Restaurant India News: The Fern to Open 50-Room Hotel in Thekkady by 2026

The Fern Hotels and Resorts has signed The Fern Residency Thekkady, Series by Marriott, located in Thekkady in Kerala’s Idukki district. With this addition, the group’s operational and upcoming portfolio across South India has reached 14 properties. The signing reflects the company’s continued focus on expanding in leisure-driven destinations with year-round tourism potential.

Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels and Resorts, said, “Leisure destinations with strong ecological and experiential appeal are increasingly shaping the next phase of hospitality growth in India. Thekkady stands out as a destination that attracts discerning travelers seeking immersive experiences rooted in nature and culture. The Fern Residency Thekkady, Series by Marriott will further strengthen our presence in South India while reinforcing our commitment to responsible and experience-led hospitality.”

The upcoming property will have 50 rooms and suites positioned to serve both business and leisure demand. The room inventory is planned with a contemporary layout focused on functionality and comfort. The hotel will include an all-day dining outlet to cater to in-house guests and transient demand. For meetings and events, the property will offer one conference room and two banquet halls, targeting small corporate meetings, destination-led events, and social functions.

Jose Mathew, Managing Director, Maria Shopping Complex Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are pleased to partner with The Fern Hotels & Resorts for this project in Thekkady. We believe this collaboration will deliver a compelling hospitality offering for both domestic and international travelers.”

The hotel is being positioned to cater to travellers visiting Thekkady for its natural tourism demand. The Fern Residency Thekkady, Series by Marriott, is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026. Once operational, the property will add to The Fern Hotels and Resorts’ managed portfolio in Kerala and support its broader South India growth strategy, with a focus on sustainability-led operations, service consistency, and mid-scale to upscale hospitality formats in high-demand leisure markets.