HBI Staff | Mumbai 
Gujarat JHM Hotels (GJHM), under the ownership of the Rama family and in partnership with U.S.-based Auro Hotels, has officially entered into a hotel management agreement with Marriott International to introduce the prestigious JW Marriott brand to Surat, Gujarat. The agreement was formalized during an owners’ meeting held at the Surat Marriott Hotel, where Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China for Marriott International, and DJ Rama, President & CEO of Auro Hotels, inked the deal.
The forthcoming JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa will mark GJHM’s third collaboration with Marriott International in Surat, following the Surat Marriott Hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Surat. Envisaged to encompass over 300 guest rooms and villas, the resort will boast four dining establishments featuring a diverse range of six cuisines, along with a comprehensive JW Lounge. The hotel’s amenities will include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, an opulent spa with a salon, and a dedicated Kids’ Club. Furthermore, plans incorporate a substantial 10,000 sq. feet of meeting and ballroom space, positioning the establishment as an ideal venue for medium to large-scale events.
Embracing the concept of an “urban resort,” the JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa will seamlessly blend opulent design elements with contemporary aesthetics. With a commitment to delivering elevated experiences, the hotel aspires to cater to the discerning tastes of both domestic and international travelers.
“We are very pleased to grow our relationship with Gujarat JHM Hotels (GJHM) and introduce the JW Marriott brand to Surat, a market that is witnessing substantial growth and development. Gujarat JHM Hotels (GJHM) is an ideal fit with its vision centered around innovation, creativity and design, while the JW Marriott brand resonates a legacy of extraordinary hospitality.” said Rajeev Menon, President Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.
The new JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa will be built on the Earthspace campus where Auro University – the Sri Aurobindo Integral Life Center and the Courtyard by Marriott Surat are currently located. The proximity of the hotel to these educational resources will allow Gujarat JHM a unique opportunity to intertwine the hotel operations with Auro University to develop future leaders for the hospitality industry.
Gujarat JHM’s Earthspace development project in Hazira, near Surat, aims to create an integrated space for work, dining, recreation, and residence. Positioned just 20 minutes from Surat International Airport, Hazira is strategically located near the City Centre and Surat’s diamond and textile hub. Alongside the JW Marriott Surat Resort & Spa, Auro is also constructing the Earthspace Convention Center, spanning 100,000 sq. ft., featuring a spacious 42,000 sq. ft. ballroom capable of hosting around 4,200 people in banquet style.
“As an organization we are proud of our affiliation with Marriott International, and the way it has evolved over the years,” says DJ Rama, President and CEO of Auro Hotels, “The first Marriott property in our portfolio was a Fairfield Inn in North Carolina, USA in 1997, followed soon after by a full-service Marriott Hotels property in 2002. Our strategic partnership with Marriott International has been vital to our success and will help us grow our footprint in Surat, supporting India’s incredible growth trajectory.”
GJHM reaffirms their commitment to Surat’s progress with this new venture. HP Rama, Chairman of GJHM said,“As we embark on this project with Marriott International in the vibrant city of Surat, we embrace not just an agreement but a shared vision for holistic progress. Our commitment transcends business; it’s a spiritual alignment towards uplifting communities and fostering enduring prosperity. Together, we lay the foundation for an impactful collaboration that recognizes the interconnectedness of economic growth and the well-being of citizens.”
