Taj to set up resort in Kerala

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces will manage and operate a premium beach resort in Bekal, North Kerala, jointly with the state government and Khanna Hotels.

The proposed beach resort project, to be launched in the next two years, will be developed on a 24-acre site, and will be operated under the Taj Leisure Hotels brand, a release issued here said.

The resort will offer 75-rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, an outdoor dining shack on a hillock overlooking the sea, meeting and conference facilities, full-fledged fitness centre, gym, tennis courts and children's play area, it said.

Raymond Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), The Indan Hotels Company Limited, said that "we are delighted to widen our presence in Kerala. We are honoured to partner with the Kerala Government and Khanna Hotels on the Bekal project."

"Leisure and hospitality in this region is growing tremendously and it is important for the Taj Hotels to be present in key strategic locations in the state," he added.

The resort will also feature a Taj Jiva Spa, which will be one of the key elements of the resort.

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces currently operates seven hotels/resorts in Kerala.