Samhi to invest Rs470m for 70% stake, joins Marriott Bonvoy Outdoor Collection
Samhi Hotels will invest Rs470m over 12 months to acquire a 70% stake in Rare India, gaining rights to operate 67 hotels under Marriott Bonvoy’s Outdoor Collection across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The MoU grants Rare India access to Marriott’s global distribution channels and loyalty ecosystem in four South Asian markets.
1. Acquisition and Investment
Samhi Hotels will invest Rs470m over the next 12 months to acquire a 70% stake in Rare India through a combination of primary capital infusion and secondary share purchase, marking Samhi’s entry into the experiential leisure sector with an asset-light model.
2. MoU and Brand Rights
Under the memorandum of understanding, Rare India secures the right to operate its portfolio of 67 hotels under Marriott Bonvoy’s Outdoor Collection brand, unlocking Marriott’s global distribution channels and loyalty ecosystem across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
3. Portfolio and Strategy
Founded in 2003, Rare India manages 67 curated hotels with 990 rooms across over 15 Indian states plus Nepal and Bhutan, specializing in heritage palaces, wildlife lodges and boutique retreats. Samhi aims to expand its combined network to about 100 properties through a mix of ownership and affiliation.
4. Implications for Marriott
The partnership expands Marriott’s curated stays portfolio in South Asia and enhances market penetration via an asset-light model, potentially driving incremental demand and boosting membership in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty ecosystem.