Kerten Hospitality, announces the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla. This is an exciting milestone in the group’s India growth journey, bringing its experience-led hospitality model to one of the country’s most iconic leisure destinations, and marking the next step towards its target of developing 1,000 keys across its Cloud 7, hosme and The House Hotel brands in India in this phase of its expansion. Through this growth, Kerten Hospitality aims to develop a portfolio of locally rooted, experience-led lifestyle destinations across key markets in the country.
Nestled amidst the forests and hills of Shimla, Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla is a premium lifestyle destination resort for the Himalayan region. The property will open with its thoughtfully designed suites and rooms offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, which will be followed by the addition of dedicated wellbeing suites, a destination spa, swimming pool and gym, two private cottages and nine additional luxury suites as part of a phased expansion, reflecting the property’s ambition to become one of Northern India’s leading lifestyle and wellness destinations.
Commenting on the opening, Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, said: “Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla reflects the strong momentum behind our growth journey in India. The country offers significant potential for experience led, lifestyle hospitality, and we are committed to building a meaningful long-term presence by working closely with owners and partners who share our vision. With an initial target of 1,000 keys, Shimla is an important step in creating a diverse portfolio of destinations that connect guests with local communities, culture and place.”
True to Kerten Hospitality’s philosophy of creating destinations shaped by the character of their surroundings, the property celebrates the culture, traditions and natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh through carefully curated guest experiences, locally inspired design and meaningful engagement with the region’s communities. Designed to reflect the distinctive style of Himachali hospitality, the hotel encourages guests to experience the destination through its people, flavours, craftsmanship and cultural traditions while bringing together accommodation, wellness, leisure, food and beverage and social experiences in an integrated resort setting.
At the heart of the hotel is “The Observatory Bar”, a signature rooftop destination inspired by “Where Mountains Meet the Stars.” Designed as an intimate mountain lounge where guests can slow down, reconnect and experience the surrounding Himalayan landscape from a new perspective, the venue is conceived as a relaxed cocktail and whisky lounge. Low lounge seating, handcrafted walnut furniture and warm copper detailing create an atmosphere of unhurried discovery, while a magnificent nautical telescope at the centre of the space invites guests to frame distant Himalayan peaks by day and explore the moon and constellations above Shimla after sunset. Its beverage programme draws on Himalayan botanicals and locally sourced ingredients, further connecting the experience to the landscape. The Observatory is designed to become one of Cloud 7’s defining guest experiences. Complementing this signature offering are outdoor terraces with panoramic mountain views, wellness experiences, event and meeting facilities, lifestyle programming and seasonal events, alongside locally inspired art and cultural experiences.
Food and beverage offerings celebrate the flavours and character of the Himalayas, with the culinary programme curated by Kerten Hospitality’s Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas and developed around regional produce sourced from local farmers and producers. The offering will feature elevated sharing plates and seasonal menus that evolve throughout the year, presenting contemporary interpretations of mountain cuisine.
Adding to the experience, the “Cloudfall Sessions”, the venue’s daily sunset ritual, will bring together a curated sunset soundtrack, signature cocktail, featured whisky, premium canapés and a distinctive sunset service sequence, inviting guests and local residents to gather, slow down and experience the changing Himalayan landscape.
Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla will also showcase locally inspired art, handcrafted pieces and cultural storytelling through partnerships with artists and craftspeople from Shimla and across Himachal Pradesh. Art and local craftsmanship form an important part of the property’s identity, with partnerships planned with artists and craftspeople from Shimla and across Himachal Pradesh to showcase commissioned artworks, local photography, handmade ceramics, handcrafted pieces and rotating exhibitions. The property will also work closely with regional
farmers, Himalayan ingredient suppliers, cultural organisations and tourism partners, while engaging with seasonal festivals and community events.
Through these collaborations, the property aims to provide a meaningful platform for local creative communities while fostering deeper connections between guests and the destination, supporting the regional economy and helping preserve the traditions, artistic heritage and distinctive character of Shimla.
With India identified as a strategic growth market, Kerten Hospitality aims to bring its bespoke-at-scale approach to India, partnering with owners to develop distinctive, locally rooted destinations that respond to the country’s growing appetite for experience-led hospitality.
