Discover India
India is a rich and culturally diverse country, set apart from the rest of Asia by mountains and sea, with bustling cities, spellbinding natural landscapes and wildlife, ancient temples and architectural masterpieces, and mesmerizing sights, sounds, and sensations that amaze, overwhelm, and transform visitors.
Experience world-class hospitality at Preferred Hotels & Resorts destinations including Leela Palace Hotels in Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, and Udaipur where a unique blend of modern amenities and cultural heritage appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Follow the Leela Palace Trail a curated itinerary to experience the best of India.
Other notable member hotels include The Imperial New Delhi, a grand colonial-era refuge in a central location, convenient to cultural landmarks attractions; The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, a century-old castle built at the southern tip of India on the emerald Arabian Sea within a grove of coconut palms with spectacular crescent beaches; and in the majestic Himalayas in the north, The Claridges Nabha Residence, Mussoorie, once the opulent summer retreat of the Maharaja of Nabha, offers sweeping views, inspired cuisine, and spiritual and wellness experiences.
HOLI FESTIVAL
A Hindu festival celebrated throughout India, Holi Festival celebrates the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna and is known as the festival of colors because people throw colored powder and water at each other in a joyful celebration of spring. (March 25, 2024)
DIWALI
Also known as the festival of light, it is one of India’s most popular festivals, celebrated by millions across the country. Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, during Diwali, people light oil lamps called diyas, decorate their homes with lights and rangolis, set off firecrackers, exchange sweets and gifts, and participate in puja or prayer rituals. (October 24, 2023)
PRAYAG KUMBH MELA
This large Hindu festival and pilgrimage celebrated every 12 years will occur in 2025, but devotees will gather in 2024 at Prayag Triveni, as they have annually since ancient times, for a Magh Mela fair. It is widely believed that taking a holy dip in Prayagraj at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river, will wash away sins and lead to Moksha, merging with the supreme soul, the ultimate goal for Hindus. Auspicious bathing dates will attract nearly a million Hindu devotees. (January 15 – March 8, 2024)
OFF TO MILAN AND MYKONOS!
Following IMEX Frankfurt, Preferred Hotels & Resorts along with some hosted buyers went on a three day post-fam trip to visit
Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze (Milan, Italy) and the Myconian Villa Collection (Mykonos, Greece).
Both are "YES" properties in destinations that are hungry for group business–so they will get creative to accommodate your needs.
Both destinations offer warm, genuine hospitality, are safe for tourists, and have wonderful history.
MYCONIAN VILLA COLLECTION
Mykonos, Greece
Key Selling Points
- The airport is easy to navigate and the resort is a scenic 20-minute ride away.
- Welcome champagne toast in the gorgeous lobby.
- Every room is exceptionally large and has a view of the Aegean Sea.
- High-quality cuisine served with exceptional high-touch service.
- Customizable accommodations, based on the group’s needs, with many unique options offered, as well as available space in nearby hotel collections for larger groups.
- One point of contact for groups and one contract for all hotels.
- Ease of planning and access to many activities and excursions.
ASIA PACIFIC
NORTH AMERICA
EUROPE
July 27: Orange County, California
July 28: Del Mar Racetrack - San Diego, California
August 23: Denver, Colorado
August 29: Hotel Blend - San Francisco, California
September 13: Seattle, Washington
September 14: Vancouver, British Columbia
September 14: Washington, D.C.
September 15: Northern Virginia
September 25: Montreal, Quebec
September 26: Toronto, Ontario
September 27: Minneapolis, Minnesota
September 28: Chicago, Illinois
July 13: London, England
July 18: Amsterdam, Netherlands
July 20: Munich, Germany
September 12: Stockholm, Switzerland
September 13: Copenhagen, Denmark
September 14: Oslo, Norway
July 11: Hong Kong, China
July 11: Singapore
July 12: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
September 5: Shanghai, China
September 6: Beijing, China
September 7: Guangzhou, China
September 8: Shenzhen, China
September 18: Brisbane, Australia
September 19: Gold Coast, Australia
September 20: Perth, Australia
September 21: Adelaide, Australia
September 25: Japan
September 25: Sydney, Australia
September 26: Melbourne, Australia
WHAT TO EXPECT
India offers diverse and flavorful dishes and a wide variety of cooking styles that are distinctive from region to region. Known for using spices, herbs, and aromatics, which add depth and complexity to the flavors of the dishes, many Indian dishes are also vegetarian or vegan, making India a great destination for those following a plant-based diet. Indian food is often served with rice or bread, such as naan or roti, and is often accompanied by chutneys or pickles for added flavor.
DOSA
Chennai is the birthplace of the iconic Indian dish, dosa. Made from a thin, crepe-like fermented batter made from rice and black lentils that is spread thinly on a hot griddle, it is served filled with a variety of savory or spicy ingredients such as potato masala, chutney, sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew), or other vegetables. Typically vegetarian and gluten-free, they are known for their crispy texture and unique flavor.
PREFERRED PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT INDIA:
- Currently home to 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world dating back 5,000 years. Visit the Taj Mahal (Agra), Red Fort (Delhi), Qutub Minar (Delhi), Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Maharashtra), Khajuraho Group of Monuments (Madhya Pradesh).
- Delhi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 5,000 years. Take a tour of the crowded and chaotic bazaars or drive through Lutyens’ Delhi to experience the city’s grandeur.
- India has 22 official languages and more than 1,600 dialects. Hindi is the most commonly spoken.
- Bollywood, the Indian film industry, produces more films than any other country in the world.
- The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh.
- Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Bengaluru is home to some of the world's leading tech companies. Over 70 direct flights each week from Los Angeles to Bengaluru (Bangalore) offer easy access to India’s tech hub. Choose from five Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations in Bengaluru for your next event.
Direct flights to New Delhi (DEL) are available from 136 airports around the world, including:
Singapore (6 hours) | Rome (7 hours) | Amsterdam (8 hours) | Tokyo (9 hours)
Sydney (13 hours) | New York (14 hours) | Chicago (14 hours) San Francisco (16 hours)
TRAVEL TO INDIA:
BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL:
Travel to North India is best between October and March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. The months of April to September can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures soaring above 40° C (104° F) in some areas.
Travel to South India is best between November and February when the weather is dry and comfortable. The monsoon season in South India typically runs from June to September and the rains can be quite heavy in some regions.
Corporate, incentive, social, retreats, C-level meetings, strategic meetings and tours
Best Suited For
Activities & Sights
Meeting Space
Getting There
- Days are filled with activities including sailing and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, shopping in downtown Mykonos, visiting local farms, horseback riding, and learning about the history of the Myconian life.
- Visit Myconian Naia for stunning sunset views at Naros with a sophisticated menu of Mediterranean flavors with a twist from molecular techniques.
- Yachting with a small group is a must-do.
Many unique indoor and outdoor event and meeting spaces throughout the Myconian Villa Collection and five additional partner resorts within walking distance. They can host anything from a private pool party to intimate events on a private terrace or in an elegant suite with stunning views to a welcome reception or dinner for groups of 300+ guests.
- Specialties include flavorful olive oil and fresh seafood, including white sea bass, a delicate whitefish. Greek salads with creamy feta cheese will never taste as great as they do here, and drinking the local wine is a treat!
- The Greek Spritz, made with mastika, Greek vermouth, and grapefruit soda, is light and refreshing—the perfect summer drink!
- Say yes whenever you’re offered delicious homemade bread and fresh lemonade.
Food & Beverage
We traveled from Milan to Athens, Greece via Milan Malpensa Airport, which serves more airlines and international destinations than Milan Linate, and on to Mykonos. Moving almost 20 people with checked luggage via bus and plane was easier than we hoped for. Our transfer, via the hotel’s luxury shuttle buses, was ready when we arrived, and the short ride was scenic, even when we arrived at night.
- The Maldives is a short flight (less than 3 hours) from Mumbai or Bengaluru. Escape to one of these dreamy Preferred Hotels & Resorts Maldives locations after your successful event.
- Colombo, Sri Lanka is a 90-minute flight from Chennai. Experience Marino Beach, Colombo an oceanside escape with a world-class spa.
- Kathmandu is a short flight (less than 2 hours) from New Delhi. Stay at The Soaltee Kathmandu and immerse yourself in the Himalayan kingdom.
EXPLORE MORE ASIA DESTINATIONS BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR INDIA EVENT
MILANO VERTICALE UNA ESPERIENZE
Milan, Italy
Key Selling Points
- New hotel. Opened 2021.
- Located in the Porta Nuova - Garibaldi district, just a short drive or walk from the historic city center.
- Large rooms—especially for a European hotel.
- Easily combined with other European destinations, including Lake Como—90-minute drive.
Corporate, incentive, pharmaceutical, board of directors, advisory, leadership and team building, social events and tours
Best Suited For
Activities & Sights
Meeting Space
Getting There
- Private cooking class in the Mercato Central Milano—we made pizza and gelato as a group. This beautiful venue with an interesting history—it was once a train station—is perfect for team building, group classes, or dine-around.
- Guided city tour that includes the Brera and a private tour of the Duomo with exclusive rooftop access and gorgeous views of Milan—we cruised around the city in vintage Fiat 500s!
- Indulge in fresh-made pasta and other local dishes—with a glass of wine, of course—at nearby enotecas, osterias, and trattorias
- End your day or prepare for an evening out with an Aperol spritz—or the true original, a Campari spritz—on Milano Verticale UNA Esperienze’s stunning rooftop.
Unique indoor and outdoor spaces, from an impressive patio, the green Giardino, to a covered terrace and a rooftop space with 360-degree views of Milan and the Alps in the distance, as well as five modular meeting spaces that can accommodate 250 people and a ballroom.
Milan is known for the Milanese cutlet, made with veal or chicken, and risotto cooked with saffron to give it the bright beautiful yellow hue is a regional specialty generally served with Osso Bucco.
Food & Beverage
We traveled easily from Frankfurt to Milan. Recommendation: When flying inter-Europe, use Milan Linate Airport, a much smaller, more regional airport for domestic and European flights. It is much closer to the city center, reducing travel time to the hotel.
