Ananda Reverts To Old Name

Ananda, the internationally accredited spa in South Asia, has reverted to its original brand name, Ananda-in the Himalayas, after the parent, IHHR Hospitality, and its management partner, Mandarin Oriental Hotel group, decided to move out of the management agreement.

The board of directors of IHHR Hospitality endorsed the decision after evaluating the contributing strengths of the partner.

The parent felt that as the partner was predominantly a hotel and resort operator, its resources did not match with the special requirements of a destination spa resort project.

Ananda was opened in September 2000 as Rafael Resort and Spa, but became a part of the Mandarin Hotel Group, when it acquired the Rafael Group in May 2000.

Located 260 km away from New Delhi, the resort is in the picturesque estate and palace of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal. It has a 21,000 square foot spa with an extensive selection of therapies -- Indian, Western and Oriental ; Beauty Institute, adventure activities and art & culture programs.

IHHR Hospitality, which was started in 1998, caters to the luxury boutique hotel hospitality with a comprehensive menu of spa facilities. The first project, Ananda - in the Himalayas, started operations September 2000.

The IHHR Hospitality board comprises people from a cross section of Indian industry. The chairman, Gautam Khanna, brings with him over five decades of experience in the travel and hospitality business and is the erstwhile executive director of Oberoi Hotels and also the managing director of Mercury Travels. Ashok Khanna, managing director of IHHR, is the former president and chief executive officer of Indus Hotels Corporation.

Other directors on the IHHR Hospitality board include Ghanshyam Sheth of Great Eastern, Parmeswar Godrej of Godrej group, Jean Louis Dumas, the president of the Hermes line of haute couture, and Chandu Chhada, architect and hotel designer, who is also one of the largest shareholders of IHHR.