Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Saraca Hotels & Resorts to develop four hotels across the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The agreement marks the debut of the Unscripted by Hyatt brand in India and expands Hyatt's footprint in destinations known for cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The portfolio comprises Saraca Hotel Lucknow, Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett, a new Destination by Hyatt resort, and Hyatt Place Jim Corbett Mohaan. Together, these properties will add more than 260 keys to Hyatt's India pipeline, reinforcing the group's commitment to the subcontinent as a key growth market.
First Unscripted by Hyatt in India
The Unscripted by Hyatt brand, known for its playful, design-led approach, will make its Indian debut with Saraca Hotel Lucknow. Located on Mall Avenue in the Uttar Pradesh capital, the 41-room property will celebrate Lucknow's rich cultural legacy through its architecture, interiors, and dining concepts. The hotel aims to offer an authentic, locally rooted experience that appeals to both leisure and business travellers.
Vikas Chawla, president of Hyatt India & Southwest Asia, said: "India continues to be a high-priority market for Hyatt, and destinations like Lucknow and Corbett offer diverse experiences that resonate with today's travellers. Our partnership with Saraca allows us to bring our brands to culturally and naturally significant locations while maintaining the authenticity that modern guests seek."
Nature-focused offerings in Corbett
Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett will feature 44 rooms on the edge of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. The property will focus on nature-based experiences, including jungle safaris, birdwatching, and wellness programmes, catering to the growing demand for wildlife and adventure travel in India.
In addition, the partnership includes a 20-acre resort under the Destination by Hyatt brand near Jim Corbett National Park. This property will offer 111 accommodations, ranging from rooms to villas, and is designed to blend with the surrounding landscape. The resort will target both leisure travellers and corporate groups seeking a retreat setting.
Hyatt Place Jim Corbett Mohaan, with 70 guestrooms, will cater to a mix of leisure and business travellers, offering the brand's signature casual hospitality and flexible workspaces. The property is expected to appeal to the growing number of corporate travellers visiting the region for conferences and off-site meetings.
Strategic expansion in India
Mohammad Abdullah, founder of Saraca Hotels & Resorts, welcomed the collaboration: "We are delighted to partner with Hyatt to bring these distinctive properties to life. Our shared vision is to preserve the character of each destination while making it accessible to a wider audience. This partnership is a testament to the potential of India's secondary and tertiary markets."
The agreement is part of Hyatt's broader expansion strategy in India, which has seen the group add several new properties across the country in recent years. Earlier this year, LXR Hotels & Resorts made its India debut with The Den Bengaluru, signalling the group's appetite for luxury and lifestyle segments.
Hyatt's focus on culturally and naturally significant locations aligns with shifting traveller preferences, as highlighted by recent industry data. Agoda's research indicates that Indian travellers are increasingly prioritising experience-led trips, a trend that bodes well for the new properties in Lucknow and Corbett.
The four hotels are expected to open in phases over the next few years, with Saraca Hotel Lucknow and Saraca Resort & Spa Corbett likely to come online first. The Destination by Hyatt resort and Hyatt Place Jim Corbett Mohaan will follow, subject to construction timelines and regulatory approvals.
For travel professionals, the expansion offers new options for clients seeking authentic cultural immersion and wildlife experiences in North India. The properties also strengthen Hyatt's position in the region, providing more choices for both leisure and corporate travel.
