Sayaji Hotel, Pune Marks 17 Years of Redefining Hospitality Excellence with a Meaningful Green Initiative

Celebrating nearly two decades of impeccable service and innovation, Sayaji Hotel Wakad, Pune proudly marks its 17th anniversary, reinforcing its position as one of the city’s most dynamic and trusted hospitality destinations.

Over the years, Sayaji Pune has seamlessly blended contemporary luxury with intuitive service, creating experiences that go beyond stays transforming moments into lasting memories. From hosting high-profile corporate gatherings to intimate celebrations and indulgent culinary journeys, the hotel has remained at the forefront of Pune’s evolving hospitality landscape.

What sets Sayaji Pune apart is its constant pursuit of excellence. With a strong focus on guest satisfaction, technology-driven conveniences, and a vibrant food & beverage culture, the hotel has consistently raised the bar for what modern hospitality looks like. Its diverse dining concepts and buzzing social spaces have made it a preferred choice not just for travellers, but also for the city’s discerning local audience.

Marking this milestone with purpose, Sayaji Pune is also organizing a tree plantation drive within the hotel campus on the 18th April, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. This green initiative reflects the brand’s vision of giving back to the environment while fostering a culture of conscious growth.

Reflecting on the milestone, the leadership shared,

17 years of Sayaji Pune represents a journey of innovation, service excellence, and guest trust. As we move forward, we are focused on elevating hospitality experiences while contributing towards a greener and more sustainable future said Saurabh Choksi, General Manager of Sayaji Hotel

As Sayaji Pune steps into its next chapter, it continues to stay committed to pushing boundaries whether through elevated guest experiences, curated dining, or forward-thinking hospitality solutions while embracing initiatives that contribute positively to the community and environment.

About Sayaji Pune
Sayaji Hotel Pune is a leading hospitality destination known for its contemporary design, exceptional service, and vibrant dining experiences. With a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and guest-centricity, the hotel continues to be a preferred address for both business and leisure travellers.

Toscano Starts Its Second Chapter in Delhi, Expands With Another Outlet in Pitampura

Delhi, April 2026: Toscano has steadily become the go-to brand for Italian dining in India. After finding warmth from its patrons in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi, it has come back to the capital with another outlet. Their authentic Tuscan-inspired menu of pizzas, handmade pastas and delicious main courses will now also be available in Pitampura’s Unity One Mall. 

Co-founded by Chef Jean-Michel Jasserand and Chef Goutham, their combined eye blending European technique with local sensibilities gives Toscano its award-winning edge. Over 20 outlets across India, the regulars know and return for their menu spanning sourdough pizzas, seasonal specials and Italian multi-course experiences. With each dish reflecting balance, technique, and flavour consistency, Toscano transports you to Italy, while still being in Delhi. 

Look for the Insalata di Formaggio di Capra e Pere with goat cheese and roasted pears; the Pizza Toscano, for pizza lovers, Salmon Grigliato with Norwegian salmon. The Chicken di Toscano, filled with spinach and ricotta, is a staple across every city Toscano has entered. The beverage menu pairs wines and cocktails to the food with the same level of detail by the coming month, until then guests can enjoy the refreshing mocktails at the outlet. The dessert menu ensures a lingering aftertaste of a complete meal. Their house Tiramisu is much talked about, the Crème Brule and Kahlua Mousse have gained a loyal audience across six major cities. 

The interiors follow the brand sensibility earthy tones, dark green, brown accents, lighting that doesn't try too hard. Alfresco seating brings in the European element easily within. 

“Opening our second outlet in Delhi is a proud milestone for Toscano. We are bringing the same obsessive dedication to quality that defines us across India, now available in a new neighbourhood in the capital. We invite Delhi to savor the craft and enjoy the Italian dining experience made with love ,” says Rohit Tokhi, COO. 

The second address in Delhi is now open. Come in, the menu and hospitality ensures you have a good time.  

Trance Hotels takes over two Pune hotels, rebrands under its portfolio

Oakwood and Sunderban hotels transition into Trance portfolio under lease management model.

Trance Hotels announces the acquisition of two prominent hospitality properties in Pune under a Lease Management model, effective April 1, 2026. The properties, formerly known as The Oakwood Hotel and Sunderban Hotel, have now been rebranded as Trance Oakwood Hotel, Pune and Trance Sunderban Hotel, Pune.

Refurbishment and upgrades

Trance Hotels is committed to revitalizing both properties through a series of planned refurbishments and upgrades. These enhancements will focus on modernizing infrastructure, elevating guest experiences, and aligning the hotels with Trance’s brand standards and service philosophy. Guests can look forward to noticeable improvements designed to offer a refreshed and contemporary hospitality experience.

Operational transition

Both properties are currently being overseen by experienced General Managers, who, along with the Trance Hotels team in Pune, are actively working towards streamlining operations and implementing the planned transformation initiatives.

Leadership and vision

Veer Vijay Singh, with over four decades of experience in the hotel industry and a career that began with the Taj Group in the 1970s, leads Trance Hotels. He founded Trance International Hotels and Resort Private Limited, with the brand guided by Veer Vijay Singh, Vishwaveer Singh, and Suryaveer Singh.

At its core, Trance Hotels is built on the philosophy that guests should not have to choose between business efficiency and luxury comfort, but instead experience the best of both worlds. Singh’s leadership is anchored in strong operational knowledge and strategic insight, developed through decades of hands-on experience across key roles in the hospitality sector.

Company statement

Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson for Trance Hotels stated, “We are excited to bring these two well-located properties into the Trance portfolio. Our focus is on breathing new life into the hotels through thoughtful upgrades and delivering enhanced value to our guests. Pune is a dynamic market, and we see immense potential in elevating these properties to new standards.”

Pune’s Weekend Dining Scene Gets a Boost with July 7’s Bubbly Sunday Brunch

Sundays in Pune are about to become a lot more indulgent. July 7 invites guests to embrace the joy of slow weekends with its vibrant Bubbly Sunday Brunch, a lively afternoon where flavourful food, refreshing drinks, live music, and warm conversations come together to create the perfect weekend escape. 

Hosted every Sunday, the brunch features a generous spread of unlimited food and mocktails, offering guests a relaxed yet indulgent experience designed for long catch-ups, family gatherings, and memorable afternoons. 

The culinary journey begins with comforting Drumstick Soup, setting the tone for a flavour-packed meal. The vegetarian appetisers bring together bold textures and flavours with dishes like Fungi Arancini with Chilly Truffle Mayo and the fiery Bhut Jolokia Paneer Tikka, while the non-vegetarian appetisers add an exciting twist with favourites like Korean Popcorn Chilly and Fish Fingers served with Mustard Aioli. 

Moving into the mains, the brunch offers a delightful mix of global flavours and comforting classics. Guests can indulge in rich and aromatic dishes such as Thai Green Curry, the ever-loved Butter Chicken, and flavourful Yaki Noodles, creating a satisfying spread that caters to every palate.

Adding an interactive touch to the experience are the live food stations, where chefs prepare dishes fresh for guests. The Pasta Counter and Sushi Counter bring a dynamic element to the brunch, allowing diners to watch their dishes come together while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. 

No brunch is complete without a sweet finale, and July 7 delivers with indulgent desserts such as the Burnt Basque Cheesecake and the classic Tiramisu, offering the perfect end to a leisurely meal. 

Complementing the culinary spread are refreshing beverages, including unlimited mocktails like the tropical Virgin Piña Colada and the delightful Nutty Gamble, crafted to keep guests refreshed throughout the afternoon. 

For those looking to elevate the experience further, the brunch also features an extensive bar menu offering whisky, rum, vodka, gin, tequila, brandy, wine, and draught beer, alongside signature cocktails such as the elegant Lady of the Night (Gin) and the timeless Whiskey Sour. 

Adding to the lively Sunday atmosphere is live music, setting the mood for an afternoon that feels both relaxed and celebratory. The combination of great food, handcrafted drinks, and soulful music transforms the brunch into an experience rather than just a meal. 

At July 7, the Bubbly Sunday Brunch is designed to be more than a weekend outing, it’s a celebration of food, flavour, and togetherness. Whether it’s a gathering with friends, a family get-together, or simply an excuse to unwind, the brunch promises an afternoon worth savouring. 

Unlimited Food & Mocktails Starting From: ₹1299++ 

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Every Sunday) 

Featuring: Live Food Stations & Live Music 

About: 

July 7 is more than a restaurant; it’s a date, a feeling, a memory. Founded by Chef Krishna P. Khetle and Narendra Jichkar, it is nestled in Pune, blending refined comfort, creative cuisine, and a warm, vibrant ambience where every visit feels personal and memorable. With thoughtfully crafted food, mood-driven cocktails, and a space designed for connection, July 7 is truly a home away from home.

A Mindful Valentine’s Retreat Amid Nature at Swastik Wellbeing, Pune

In today’s fast-paced world of demanding work schedules and constant digital noise, couples often struggle to find time for genuine connection. Purpose-driven wellness retreats are emerging as sanctuaries where partners can pause, realign, and reconnect through mindful, shared experiences.

Swastik Wellbeing in Pune embodies this shift. Spread across 51 serene acres by the Khadakwasla waters, it seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with contemporary wellness practices, offering couples a tranquil escape into nature.

Wellness Holiday – 2 Nights / 3 Days

Specially curated for couples seeking rest, reconnection, and time in nature, this newly introduced holiday is designed to encourage mindful living without rigid schedules.

Highlights

• 🌅 Unhurried mornings and peaceful walks in lush surroundings

• 🥗 Nourishing meals crafted to support calm and balance

• 🧘 Optional yoga and meditation for gentle shared rituals

• 🌳 Flexible pace with no mandatory therapies or fixed routines

• 🌙 Focus on rest and better sleep, fostering meaningful togetherness

This Valentine’s, Swastik Wellbeing invites couples to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover each other in a sanctuary of calm. With its non-therapeutic, nature-centric approach, the retreat is ideal for those prioritizing serenity, mindful connection, and rejuvenation.
Website - https://swastikwellbeing.com/

Instagram handle - https://www.instagram.com/swastikwellbeing

Ayushakti opens its first centre at Pune

Ayushakti, one of the leading and most trusted ayurvedic health centres around the world has opened its first centre in Pune. The centre was inaugurated by Ambrish Galinde - Pune Municipal Corporation (Chief Auditor) in the presence of Dilip Galinde - Ex Nagarsevak Shiv Sena along with the Ayushakti team.

With this Ayushakti now has a total of 20 centres across Maharashtra.

The newly launched centre is located at Senapati Bapat Road, Shivaji Nagar and has all facilities to provide an immersive experience to the customers. With 4 treatment rooms, 2 consultation areas, a pantry, and a comfortable waiting area, Ayushakti is all prepared to welcome its clients and treat them with age-old Ayurveda remedies and cure their discomforts from the core.

The centre will continue to provide similar treatments Panchkarma, steam, massages, detoxification treatments, deep pulse reading, effective herbal remedies, customised diet plans, marma (Ayurvedic pressure point) techniques amongst others.

Speaking on the launch, Co-Founder, Dr. Smita Pankaj Naram said, “This is our third launch since the beginning of this year and we are very grateful to your clients, partners, doctors, and the entire team that has helped us achieve our dreams and growth plans.”

“As the demand for Ayurveda and healing increases within the public, we understand the need to be present at multiple touchpoints and localities so customers can have access without travelling a lot. Maharashtra is an important region for us and now we have 20 centres and franchises across the state. We look forward to our next growth plans in the coming months as we continue our expansion plans”, she adds.

Ayushakti was launched in 1987 with a mission to create long-lasting transformation in community health. It has been co-founded by Master healer Late Doctor Pankaj Naram and his wife Smita Naram.

Appointment | Nishanth Vishwanath joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune as General Manager

Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune has appointed Nishanth Vishwanath to lead the luxurious downtown hotel as General Manager.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

A veteran hotelier, driven by passion and creativity, Vishwanath is a multi-cultural hospitality icon with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having commenced his career with Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (2001) as part of the Food & Beverage team; he has swiftly moved up the ranks across Marriott International's myriad brands spanning the last two decades.

He has a proven record of implementing strategic initiatives delivering financial success in tandem with customer satisfaction. During his operational tenure, he has played a critical role in building F&B Reputation and establishing hotels such as Renaissance Mumbai and JW Marriott Pune as leading conference and wedding venues in the country.

Within two and half years, he moved to JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as the Director of Operations. Following a very successful stint at positioning JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as a premier destination in the city, he was then promoted as the General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

His most recent role comprised that of the prestigious Area Director - Operations for South & East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. While his early years allowed him to hone his skills to develop award-winning concepts and drive revenue and reputation; his role as Area Director and General Manager over the last few years has given impetus to his growth and appointment into the luxury market.

Vishwanath uses his creative flair to increase employee engagement, implement standards, drive guest voice scores, build relationships with key stakeholders and grow hotel market share at exemplary levels.

He has also been a key Mentor and part of many Core pre-openings task force assignments and has been a recipient of several notable recognitions in his career and has consistently exhibited excellent leadership skills. His track record shows an innate ability to drive excellence across associate engagement, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Armed with a degree from Mangalore University, Vishwanath is an avid traveler and takes a keen interest in exploring new places, history, and culture. He is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys reading in his leisure time.

Source

AISSMS CHMCT’s Grand Finale of the 12th edition of Atithya 2020

Winners of Champion of Champions Trophy- Team IHM Kolkata along with Shri Malojiraje Chhatrapati Hon.Secretary AISSM Society, Chief Guest Mr. Girish Sehgal , GM J.W.Marriott Pune, Dr. Sonali Jadhav Principal AISSMS CHMCT and  AISSM Society's Office Bearers.

Atithya 2020 closed on a high gambling note, complete with much ballyhoo and delight.

The third day opened with a game-changer competition ‘Match Thy Wits’. The teams with top 10 scores participated. In all participants contested in 12 competitions for a total score of 700. Some of our prominent Jury included celebrity Chef Shailendra Kekade and the sprity female bartenders Ms.Kasturi Banerjee and Ms.Khushnaaz Raghina

The Champion of champions was IHM Kolkatta, the 1 st runner up team was Jindal School of HM, Vadodara and the 2 nd runner up Bharati Vidyapeeth IHMCT, Pune.

The Chief Guest for Atithya 2020 Awards Night, Mr Girish Sehgal General Manager J.W. Marriott Pune, applauded the efforts of the faculty, staff and the students and congratulated the management. His words of encouragement were heartfelt and will be cherished by students in years to come.

Shri.  Malojiraje Chhtrapati, Hon. Secretary, AISSM Society, who presided over the function was generous in his praise for the event. He stated “I truly appreciate the efforts of entire AISSMS CHMCT team. He also added that the event has become bigger and better with each passing year.   The evening unfolded into a grand gala dinner positioned on a casino theme called ‘High Stakes” The food, the décor, the entertainment added to all the fun and frolic.

The organizing team was led by the following students of the Final year:

Food Production : Shubhankar Shellar, Bhushan Gavit

Food and Beverage Service : Samarjeet Sawant, Arpit Pradhan

Rooms Division : Sourabh Kothawade, Krutarth Naik

Marketing: Rushikesh Patil

Branding: Mayank Borkar, Pinac Bhat

Cultural: Nitish Nagarkar, Mansi Pande

Travel and Registration: Ayush Patwardhan, Rudra Patil

Competition: Tanmay Malusare, Prachi Jain, Jitendriya Dandekar, Sai Patki, Swarali Isware, Kaustubh Darekar

Lounge and Cafeteria : Mayur Mote, Avishkar Bhadauria

Stores : Shaunak Kanchan

Printing : Rajan Ambadkar

The event was supported by Savitribai Phule Pune University.

Billion Smiles launches Upsouth’s 8th outlet in Pune

Upsouth, Pune’s popular South Indian destination has recently launched its 8th outlet in Undri, Pune. With market loving brands such asbonsouth and Billionsmiles Catering, today Billion Smiles has come up with numerous Upsouth outlets, serving entire Bangalore and Pune with its authentic South Indian fusion dishes. Other than Undri, the brand’s outlets have been successfully operating inseven other locations in Pune namely Viman Nagar, Pune Airport, Wanowarie, Aundh, Wakad, Chandini Chowk and Phoenix Market City.

Known for its famous South Indian fusion signature dishes such as the South Indian Burger - Uthly, Malabari Parota sandwich, Sabudana Cheese Vada, Mango Moksha, Healthy Super Grain Paratha, etc., the brand plans to position itself as India’s best South Indian Fusion restaurant.With great offers, value pricing, dynamic interiors with lightning-speed service in hygienic and LIVE Kitchen atmosphere, Upsouth is an ideal self-service and sit-down restaurant. The outlet’s menu also offers universal favorites like –varieties of Idli and Dosa, Medu Wada, Uthappam, Filter Coffee, Paddu and many more.

Commenting on the launch, Kumar Gaurav, Vice President, Billionsmiles Hospitality Pvt Ltd., says, “We decided to come up in Undri, after the huge success of the 2 new outlets that were recently launched in Chandani Chowk and Wanowarie.Undri is a perfect target market for us due to the mix of bachelors, IT professionals, students and families living in this area. “

“Keeping pace with modern world, Upsouth redefines the experience of Indian and South Indian Cuisine for you with an upbeat and contemporary touch. We offer healthy, delicious, fresh and wholesome Indian and South Indian vegetarian food in a modern format. The dishes are priced very competitively with the average spends per person ranging between Rs.80-90 only”, comments Corporate Executive

Chef - Manu R Nair

Address: Upsouth, City Centre, Undri, Pune, Maharashtra 411060

Ph No. 098455 98258