The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Welcomes Aafreen, a Culinary Destination Inspired by India’s Diverse Flavours

Pune: Bringing together the rich tapestry of India's culinary traditions under one roof, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park has unveiled Aafreen: Inspired Indian, a thoughtfully reimagined dining destination that celebrates regional flavours, timeless recipes and immersive storytelling through food. Blending heritage with contemporary craftsmanship, Aafreen invites guests to embark on a gastronomic journey across the country, where every dish reflects the culture, history and artistry of its place of origin. 

Leading Aafreen's new chapter is Master Chef Mohd. Mahtab Shaikh, a Lucknow-born Awadhi specialist trained under Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. With over a decade of experience, Chef Mahtab brings a deep understanding of India's culinary traditions, curating a menu that honours regional heritage while embracing modern techniques and presentation.

Evolving beyond its celebrated Awadhi roots, Aafreen now offers a culinary journey across India, bringing together artisanal small plates, tandoor signatures, slow-cooked delicacies, regional specialities, signature biryanis and desserts inspired by India's rich confectionery traditions.

The menu features standout dishes such as the legendary Kakori Kebab, flavourful Chicken Vepudu, aromatic Dum Pukht Gosht Biryani and Kerala-inspired Seabass Moilee, alongside indulgent desserts like the Brioche Shahi Tukda. Each dish reflects the unique flavours, traditions and stories of its region.

Complementing the cuisine is an immersive dining experience featuring handcrafted terracotta serveware, thoughtful tableside rituals and a curated cocktail programme inspired by indigenous botanicals, regional ingredients and Indian spices.

"With Aafreen, our vision is to celebrate the remarkable diversity of Indian cuisine through a menu that honours regional traditions while embracing contemporary craftsmanship. Every dish tells a story, inviting guests to experience the soul of India, one plate at a time," said Master Chef Mohd. Mahtab Shaikh, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

Blending evocative aromas, regional music, narrative-led service and elegant design, Aafreen: Inspired Indian offers guests an immersive journey through the flavours, stories and traditions that define India's vibrant culinary heritage.

The Westin, Goa to Host the Biggest Pilates Festival Presented by Yasmin Karachiwala

Mumbai, January 2023: Experience the essence of susegad, the Goan concept of relaxed contentment, at The Westin Goa. The hotel is set in one of the world’s most desirable locations, near the sun-kissed Arabian Sea beaches and verdant green hills; there are countless opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation here. One such exceptional opportunity presents itself as Yasmin Karachiwala, India’s leading celebrity Pilates instructor who has over three decades of experience in the fitness industry, announces her 4th Pilates festival. The Pilates Festival India will be held at The Westin in Goa, from the 2nd to the 5th of February 2023. This health and wellness retreat is open to everyone; both novice and expert alike can broaden their knowledge of what Pilates is by attending. Attendees will train with International Pilates master instructors, and in the process also enjoy a rejuvenating retreat at the forest-clad luxury hotel, to embody their best selves.

The sprawling luxury hotel, merely 2 km from the beach in exotic Goa, lends itself as the perfect location to host the Pilates retreat. The celebrity instructor, in coordination with The Westin, has specially curated the food menu as well as exceptional evening entertainment for the upcoming festival. The first night includes an event centred on Sufi whirling, the second night will see a musical concert take place and the retreat will conclude with an awards ceremony. The hotel itself includes a spa, a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool and a kid’s clubhouse; amenities which can be easily accessed by the attendees. Take advantage of an abundance of on-property activities, relax at the spa or explore nearby attractions in Anjuna and North Goa. The Westin is nestled amidst an idyllic sanctuary that is bound to captivate your senses from the moment you arrive until you finally stretch out in the beautifully appointed rooms and suites after a full day of working those muscles.

“Pilates Festival India has been my dream for many years, and it finally became a reality 5 years ago. Each year, we try and get better, try and add more value, and outdo ourselves from the previous year.” Says Yasmin Karachiwala, curator of the festival. “I want PFI to deepen your knowledge of what Pilates is, to push you to your fitness limits and to expand the possibilities of your physical horizons & have fun. I hope that you will enjoy the 4 days as much as we have enjoyed planning it for you. We are committed to making this the best fitness retreat you have ever attended”. 

Previous years have seen the coming together of 250+ participants, 14+ celebrity promoters  6+ wellness and nutrition experts, with 1.6 million people reached digitally. To register for the festival please visit www.bodyimage.in and to learn more about it follow pilatesfestivalindia on Instagram.