Minor Hotels signs Anantara’s inaugural resort and city hotel in India
Minor Hotels – a global hospitality group operating more than 640 properties in 63 countries – has confirmed its first Anantara projects in India: the Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and the Anantara Kolkata Hotel.
Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort
Planned to open in 2028, the 69‑room resort will be set in a forested area of the UNESCO‑listed Western Ghats, close to Madikeri in Karnataka’s Coorg region. The property is being designed by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, a leading disciple of Geoffrey Bawa, and will reflect the local coffee heritage and Kodava culture. Facilities will include four restaurants, a swimming pool, a lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa, a fitness studio, meeting and event spaces, and a children’s club.
“Our partnership with Minor Hotels brings a renowned brand to one of India’s most captivating destinations. Through this greenfield development, we aim to deliver authentic experiences that immerse guests in Coorg’s rich culture and pristine landscapes,” said Bimal Desai, Chairman of Zanti Hospitality.
“Coorg’s natural beauty exemplifies India’s potential for experiential luxury and is ideal for the Anantara brand,” added William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International.
Anantara Kolkata Hotel
Targeted for a 2032 opening, the 170‑room hotel will anchor the upcoming World Trade Center Salt Lake Kolkata, a mixed‑use development covering an acre. It will cater to business and event travellers with two restaurants, a lobby lounge, flexible meeting spaces, Anantara Spa, a gym and a swimming pool.
“The World Trade Center Kolkata is a landmark development for the city, strengthening its status as a regional business hub,” said Sanjay Saraf, Co‑Chairman of Aryan Realty.
“Our partnership with Minor Hotels and the introduction of Anantara at WTC marks a significant step in shaping a destination that not only meets international benchmarks but also redefines how business and hospitality converge in Eastern India,” added Sushil Mohta, Chairman of Merlin Group.
“Signing Anantara Kolkata as our first urban Anantara in India represents an important step in our growth in the country and reflects the brand’s versatility across both city and resort settings,” noted William Heinecke.
Minor Hotels’ broader India strategy
The new projects build on the success of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur (2025) and the Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort. The group aims to reach 50 properties in India within the next decade, leveraging luxury and premium brands such as Anantara, Avani and NH Collection, as well as select‑service brands like NH, Oaks and iStay. Recently launched soft‑brand collections – Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection – will also provide opportunities for independent hotels to join Minor’s distribution and loyalty platform. Expansion is primarily pursued through management contracts and franchising, in line with Minor’s asset‑right model.
Source: media.minorhotels.com
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