Wadi Surgicals Partners with Hubertus Medical Products to Launch Enliva Active – Black Nitrile Glove

●       Bringing India's first dedicated Made-in-India black nitrile glove for the HoReCa sector.

●       Strengthening India's glove manufacturing sector through the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Hyderabad, September , 2026: Wadi Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., owner of the Enliva® nitrile glove brand, has partnered with Hubertus Medical Products Pvt. Ltd., Andhra Pradesh to launch Enliva Active™, a black, food-safe nitrile glove developed specifically for the HoReCa (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering) sector.

India’s foodservice industry is one of the country’s fastest-growing consumer sectors. The Indian foodservice market was estimated at approximately US$85.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$153.4 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.3%. The growth of restaurants, hotels, QSRs, cafés, catering and organised foodservice is creating increasing demand for products that support hygiene, safety and professional food handling.

Enliva Active is being introduced as India’s first dedicated black nitrile glove for the HoReCa segment, providing a Made-in-India alternative for restaurants, hotels, catering companies, food preparation and food handling environments.

The black colour provides a practical advantage in food handling, offering clear visual contrast against food and helping identify glove fragments in the event of accidental tearing.

The collaboration between Wadi Surgicals and Hubertus Medical Products reflects the power of Indian manufacturing partnerships to create products specifically for evolving domestic market requirements. Rather than simply replicating existing products, the partnership has focused on developing a dedicated glove for one of India’s fastest-growing service sectors.

Production of Enliva Active has commenced at approximately 60 lakh gloves per month, equivalent to 7.2 crore gloves annually, with plans to scale production to approximately 1 crore gloves per month in line with growing demand. Wadi Surgicals also plans to develop export markets for the product.

Speaking on the collaboration, Konda Anindith Reddy, Founder & MD, Wadi Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., said:

“Enliva Active represents an important step for us because we are not simply entering another glove category, we are creating a Made-in-India product specifically for the HoReCa industry. The foodservice sector is growing rapidly, and hygiene and food safety are becoming increasingly important across restaurants, hotels and catering. Our partnership with Hubertus Medical Products brings together Indian capabilities to address this opportunity and build a product for India and, eventually, global markets. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that can strengthen Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Balaraju Jakkula, Managing Director, Hubertus Medical Products, said:

“We are excited to partner with Wadi Surgicals to bring Enliva Active to the Indian market. The HoReCa sector has distinct requirements when it comes to hygiene, food handling and professional presentation, and we saw an opportunity to develop a product specifically for this segment. Enliva Active combines the strengths of Indian manufacturing with a clear understanding of the needs of the food-service industry. We are proud to be part of this Made-in-India initiative and look forward to taking the product to markets beyond India as well.”

The partnership reinforces Wadi Surgicals’ commitment to expanding the Indian manufacturing collaborations, developing products for emerging sectors and building a stronger Made-in-India glove industry capable of serving both domestic and international markets.

Amama Unveils a New Immersive Experience Centre in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai

An immersive experience centre celebrating craftsmanship, nostalgia and the spirit of Mumbai’s iconic cultural district 

New Delhi, 2026: : Amama continues its retail expansion with the opening of its newest store in Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. Marking the brand’s second store in the city, the new space is envisioned as an experience centre where customers can step into the world of Amama and discover its jewellery, stories and craftsmanship beyond the conventional retail experience. 

Kala Ghoda had long been on Amama’s radar as a potential location, with the neighbourhood’s unique blend of heritage, art, culture and vibrant high-street shopping closely mirroring the spirit of the brand. The store is designed to feel connected to its surroundings, while offering customers an immersive experience that goes beyond conventional retail.

The vision for the interiors was to create a space that feels vintage, familiar and a little nostalgic. Rather than following a conventional retail format, the experience centre takes an almost museum-like approach, with every element thoughtfully designed to invite curiosity and encourage visitors to look a little closer. 

Craftsmanship and a love for the handmade are reflected throughout the space, from the hand-painted façade and custom tiles created from Amama’s own motifs, which offer a new way to tell the brand’s story through architecture, to the playful, bespoke interiors inspired by human anatomy. A door handle shaped like a real ear, display props featuring hands and ears, and vintage books woven into the displays add character, familiarity and nostalgia, transforming functional elements into artistic expressions of Amama’s jewellery-led identity. 

At the heart of the experience centre is a deeply personal tribute to Founder Nikita Gupta’s grandmother, her Amma, whose treasured heirlooms and memories inspired the foundation of Amama. A dedicated corner features her photograph etched onto a silver plate, her bejewelled khadau slippers and other meaningful objects that bring her memory into the space. The details serve as a reminder of the emotional connection and sense of heritage at the heart of the brand. 

The store’s design draws from the artistic and experiential character of Kala Ghoda itself, creating a space that feels both rooted in its surroundings and distinctly Amama. From the heritage-led details to the unconventional displays, every element has been thoughtfully considered to encourage visitors to slow down, explore and discover the stories hidden within the space.

Nikita Gupta, Founder & Creative Director of Amama, said,

"Kala Ghoda was always a neighbourhood we wanted to be a part of. There is something incredibly special about the way it brings together art, heritage, culture and people, and that felt very aligned with Amama. For this store, we wanted to create more than just a retail space. We wanted it to feel like stepping into the world of Amama, with little details that spark nostalgia, curiosity and discovery. At the heart of the store is my Daadi and the memories and heirlooms that have shaped the brand. I hope customers come in, take their time, discover the details and leave feeling a little more connected to the story behind Amama."

The Kala Ghoda flagship brings together Amama’s latest collections alongside its signature classics, offering customers the opportunity to explore the complete Amama universe. The store will feature the brand’s first-ever festive Polki collection, bags, iconic Saharas, Earcrawlers and other bestselling pieces.

As Amama continues to understand its growing customer base in Mumbai, the new store will also serve as a space to explore evolving preferences and create offerings that feel increasingly relevant to the city. The brand sees the Kala Ghoda opening as an important milestone in its larger retail journey, strengthening its physical presence while bringing its digital-first world closer to customers.

With new collections, seasonal drops and limited-edition launches in the pipeline, Amama’s expansion continues to reflect its evolution into a more immersive, lifestyle-led brand where jewellery, craftsmanship, memory and self-expression come together.

Founders of Machan Resorts to Develop 26-Acre Luxury Residential Community at Lake Mulshi

Fully managed residential community comprising 17 one-acre and 9 half-acre private estates; project has an estimated retail value of over ₹600 crore, with first handovers targeted for 2028.

Mumbai, 2026: The founders of Machan Resorts, one of India's early nature-led luxury hospitality destinations and a carbon-neutral operation have entered the luxury residential real estate segment with Aqua Vie, a fully managed private estate community on the banks of Lake Mulshi. The project has received registration from the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA), marking the formal commencement of the development.

Spread across 26 acres, Aqua Vie will comprise 26 private estates, 17 one-acre and nine half-acre estates with an estimated retail value of over ₹600 crore, each placed so that every villa offers unimpeded views of the lake. The project is entirely family funded and marks the promoters' expansion from nature-led hospitality into luxury residential real estate after more than 16 years of building and operating The Machan.

"Aqua Vie came from our guests. For years, they asked us to build private Machan homes with the same connection to nature and the same standard of care. We waited until we found the right land on the banks of Lake Mulshi. Aqua Vie is the culmination of everything we've learned over the last sixteen years—how to build in nature, how to sustain it and how to look after people," said Varun Hooja, Partner, Machan Resorts LLP and Founder & Promoter, Aqua Vie.

Located on the banks of Lake Mulshi, the community has been planned around the site's existing landscape, which includes more than 6,000 natural trees, each counted and marked by species, natural watercourses and sloping terrain overlooking the lake. Rather than reshaping the land, the strategic plan has been designed to preserve existing trees, protect natural streams and retain the site's contours, with the 26 estates positioned to maximise privacy while responding to the natural topography.

Aqua Vie has been conceived as a fully managed residential community, bringing together private estate living with hospitality-led services. Every residence will be supported by a permanent concierge team managing housekeeping, horticulture, maintenance, engineering and resident services. Beyond individual homes, the community will include a clubhouse, café, wellness spaces, nearly two kilometres of walking and jogging trails, an amphitheatre overlooking the lake, botanical gardens, children's play areas, senior citizen spaces, a dog park and other shared amenities. Designed as a car-free community beyond individual homes, residents will primarily move through the development on foot, by bicycle or by golf cart.

Sustainability has been integrated into the project from the planning stage. Aqua Vie is being developed as a carbon-neutral community through carbon accounting, passive cooling strategies, native landscaping, solar energy generation with battery storage, and water and waste management systems. The project is also pursuing IGBC and LEED certifications. Every residence will be connected through a full-fibre network and smart-home infrastructure.

The community will also have access to The Machan Resort & Spa, Lake Mulshi, which is rising on the hillside overlooking the community. Residents will have access to its restaurants, wellness facilities and hospitality amenities, extending the hospitality model that the founders have built over the last sixteen years into long-term residential living.

Construction is currently underway on the first three estates, with first handovers targeted for 2028

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Marriott Bonvoy, and Visa Launch Co-Branded Cards Offering Elite Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Marriott Bonvoy, and Visa Launch Co-Branded Cards Offering Elite Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

Key Facts:

• Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday spend and redeem them for stays, upgrades, and experiences across more than 10,000 destinations worldwide.

• Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Infinite and Signature Cards offer up to 200,000 welcome Marriott Bonvoy points and exclusive membership tier upgrades.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a leading Islamic financial institution, Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel programme, and Visa announce the launch of two co-branded cards in the United Arab Emirates – the Marriott Bonvoy® ADIB Visa Infinite Card and the Marriott Bonvoy® ADIB Visa Signature Card. Designed for customers who are passionate about travel, the new Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Co-branded Cards provide Marriott Bonvoy points on everyday qualifying spend along with unparalleled benefits, offers and experiences in the UAE and across the globe.

The launch of the Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Co-branded Cards combines ADIB’s expertise in Sharia-compliant banking with Marriott Bonvoy’s global reach and recognition and Visa’s global leadership in digital payments. Cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on qualifying everyday purchases and redeem them for hotel stays, room upgrades, dining experiences, and more across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands and 10,000 global destinations. Cardholders can also transfer their Marriott Bonvoy points to over 40 airline partners or redeem them for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

As a limited-time offer, the Marriott Bonvoy® ADIB Visa Infinite Card gives cardholders the chance to earn up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points and the opportunity to fast-track their membership status from Gold Elite to Platinum Elite, while the Marriott Bonvoy® ADIB Visa Signature Card offers 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon activation and Silver Elite status. Both cards offer Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, which includes priority late checkout and enhanced room upgrades (subject to availability) along with airport lounge access, dining offers, and other premium travel and lifestyle privileges.

Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB, commented: “This partnership represents a significant step in enhancing how we reward our customers and connect with their lifestyle aspirations. By combining ADIB’s leadership in Islamic finance with Marriott Bonvoy’s world-class hospitality programme and Visa’s payment technology leadership, we are creating meaningful value that extends beyond banking and reflects our vision to be a trusted partner in every aspect of our customers’ lives.”

Andrew Watson, Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA, Marriott International, added: “The launch of these new credit cards in the UAE reflects our continued commitment to enhancing the travel journey for our Marriott Bonvoy members and offering them even more rewarding ways to fuel their passion for travel. The UAE is home to a highly engaged community of travellers, and these cards are designed to give them greater flexibility in how they earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, enjoy meaningful benefits and unlock inspiring travel experiences across our portfolio of global destinations.”

Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, said: “As a trusted partner for co-brands across travel and lifestyle, Visa is committed to helping our clients grow by delivering the best payment experience for their customers. With ADIB and Marriott Bonvoy, we’ve designed a distinctive, rewarding card proposition their customers can enjoy with the backing of Visa’s security and global acceptance at more than 150 million merchant partners.”

Festive Elegance, Refined for Every Generation with THE OZEN COLLECTION

Across two island sanctuaries, a tapestry of festive experiences unfolds—from cherished tree lighting traditions to dazzling New Year's Eve celebrations, each moment designed to be shared

Maldives, August 2026 – There is a certain magic that settles over the Maldives during the festive season, a quiet sparkle that transforms the island sanctuaries into havens of celebration and togetherness. At THE OZEN COLLECTION, you are invited to experience this enchantment, where every sunset brings new wonder and every evening holds the promise of shared joy.

From 22nd December 2026 to 7th January 2027, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI invite guests to immerse themselves in a curated calendar of festivities—from cherished Tree Lighting ceremonies that herald the start of the season to spectacular New Year's Eve galas and the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas. Every detail has been thoughtfully composed to honour time-honoured traditions while celebrating the unique spirit of the Maldives.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO: An Indian Ocean Celebration

Mornings begin with restorative wellness rituals at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, while younger guests delight in the creativity of Gingerbread house-making. A lively Sangria Fiesta and an underwater tree planting ceremony pay tribute to the resort's profound connection with the ocean. Christmas games, a spectacular Gala Dinner, and a Bubbles Breakfast ensure each day is imbued with festive cheer. The season is further enriched by family-themed activities, curated wine, gin, and bubbles tastings, immersive culinary journeys, and interactive cooking classes—ensuring every generation discovers something to treasure.

Speaking on the festive offerings and what to expect, Mei P. Pun, General Manager mentioned "This festive season at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a celebration of connection—between families, between cultures, and between the ocean and our island home. Watching our guests create memories that will last a lifetime is the greatest gift we could ever receive."

As the year draws to a close, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO will welcome 2027 with a 'Glitz & Glam' New Year's Eve celebration, complete with fireworks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere of sparkling elegance. The festive season concludes with the serene observance of Orthodox Christmas, offering a moment of quiet reflection and tradition.

You can view and download the Festive Brochure for OZEN LIFE MAADHOO here.

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: A Winter Wonderland

The resort transforms into a 'Winter Wonderland' for Christmas, offering an enchanting fusion of festive charm and tropical beauty. Guests can embark on a Wine Journey through rare vintages, master the art of mixology at an exclusive class, and savour gastronomic experiences across the resort's celebrated dining venues. A Black & White Theme Night and a vibrant Pool Party add a playful, spirited touch to the festivities.

The season culminates with 'A Night of Refined Elegance' —a New Year's Eve celebration that promises a sophisticated farewell to the year, complete with gourmet dining, champagne, and live entertainment. The festive period draws to a graceful close with Orthodox Christmas celebrations, offering a moment of calm and reverence before the new year begins.

"At OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, the festive season is about more than celebrations—it is about the quiet joy of togetherness in a setting of unparalleled beauty. We are honoured to welcome guests to our island sanctuary, where every tradition is reimagined with elegance and every moment becomes a cherished memory." Says Abnash Kumar, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

Festive-themed entertainment across both resorts will transform the islands into a theatre of music, laughter, and shared celebration.

These curated experiences are seamlessly integrated into the INDULGENCE™ Plan at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and the RESERVE™ Plan at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, offering guests the freedom to immerse themselves fully in the season's magic—without a single worry.

The Hari Hotels Join IHG’s Vignette Collection

AUGUST , 2026) – The Hari London, The Hari Hong Kong and the forthcoming The Hari Singapore are partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection, a distinguished collection of independent luxury properties.

The repositioning, which is to take effect later this year, builds on a strategic relationship between the Harilela Group and IHG that spans more than five decades and extends their partnership to six hotels across Asia and Europe.

The Vignette Collection allows independent luxury and boutique properties to retain their brand identity while tapping into IHG’s global scale and loyalty program. To be considered, hotels must meet specific criteria focused on design, guest experience and community impact. When The Hari Singapore opens in the spring of next year, it’ll be the Vignette Collection’s first property in that market.

As the Harilela Group’s crown jewels, the two existing properties in London and Hong Kong and the emergent Hari Singapore are committed to providing one-of-a-kind guest experiences and positive contributions to their locales. Likewise, the Vignette Collection is renowned for its celebration of ‘Memorable Rituals’ and ‘A Means For Good’.

“The Hari expresses these ideals through genuine, heartfelt hospitality and impeccable service steeped in my family's decades-long hospitality legacy,” said Dr Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Group and founder of The Hari brand. “Our design-led hotels serve as gateways to the art, culture and communities that define their destinations.”

Imagined by acclaimed British interior designer Tara Bernerd, each of The Hari hotels features elegant, layered interiors and rotating art collections showcasing established and emerging local artists. Whether through insider guides to London’s Belgravia or Hong Kong’s Wan Chai, experiences such as ‘The Hari Neighbourhood Guide Audio Tour’ and ‘Wan Chai By Night’ allow guests to scratch well beneath the destination’s surface, revealing hidden gems, colourful characters and fascinating traditions.

With initiatives such as the annual The Hari Art Prize, supported by generous donations from the Harilela family, championing emerging artistic talent, together with EarthCheck certifications and ongoing charity partnerships, The Hari makes positive contributions to local communities.

"After decades of owning and developing hotels, we distilled the Harilela Group’s collective experience into a brand that reflects the qualities we always sought in a great hotel," said Dr Harilela. "The Hari embodies relaxed elegance punctuated by eccentricity, wit, culture and intuitive, heartfelt hospitality. Joining the Vignette Collection preserves The Hari’s character while connecting our brand to a global community of travellers who value individuality and authenticity.”

“With more than 80 open and pipeline hotels, Vignette Collection is tracking ahead of its ambition to reach more than 100 hotels within its first decade,” said Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “Welcoming The Hari’s portfolio marks Vignette Collection’s debut in Singapore and strengthens our presence in London and Hong Kong.”

Six Metres Down, a World of Fine Dining Awaits

Imagine lingering over dinner as schools of tropical fish glide gracefully past your table, reef sharks drift through crystal-clear waters, and vibrant corals create a living backdrop unlike any restaurant you have ever visited. At M6m, the underwater restaurant at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, this isn't a scene from a nature documentary—it's a meal served six metres beneath the Indian Ocean.

Named after its location beneath the surface, M6m is one of the Maldives' most extraordinary dining destinations. Hidden six metres below sea level, the 24-seat spacious restaurant is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass walls that look directly onto a thriving coral reef. The ever-changing marine landscape becomes part of the meal, with sea turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish moving effortlessly through the waters beyond, ensuring that no two visits are ever quite the same.

The menu complements the setting with a multi-course selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian creations such as Pan-Seared Market Fish with tarragon emulsion and basil oil, Black Angus Steak with celeriac mousseline and morel jus, and White Onion & Truffle Soup, each showcasing carefully sourced ingredients and contemporary flavours. The progression of courses moves seamlessly from bold, savoury flavours to elegant desserts, including a rich 65% Cacao Dark Chocolate & Caramel Log to the light Lemon, bringing a well-rounded finish to the meal. Expertly paired wines and Champagnes accompany every course, creating a menu that is as considered as the setting itself without ever overshadowing the spectacle beyond the glass.

The iconic restaurant also hosts annual Champagne Masterclasses and Wine Dinners and is available for private occasions from romantic proposals to intimate celebrations, offering an unforgettable setting for life's most cherished moments.

In the Maldives, where the ocean shapes almost every experience, M6m offers a rare perspective from beneath the surface. Long after the final course, it is the quiet rhythm of the reef, the changing colours of the water, and the effortless movement of marine life that linger in memory, making M6m as much a celebration of the ocean as it is of fine dining.

Atmosphere Core Adds Hillora Eco Resort to Growing India Portfolio

The 180-Keys Eco Resort Strengthens Atmosphere Core’s Presence in Scenic Southern India

Visakhapatnam, August 2026 — Atmosphere Core, a leading global hospitality company, has announced a strategic partnership with A V N G Developers LLP to launch Atmosphere Hillora Eco Resort Visakhapatnam. Set to open in Q1 2029, the 180-key eco resort will be nestled in the enchanting Eastern Ghats of Visakhapatnam, surrounded by lakes and mountains, with the Polavaram Irrigation Project on the Godavari River located nearby. The resort will also be conveniently situated approximately one hour from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, at Bhogapuram.

Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Atmosphere Core, said, “We are building strong momentum in India, with new properties in key destinations. Visakhapatnam has always been central to our strategy given its importance as both a business and tourism hub. With this resort, we aim to offer a fresh, creative, and experience-led stay for a wide range of travellers—from leisure guests to those planning high-end weddings, MICE events, and holidays with family in a scenic and peaceful setting.”

Part of the ‘Atmosphere’ sub-brand within Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, the luxury resort will feature cottages, suites, and private-pool villas. It will blend an eco-sensitive design with the natural charm of forests, lakes, and the Eastern Ghats.

Guests can look forward to a memorable culinary journey with an all-day dining restaurant, a café lounge, a specialty restaurant, a bar with lounge and library, and a poolside bar. The menu will celebrate international cuisine alongside Southern India’s globally loved flavours, complemented by a curated selection of fine wines and spirits. The award-winning ELE|NA Ayu Spa will anchor the wellness experience, offering tranquil therapy rooms and expert therapists. Additional facilities include a swimming pool with an outdoor deck and a fully equipped fitness centre.

The resort will also feature extensive banqueting facilities, including large convention halls, state-of-the-art conference rooms, boardrooms, and open-air venues—making it an ideal destination for high-end weddings, MICE events, and corporate meetings.

Visakhapatnam (Vizag) uniquely combines tourism appeal with strong business significance, making it Andhra Pradesh’s coastal economic engine. On the tourism front, the city’s picturesque coastline, pristine beaches, Buddhist heritage circuits, and eco-tourism spots attract many visitors. At the same time, Vizag is a major industrial and logistics hub, home to India’s oldest shipyard, the Eastern Naval Command, two deep-water ports, and heavy industries. It is also emerging as a fast-growing destination for IT, Global Capability Centres, and healthcare, with over 40% of recent state investments flowing into the Visakhapatnam Economic Region. This dual strength—strong visitor economy plus strategic port-led trade, manufacturing, and services—positions Visakhapatnam as both a top South Indian tourist destination and a future-ready business gateway on the Bay of Bengal.

Commenting on the new venture, Mr. A V N Govinda Rao, Managing Director of A V N G Developers LLP, said, “Atmosphere Core’s legacy of excellence aligns perfectly with our vision to create a world-class luxury eco resort in this lush land parcel, rich in vegetation and surrounded by lakes and the rolling hills of Visakhapatnam. As this destination continues to grow in importance, this partnership will help strengthen Southern India’s premium tourism landscape and set new benchmarks in hospitality.”

Mr. Souvagya Mohapatra, Managing Director, Atmosphere Core (India, Nepal, Bhutan, & Sri Lanka), added, “Visakhapatnam, with its awe-inspiring natural landscape, cultural heritage, and timeless appeal, is a natural choice for our expansion. As we enter this extraordinary destination, we look forward to delivering a progressive and immersive hospitality experience, thoughtfully tailored to its surroundings, redefining luxury

Sterling Puts Bastar on the Traveller's Map with its 80th Resort

First national hospitality brand in Jagdalpur opens a gateway to one of India's most compelling worlds of waterfalls, forests, caves, craft, culture and cuisine

Chennai, August 2026: Sterling Holiday Resorts, one of India's leading hospitality companies, has announced its entry into Chhattisgarh with the launch of Sterling Naman Bastar, Jagdalpur—its 80th resort in India and the first property in Jagdalpur to operate under a national hospitality brand.

The milestone opens a gateway to one of India's most fascinating yet relatively under-discovered regions—Bastar.

Here, the dramatic waterfalls meet dense forests; limestone caves sit amidst spectacular natural landscapes; colourful local haats bring communities together; centuries-old Dhokra craftsmanship continues to thrive; and distinctive food traditions offer travellers an experience far removed from the familiar holiday circuit.

Bastar as a Destination

Few destinations bring together nature and living culture quite like Bastar.

The region is home to the spectacular Chitrakote and Tirathgarh Falls, the forests and limestone caves of Kanger Valley, vibrant weekly tribal haats, distinctive Dhokra craftsmanship and culinary traditions shaped by rice, bamboo shoots and produce from the surrounding forests.

Yet Bastar remains relatively under-discovered by the mainstream Indian traveller. That is also part of its appeal. Unlike destinations where tourism itself has become the dominant experience, Bastar gives travellers an opportunity to discover a landscape and culture that retain a strong sense of place. Bastar provides compelling reasons to make the journey.

It makes the destination particularly compelling for travellers seeking nature, culture, photography, craft, food and discovery—or simply the excitement of experiencing a part of India they may not have considered before.

Importantly, Bastar is also becoming increasingly accessible. Jagdalpur's airport provides direct air connectivity with Hyderabad and Raipur, making the region easier to reach and opening up Bastar to travellers from major urban markets and connecting networks.

Located on Chitrakote Road, Sterling Naman Bastar is positioned as a comfortable gateway from which to discover Jagdalpur and the wider Bastar region. Spread across approximately

3.21 acres, the resort offers 45 rooms across five categories, including garden-facing rooms, spacious suites and a private pool villa.

The proposition is deliberately simple, Guests can spend their days discovering waterfalls, forests, caves, markets, crafts and local culture before returning to the comfort of a full-service Sterling resort.

An indoor swimming pool, spa and recreation facilities provide opportunities to unwind between excursions, while expansive lawns and banquet spaces also make the resort suitable for family holidays, celebrations, destination events and group travel.

The objective is not to make the resort the entire reason for the journey, but to make it the platform from which Bastar can be discovered comfortably and meaningfully. At Sterling Naman Bastar, the destination experience continues through cuisine. Amravan, the resort's multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant, and Little Bites, its relaxed café, complement regional flavours influenced by rice, bamboo shoots and forest produce. Local favourites including Baasta, Angakar Roti, Chaur Bhaja, Farra and Tikhur provide guests another way to engage with Bastar through its culinary traditions.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said:

"Some destinations are already on everyone's travel list. Others are waiting to be discovered. We believe Bastar belongs firmly in the second category. The combination here is extraordinary—waterfalls, forests, caves, craft, cuisine and a rich living culture. Yet Bastar remains relatively under-discovered by the mainstream Indian traveller. Our role as a Destination Architect is not simply to put a hotel in such a location, but to help travellers understand why they should come here and then make the destination easier and richer to experience.

With Jagdalpur providing the gateway and Sterling Naman Bastar providing a comfortable hospitality base, we have an opportunity to introduce many more travellers to this remarkable region. Our 80th resort is therefore more than a milestone for Sterling—it is an opportunity to help put another compelling Indian destination on the traveller's map."

Come for the Landscape. Stay for the Stories.

A journey through Bastar can begin with the spectacle of Chitrakote and Tirathgarh Falls, continue into the forests and caves of Kanger Valley, move through its local markets and craft traditions, and ultimately reveal the food, stories and communities that give the region its distinctive identity.

Commenting on the partnership, Jayesh Sangani and Rachit Sangani, owners of Sterling Naman Bastar Jagdalpur, a unit of Dishi Resort Pvt. Ltd., said:

"Bastar has tremendous potential as a destination, with remarkable natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Our association with Sterling combines our understanding of the region with the brand's reach, distribution and hospitality expertise. Together, we aim to establish Sterling Naman Bastar as the preferred base for travellers exploring Jagdalpur and the wider Bastar region."

Come for Bastar's spectacular landscapes. Stay to discover its stories, crafts, flavours and culture.

Putting New Destinations on the Traveller's Map

The Bastar opening represents an important dimension of Sterling's broader destination-led growth strategy.

In established markets, Sterling is building greater depth by connecting destinations into regional travel circuits. In emerging markets such as Bastar, the opportunity is different—to enter early, establish a credible hospitality base and use Sterling's reach to introduce more travellers to destinations with compelling reasons to visit.

As Sterling expands its network, its ambition is therefore not simply to put more properties on the map, but to help put more destinations on the traveller's map.

India Checks In To Calm: EkoStay Positions the Private Villa as the Country's Answer to the Calmcation

As wellness travel defines 2026 and India tops global wellness destination rankings, the vacation home brand's nature led expansion signals where the restorative holiday is headed

Mumbai,  August 2026: The defining travel story of 2026 is the pursuit of calm. Leading lifestyle and travel media have spotlighted the rise of the calmcation, a slow, restorative holiday built around rest, privacy and deliberate disconnection rather than packed itineraries. The shift is being read not as indulgence but as a response to urban exhaustion and rising stress levels in India's cities. It comes at a moment when industry estimates place global wellness tourism at nearly a trillion dollars, and global travel industry rankings have named India the world's leading wellness destination for 2026. EkoStay, one of India's fastest growing professionally managed vacation home brands, believes the country already has a homegrown answer to the calmcation: the private villa stay.

Where the traditional holiday was measured in sightseeing checklists, the calmcation is measured in slow mornings, unhurried meals and unstructured time. What distinguishes it is intent, fewer choices, minimal schedules and the freedom to do nothing at all. Private villas lend themselves naturally to this format, offering travellers an entire home to themselves, with space to rest, cook, swim or read, away from the crowds and rhythms of conventional hospitality.

EkoStay's own growth this year reads like a map of where India is going to find its calm. Established in 2018 by Husain Khatumdi, Sohail Mirchandani, Varun Arora and Zishan Khan, the brand today manages over 160 villas across more than 15 destinations, and its 2026 expansion has been weighted decisively toward nature led geographies. The company has announced a targeted 40 villa boutique cluster across the Nilgiris, spanning Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri, entered Karnataka with the Forest Cube Villa in Chikmagalur, and launched new homes across Nashik, Wada, Igatpuri and Lonavala, including Wada Crest, a retreat designed expressly around wellness, slow living and intimate getaways. Alongside, the brand's EKO Gold and EKO Luxe collections and its membership programme cater to travellers who return to villa living as a habit, not a one off.

“The most telling change in Indian travel is what guests are no longer asking for,” said Husain Khatumdi, Co Founder, EkoStay. “Five years ago, the first question was what is there to do nearby. Today guests ask whether the villa has a quiet view, a private pool, a space to truly unwind. The holiday is no longer about the destination. It is about how rested you feel when you leave, and that is exactly what a private home is designed to deliver.”

“Our expansion choices this year are a direct reading of this demand,” said Varun Arora, Co Founder and CEO, EkoStay. “The Nilgiris cluster, our entry into Chikmagalur, homes like Wada Crest built around slow living, none of this is accidental. Travellers are seeking hills, forests, coastlines and quiet, and we are deliberately building a portfolio of design led homes in exactly those geographies, restored thoughtfully so each villa keeps the character of its region.”

“Operationally, the calmcation guest behaves very differently, and we have built for it,” said Sohail Mirchandani, Co Founder and COO, EkoStay. “These travellers value seamlessness above all, smooth check ins, curated meals and support that is responsive without ever intruding on their privacy. Our proprietary backend, app driven guest services and real time maintenance ecosystem exist precisely so the guest experiences calm while the operations work quietly behind the scenes.”

“The calmcation is also changing how people book, not just where they go,” said Zishan Khan, Co Founder, EkoStay. “We see families and friend groups adopting one villa as their recurring escape, guests extending stays once they arrive, and travellers blending work and rest in the same trip. As we invest in AI driven personalisation, smart lock integrations and an upgraded app, the goal is simple, to remove every point of friction so the only thing a guest has to focus on is switching off.”

With wellness travel expected to hold momentum through the festive season and beyond, EkoStay plans to continue expanding across emerging leisure destinations while deepening its food and experience verticals, ensuring that as India seeks calm, there is a well managed home waiting wherever it looks.

FitsAir hosts webinar to underscore improved direct connectivity benefits between Ahmedabad and Colombo

Ahmedabad, August 2026: India’s leading destination representation firm, Red Dot Representations, recently partnered with FitsAir to bring the travel trade closer to Sri Lanka through an exclusive webinar underscoring the airline’s new direct connectivity between Ahmedabad and Colombo. The webinar also shed light on the innumerable travel and experience opportunities one can dive into in the island nation without spending time in layovers.

The webinar, held on 21st August 2026, introduced travel partners to the new Ahmedabad–Colombo route and showcased how the direct connection can make Sri Lanka more accessible for travellers from Gujarat. The session also provided insights into the destination’s large-scale tourism potential that attracts families, honeymooners, MICE, etc., for its spotless beaches, cultural attractions, wildlife, hospitality and local experiences.

During the webinar, the team also highlighted the range of experiences available to Indian travellers in Sri Lanka. From relaxing by the island’s tropical coastline and exploring its cultural heritage to discovering its wildlife and enjoying its hospitality and cuisine, the session presented Sri Lanka as a destination offering considerably more than a conventional beach holiday.
With FitsAir operating the Ahmedabad–Colombo service three times a week, travellers from Gujarat now have a more convenient direct option to reach Sri Lanka. The enhanced connectivity is expected to open up opportunities across leisure travel, experiential holidays, MICE and destination celebrations, while making the island a more accessible short-haul international destination for the Gujarat market.

Hotel Association of India (HAI) to Host 7th Hoteliers' Conclave in New Delhi

New Delhi, August 2026: The 7th HAI Hoteliers’ Conclave will be held on 18 September 2026 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The event organised by the Hotel Association of India endeavors to bring together policymakers, tourism authorities and leading voices from the hospitality industry to discuss the sector’s evolving role in India’s growth story.

Themed ‘Re-engineering Hospitality’, the Conclave aims to examine how the sector has transformed in recent years on account of changes among others in consumer behavior, technological advancements, practices in sustainability and to discuss how the sector should evolve in the extremely uncertain, volatile and complex future.

India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and also the fastest-growing, expected to become the world's third largest with a projected GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030. India Vision of 2047 of a Viksit Bharat is founded in Atmanirbharta. India Tourism Vision 2047 is of a tourism economy of US 3 trillion, targeting to attract 100 million foreign travellers, 20 billion domestic visits and featuring among the top five tourism destinations globally. Hotels are a key sector for tourism growth and development. They also contribute significantly to GDP and employment while adding to the local infrastructure and elevating the standard of living.

The discussions will also explore how India can tap the full potential of the hotel sector in terms of contribution to tourism, employment, economic growth and nation-building. Leading hotel groups – both Indian and International will attend the event.

It will be inaugurated by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Honourable Minister of Tourism. Other dignitaries at the Conclave include Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of India; Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa & former CEO of NITI Aayog; Suman Billa, Additional Secretary & DG Tourism, Govt of India, and cricket legend Shri Kapil Dev.

Event Discussions will explore the key forces shaping India’s tourism and hospitality landscape, including leadership, artificial intelligence, new-age F&B, talent acquisition, inclusion, women in hospitality, MICE, and wedding tourism.

The 7th HAI Hoteliers’ Conclave will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of Indian hospitality and the opportunities for the sector to become more resilient, inclusive, sustainable and globally competitive.

Jivraj9 Tea Group Donates Ventilator Worth ₹12 Lakh at New Sheth P. T. Multispeciality Hospital

·       Strengthening the hospital’s critical-care infrastructure & its ability to provide advanced respiratory support to patients in need.

·       By supporting an essential piece of critical-care infrastructure, the company aims to contribute to the hospital’s long-term capacity to respond to patients requiring respiratory assistance.

·       The ventilator will form part of the hospital’s ongoing critical-care capabilities & can support patients whenever the need arises.

Surat, August 2026: Jivraj9 Tea Group has donated a ventilator worth ₹12 lakh to New Sheth P. T. Multispeciality Hospital, Surat, strengthening the hospital’s critical-care infrastructure and its ability to provide advanced respiratory support to patients in need.

For Jivraj9 Tea Group, the significance of the contribution extends beyond the value of the equipment. By supporting an essential piece of critical-care infrastructure, the company aims to contribute to the hospital’s long-term capacity to respond to patients requiring respiratory assistance. The ventilator will form part of the hospital’s ongoing critical-care capabilities and can support patients whenever the need arises.

Speaking about the contribution, Rushabh Shah, Executive Director, Jivraj9 Tea Group, said, “When you have the opportunity to contribute to society, the question is not only how much you give, but what your contribution can continue to do after you have given it. We wanted our contribution to create capability. A ventilator becomes part of a hospital’s infrastructure and can be called upon whenever a patient needs critical respiratory support. For us, that makes this ₹12 lakh contribution meaningful not because of the equipment itself, but because of the lives it can potentially support over its useful life.”

Sunil K. Modi, President, New Sheth P. T. Multispeciality Hospital, said, “In healthcare, strengthening capacity is as important as providing care. Every addition to critical-care infrastructure expands a hospital’s ability to respond to patients who require intensive support. We are grateful to Jivraj9 Tea Group for recognising this need and contributing a ventilator worth ₹12 lakh. The equipment will strengthen our ability to provide critical care and support patients who require advanced respiratory assistance.”

The initiative reflects Jivraj9 Tea Group’s broader approach to community development, with a focus on contributions that strengthen essential institutions and their ability to serve communities over the long term. Healthcare infrastructure, in particular, plays a critical role in ensuring that medical institutions are better equipped to respond when patients require specialised and immediate care.

For Jivraj9 Tea Group, the ventilator represents more than a ₹12 lakh contribution. It is a tangible addition to critical-care capacity; one that can remain available to support patients and healthcare professionals whenever advanced respiratory support is required.

Maharashtra Government Steps Up Efforts to Ensure Safety of Tourists Stranded in Nepal: Minister of Tourism Shambhuraj Desai

Mumbai, August 2026: The Maharashtra government is making every possible effort to ensure the safety of tourists from the state who are stranded in Nepal amid the severe situation caused by flash floods. Seven tourists from Maharashtra are currently stranded in Nepal. Authorities have managed to establish contact with four of them, two each from Mumbai and Pune, and confirmed that all four are safe. Efforts are underway to establish contact with the remaining three tourists, the Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Shambhuraj Desai, said.

The state government has made a toll-free helpline 1070 and the State Control Room number 022-69107600 available for Maharashtra residents stranded in Nepal. The State Control Room is operating round the clock. Based on information received from citizens and their families, the authorities are co-ordinating with the concerned agencies and taking the necessary action.

Flash floods and landslides in Nepal have disrupted roads, bridges and communication networks in several areas, making it difficult to establish contact with stranded tourists. Against this backdrop, Maharashtra’s disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Information on citizens and tourists from Maharashtra currently in Nepal is being collected, and ongoing efforts are underway to assess their safety and provide assistance as needed.

The Hon'ble Minister of Tourism, Shri Shambhuraj Desai, has directed the concerned authorities to maintain continuous co-ordination and extend all necessary assistance to the stranded tourists. The Maharashtra Tourism Department, the Disaster Management Department, and the respective district administrations are working in close co-ordination to ensure that Maharashtra residents receive timely assistance during emergencies abroad.

In view of the seriousness of the situation in Nepal, citizens have been urged not to panic and to contact official authorities for assistance. They have also been advised not to believe or circulate unverified information or rumours. Information received from the families of stranded tourists is being verified by the concerned authorities, following which further assistance and rescue measures are being undertaken.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a large number of Indian citizens and tourists are stranded across Nepal following the flash floods. In response, the Maharashtra government is co-ordinating with the Central Government, the Indian Embassy and the concerned authorities in Nepal to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Maharashtra residents.

Establishing contact with the remaining three tourists and confirming their safety remains the state government’s top priority. The government machinery is working continuously to reach the stranded tourists and ensure that all possible assistance is provided to them, the Minister of Tourism, Shri Shambhuraj Desai, said.

Copper Chimney Sets Sights on 100+ Restaurants by 2033 as the 50-Year-Old Brand Enters Its Next Chapter

Under Reetesh Shukla’s leadership, the Charcoal Concepts brand (part of K Hospitality) has grown from three restaurants to a 22 outlet network in 2026 with a plan to grow around 10-12 outlets each year. It is re-engineering its expansion model for greater consistency, efficiency and national scale.

Mumbai, August 2026: Fifty years after Copper Chimney first established itself as a name synonymous with North Indian dining, the iconic restaurant brand is entering its most ambitious phase yet with plans to cross 100 restaurants business by 2033.

At the centre of this next phase is Reetesh Shukla, Vice President & Business Head of brand Copper Chimney, part of Charcoal Concepts - who has been driving the brand’s transformation since joining K Hospitality in 2018. What began as a three-restaurant business has grown into a 22+ restaurant network, with the next phase focused on expansion, stronger unit economics, technology, people and operational scale.

The growth strategy comes at a time when India’s restaurant industry is undergoing a significant reset, with brands increasingly balancing expansion ambitions against rising real-estate, construction and operating costs. For Copper Chimney, this has meant going beyond simply opening more restaurants and re-engineering the underlying model that enables the brand to scale.

As part of this exercise, Copper Chimney has reworked its capex model, reducing build costs by approximately 25%, while sharpening unit economics and integrating technology and backend systems to support a larger network. The brand has also invested in structured learning and development initiatives aimed at building the talent pipeline required for its next phase of growth.

“The opportunity with Copper Chimney is not to simply preserve a 50-year-old brand, but to build the systems that allow its legacy to travel into the next 50 years,” says Reetesh Shukla, Vice President & Business Head of Copper Chimney, K Hospitality. “We have a brand with enormous equity and consumer trust. The challenge is to make that equity relevant to a new generation while building a business that is operationally stronger, more capital-efficient and ready to scale across markets.”

Building the next generation of Copper Chimney

The expansion blueprint is built around a combination of new markets, hyper densification of restaurants in key metro cities, people growth, technology and backend integration, with the brand looking beyond traditional metro markets to identify opportunities across India as well as international markets. A key focus will be the evolution of India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 restaurant markets, where consumer aspirations are increasingly intersecting with demand for trusted brands and familiar, authentic dining experiences.

For Copper Chimney, this creates an opportunity to take its proposition of North Indian food to a wider audience while retaining the culinary identity and familiarity that have been central to the brand since its inception. The strategy also reflects a broader shift taking place across Indian casual dining towards premiumisation alongside value, authentic and comforting food, technology-led operations and greater capital discipline. Rather than treating heritage and growth as opposing forces, Copper Chimney is looking to use its five-decade consumer equity as the foundation for a more contemporary restaurant business.

From three restaurants to a national growth story

Shukla’s mandate has been to approach Copper Chimney not simply as a heritage brand to be protected, but as a business to be fundamentally re-engineered for its next stage.

With more than 26 years of experience spanning hospitality, food retail, consulting and international markets, Shukla has worked across the brand’s expansion strategy, operating model and organizational capabilities. The result is a business that has moved from three restaurants in 2018 to a 22+ outlet network today, with the next milestone firmly in sight: 100+ restaurants and a business by 2028 as part of the multi-brand F & B business of Charcoal concepts which operates brands like Bombay brasserie, Wagamama India, Bombay Borough, Jossh apart from Copper Chimney across India, London, Dubai and Colombo.

As Copper Chimney enters its sixth decade, the ambition is therefore not nostalgia-driven. It is about answering a more contemporary restaurant-industry question: how can a legacy brand retain the trust and authenticity built over five decades while developing the systems, economics and relevance required to scale for the next fifty years? For Copper Chimney, the answer lies in disciplined expansion, operational transformation and a renewed focus on what made the brand endure in the first place, while building it for the consumer and restaurant landscape of tomorrow.

FMCG Brand Coração Do Vale Redefines Luxury Gifting By Unveiling Its Arts Edition at Gifts World Expo 2026

New Delhi, August , 2026: Coração do Vale, Portugal’s extra premium virgin olive oil, marketed and distributed in India by Leads Brand Connect, recently unveiled its Coração Do Vale Art Editions at Gifts World Expo 2026 in Delhi and Bengaluru. The  limited-edition collector’s item aims to reimagine the luxury gifting by bringing together the best of fine art, heritage craftsmanship, and exceptional olive oil.

Each bottle for Coração Do Vale Art Editions has been designed in collaboration with celebrated artists whose work is rooted in the same values that defines Coração Do Vale,  nature, culture, heritage, and the pursuit of craft at its highest form. The Art Edition highlights how storytelling and artistic collaborations are redefining premium gifting. It reflects the brand’s underlying philosophy that a gift at its finest should carry beauty and a meaningful story.

Commenting on the launch of Coração Do Vale Art Editions, Richa Khandelwal, Managing Director, Leads Brand Connect, said, “We are extremely delighted to unveil Coração Do Vale Art Editions at the Gifts World Expo 2026. Each bottle is designed to be a keepsake, blurring the lines between fine art, luxury gifting, and premium gourmet products. This artistic collection is a true reflection of the belief that artists and master olive oil producers share a common spirit. They are creators and are driven by an uncompromising dedication to their medium. We were extremely honoured to have these artists with us to create unique pieces inspired by Coração Do Vale's founding philosophy.”

The brand believes it is one of the first FMCG company to launch such an initiative, using product packaging not just as a branding tool but as a medium to celebrate and promote emerging artistic talent.

The two artists, Bareilly-born Khushi, 21, and Lisbon-born Sara Alves’ paintings  adorn the bottles and they also reflect the cross-culture collaboration between India and Portugal.  Khushi graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore, in 2026. Working primarily through painting, drawing and mixed media, her practice investigates feminist theory, horror and mythology as tools for confronting systems of power, memory and identity.

Drawing from personal experiences, family folklore and literary narratives, Khushi’s work explores the intersections of gender, the body and culture. Using the visual language of the grotesque, abjection and speculative fiction, she reimagines mythological and folkloric figures to question patriarchal structures and the social construction of femininity.

Sara work’s between Poland and Portugal and her work is primarily situated within landscape painting, figurative art and neo-surrealism. Her practice is rooted in painting and drawing, occasionally expanding into other media. Her landscape project emphasizes the use of colour and underpainting to explore themes of inhabiting a place and wandering through landscapes as a form of embodied travel. Working mainly with oil pastels, she uses a underpainting technique built from bright colours layered beneath her compositions, evoking influences from her Portuguese background alongside the environments she encounters. Her projects span multiple locations, including Portugal (mainland and islands), Poland and Cabo Verde.

Coração Do Vale has redefined gourmet indulgence for India’s discerning consumers, chefs, and celebrities. Its introduction to India is also a symbol of cultural offering as oil remains the soul of every Indian meal, used in celebration and in remembrance. Positioned as a celebrity gourmet essential, Coração do Vale is not just an ingredient but a lifestyle statement. From finishing haute cuisine dishes to elevating everyday meals, its versatile flavour profile enhances salads, pastas, soups, grilled meats, and even artisanal breads.

Azerai La Residence, Hue Offers ‘Festival Package’ for Hue Wonderverse Fest 2026

Hue’s largest-ever heritage and music festival is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors

HUE, Vietnam (Aug. , 2026) – Azerai La Residence, Hue, the luxury heritage hotel in central Vietnam, has rolled out a stay package ahead of Hue Wonderverse Fest 2026, an upcoming cultural event expected to attract more than half a million visitors later this month.

The three-day festival, held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, will blend music, art, interactive media and laser performances into an international-scale multi-sensory experience. Organisers envision it becoming an annual cultural event that promotes Hue’s heritage, creative economy and tourism.

“Wonderverse Fest will bring extraordinary energy to the city, and we are delighted to welcome guests who wish to experience it while staying in a setting of quiet elegance,” said Minh Phan Trong, General Manager of Azerai La Residence, Hue. “Our location and our Festival Package make it easy to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the festival and return to calm, refined surroundings overlooking the Perfume River after each unforgettable day.”

Azerai’s “Hue Festival Package” (valid through Oct. 31, priced at VND 10,890,000) includes a two-night stay with daily breakfast for two, one curated dining experience, a 45-minute spa journey, signature afternoon tea, and 15% savings on food and beverage. The package also aligns with the broader Hue Festival 2026 programme.

Hue Wonderverse Fest is a 15-minute walk from the hotel or a short car ride.

In addition to the Festival Package, Azerai La Residence, Hue is celebrating two of the city’s most cherished cultural treasures this season: the culinary legacy of bún bò Huế and the beauty of the annual lotus harvest. These experiences offer guests a taste of the traditions that continue to define Hue’s identity.

Record-Setting Bun Bo Hue

Complementing the city’s cultural momentum, Azerai recently celebrated Hue’s culinary heritage with a record-setting event serving bún bò Huế, the iconic dish of the former imperial capital. Azerai La Residence, Hue’s Executive Chef Nguyen Dong Hai joined fellow culinary artisans in the event under the “Hue – The Capital of Gastronomy” programme, where more than 300 diners gathered to enjoy the dish.

The beloved noodle soup is also among the most popular dishes at Le Parfum, the hotel’s signature restaurant, where guests can enjoy Chef Hai’s interpretation of this Hue culinary classic.

“Bún bò Huế is far more than a recipe. It carries the stories and spirit of the Imperial City,” said Minh. “We are proud that Chef Hai could help share this living heritage with both the local community and international friends.”

Lotus Afternoon Tea

Guests at Azerai La Residence, Hue can also enjoy a limited-time Lotus Afternoon Tea, inspired by Hue’s lotus season. Priced at VND 360,000++ for two, the experience pairs Imperial Hue Lotus Tea with delicate pastries in the hotel’s Art Deco surroundings.

“The Lotus Afternoon Tea invites guests to pause and savour the gentle beauty of Hue’s summer along the Perfume River,” Minh said. “It is a simple yet memorable way to connect with the season’s grace.”

Azerai La Residence, Hue is a 122-room luxury hotel centred on a 1930 colonial mansion originally part of the French Resident Supérieur’s residence. Its distinctive façade—long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes—exemplifies streamline moderne Art Deco architecture.

The property forms part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s Azerai portfolio, along with the seaside resort Azerai Ke Ga Bay in southern Vietnam.

Azerai La Residence, Hue was recently named one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels” by Travel + Leisure magazine, one of only 12 properties in Vietnam to receive the honour.

Fairmont Mumbai and Le Florence India Hosted India’s First Longevity Summit 2026 with AIWO, Connecting Global Science, Biohacking and Emerging Longevity Technologies

Two-day summit launched by Fairmont Mumbai brought together global experts, healthcare pioneers, wellness innovators and emerging longevity technologies to explore the future of healthspan

MUMBAI, India, August , 2026: The inaugural Longevity Summit India 2026 unfolded over two immersive days at Fairmont Mumbai, bringing together 1,000+ delegates from India and across the global longevity ecosystem for a convergence of science, healthcare, wellness, technology and conscious living. Presented by Le Florence India in partnership with Fairmont Mumbai, with AIWO as the Title Sponsor, Maharashtra Tourism as the State Partner, and DecodeAge as the Wellness Partner, the summit brought together international experts, leading doctors, scientists, biohackers, wellness practitioners, founders, investors and thought leaders through global panels, expert talks, fireside conversations, experiential zones, longevity trails and interactive practices. Far beyond a conventional conference, the experience transformed Fairmont Mumbai into an immersive landscape of longevity, from underwater meditation, Watsu, ice plunges, yoga and sound experiences to explorations of biological age, metabolic health, brain performance, emotional resilience, and human connection. Even the culinary experience was designed around wellbeing, with colour-coded Yellow, Green and White food zones, each focused on supporting different functions of the body, from digestion and metabolic health to heart health.

At its core, the summit explored a question increasingly shaping the future of healthcare: how do we not simply live longer, but extend healthspan, preserve vitality and improve the quality of the years we live? The programme brought together preventive healthcare, geroscience, human optimisation, performance engineering of the body, bio-optimisation and functional enhancement, examining the interconnected systems that influence how we age, perform and experience life.

The summit’s philosophy was reflected in its Five Bodies Framework: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Flow, offering a more holistic, systems-based lens on longevity. Rather than viewing health through isolated biomarkers or individual interventions, the framework examined how multiple physiological and psychological systems interact to influence resilience, vitality, and long-term healthspan.

The conversation around longevity also extended into how people live and age, with senior living emerging as an important part of the wider ecosystem. The summit saw the launch of Shremoha, a premium senior independent living platform formed in July 2026 through a strategic partnership between Shrem Group and Emoha, part of Age Care Labs. Unveiled through the thought leadership panel “The New Luxury of Longevity: How Senior Living is Becoming the World’s Most Powerful Platform for Healthy Ageing,” Shremoha brings together geriatric-grade personalised care, preventive health, wellness, and hospitality-led living to support greater independence, purpose and dignity among India’s seniors.

Nitan Chhatwal, MD, Shrem Group and Co-founder of Shremoha, said,

“Senior living is no longer the destination after ageing; it is a platform for longevity. With Shremoha, we are bringing hospitality, wellness and geriatric care together to create communities built around independence, purpose and possibility.”

Saumyajit Roy, Co-founder & CEO, Emoha Elder Care and Co-founder of Shremoha, said,

“The future of senior living is not about care alone, but about creating places where people can live with purpose, independence and meaningful connections. Shremoha brings our experience in elder care together with hospitality and community design to build exactly that.”

The idea of longevity extending beyond healthcare into the environments in which people live, recover and experience wellbeing was also central to Fairmont Mumbai’s role in the summit. By bringing health, hospitality, food, recovery, and experiential wellness together under one roof, the property became part of a larger conversation around how wellness-led hospitality is evolving.

Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Mumbai, said,

“What made the summit meaningful was bringing science, healthcare, wellness and hospitality together in one space. Guests could experience these ideas first-hand, making the conversation around longevity tangible.”

For Le Florence India, the summit represented an opportunity to bring India’s longstanding relationship with wellbeing into dialogue with the rapidly evolving global fields of longevity science, bio-optimisation, and preventive health.

Vikramjeet Sharma, Managing Director, Le Florence India, said,

“India has always had a deep relationship with wellbeing, and longevity is giving us a new language to understand it through science and technology. We wanted to create a platform where India could engage with and contribute to this global conversation.”

Across the two days, the programme explored regenerative medicine, stem cells, peptides, microbiome health, biological age, sleep, and heart health, consciousness, and other vital markers of human performance. Emerging frontiers including flow states, cardiac coherence, and the intersection of AI, physics, and medicine further expanded the conversation around the future of vitality science.

The summit also marked an important step in connecting India to the global longevity ecosystem, with 40+ global speakers, clinicians and wellness experts, including Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Mike Chan, Siim Land, Dr. Chris Kacher and Dr. Gino Yu, creating an exchange between international expertise and India’s emerging community of healthcare, wellness, technology and conscious-living leaders.

One of the summit’s most intriguing highlights was its water-based longevity experiences, including Guided Underwater Meditation with Dr. Arpit Bansal, an early-morning experience at Fairmont Mumbai’s swimming pool where participants used weights and oxygen masks to enter a deeply immersive state beneath the water. Watsu with Svitlana Vishenska brought therapeutic bodywork into the experience, while Blue Mind practices, breathwork, and ice baths further explored the relationship between water, recovery, nervous-system regulation, and mental wellbeing.

Dr. Arpit Bansal, Scientific Chair, Longevity Summit India 2026, said,

“Longevity cannot be reduced to one number, test or intervention. It is about understanding how our physical health, brain, gut, emotions and sense of purpose work together to shape wellbeing.”

Bringing this philosophy beyond the stage, the summit gave delegates the opportunity to experience longevity through emerging technologies, therapies and practices, with 10+ experience zones exploring areas such as Gut Health, Genomic Health, AI-Powered Health, Peptides and Longevity, Frequency Technologies and Biohack Gadgets, alongside advanced recovery and wellness interventions. Curated experiences by players like Meotech allowed delegates to engage directly with these innovations, while BluXone, Fairmont Spa and Longevity showcased Hyperbaric Oxygen, Molecular Hydrogen, Intermittent Hypoxic Training, and Intermittent Vacuum Therapy, bringing personalised recovery protocols into the hospitality environment. Carna AI’s AI Body Scan offered a technology-led approach to health assessment, translating complex body data into a more accessible and personalised view of individual health.

The experience zones also explored emerging frontiers of longevity. The Wellness Co. showcased Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Normatec Compression Therapy, and Body Composition Analysis, while H2 House of Health’s Hydrogen Therapy introduced hydrogen-based wellness into the conversation. HPO Tech showcased a range of technology-led therapies, further reflecting the growing intersection of health, technology and personalised wellbeing.

For C. Sivasankaran, Founder, AIWO, the emergence of this ecosystem represents an important moment for India as consumers become increasingly interested in understanding and actively managing their health.

C. Sivasankaran, Founder, AIWO, said,

“India is at an important point in its relationship with longevity, with a growing appetite for better health and an opportunity to build an ecosystem around it. Bringing the right people, ideas and technologies together is where that ecosystem begins.”

With AIWO as Title Sponsor, the summit underscored the growing role of technology in the evolution of preventive healthcare, personalised health assessment, and human performance. The convergence of diagnostics, data, AI, and emerging wellness technologies is opening new possibilities around how individuals understand their bodies, identify risks earlier and make more informed decisions around long-term health.

Yet, alongside technology and science, the summit consistently returned to a simpler question: what does it actually mean to live well?

That question was reflected in the summit’s culinary programming. Food was positioned not simply as an indulgence or a nutritional input, but as one of the most accessible forms of everyday health intervention. At Fairmont Mumbai, the Yellow, Green and White food zones translated the science of nutrition into an accessible experience, with each zone focused on different functions of the body, from digestion and metabolic health to cardiovascular wellbeing.

Chef Ranveer Brar, Culinary Ambassador for Longevity, said,

“Longevity isn’t simply about adding years to life; it’s about staying capable, curious and connected through those years. Food is one of the most powerful choices we make every day, and India’s traditional food wisdom has much to contribute to this conversation.”

Ultimately, Longevity Summit India 2026 marked a defining step in bringing geroscience, preventive healthcare, bio-optimisation, and human performance into India’s evolving longevity landscape. By connecting global scientific advances with India’s deep-rooted understanding of wellbeing, the summit placed human vitality and biological resilience at the centre of the conversation around the future of health.

The summit was supported by a network of partners that reflected the breadth of the longevity ecosystem, including AIWO as Title Sponsor; DecodeAge, The Wellness Co. and BrainTap as Wellness Sponsors; Global Spa as Lifestyle Partner; and Evavo as Knowledge Partner.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Unveils ‘Indochina and After’ Art Exhibition

Special showcase forms part of the hotel’s ‘125 Years of a Legend’ celebrations

HANOI, Vietnam (Aug. , 2026) – As part of its 125th anniversary celebrations, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, in collaboration with The Muse Artspace, presents “Indochina and After,” an exhibition exploring the continuing evolution of Vietnamese art from the Indochina era to contemporary practice.

For 125 years, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has stood as a living legend in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, welcoming business leaders, celebrated personalities and heads of state, while serving as a meeting place for history, culture and art. The exhibition continues this spirit, opening a dialogue between heritage and contemporary creativity within the hotel’s timelessly elegant setting, while adding a cultural highlight to the hotel’s anniversary programme throughout 2026.

Inspired by the question of what followed the legacy of Indochina-era art, the exhibition does not regard Indochina as an endpoint in history. Instead, it turns to later generations of artists who draw on Vietnamese cultural roots to develop their own visual languages and express these values through a contemporary lens.

On view from Aug. 17 to Oct. 8 in the hotel’s Opera Wing lobby, the exhibition brings together three distinguished Vietnamese artists: Phan Cam Thuong, Ly Truc Son and Do Thi Kim Doan, each presenting a distinctive perspective and artistic practice.

The exhibition’s curator, Van Vi, said: “The three artists meet at one shared point: their ability to transform Vietnamese cultural values into a visual language for the present.”

Artist and cultural scholar Phan Cam Thuong presents a series of lacquer paintings inspired by Vietnam’s ancient cultural heritage. In these works, memory and traditional symbols are distilled through imagery, materiality and visual rhythm.

Ly Truc Son, who spent many years working in France and Germany, developed his painterly language through engagement with the aesthetic spirit of Indochina. His paintings move beyond local boundaries, connecting Vietnamese art with broader currents of modern painting.

Do Thi Kim Doan presents her “Garden Corner” series, capturing the quiet beauty of everyday Vietnamese family life in lacquer works rich in emotion and depth.

George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: “Art and culture have always been integral to the identity of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we are proud to present ‘Indochina and After’ as an expression of our longstanding commitment to preserving heritage while creating a space where contemporary creativity can continue to flourish and inspire.”

Presented as one of the highlights of the hotel’s “125 Years of a Legend” programme, the exhibition honours the enduring artistic legacy of the Indochina period through a contemporary perspective. It brings the richness of Vietnamese art and culture to both local audiences and international visitors.

Haldiram’s finds the words siblings often leave unsaid in its Raksha Bandhan film, “Keh Do Dil Ki Baat, Haldiram’s Ke Saath”

The campaign celebrates the unique language of sibling love - where teasing, arguments and everyday gestures often say more than words ever could

Delhi, August 2026: Siblings have a language of their own constant teasing, pointless arguments, pulling each other’s leg, stealing food and, often, pretending not to care. But when it comes to saying something heartfelt, that can suddenly feel like the hardest thing to do. This familiar truth sits at the heart of Haldiram’s Raksha Bandhan campaign, built around the thought “Keh Do Dil Ki Baat, Haldiram’s Ke Saath.”

Instead of portraying sibling love through grand gestures, the campaign captures the little things that make the relationship real—the jokes, fights, irritation, checking in and, most importantly, the feelings that often remain unsaid.

The Raksha Bandhan film explores this emotional shorthand between siblings, where affection can hide behind a sarcastic comment, an apology that never gets spoken or a compliment that feels too embarrassing to say. It celebrates a relationship where saying “I love you” may feel unnatural, but showing up for each other comes instinctively. With a more contemporary and relatable lens on Raksha Bandhan, Haldiram’s celebrates not just the ritual of tying a rakhi, but the bond built over years of growing up together—and the unique language only siblings understand.

Food naturally becomes part of this conversation. Rooted in Indian celebrations and togetherness, Haldiram’s uses mithai and snacks as the backdrop to these everyday moments, creating a natural space for conversations that might otherwise remain unsaid.

For Haldiram’s, “Keh Do Dil Ki Baat, Haldiram’s Ke Saath” extends its association with food and togetherness into a more emotional and conversational space, recognising that siblings don’t always express love with words—they simply have their own way of showing it.

As Divya Batra, VP – Marketing, Haldiram’s says,  “Sibling relationships have a very unique way of expressing love. You may not always say the nice things out loud, but they show up in the little things—through arguments, checking in on each other, sharing food, or simply being there when it matters. With ‘Keh Do Dil Ki Baat, Haldiram’s Ke Saath’, we wanted to capture that truth in a way that feels familiar and real. Raksha Bandhan gives us a beautiful opportunity to say some of the things we usually leave unsaid, and we felt Haldiram’s could play a small role in helping start that conversation.”

Taking the campaign beyond the film, Haldiram’s has also created a virtual Mithai Shop on Zepto. Consumers receive an interactive leaflet with their Zepto order, which they can scan to access Haldiram’s virtual Mithai Shop and order mithai for their loved ones in minutes. And perhaps that is the most relatable part of the idea: sometimes, the people closest to us are exactly the ones we find hardest to say things to.

This Raksha Bandhan, Haldiram’s is simply asking siblings to say it anyway.