Aiana Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of an agreement with Bengaluru-based Ferns Estates and Developers to manage and operate four new resorts in Karnataka. Scheduled to open in 2019, the first resort is set in 45 acres of hilly coffee plantation land in the district of Sakleshpur, approximately three hours away from Bengaluru. The resort will feature a 100 villas in the Phase I, set around five acres of lake front, designed using locally sourced material and ethnic architecture.
In addition to a full service resort development with recreational, spa and banqueting facilities, holiday home villas will also be sold under a fractional ownership model.
Targeting weekend retreats, other destinations identified by the partners for expansion of the portfolio in Karnataka include a 30-acre site with direct frontage on the river Hemavathi and other hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries within a four hour driving distance from Bengaluru.
Commenting on the development, Amruda Nair, joint managing director and CEO, Aiana Hotels and Resorts, said, “We are pleased to announce our association with Ferns Estates & Developers to develop a portfolio of hotels located in leisure destinations around Karnataka that will feature signature resorts with a distinct sense of tranquillity and a relaxed atmosphere. We believe there is immense potential in destinations that are driving distance from key cities and are looking forward to expanding our presence in South India with this partnership.”
Errol Fernandes, chairman and managing director, The Ferns Group, said, “We are delighted to partner with Aiana Hotels and Resorts to bring a dynamic, new-offering to the resort market. This is the first time we are introducing a hybrid business model and believe that Sakleshpur is the perfect destination to announce our first resort. With our combined expertise in service and development and our commitment to innovation, we are confident that our fresh take on resort development will create lasting memories for our guests. ”