Where Christmas Begins: Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara Celebrates the Festive Season with a Traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony

Ghaziabad, 2026: There's an old Christmas saying that if you want to know where Christmas begins, follow the aroma of soaked fruits. At Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara, that festive spirit came alive as the hotel hosted its traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony, bringing together corporate associates, media representatives, influencers and distinguished guests for an evening of warmth, celebration and togetherness.

A much-loved pre-Christmas tradition, the Cake Mixing Ceremony marks the beginning of the festive baking season. An assortment of dried fruits, nuts, candied peels, aromatic spices and spirits is brought together in a large mixing bowl, creating a rich blend that is left to mature over several weeks. As the ingredients soak and absorb the flavours, they gradually develop the depth and richness that go into traditional Christmas cakes.

The ritual transformed into a lively gathering as guests donned aprons, gathered around the mixing table and enthusiastically participated in blending the ingredients by hand. Accompanied by festive music, cheerful conversations and a thoughtfully curated high-tea experience, the evening celebrated the simple joy of coming together and creating something special.

Speaking on the occasion, Remank Goel, Hotel Manager, said, "The Cake Mixing Ceremony is one of those beautiful traditions that brings people together and marks the beginning of a season filled with joy, warmth and togetherness. At Ramada, we believe hospitality goes beyond creating memorable stays; it is also about building meaningful relationships and celebrating moments that connect us."

With this celebration, Ramada by Wyndham Ghaziabad Vasundhara ushered in the festive season, embracing a tradition that reminds us that the most memorable celebrations often begin with the simplest moments shared together.

Infusing Holiday Cheer: Cake Mixing Ceremony at Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, a prominent hospitality destination in South Maharashtra, recently hosted its traditional Cake Mixing Ceremony, marking the beginning of the much-awaited festive season. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Sky Greens at Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, the event brought together guests, team members, and well-wishers to celebrate the warmth, joy, and spirit of the upcoming Christmas festivities.

Mr. Mukesh Kumar Rakshit, Cluster General Manager of Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion, highlighting the significance of the traditional Christmas cake and the cherished festive ritual. He remarked, “The Cake Mixing Ceremony is a beautiful tradition that signifies togetherness, joy, and the beginning of the festive season. At Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, we are delighted to bring people together through such meaningful celebrations and create memorable experiences filled with warmth and happiness.”

The ceremony witnessed participants coming together to mix an assortment of dry fruits, including almonds, cashews, raisins, pistachios, and other festive ingredients. These were carefully blended with aromatic spices and spirits, allowing the ingredients to soak and develop the rich flavours that form the foundation of the traditional Christmas cake.

Rooted in age-old English traditions, the Cake Mixing Ceremony symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and the joy of sharing. The preparation of Christmas cake involves soaking dried fruits in spirits such as brandy, rum, whisky, and wine, allowing them to develop their distinctive flavour before being incorporated into the festive delicacy.

The evening was filled with soothing music, delightful high tea, and cheerful conversations, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The ceremony beautifully captured the essence of the holiday season, celebrating togetherness, tradition, and the spirit of giving.

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur continues to be a landmark hospitality destination in South Maharashtra, renowned for its exceptional accommodations, exquisite dining experiences, and grand banquet facilities. With its commitment to delivering memorable experiences, the hotel remains a preferred destination for celebrations, dining, and distinguished hospitality.

Impression Isla Mujeres Joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Bringing its Distinctive Connection to a Curated Set of Luxury Hotels

Set at Punta Sur, the southern tip of peaceful Isla Mujeres just off Cancún’s vibrant coast, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort is surrounded by white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters and lies near a historic sanctuary associated with Maya goddess Ixchel

CHICAGO (November , 2026) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that Impression Isla Mujeres, a 123-suite, adults-only, all-inclusive resort on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, has joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

“Isla Mujeres, the ‘Island of Women’ has long been associated with Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility, healing and the moon. That, together with the island’s landscape graceful integration into the property, makes it the perfect setting for couples seeking a romantic stay. As we celebrate 10 years of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, I’m thrilled to welcome a resort that captures that spirit of individuality so beautifully and to introduce more guests to this very special corner of Mexico.”

Tamara Lohan, Global Brand Leader – Luxury, Hyatt

Impression Isla Mujeres enjoys a naturally sheltered setting seldom affected by sargassum, making its beaches a year-round highlight. All of the resort’s suites have private terraces, many overlooking the Caribbean Sea or surrounding coastline. Interiors pair warm natural materials and organic textures with a contemporary palette. Infinity pools and private Mayan soaking tubs offer guests space to unwind while taking in the island landscape. The wellbeing spaces have recently been enhanced to include yoga hammocks, wellness cabanas and TRX equipment.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to shape the resort around Isla Mujeres’ exceptional setting, while creating meaningful connections with our guests. Joining The Unbound Collection by Hyatt recognizes the individuality we’ve sought to create, and we look forward to introducing it to more travelers while continuing the luxury all-inclusive hospitality our guests know and return for.”

Mourad Essafi, General Manager, Impression Isla Mujeres

Elevated Dining

Seven restaurants give guests a choice of Italian, pan-Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean menus, alongside grilled dishes. À la carte options include fresh seafood, steak, tacos, wood-fired pizza and teppanyaki. Five bars and lounges offer options throughout the day, from morning coffee and swim-up drinks to rooftop cocktails.

A Distinctive Connection to Location

The resort’s integration into surroundings is further brought to life by an array of creative contributors, including prominent Mexican artist César López Negrete, celebrated architect Javier Uma, marine life artist Wyland and others. Together, these contributions connect the resort to Isla Mujeres’ distinctive character and remarkable natural environment, as well as to the broader richness of Mexican culture.

Marine Conservation

The resort supports marine conservation and local livelihoods through its partnership with the nonprofit Saving Our Sharks Foundation. Since opening in 2023 under the Impression by Secrets brand, Impression Isla Mujeres has dedicated a portion of room revenue to this foundation and hosted guest snorkeling and shark-tagging excursions. The partnership also supports local fishing communities and alternative livelihoods for fishers transitioning away from shark fishing.

Established in 2016, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is a curated portfolio of independent hotels and resorts, each selected for distinctive character and rich narratives. The addition comes as collection celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of bringing together uniquely individual properties. Recent additions span the globe, including THE BARAI HUA HIN in Thailand, Hôtel Palais de la Méditerranée in Nice, France, The Georgian in Santa Monica, Hotel 1000 in Seattle and The Clayfield in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Looking ahead, Casa Duhau in Mendoza, Argentina, is expected to join the collection in late 2027.

The All-Inclusive Experience Continues

As it enters a new chapter as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Impression Isla Mujeres will continue to operate as an adults-only, all-inclusive resort. Guests will continue to enjoy Endless Privileges®, one of Hyatt’s signature sets of luxury inclusions, available at select all-inclusive resorts, alongside the resort’s established services, amenities and experiences.

ELE|NA Celebrates 11 Years of Wellness as Its Journey Expands Across South Asia

Under the theme 11 Years. One Essence., the Maldives-born wellness brand celebrates its journey, its people and its continued evolution across sustainability, education and personalised wellness.

Malé, Maldives | November 2026 — ELE|NA, the spa and wellness brand by Atmosphere Wellness, celebrates its 11th anniversary this November under the theme 11 Years. One Essence. Born in the Maldives, the brand has grown through a philosophy rooted in nature, personalisation and connection, carrying its wellness philosophy to new destinations while staying true to the principles that shaped its beginnings.

Eleven years on, the essence remains unchanged. What continues to evolve is how that philosophy is experienced through new wellness practices, scientific innovation, sustainability initiatives and the people who bring each guest journey to life.

Recognition has followed. ELE|NA was named Leading Wellness Brand of the Year at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) [year to be confirmed], while ELE|NA Essentia was named Emerging Skincare Brand of the Year at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2025.

"For eleven years, ELE|NA has believed that wellness should feel personal and give back to the places that inspire it. That belief has not changed. What has grown is our team, our knowledge and our reach, now across South Asia. This anniversary belongs to the therapists and colleagues who bring that essence to every guest," said Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA.

The Maldives remains at the heart of ELE|NA's story. Across its sanctuaries, the brand explores how wellness can respond to individual needs while drawing inspiration from nature and the surrounding environment.

This year, ELE|NA introduced the Pillars of Vitality, a framework that anchors its therapies and shapes a more considered, holistic approach to wellbeing. Spanning TouchFlow, ReFine, BodyFit, SoulVibe, SleepSync and FoodDelight, the pillars provide each guest journey with a clear structure while allowing room for personal choice.

At selected sanctuaries, QEST4 bio-energetic assessment adds a technology-led dimension to personalised wellness, complementing traditional practices with a deeper understanding of individual needs.

The ELE|NA Wellness Academy, endorsed by CIBTAC, is further advancing the brand's commitment to learning. It has hosted Reiki and sound healing courses designed to develop practitioners and deepen their understanding of complementary wellness practices.

Nature has always been central to ELE|NA's philosophy, extending beyond treatments to the brand's responsibility towards the environments in which its sanctuaries operate.

This commitment reached an important milestone this year, with all eight ELE|NA sanctuaries in the Maldives being awarded Platinum, the highest tier of the Sustainable Wellness Group's Sustainable Spa & Wellness Accreditation, following three consecutive years at Gold Standard. The recognition reflects a sustainability journey built year after year, with a continued focus on embedding responsible practices into everyday spa operations.

Across ELE|NA's Maldives sanctuaries, the anniversary is being celebrated through experiences that bring guests and teams together. Sunrise yoga, meditation and sound healing are complemented by tree planting, botanical workshops, sustainable craft activities and anniversary gatherings.

At the heart of the celebrations is the 11:11 Moment. At 11:11 AM on 1 November, every sanctuary pauses together as guests and teams take a moment to breathe, make a wish and share it, marking eleven years with one shared intention.

Each property brings its own character to the celebrations through activities and shared rituals that reflect local surroundings and resort communities. Team performances and appreciation initiatives also recognise the therapists and colleagues whose care and expertise shape the guest experience every day.

While each sanctuary celebrates in its own way, the intention remains shared: to honour the connections between wellness, nature and community.

ELE|NA's next chapter takes its wellness philosophy further into India. Building on its presence at Sadar Manzil Heritage by Atmosphere in Bhopal, the brand opened ELE|NA Ayur at Ananta Spa & Resort, Ajabgarh, on 1 November, with OZEN Villas Jaipur and Arunya in Coorg set to follow. Each destination offers an opportunity to interpret the brand's approach through its own landscape and setting.

The brand is also introducing ELE|NA Essentia, its own skincare line, to India. Made in India and inspired by Indian botanicals, Essentia extends ELE|NA's nature-led philosophy beyond the spa and into everyday skincare rituals.

Beyond India, ELE|NA's expansion pipeline extends to Sri Lanka and Nepal, where new destinations will bring the brand's nature-led approach to new landscapes and cultures.

Eleven years on, the destinations have grown and the practices have evolved. The essence remains one.

Marriott International Reports Third Quarter 2026 Results

Third quarter 2026 RevPAR[1] increased 6.5 percent worldwide, with 7.4 percent growth in the U.S. & Canada and 4.4 percent growth in international markets

• Third quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $3.04 and Adjusted diluted EPS totaled $3.02

• Third quarter reported net income totaled $794 million and Adjusted net income totaled $790 million

• Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,512 million

• The company added roughly 20,100 net rooms globally during the quarter and net rooms grew 4.6 percent from the end of the third quarter of 2025

• At the end of the quarter, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline reached a new record and totaled over 4,200 properties and more than 634,000 rooms, with 44 percent of pipeline rooms under construction including hotels that are pending conversion

• The company repurchased 3.5 million shares of common stock for $1.3 billion in the 2026 third quarter. Year-to-date through October 28, the company has returned approximately $4.0 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) today reported third quarter 2026 results.

Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our excellent third quarter results reflected continued momentum across our business, the benefits of our global scale, and the power of our brands and revenue engines. Global RevPAR increased 6.5 percent in the third quarter, on higher ADR and occupancy. In the U.S. & Canada, RevPAR rose over 7 percent, with broad-based growth across customer segments and chain scales.

“International RevPAR increased over 4 percent in the quarter, led by APEC, which delivered over 9 percent RevPAR growth, supported by robust international inbound demand. EMEA RevPAR rose over 4 percent, thanks to solid growth in Europe. While the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to impact results in that region, trends improved meaningfully from the second quarter. For full year 2026, given our strong third quarter performance and expectations for continued healthy demand, we are raising our global RevPAR outlook and now expect growth of 4.5 to 5 percent.

“Our development activity remained strong, and we had record global organic signings year to date through September. Conversions continued to be an important driver of growth, representing over a third of signings and over 40 percent of openings during the first nine months of the year.

“Marriott Bonvoy continued to expand its reach and deliver value to our owners and properties and across the enterprise. Our broad portfolio of brands and experiences and powerful collaborations with Uber, Starbucks and others helped drive membership to approximately 309 million members around the world at quarter-end.

“Our global scale, compelling portfolio of brands, industry-leading Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and dedicated associates, together with our robust development pipeline and disciplined execution, give us confidence in our ability to deliver sustainable, long-term growth.”

Third Quarter 2026 Results

Franchise and base management fees totaled $1,341 million in the 2026 third quarter, a 13 percent increase compared to franchise and base management fees of $1,190 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily driven by higher co-branded credit card fees, higher RevPAR and rooms growth.

Incentive management fees totaled $181 million in the 2026 third quarter, a 22 percent increase over $148 million in the 2025 third quarter. All regions posted positive growth year over year, with incentive fees in the U.S. & Canada up meaningfully.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of owned, leased, and other expense[2], totaled $41 million in the 2026 third quarter, compared to $70 million in the 2025 third quarter. The decline reflected lower owned and leased hotel results, including the impact of renovations and our 2026 second quarter sale of a U.S. & Canada hotel, and higher costs associated with a third-party agreement, partially offset by a $12 million expected insurance recovery associated with the 2026 second quarter property-related litigation matter ($9 million after-tax impact and $0.03 per share after-tax).

General and administrative expenses[2] for the 2026 third quarter totaled $214 million, compared to $210 million in the year-ago quarter.

Interest expense, net, totaled $219 million in the 2026 third quarter, compared to $194 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher interest expense associated with higher debt balances.

In the 2026 third quarter, the provision for income taxes totaled $266 million, flat compared to the year-ago quarter.

Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $1,274 million in the 2026 third quarter, compared to 2025 third quarter reported operating income of $1,180 million. Reported net income totaled $794 million in the 2026 third quarter, a 9 percent increase compared to 2025 third quarter reported net income of $728 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $3.04 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted EPS of $2.67 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2026 third quarter totaled $1,267 million, compared to 2025 third quarter Adjusted operating income of $1,119 million. Third quarter 2026 Adjusted net income totaled $790 million, compared to 2025 third quarter Adjusted net income of $674 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2026 third quarter totaled $3.02, compared to Adjusted diluted EPS of $2.47 in the year-ago quarter.

Third quarter 2026 Adjusted results excluded cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses, and certain impairment charges. See the press release schedules for the calculation of Adjusted results and the manner in which the Adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $1,512 million in the 2026 third quarter, a 12 percent increase compared to third quarter 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of $1,349 million. See the press release schedules for the Adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Income Statement Reclassification

In the 2025 fourth quarter, to enhance understanding of the company’s general and administrative costs, we reclassified amounts attributable to other expenses previously reported under the “General, administrative, and other” caption to the “Owned, leased, and other expense” caption of our Income Statements. The expenses that were reclassified from “General, administrative, and other” are certain costs associated with our property-related fee revenues, such as guarantee expense, provision for credit losses, and certain brand-related or property-related expenses, as well as costs associated with certain third-party agreements. Please refer to the Expense Captions - As Reclassified section in the press release schedules for information about the affected expense captions, as reclassified, for each quarter and the full fiscal year of 2025.

Selected Performance Information

The company added roughly 20,100 net rooms during the quarter, including over 13,400 net rooms in international markets. At the end of the quarter, Marriott’s global system totaled over 10,200 properties, with nearly 1,834,000 rooms.

At the end of the quarter, the company’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 4,209 properties with more than 634,000 rooms, including 266 properties with over 37,000 rooms approved for development but not yet subject to signed contracts. The quarter-end pipeline included 1,750 properties with over 278,000 rooms under construction, including hotels that are in the process of converting to our system. Over half of the rooms in the quarter-end pipeline were located in international markets.

In the 2026 third quarter, worldwide RevPAR increased 6.5 percent (a 6.4 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2025 third quarter. RevPAR in the U.S. & Canada increased 7.4 percent (a 7.3 percent increase using actual dollars), and RevPAR in international markets increased 4.4 percent (a 4.4 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2025 third quarter.

Balance Sheet & Common Stock

At the end of the quarter, Marriott’s total debt was $16.8 billion and cash and equivalents totaled $0.5 billion, compared to $16.2 billion in debt and $0.4 billion of cash and equivalents at year-end 2025.

The company repurchased 3.5 million shares of common stock in the 2026 third quarter for $1.3 billion. Year-to-date through October 28, the company has repurchased 9.6 million shares for $3.4 billion.

During the 2026 third quarter, the company issued $250 million of Series NN Senior Notes due in 2029 with a 4.875 percent interest rate coupon and $1.0 billion of Series YY Senior Notes due in 2036 with a 5.650 percent interest rate coupon. The company also completed the refinancing of its credit facility, extending the maturity to September 2031 and increasing the facility size from $4.5 billion to $5.0 billion.

Company Outlook

The company's updated outlook generally assumes the continuation of the current macroeconomic environment.

1See the press release schedules for the Adjusted EBITDA calculations.
2Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS – diluted, and Adjusted effective tax rate for fourth quarter and full year 2026 do not include cost reimbursement revenue, reimbursed expenses, and restructuring and merger-related recoveries/charges, and other expenses, each of which the company cannot forecast with sufficient accuracy and without unreasonable efforts, and which may be significant. Our outlook includes the impact of our sale of a U.S. & Canada hotel and our investment in Lefay, each of which occurred in the 2026 second quarter, and our planned sale of a U.S. & Canada hotel, which we assume will occur in the 2026 fourth quarter. Our outlook excludes any other potential asset sales or property or brand acquisitions that may occur during the year, each of which the company cannot forecast with sufficient accuracy and without unreasonable efforts, and which may be significant. In addition, our full year 2026 outlook excludes the adjustments from the 2026 first three quarters related to the Sonder termination of $2 million, an adjustment to a gain on an asset disposition of $(8) million, and asset impairment charges of $(74) million.
3Assumes the level of capital return to shareholders noted above.
4Investment spending includes contract acquisition costs, capital and technology expenditures (including renovations at owned and leased hotels), loan advances, and other investing activities (including our investment in Lefay, which occurred in the 2026 second quarter), but excluding any potential property or brand acquisitions, which we cannot forecast with sufficient accuracy and which may be significant.
5Assumes the level of investment spending noted above and that no other asset sales, property acquisitions or brand acquisitions occur during the year.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) will conduct its quarterly earnings review for the investment community and news media on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The conference call will be webcast simultaneously via Marriott’s investor relations website at www.marriott.com/investor (click on “Events & Presentations” and click on the quarterly conference call link). A replay will be available at that same website until November 2, 2027.

The telephone dial-in number for the conference call is US Toll Free: 833-309-3473, or Global: +1 785-838-9251. The conference ID is MAR3Q26.

View the third quarter 2026 Press Release Schedules, including non-GAAP reconciliations and explanations.

[1]All occupancy, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) statistics and estimates are systemwide constant dollar. Unless otherwise stated, all changes refer to year-over-year changes for the comparable period. Occupancy, ADR and RevPAR comparisons between 2026 and 2025 reflect properties that are comparable in both years.

[2]In the 2025 fourth quarter, to enhance understanding of the company’s general and administrative costs, we reclassified amounts attributable to other expenses previously reported under the “General, administrative, and other” caption to the “Owned, leased, and other expense” caption of our Income Statements. Please see the Income Statement Reclassification section of this press release for additional information.

NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements in this press release and the accompanying schedules are made as of November 2, 2026. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release and the accompanying schedules contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, including statements related to our RevPAR, rooms growth and other financial metric estimates, outlook and assumptions; shareholder returns; our growth prospects; our development pipeline; our Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program; property performance; our expectations about the current macroeconomic environment; our planned hotel sale; and similar statements concerning anticipated future events and expectations that are not historical facts. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous evolving risks and uncertainties that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the risk factors that we describe in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations we express or imply in this press release.

Hyatt Introduces Enhanced Hyatt Leverage Platform for Small-and-Midsize Business Travel

Eligible corporate travel managers can simplify business travel with enhanced booking, management and administrative tools in one platform

CHICAGO, IL ( 2026) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the evolution of Hyatt Leverage – Hyatt’s all-in-one online business travel platform for eligible small-and-midsize businesses – designed to take friction out of the corporate travel booking process. The redesigned Hyatt Leverage platform offers exclusive rates across more than 1,300 Hyatt hotels, along with enhancements to the booking and administration experience that  help clients manage corporate travel in one centralized place.

Eligible Hyatt Leverage clients, whether small business owners or travel decision makers at fast-growing regional organizations, can take advantage of preferred Hyatt rates at more than 1,300 hotels and access end-to-end travel management through a modern booking experience.

Core Hyatt Leverage benefits include:

• Seamless, all-in-one travel management – book, view and manage reservations, travel spend, payments, and much more, all in one place.

• Exclusive rates at more than 1,300 Hyatt hotels – access to preferred room rates across Hyatt’s five brand portfolios in destinations around the world. From Classics brands like Hyatt Regency offering impeccable service and thoughtful amenities to Essentials portfolio brands like Hyatt Studios, designed for comfortable extended stays, Hyatt offers brands and destinations for every travel occasion.

• World of Hyatt program benefits for both administrators and travelers – earn points for eligible travel and redeem them for free nights, suite upgrades, World of Hyatt FIND experiences, and more.

“Small-and-midsize businesses have long represented a critical segment for Hyatt hotels and the broader global business travel market. Today’s travelers want greater personalization, collaboration and a seamless experience, and Hyatt Leverage makes booking and managing travel even easier through these new enhancements,” said Alice Harrington-Caravello, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Americas Commercial Services, Hyatt. “We continuously listen to our customers and guests, guided by our purpose of care, to adapt and introduce tools that better meet their needs.”

Hyatt Leverage is now powered by Spotnana, a Travel-as-a-Service platform that enables an integrated booking experience.  Eligible clients can access Hyatt Leverage and book preferred rates at www.hyatt.com/leverage.

Thousands of clients across the world continue to choose Hyatt Leverage when booking travel for their teams. According to Stacy Slater, EVP of Investor Relations, Capital Markets & Corporate Strategy at Brixmor Property Group, the user experience is paramount, noting “Hyatt Leverage offers a compelling combination of discounted rates, global reach, and flexibility, helping us manage travel efficiently while delivering a strong experience for our employees.”

Hasan Ehtisham, Director of Firm Management at Quantbot Technologies LP, highlights how Hyatt Leverage is helping “make travel management easier, with more access and better value for our employees globally.”

To be eligible for Hyatt Leverage, clients must meet criteria that include being legally organized in their country of origin, being considered a small-or-midsize business, achieving a minimum of 50 actualized room nights per year. Hyatt Leverage is not available for bookings made through a travel agency, consortia or other online booking tool. Select existing Hyatt Leverage clients have already been migrated to the new platform.

Into the Wild: Discover Safari Experiences with The Serai Resorts

National, 2026 - For travelers drawn to the natural world, a safari is as much about the anticipation of an encounter as it is about the wildlife itself. The sudden movement in the undergrowth, the call of a bird overhead or the sight of elephants gathering at a water's edge can transform a journey through the wilderness into an experience that stays long after the drive ends. At The Serai Resorts, Bandipur and The Serai Resorts, Kabini, these encounters unfold across two distinct landscapes, from the dense forests of Bandipur to the expansive backwaters of Kabini. Each destination offers a different perspective on the region's biodiversity, inviting guests to explore the wilderness at its own pace. Located within driving distance of Bengaluru and Mysuru, both resorts offer nature-led getaways for couples, families and multi-generational travellers seeking meaningful experiences together.

The Serai Resorts, Bandipur : Located approximately 235 km from Bengaluru and 80 km from Mysuru, The Serai Resorts, Bandipur offers an immersive nature retreat on the edge of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Spanning approximately 874 square kilometres, the reserve forms an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including an estimated tiger population of over 170.

Jeep safaris take guests into a forest where elephants, gaur and spotted deer can be spotted along the trails, while the possibility of encountering a tiger or leopard adds to the anticipation. Guided nature walks and bird trails offer a closer look at the ecosystem, from birdlife in the canopy to signs of wildlife along the forest floor. Back at the resort, villas and log huts provide a quiet retreat, while restorative treatments at Oma Spa and outdoor dining bring the day to a relaxed close. It is an experience that balances the thrill of exploration with the pleasure of returning to stillness.

The Serai Resorts, Kabini: Situated approximately 220–230 km from Bengaluru and 70 km from Mysuru, The Serai Resorts, Kabini offers a tranquil retreat along the Kabini backwaters, with access to the wildlife-rich Nagarhole National Park. Home to over 140 tigers, the reserve is an important habitat for wildlife conservation in southern India.

In Kabini, the wilderness stretches from forest trails to expansive backwaters. Jeep safaris through Nagarhole offer opportunities to spot elephants, gaur, deer and birdlife, while the elusive tiger or leopard remains a possibility. On the water, boat safaris offer a different vantage point, with opportunities to observe wildlife along the riverbanks, including elephants and waterbirds. A traditional coracle ride or sunset cruise offers another way to experience the landscape at a gentler pace.

At The Serai Resorts, Kabini, the riverside setting continues to shape the experience beyond the safari. The residences offer a retreat into the natural surroundings, while dining at Wildgrass brings the day’s exploration to a close. Whether watching the landscape change with the fading light or simply taking in the stillness of the backwaters, there is an opportunity to remain connected to the environment long after returning from the forest.

While Bandipur draws guests into the depths of the forest, Kabini reveals the many ways in which wildlife and water coexist. Together, the two destinations offer distinct yet complementary ways to explore the natural world, each shaped by its own terrain, rhythms, and inhabitants. A tiger sighting may be rare; an elephant herd may appear when least expected, and a seemingly quiet stretch of forest may reveal itself through the smallest signs of life. It is this unpredictability that makes every safari unique. Whether it is a romantic escape for couples, a nature-led getaway for families or a shared holiday for multiple generations, Bandipur and Kabini offer memorable experiences that bring together wildlife exploration, time in nature and the comfort of a thoughtfully curated resort stay. At The Serai Resorts, the experience is not simply about what one might encounter, but about developing a deeper appreciation for the wilderness itself, its complexity, its quiet drama and its ability to inspire a sense of wonder. Rooted in the philosophy of Living Sanctuaries, each stay offers the space to explore, observe and reconnect with nature, with thoughtful hospitality complementing the landscape rather than competing with it.

Quattro Opens Its Second Mumbai Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

~ The premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican dining brand unveils a reimagined restaurant experience, marking 15 years of its culinary journey and strengthening its presence in Mumbai ~

Mumbai, October , 2026; Mumbai’s premier retail and lifestyle destination, Sky City Mall, Borivali, continues to strengthen its food and beverage offering with the launch of Quattro’s second Mumbai restaurant. Bringing premium pure-vegetarian Italian and Mexican cuisine to the western suburbs, the addition enhances Sky City Mall’s diverse dining landscape and reinforces its positioning as a vibrant destination for shopping, dining and lifestyle experiences for the surrounding community.

The new Quattro outlet adds to the dining experiences available at Sky City Mall, offering 66 indoor seats and 43 outdoor seats overlooking a beautiful terrace. Designed to complement the mall’s contemporary retail and lifestyle environment, the restaurant features abundant natural light, striking interiors and a thoughtfully reworked menu, creating an inviting space for visitors to unwind, socialise and enjoy a meal.

Located in Borivali, a neighbourhood with a thriving vegetarian dining community, Sky City Mall brings together retail, dining and leisure experiences for residents and visitors across the western suburbs. The addition of Quattro further expands the mall’s culinary offerings, catering to guests seeking options for everyday dining, family gatherings and special occasions.

For Quattro, the opening marks a significant milestone as the brand completes 15 years and enters a new phase of growth. With a refreshed identity, reimagined interiors and an enhanced menu, the restaurant brings a renewed dining experience to Sky City Mall while retaining the brand’s focus on authentic Italian and Mexican flavours, quality ingredients and consistency.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Aditya Gupta & Anuj Gupta, Founders of Gupta Brands said, “Quattro was born from the idea to give an authentic Italian and Mexican premium dining experience to the guest. We didn’t want to give the same Indianized version of the cuisines to guests. We spent months sourcing ingredients like tomatoes from Italy, chillis from Mexico and then subsequent months of trials to get a unique dining experience that did justice to the cuisines. We went to great lengths to source our cheese without animal rennet. Chocolate was sourced from Belgium to give it the rich deep flavours of real chocolate in our desserts.

With the success of Lower Parel, we are excited to bring the brand to Borivali. After 15 years of the brand, we have spent months redesigning and reimaging the brand, to bring a completely new dining experience for the guests, whilst retaining the same brand values and quality. We hope to become a restaurant that guests think of not just for celebrations, but for everyday dining with family and friends.”

Speaking on the launch, Tanu Prasad, CEO – Malls, Oberoi Realty, said, “At Sky City Mall, our vision is to create a vibrant destination that brings together retail, dining and lifestyle experiences for the community. The arrival of Quattro further strengthens our evolving food and beverage offering, bringing its distinctive take on Italian and Mexican vegetarian cuisine to our rooftop, which is emerging as a lively destination for dining and social experiences. We look forward to welcoming Quattro and giving visitors yet another reason to make Sky City Mall a destination for dining, socialising and spending quality time with family and friends.”

With a focus on bringing together distinctive dining concepts and lifestyle offerings, the mall continues to create opportunities for visitors to discover new brands, connect with family and friends, and make every visit more engaging.

The opening at Sky City Mall marks another milestone in Gupta Brands’ growth journey. Following the success of its Lower Parel restaurant, Quattro is preparing to expand further.

VERTICES PARTNERS advises First Bridge India on INR 70 crore Balwaan Krishi investment to aid India’s agri-tech and farm mechanisation segment

October, 2026, Mumbai: VERTICES PARTNERS, one of India’s leading legal firms advising corporates and investors on funding, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic transactions, recently advised its long-standing client First Bridge India on its INR 70 crore (USD 7.29 million) investment in agri-tech major Balwaan Krishi (Modish Tractoraurkisan Private Limited). The investment is a part of Balwaan Krishi’s INR 100 crore (USD 10.4 million) Series B funding round, making it a notable transaction in India’s growing agri-tech and farm mechanisation space.

VERTICES PARTNERS advised First Bridge India through the legal aspects of the investment, working on the transaction documentation, negotiations and other requirements crucial in closing the deal. The mandate places the firm alongside an institutional investor backing a business operating in agricultural mechanisation, a segment where changing farm economics are creating demand for more accessible and efficient equipment.

Balwaan Krishi’s business sits within a part of agriculture that is seeing a gradual shift in how farmers approach machinery. Labour availability, operating costs and the need to improve productivity are pushing mechanisation into a wider range of farming activities. This has opened up room for companies developing equipment and solutions suited to the varied requirements of the Indian agricultural market.

For VERTICES PARTNERS, the transaction was centred on helping First Bridge India execute its investment in this space especially given the intricate legal work involved in growth investments of such scale. From structuring the transaction, reviewing documentation, negotiating the terms between the parties and ensuring that the investment can move through to completion seamlessly, VERTICES PARTNERS’ seasoned team of advisors Vikrant Anand, Partner; Associate Manager - Sajal Jain; and Associates - Liji Anna Thomas and Mansi Dixit, played a crucial role in the transaction.

Providing strategic inputs throughout the transaction, Vinayak Burman, Founder & Managing Partner, VERTICES PARTNERS, voiced, “Transactions in the agri-tech space are becoming interesting with each passing day, as investors look at businesses that are solving real-world problems at scale. For us, the focus on this mandate was to work closely with First Bridge India and ensure that the legal framework around its investment was addressed with the same clarity as the commercial opportunity. Balwaan Krishi operates in a segment with considerable room for growth, and we are pleased to have supported First Bridge India on this investment.”

First Bridge India’s INR 70 crore commitment forms a substantial part of Balwaan Krishi’s INR 100 crore Series B round. The fresh capital is expected to support the company’s plans for its next phase of growth as it continues to operate in India’s farm mechanisation market.

The transaction also comes against a broader shift in private capital, with investors increasingly looking beyond conventional technology businesses towards companies serving large, established sectors of the Indian economy. Agriculture is one such market, where the combination of scale, fragmented demand and increasing adoption of technology and mechanisation is creating opportunities across the value chain.

That shift is also changing the nature of legal work around investments. Advisors are required to work closely with funds on transactions where commercial objectives, investment structures and sector-specific considerations need to come together within a clear legal framework. VERTICES PARTNERS’ involvement in the Balwaan Krishi deal is an example of this work, with the firm supporting First Bridge India through the legal process behind its investment.

With the closing of the Series B round, Balwaan Krishi has secured INR 100 crore in fresh capital, including First Bridge India’s INR 70 crore investment. For VERTICES PARTNERS, the mandate brings a unique transaction involved in uplifting a sector that generously contributes to the country’s GDP.

JW Marriott Kolkata: A Decade of Distinction in the City of Joy

Ten years of iconic celebrations, culinary excellence and stories that have become part of Kolkata’s own.

Some landmarks are defined by their architecture. Others, by the memories they hold. For ten years, JW Marriott Kolkata has brought both together, establishing itself as one of the city's most distinguished addresses and a part of its ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Since opening its doors in 2016, the hotel has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls. From magnificent weddings and landmark celebrations to intimate gatherings and visits by global personalities, JW Marriott Kolkata has become a setting for occasions that transcend the ordinary. Its journey is as much about the city it calls home as it is about the people who have shaped its legacy.

Blending contemporary sophistication with subtle influences of Bengal's artistic heritage, the hotel features 281 elegantly appointed rooms, including 21 suites. With over 38,750 square feet of event spaces, including the magnificent JW Grand Ballroom and expansive outdoor lawns, it continues to set the stage for some of Eastern India's most memorable celebrations.

In a city where gastronomy is deeply woven into everyday life, the hotel has also shaped a culinary identity of its own. From the celebrated Sunday Brunch at JW Kitchen and the authentic Asian flavours of Vintage Asia to the inventive cocktail culture of 2: Fifty9 The Bar, each destination offers a distinctive experience. The artistry of JW Bakery, leisurely evenings at Infinity Pool Bar and restorative rituals at Spa by JW complete an offering that extends well beyond a conventional hotel stay.

Yet, the true distinction of JW Marriott Kolkata lies not in its grandeur, but in its people. In the familiar welcome extended to returning guests, the care behind every celebration and the thoughtful gestures that turn fleeting moments into lasting memories. It is this deeply personal approach that has defined the hotel's relationship with Kolkata over the past decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Gorav Arora, General Manager, JW Marriott Kolkata, shares:

“Ten years is not simply a celebration of how far we have come, but of everyone who has been part of our journey. Kolkata has embraced us with extraordinary warmth, and we have had the privilege of being part of some of life's most meaningful moments. Our associates, guests and partners have shaped the hotel into what it is today. As we enter the next decade, our commitment is to keep evolving, while preserving the genuine hospitality and personal connections that have always defined us.”

As the city continues to embrace new expressions of culture, cuisine and contemporary living, JW Marriott Kolkata looks towards its next chapter with the same spirit that marked its beginning, an appreciation for timeless traditions and an ambition to create what comes next.

A decade may define a milestone. It is the memories that define a legacy.