral renditions of electronic dance anthems, including those by Avicii, Calvin Harris, Darude, Faithless Sound System, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz and more. What started as an intimate, town hall show in Auckland, New Zealand in 2017, SYNTHONY has now become an international sensation, selling out arenas, concert halls and large-scale outdoor festivals across the globe. With performances in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, United States, Europe, and more, SYNTHONY continues to build a strong and loyal fanbase around the world – soon to include the Middle East. Their first performance in Dubai will be led by one of Australasia’s most respected orchestra conductors, Sarah-Grace Williams.
Joining SYNTHONY for their premiere show is the renowned three-piece act Faithless Sound System, featuring DJ, artist, and producer Sister Bliss, a founding member of the legendary band and one of the most influential figures in the dance music scene. Having sold over 20 million records and headlined some of the world’s biggest festivals, Faithless Sound System is known for their chart-topping records and unforgettable dance tracks such as ‘God is a DJ,’ ‘Insomnia,’ and ‘We Come 1,’ amassing a large following over a career spanning three decades. Next April at Bla Bla, Sister Bliss, alongside band members Amelia and Lily, is expected to deliver a blend of their classics with cutting-edge electronic sounds, transporting fans back to the 90s and early 2000s with a nostalgia-fueled setlist.”
Conductor of SYNTHONY, Sarah-Grace Williams said “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing the unique SYNTHONY experience to Dubai for the very first time. It’s such a joy to see how audiences around the world connect to this powerful fusion of orchestra, electronic music, and visual artistry — and I can’t wait for Dubai to feel that same energy and emotion live.”
Sister Bliss adds “Faithless has always been about uniting people through music — and teaming up with SYNTHONY for this show is going to create something truly special. Expect big beats, euphoric moments, and an unforgettable night of pure energy.”
Bla Bla Dubai, having recently won Best Live Music Venue at What’s On Nightlife Awards 2025, offers the perfect mix of stunning scenery, lively energy, and world-class entertainment, bringing some of the biggest, most reputable names to the stage. Tickets are now on sale through Platinumlist.net with General Admission priced at AED 395, VIP tickets available for AED 550, and VVIP tickets for AED 750. Doors open at 8PM, so arrive early to beat the crowds, and soak in the lively ambience before SYNTHONY and Sister Bliss take the stage.
Supported by All Things Live Middle East this show is guaranteed to be a night to remember, guests will have no choice but to dance the night away to the electric performances. A variety of bar snacks and refreshing beverages from the numerous bars will be available to purchase to keep the good vibes flowing all evening.
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