• UltraTech to become the world’s largest cement company, outside China.
• On course to reach 240 MTPA on the completion of capacity expansion projects underway, backed by a capex of over Rs. 16,000 crore.
UltraTech Cement Limited, the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, announced that it will surpass 200+ million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of installed cement manufacturing capacity in India, with the Company set to commission three new cement grinding units today, with a cumulative capacity of 8.7 MTPA. With this, UltraTech will become the world’s largest cement company, outside China.
The three new cement grinding units — located in Shahjahanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Patratu (Jharkhand), and Vizag (Andhra Pradesh) — have been strategically positioned to strengthen regional supply, serving North India’s booming construction corridor, the industrial heartland of Jharkhand, and the rapidly urbanising coastal belt of Andhra Pradesh. With these additions, UltraTech’s India capacity stands at 200.1 MTPA and its consolidated global capacity at 205.5 MTPA, which includes 5.4 MTPA from its operations in the UAE, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka.
The speed of UltraTech’s growth is as significant as its scale. It took 36 years to reach 100+ MTPA, a milestone achieved in 2019. The next 100 MTPA took less than seven years. A pace that speaks to both the Company’s execution capability and the depth of India’s infrastructure ambition.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, said: “Over a decade ago, our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, articulated a defining vision through Make in India — a call to rekindle our nation’s manufacturing ambition and elevate it to global scale, as a driver of growth, jobs, and self-reliance. UltraTech has translated this vision into action by matching ambition with execution, and domestic strength with global competitiveness, to help anchor India’s infrastructure story. The 200 MTPA milestone, also describes India’s place in the world, an India that has grown comfortable with scale, in its ambitions, its execution, and its sense of self. India stands at a defining juncture, where choices made over the next decade, will shape infrastructure for generations. That calls for continuity of purpose and clarity of execution. And UltraTech is well positioned, to translate this moment into enduring value for all stakeholders.”
UltraTech helps build one in every three homes in India, two out of every five kilometres of NHAI’s concrete roads, and four out of every five kilometres of metro rail across the country. Its cement has powered landmark projects such as the New Parliament Building (Central Vista), the Mumbai Coastal Road, the Dwarka Expressway, Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Sonamarg Tunnel, and the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor.
Mr. K C Jhanwar, Managing Director, UltraTech Cement Limited, said: “UltraTech’s capacity growth has been driven by organic expansions across multiple geographies, complemented by strategic acquisitions — together establishing a nationwide manufacturing footprint that serves consumers in the most remote corners of the country. We are grateful to every partner — our customers, suppliers, employees, and communities — who made this milestone not just achievable, but inevitable.”
As UltraTech scales toward 200+ MTPA, it remains firmly committed to its sustainability roadmap. The Company is actively working to reduce specific CO₂ emissions per tonne of cement, increase the use of alternative fuels and raw materials, and embed green construction practices across its value chain. For UltraTech, scale and sustainability are not competing priorities, they are pursued together as twin pillars of long-term value creation.
UltraTech’s next phase of expansion is already underway. The projects currently underway, backed by a capex of over Rs.16000 crore, will take the Company’s consolidated cement manufacturing capacity to 240+ MTPA.
About UltraTech Cement Limited
UltraTech Cement Limited is the cement flagship of the Aditya Birla Group and India’s largest cement manufacturer. With a pan-India presence and international operations in the UAE, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka, UltraTech is at the forefront of building modern India — supplying cement for homes, highways, metro rail, airports, and iconic national infrastructure projects.
UltraTech Cement Limited
Regd. Office: Ahura Centre, B-Wing, 2nd Floor, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400093
Tel.: +91 (22) 6691 7800 Fax: +91(22) 6692 8109
Website: www.ultratechcement.com / www.adityabirla.com CIN: L26940MH2000PLC128420
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Stanley Lifestyles Strengthens Bengaluru Presence with Three New Store Launches
Stanley Lifestyles Limited (BSE: 544202 | NSE: STANLEY), one of India’s leading integrated super-premium and luxury furniture manufacturers and retailers, today announced the launch of three new retail destinations in Bengaluru. This strategic expansion reinforces the brand’s commitment to bringing design-led, premium living experiences closer to customers.
The expansion includes two Sofas & More by Stanley stores located at Mysore Road and Gunjur, along with a Hilker India store at Electronic City—each offering a distinct and immersive retail experience tailored to evolving consumer preferences.
The stores were inaugurated by Sunil Suresh, Chairman and Managing Director and Venkataramana Seshagirirao Gorti, Joint Managing Director, Stanley Lifestyles Limited.
Store Highlights & Offerings:
Sofas & More by Stanley – Mysore Road
The Mysore Road store showcases a curated range of accessible premium offerings, including sofas, recliners, beds, mattresses, dining tables, armchairs and accessories. With a strong focus on comfort-driven design and customization, the store is tailored for urban families seeking functional yet stylish living solutions.
Designed with an experience-led layout, the store enables seamless product discovery and engagement.
Location: No. 451/A, Mysore Rd, opposite Gopalan Arcade Mall, near Rajarajeshwari Metro Station, Bengaluru – 560039
Size: 10,000 sq. ft.
Stanley Boutique Homes / Sofas & More by Stanley – Gunjur (Hybrid Format)
The Gunjur store introduces a distinctive hybrid retail concept, seamlessly integrating Stanley Boutique Homes and Sofas & More by Stanley under one roof. Catering to both accessible premium and super-premium segments, the store delivers a comprehensive, end-to-end home solutions experience. The store showcases a curated range of kitchens, wardrobes, sofas, recliners, beds, mattresses, dining tables, armchairs and accessories. Thoughtfully designed for new-age homeowners and villa communities in East Bengaluru, it places a strong emphasis on personalization, space optimization and contemporary design aesthetics.
Location: No. 168/2, Varthur Main Rd, Gunjur Village, Varthur, Bengaluru – 560087
Size: 12,000 sq. ft.
Hilker India – Electronic City
Hilker, a renowned German brand established in 1888, has entered the Indian market exclusively through Stanley Lifestyles. The Electronic City store introduces a sophisticated shop-in-shop concept, bringing premium European design to Bengaluru through Hilker’s luxury furniture offerings.
The store reflects global design sensibilities, superior craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality materials. Curated for discerning and aspirational consumers, the space presents a refined selection of premium furniture solutions. Positioned as a destination for holistic home transformation, it delivers an elevated and immersive design experience.
Location: Ground Floor, Stanley Level Next, Hosur Rd, Veerasandra, Electronic City, Bengaluru – 560100
Size: 6,000 sq. ft.
Commenting on the expansion, Sunil Suresh, Chairman and Managing Director, Stanley Lifestyles Limited, said “Bengaluru continues to be a key growth market for us, driven by a discerning consumer base that values quality, design and functionality. With the launch of these three new stores, we aim to further strengthen our presence and offer customers an enhanced and immersive retail experience. At Stanley, we remain committed to delivering world-class furniture solutions that align with the evolving lifestyle aspirations of modern Indian homes.”
With these launches, Stanley Lifestyles continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets while reinforcing its commitment to delivering luxury, bespoke and design-led furniture solutions. The expansion highlights the brand’s focus on enhancing customer experience and catering to the evolving lifestyle aspirations of modern Indian consumers.
About Stanley Lifestyles Limited:
Stanley Lifestyles Limited is a leading Indian luxury furniture company offering a broad spectrum of home solutions under brands such as Stanley Level Next, Stanley Boutique Homes, Stanley Boutique and Sofas & More. The Company designs, manufactures and retails a diverse array of ultra-luxury, luxury, premium and accessible premium furniture and interior products including sofas, recliners, dining sets, kitchens, cabinetry, wardrobes, beds, mattresses and accessories. Its vertically integrated model ensures end-to-end control over design, production and retail, with two manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru spanning over 300,000 square feet. These facilities support a wide range of offerings across segments and categories with intentional and consistent quality. With 74 retail outlets across major Indian cities, Stanley Lifestyles operates through both company-owned and franchisee formats to maximize reach and customer engagement. The company’s strategic strengths lie in its design-led innovation, skilled craftsmanship and consistent expansion in high-opportunity markets. Backed by experienced promoters and professional leadership, Stanley Lifestyles continues to leverage its retail and manufacturing capabilities to address growing demand in India’s premium and luxury home interiors market.
For more information visit: https://www.lovestanley.com/
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The Standard Opens New Global Capability Centre At The Embassy Tech Village In Bengaluru
The Standard, a leading provider of insurance, retirement and investment products in the United States, opened its new global capability centre today in Embassy Tech Village in Bengaluru. This marks the next phase of the company’s growth journey in India following the launch of The Standard India operations in November 2025. The facility — inaugurated by Shri Priyank Kharge, minister for Electronics, IT and Biotechnology, Government of Karnataka — supports the continued expansion of capabilities across AI engineering, cloud platform development, data and analytics, digital transformation and insurance operations aligned with the company’s global strategy.
The inauguration marks the opening of The Standard India’s permanent Bengaluru office facility, with plans for long-term expansion of capabilities in software engineering, total experience, AI and enterprise platforms as the company continues strengthening in-house technology expertise aligned with its long-term transformation roadmap.
“Our operations in India play an increasingly important role in our technology transformation,” said Greg Chandler, executive vice president of Information Technology at The Standard. “The launch of The Standard India strengthens our ability to fuel ongoing growth, innovate, scale technology capabilities, accelerate digital transformation and offer new solutions to our customers faster. This centre represents a long-term investment in world-class talent and reflects our confidence in India as a strategic partner in shaping the future of our business.
Since establishing its presence in India in November 2025, The Standard continues to strengthen its local leadership team across finance, human resources, talent acquisition, information technology, administration and communications.
“The Standard India is an integrated capability hub that supports engineering, data, AI and insurance operations,” said Mohua Sengupta, senior vice president and country head at The Standard India. “Our structure combines enterprise scale with startup agility, giving employees both stability and the opportunity to build greenfield capabilities while working closely with our global teams. As we continue expanding leadership roles and high-impact technology functions in India, the centre will have an important role in advancing The Standard’s long-term growth, innovation and transformation priorities.”
Strategic capability mandate
The Standard India will significantly contribute to advancing companywide priorities. It will also support the transition of select technology work from vendor-led delivery to in-house engineering teams — strengthening agility, operational efficiency and long-term innovation capabilities.
India continues to be a strategic destination for global capability centres that support financial services innovation, offering deep expertise across engineering, digital platforms and enterprise technology transformation. Bengaluru’s mature innovation ecosystem, strong academic institutions and global technology workforce make it a natural location for The Standard’s inaugural centre.
The Global Gourmet Brunch At Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru
The menu presents a distinguished selection of International classics, from herb-crusted roast lamb with rosemary jus and gratin dauphinois to a curated assortment of fine cheese. Signature expressions include delicately assembled dim sum, wok-tossed Asian preparations, a composed taco selection, and aromatic biryanis, alongside comforting favourites such as baked mac & cheese and loaded nachos offering both depth and familiarity.
Live culinary ateliers introduce an interactive dimension, featuring freshly prepared pasta with truffle cream, pomodoro, and pesto, alongside crêpes, handcrafted pizzettes, and elegantly prepared specialities such as chicken piccata.
An elegant progression of desserts follows, with refined French pastries, chocolate éclairs, opera cake, tiramisu, and traditional Indian confections, creating a well-rounded and indulgent finale.
Thoughtfully balanced with lighter accents such as seasonal fruits, yogurt with granola, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast, the experience remains as poised as it is indulgent.
Venue: Machan, Taj West End, Bengaluru
Date: Sunday, 26th April 2026
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Reservations: +91 80666 05660
A graceful confluence of global flavours and timeless hospitality, the Global Gourmet Brunch at Machan invites guests to savour an afternoon defined by elegance and ease.
Turkish Airlines Open 2026 To Host Major Champion Francesco Molinari And Rolex Series Winner Paul Waring
Francesco Molinari and Paul Waring are among the leading names confirmed at the 2026 Turkish Airlines Open. The tournament will be held at National Golf Club, located within Regnum Hotels, from April 30 - May 3. The event marks the fifth and final tournament of the DP World Tour's Asian Swing, part of the first phase of the 2026 global schedule.
Molinari became the first player from Italy to win a Major Championship when he triumphed at the 147th Open Championship in 2018. The six-time DP World Tour winner has also represented Europe in three victorious Ryder Cup teams, in 2010, 2012 and 2018 – where he secured the winning point at Le Golf National in Paris.
Paul Waring won his first Rolex Series title at the 2024 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on his way to earning dual membership with the PGA TOUR. Andy Sullivan and Alex Fitzpatrick will also compete at the event. Sullivan currently sits fourth on the Race to Dubai Rankings.
Turkish Airlines’ commitment to golf spans both professional and amateur levels. Since 2013, the flag carrier has hosted the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup, world’s largest amateur golf tournament. The latest edition of the tournament was held in 122 destinations in 83 countries.
About Turkish Airlines:
Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 530 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 358 worldwide destinations as 305 international and 53 domestics in 133 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Star Alliance:
Established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, Star Alliance was founded on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition, and seamless service. Today, guided by a vision for a world effortlessly connected, Star Alliance enriches customer journeys and reinforces loyalty by creating tailored solutions that empower member airlines beyond their individual capabilities. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, United. Star Alliance unites 26 of the world’s leading airlines, providing travelers with seamless access to over 1,150 airports across 190 countries - covering 90% of the world. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner Juneyao Airlines. Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +65 8729 6691 Email: mediarelations@staralliance.com
It’s Lemon. It’s Lime. Now, It’s Got Mint. Sprite Adds A Minty Twist To Summer With Its First-Ever Flavour – Sprite Lemon Mint
When summer hits, India knows exactly how to cool down. Crushed into chilled drinks, stirred into summer coolers, or simply muddled with lemon and something fizzy, mint is India's homegrown cool-down ritual. Sprite Lemon Mint is a great example of how Sprite is turning real consumer behavior into meaningful innovation. The combination of citrus and mint is both culturally familiar and heightens refreshment. In its first-ever flavour innovation in India, the brand combines its signature sharp lemon with bold, cooling mint notes to take the taste people already love to a whole new level of refreshment.
What makes Sprite Lemon Mint particularly exciting is it strikes a perfect balance between familiarity and novelty. Bringing this to life is a new campaign film, designed by StudioX WPP, featuring Sunil Grover, who embodies the brand’s ‘Thand Rakh’ philosophy, capturing familiar, everyday moments where situations escalate quickly and all you need is a quick reset. With his signature style, the film reinforces that sometimes the smartest response isn’t reacting but simply choosing to stay cool.
Sunil Grover said, “We’ve all grown up adding mint to our summer drinks, so this felt instantly familiar. Sprite Lemon Mint takes that idea and makes it effortless. What I enjoyed most about the campaign is how it captures those real, everyday moments when all you want is something refreshing."
Sumeli Chatterjee, Category Head, Sparkling Flavours, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia said, “Sprite Lemon Mint is inspired by how consumers are already experimenting with mint leaves and Sprite, bringing together a culturally familiar combination in a way that feels fresh, natural and new. By adding a bold mint twist to our iconic lemon-lime taste, we are elevating the cooling, multi-sensorial refreshment that consumers increasingly seek. And this feels right at home in India’s summers. As a limited-time offering, it is an exciting way to rediscover Sprite, offering a fresh take on minty taste while staying true to what Sprite has always stood for: the ultimate refreshing beverage.”
Ranadeep Dasgupta, National Creative Director VML & StudioX WPP Group said, “With the new limited-edition Sprite Lemon Mint launching for the first time ever in India, we had the chance to build on Sprite’s refreshment credentials in a way that felt refreshingly relevant for today’s audience. The insight was that while Indian summers hit differently across the country, from humid, sticky afternoons to dry, draining heat, everyone has that same breaking point where the weather just becomes too much. In that moment, all you need is a whiff of cool or just a waft of chill. Enter Sprite Lemon Mint! ‘Mint Lagaa’ meaning - a touch of mint, captures that feeling in perfectly, turning a product truth into a viral earworm.”
The campaign is built as a high-impact 360-degree rollout, anchored in culture and everyday relevance. This is supported by sustained social amplification and strong in-store visibility through secondary placements and retail toolkits, ensuring the product is present at key decision-making moments.
Available in select markets, Sprite Lemon Mint will be in-market for a limited time, making it a timely addition to this summer’s refreshment repertoire.
About Coca-Cola India
Coca-Cola in India is one of the country’s leading beverage companies, offering a range of high-quality and refreshing beverage options to consumers. The company, in line with its vision of ‘Beverages For Life’ offers a wide portfolio of products which includes hydration, sports, sparkling, coffee, tea, nutrition, juice and dairy based products. In India its beverage range includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Thums Up, Thums Up XForce, Charged, Fanta, Limca, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Kinley Soda, Rim Zim, Maaza, Minute Maid range of juices and Honest Tea. The Company also offers hydration beverages including Limca GlucoCharge, Smartwater, Kinley, Kinley Copper, Dasani and Bonaqua packaged drinking water. Premium products constitute Schweppes’ range and Smartwater. In addition, it offers a Costa Coffee range of tea and coffee. The Company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to market.
The Company along with its owned bottling operations and franchise bottling partners has a strong network of close to 5 million retail outlets through which it refreshes millions of consumers across the country. It seeks to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water and packaging initiatives, sustainable agriculture and emission reductions across its value chain.
Globally together with its bottling partners, The Coca-Cola Company employs more than 700,000 people, helping to bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.cocacolacompany.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Earth Day 2026: Luxury Stays Where Travellers Become Part Of Conservation
* Luxury travellers are increasingly choosing stays that allow them to actively participate in protecting and restoring the environments they visit.
As travel evolves from leisure to purposeful engagement, conservation-focused experiences have moved to the forefront of eco-tourism. From coral reef restoration and sustainable diving practices to immersive environmental education and hands-on wildlife monitoring, these initiatives are increasingly being woven into travel itineraries. Today’s travellers are no longer satisfied with just avoiding harm, they want to be part of making things better.
For the modern luxury traveller, this translates into a direct demand for experiences that offer guest-participatory sustainability programs alongside local experts to actively restore ecosystems. Recent insights reveal that 35% of Indian travellers prioritise tours that protect the environment, while 31% specifically seek out programs that enable them to roll up their sleeves and actively give back to nature.
This Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 2026, here are three luxury properties that invite guests to take part in conservation, while fostering deeper, more conscious connections with the destinations they visit.
JOALI BEING, Maldives
JOALI BEING, an ultra-luxury well-living island resort in the Maldives, is thoughtfully designed around biophilic principles to harmonise with the island’s natural flow while preserving its fragile ecosystem.
At the heart of the marine efforts of this Michelin Key recognised retreat is the on-island Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, developed in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP). Led by a resident Sea Turtle Biologist, the centre serves as a step-down facility dedicated to caring for sick and injured turtles, including those recovering from ghost net entanglements and floating syndrome. Guests are invited to visit the facility to learn about the in-house turtle-patients and directly support the conservation work by adopting a sea turtle. New “parents” receive an adoption certificate and monthly updates to track their turtle's journey.
Through the JOALI Reef Restoration Programme, the property hosts regular coral planting activities where travellers help assist the natural recovery of the reef. Guests can also participate in the "Dive Against Debris" and “Island Clean-Ups" initiatives to remove ocean waste and join efforts on nearby uninhabited islands. Additionally, they can take part in tree-planting activities that protect the local environment.
Through the B'Kidult Programme, children can participate in hands-on "Trash to Treasure" eco-art workshops, learning to upcycle everyday waste into creative projects. Weekly interactive snorkelling sessions at the Dive Centre also introduce them to marine life, helping build skills and awareness, with a certificate awarded upon completion to nurture future ocean stewards.
Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka
Across its collection of luxury retreats, Resplendent Ceylon integrates sustainability into its design and operations. The hospitality brand goes beyond standard conservation by committing 15% of its pre-tax profits to fund the extensive work of the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. Through these dedicated arms, the brand delivers transformational impact tailored to each property's surrounding environment.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, the property drives the Model Montane Forest Project to restore native ecosystems. Here, visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and participate directly in tree-planting activities, actively helping to reverse deforestation. Guests can also explore these landscapes and learn about the Peak Ridge Corridor Project, an 18-kilometre mountain ridge initiative protecting leopards in the Sri Lankan tea highlands.
At Cape Weligama, guests can engage directly with community initiatives at the MJF Centre, connecting with education and vocational training programs that empower the surrounding region. Visitors can also participate in hands-on harvesting experiences in the property's gardens, physically gathering fresh produce that is later transformed into their meals. Meanwhile, at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, the dedicated Conservation At Yala initiative works tirelessly to restore natural ecosystems by removing invasive alien species, partnering directly with wildlife organisations to protect the Sri Lankan leopard and empower local communities to mitigate human-animal conflict.
Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries, Maharashtra
Located on the fringes of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries operates with a philosophy that seamlessly intertwines sustainability with immersive guest experiences, deeply embedded within the property’s culture. Over the past few years, the property has actively reforested land degraded by centuries of monoculture practices, replanting 300 species of native trees to restore the original habitat.
To foster a deeper connection with this thriving environment, Tipai invites travellers to actively participate in wildlife monitoring through activities like the "Camera Trap Trails" where, guests step into the role of citizen scientists, helping naturalists set up motion cameras at dusk to track nocturnal animals and learn firsthand about the region's wildlife.
This hands-on connection to the land naturally extends to the property's culinary and community initiatives. Guests are encouraged to partake in the Food forest and orchard visit, where they can participate in gardening or forage for the fresh produce like salad leaves that will later be inculcated into their meals.
The property also actively engages in local social empowerment. Under Chef Amninder Sandhu’s guidance, the kitchen at the dinner-only restaurant, Palaash, is run entirely by women from neighbouring villages, turning their everyday, regional cooking skills into an exceptional hospitality experience. Through these meaningful engagements, guests get a chance to learn directly from the community, fostering a deeply positive and authentic connection with the destination.
As travel evolves from leisure to purposeful engagement, conservation-focused experiences have moved to the forefront of eco-tourism. From coral reef restoration and sustainable diving practices to immersive environmental education and hands-on wildlife monitoring, these initiatives are increasingly being woven into travel itineraries. Today’s travellers are no longer satisfied with just avoiding harm, they want to be part of making things better.
For the modern luxury traveller, this translates into a direct demand for experiences that offer guest-participatory sustainability programs alongside local experts to actively restore ecosystems. Recent insights reveal that 35% of Indian travellers prioritise tours that protect the environment, while 31% specifically seek out programs that enable them to roll up their sleeves and actively give back to nature.
This Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, 2026, here are three luxury properties that invite guests to take part in conservation, while fostering deeper, more conscious connections with the destinations they visit.
JOALI BEING, Maldives
JOALI BEING, an ultra-luxury well-living island resort in the Maldives, is thoughtfully designed around biophilic principles to harmonise with the island’s natural flow while preserving its fragile ecosystem.
At the heart of the marine efforts of this Michelin Key recognised retreat is the on-island Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, developed in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP). Led by a resident Sea Turtle Biologist, the centre serves as a step-down facility dedicated to caring for sick and injured turtles, including those recovering from ghost net entanglements and floating syndrome. Guests are invited to visit the facility to learn about the in-house turtle-patients and directly support the conservation work by adopting a sea turtle. New “parents” receive an adoption certificate and monthly updates to track their turtle's journey.
Through the JOALI Reef Restoration Programme, the property hosts regular coral planting activities where travellers help assist the natural recovery of the reef. Guests can also participate in the "Dive Against Debris" and “Island Clean-Ups" initiatives to remove ocean waste and join efforts on nearby uninhabited islands. Additionally, they can take part in tree-planting activities that protect the local environment.
Through the B'Kidult Programme, children can participate in hands-on "Trash to Treasure" eco-art workshops, learning to upcycle everyday waste into creative projects. Weekly interactive snorkelling sessions at the Dive Centre also introduce them to marine life, helping build skills and awareness, with a certificate awarded upon completion to nurture future ocean stewards.
Resplendent Ceylon, Sri Lanka
Across its collection of luxury retreats, Resplendent Ceylon integrates sustainability into its design and operations. The hospitality brand goes beyond standard conservation by committing 15% of its pre-tax profits to fund the extensive work of the Merrill J. Fernando Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. Through these dedicated arms, the brand delivers transformational impact tailored to each property's surrounding environment.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, the property drives the Model Montane Forest Project to restore native ecosystems. Here, visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and participate directly in tree-planting activities, actively helping to reverse deforestation. Guests can also explore these landscapes and learn about the Peak Ridge Corridor Project, an 18-kilometre mountain ridge initiative protecting leopards in the Sri Lankan tea highlands.
At Cape Weligama, guests can engage directly with community initiatives at the MJF Centre, connecting with education and vocational training programs that empower the surrounding region. Visitors can also participate in hands-on harvesting experiences in the property's gardens, physically gathering fresh produce that is later transformed into their meals. Meanwhile, at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, the dedicated Conservation At Yala initiative works tirelessly to restore natural ecosystems by removing invasive alien species, partnering directly with wildlife organisations to protect the Sri Lankan leopard and empower local communities to mitigate human-animal conflict.
Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries, Maharashtra
Located on the fringes of the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries operates with a philosophy that seamlessly intertwines sustainability with immersive guest experiences, deeply embedded within the property’s culture. Over the past few years, the property has actively reforested land degraded by centuries of monoculture practices, replanting 300 species of native trees to restore the original habitat.
To foster a deeper connection with this thriving environment, Tipai invites travellers to actively participate in wildlife monitoring through activities like the "Camera Trap Trails" where, guests step into the role of citizen scientists, helping naturalists set up motion cameras at dusk to track nocturnal animals and learn firsthand about the region's wildlife.
This hands-on connection to the land naturally extends to the property's culinary and community initiatives. Guests are encouraged to partake in the Food forest and orchard visit, where they can participate in gardening or forage for the fresh produce like salad leaves that will later be inculcated into their meals.
The property also actively engages in local social empowerment. Under Chef Amninder Sandhu’s guidance, the kitchen at the dinner-only restaurant, Palaash, is run entirely by women from neighbouring villages, turning their everyday, regional cooking skills into an exceptional hospitality experience. Through these meaningful engagements, guests get a chance to learn directly from the community, fostering a deeply positive and authentic connection with the destination.
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