Prime Minister to unveil 216-ft Statue of Equality in Hyderabad

Prime Minister to unveil 216-ft Statue of Equality in Hyderabad

President Ramnath Kovind will unveil the inner chamber 120 kg golden Ramanuja on 13th February, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the Statue of Equality on 5th February, 2022. It is a 216-feet tall statue of Sri Ramanujacharya, an 11th century Bhakti saint, and a revolutionary social reformer. The 45-acre complex housing Statue of Equality is centered in Shamshabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. President Ramnath Kovind will unveil the inner chamber 120 kg golden Ramanuja on February 13, 2022. 

These events along with a 1035 yaaga fire oblation and spiritual activities such as mass manthra chanting are to be conducted as part of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi ‘Samaroham’.  It is to celebrate the 1000th birth anniversary of the saint.  Events will kick off from February 2, 2022. Telangana Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao will be co-hosting the event with HH Chinna Jeeyar Swami. Several other chief ministers, politicians, celebrities, and actors will also grace the function. 

This 1000-crore INR project was funded entirely by donations from devotees globally. The inner sanctorum deity of Sri Ramanujacharya is made of 120 kilos of gold to commemorate the 120 years the saint walked this earth. The outdoor 216-ft Statue of Equality will be the world’s second tallest statue featuring a sitting posture. It is composed of ‘panchaloha’, a combination of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass, and zync. The complex has identical recreations of 108 Divya Desams, the 108 ornately carved Vishnu temples mentioned in the works of the Alvars, mystic Tamil saints. 

Born in 1017 in Sri Perumbudur, Tamil Nadu, Sri Ramanujacharya liberated millions from social, cultural, gender, educational and economic discrimination with the foundational conviction that every human is equal regardless of nationality, gender, race, caste, or creed. He opened the doors of temples to all people, including those subjected to extreme discrimination. He remains a timeless icon of equality for social reformists around the world.

In his comments, Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, said, “We heartily welcome everyone including chief guests, dignitaries, devotees, and people from all walks of life for the grand opening of Statue of Equality.  Bhagavad Ramanujacharya has remained a true icon of equality for 1000 years and this project will ensure his teachings are practiced for at least another 1000 years. Our mission is to make Statue of Equality a culturally paramount destination for people across the globe and inspire everyone to make the world a more equal place to live. Today, as the world is fraught with divisiveness and populism, the need of the hour is Sri Ramanujacharya’s ideology.  A torch bearer of Vaishnavism, Bhagavad Ramanuja distilled the essence of Vedas and ancient wisdom to promote the timeless message of equality.  Inherently, non-discrimination and equality are the cornerstones of life.” 

The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2014. The 54-ft high base building, named ‘Bhadra Vedi’, has dedicated floors for a Vedic digital library and research center, ancient Indian texts, a theatre, an educational gallery and a robust multi-language audio tour detailing many woks of Sri Ramanuja Acharya.

Appointment | Devika James joins The Westin Goa as director of sales and marketing

A seasoned and accomplished professional, Devika James joins The Westin Goa with 15 years of adept experience in the hospitality industry. Known to be a person who is constantly striving towards delivering excellent quality and enriching customer service, James in her new role will focus on developing and implementing sales and marketing strategies for the hotel.

She joins the hotel from Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa and has a proven track record in planning and implementing effective business development strategies, forming revenue enhancement tactics along with managing staff and developing skills. In addition to enforcing these responsibilities, James will continue delivering profits to the stakeholders.

Known to be a charismatic team leader ensuring clarity in communication to her team, she showcases proficient expertise and immense knowledge in sales and marketing, hotel operations, customer service and business development. She started her journey as an events coordinator, at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Centre, Mumbai, after which she joined JW Marriott Hotel, Pune as assistant sales manager and grew to become director of catering sales at the same property.

Appointment | DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore Appoints Mallikarjun Reddy as New Executive Housekeeper

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore Appoints Mallikarjun Reddy as New Executive Housekeeper 

Mallikarjun Reddy brings more than 16 years of industry experience to the position 

Bengaluru, Karnataka – January, 2022 – Mallikarjun Reddy has been named as the new  Executive Housekeeper at the 172-room DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore, which has  been open since January, 2014. Reddy will lead all housekeeping endeavors while supporting  the hotel’s mission to provide outstanding service to guests. Located at Iblur Gate, Marathahalli Bellandur-Sarjapur Outer Ring Road, Sarjapur Main Road Bengaluru. 

Mallikarjun’s passion for the DoubleTree by Hilton brand and extensive housekeeping  operations knowledge make him the perfect fit to lead Housekeeping Department at DoubleTree  Suites by Hilton Bangalore in achieving its business goals and providing outstanding service to  guests," said Subhabrata Roy, general manager. 

“I am honored to join the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore team,” said Reddy. “My  position here in Bengaluru allows me to ensure our hotel is the top choice for guests traveling to the area, for business and leisure alike.” 

Prior to joining DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore, Reddy was Director of Housekeeping of  Radisson Blu in Bangalore. He started his journey with The Oberoi Amar Vilas, Agra as a  Housekeeping Assistant and has worked previously with reputed brands such as Novotel  Hyderabad Airport, Radisson Blu, Greater Noida, Park Hyatt, Hyderabad and Le Meridien,  Chennai.  

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest  loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly  through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment  slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a  stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi.  Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading  Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and  access their room using Digital Key. 

For more information or to make reservations, please visit DoubleTree Suites by Hilton  Bangalore or call +91 80 67656565 or email BLROR_MKT@hilton.com.  

Appointment | Anwer Abbas Appointed as Food & Beverage Manager At Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Marriott Al Jaddaf has brought in a top F&B manager who has already made his mark in the group. Anwer Abbas has climbed the ladder in Marriott for years, now helping lead food and beverage at Marriott Al Jaddaf.

Abbas has over 12 years of experience in the industry and started his career in the UK as a shift leader at Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club. He then headed to the UAE to join JW Marriott Dubai way back in 2014 as restaurant supervisor/acting manager.

Within a short period of time, Abbas moved to the next level of his career when he moved to Courtyard by Marriott WTC Abu Dhabi as F&B assistant manager. In January 2017, he challenged himself to develop and took bigger responsibilities in a bigger property, the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi, a sports resort hotel. Initially hired as assistant manager (pre-opening team) and just after over a year got promoted to multi-outlet manager and handled seven outlets including banquet facilities. He played a huge part in the numerous achievements obtained by the hotel in terms of F&B service both operational and financial.

Before coming back to Dubai, Abbas was the F&B service manager at Kigali Marriott, in Kigali Rwanda. He managed five restaurants including bars, lounges and conference and meeting spaces.

New Opening | Royal Orchid Hotels opens a wilderness resort in Kabini

With the number of owned and managed hotels crossing 70, Chander Baljee, CMD, ROHL says the target is to build a portfolio of 100 hotels and minimum 6,500 rooms by the end of FY 2022-23.

ROHL has added one more boutique resort property to their portfolio recently with the opening of Re;Gen:Ta Kabini Springs Resort on the Kerala-Karnataka border at HD Kote. The 20-room wilderness resort was an operational independent hotel which joined the ROHL portfolio after comprehensive renovation.

“The uniqueness about the Kabini property is that it is the only resort inside the wildlife park. All other hotels and resorts are outside the park,” said Chander Baljee, CMD, ROHL, while sharing the significance of the new property. “Everything is brand new apart from the old structure,” he said, explaining the kind of renovation that the property has undergone since the owner decided to join the ROHL portfolio.

Spread over 10 acre of land, the resort offers a lot of free space for the guests as rooms are built in five blocks with four rooms each. “It has a very peaceful location abutting a river,” Baljee said. Because of the small inventory, the resort offers a lot of personalised care and service to the guests coming to the property, he said.

As part of the renovation, the property has added a nice pool to the facility. “Because of the property’s proximity to Kerala, we expect a lot of week-end traffic from the Kerala side into the resort,” Baljee informs.

With the new addition, ROHL has crossed the 70 mark in terms of number of hotels under operations. ROHL already have a significant footprint in the wilderness destinations. The company has resorts in Ranthambore and Pench; and in important bird sanctuaries like Bharatpur and Mysore.

Baljee said that ROHL has added 15 new hotels in the last two years, especially during the Covid19 pandemic, and is poised to add another 15 soon. “Our target is to reach 100 hotels by the end of the next financial year 2022-23,” he said. With this growth, he said that the hotel group will be able to add another 2000 rooms to its existing inventory of 4,500 rooms.

He said that the trend of independent hotels joining the bandwagon of ROHL will continue as they will be able to leverage the benefits of well-defined and proven SOPs, sales and marketing support; and advanced technology platforms.

Enjoy a Liberating Staycation at Novotel Hyderabad Airport this republic Day

Enjoy a Liberating Staycation at Novotel Hyderabad Airport this republic Day

Those looking for a quick and hassle-free break must pack their bags and head to Novotel Hyderabad Airport for a liberating and safe staycation. It’s a perfect time to enjoy a mini getaway at Novotel Hyderabad Airport while capturing great moments and witnessing spectacular attractions.

Come and discover Novotel Hyderabad Airport between 24th till 28th January 2022 with an exclusive 25% discount and enjoy an array of activities ranging from peaceful poolside relaxation to full-on action adventure at the sports arena. Novotel Hyderabad Aiport promises a fun-filled weekend with a host of activities packed with immunity-boosting meals (inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner). With our All Safe program, we promise to make your mini-vacation a truly memorable experience.

That’s not all on the occasion of Republic Day; Novotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA) gives you a reason to celebrate the day with your family and loved ones alike with a host of unlimited indulgences filled with patriotic fervour. The special buffet will serve a choice of the finest Indian cuisines to satiate your taste buds. In the truest Nationalist spirit, NHA is set for Republic Day festivities with a beautifully themed spread depicting the diversity of our Nation.

So what are you waiting? Go ahead and make your reservations now.

Venue: Novotel Hyderabad Airport
Date: 24th January to 28th January
For reservations, please call: +91 7660010554

Budget Expectations 2022 - TAAI

Budget Expectations 2022 - TAAI

As President of TAAI, I very strongly believe there are several aspects which can be expected in the upcoming budget session to support the entire sector holistically ‘Travel Tourism & Hospitality’ which will help in making this sector survive, revive & economically support India to become the largest hub for the world. For this, it is extremely important for both the central and state governments to work in tandem to facilitate this sector & support it to be included in the concurrent list to get Industry Status to make it more structured.

The government should strive to increase the disposable income of the middle classes so that discretionary spending will rise. Concrete steps should be taken to improve the cash flows and reduce the working capital burden on start-ups, existing MSMEs & SMEs. Access to easy credit, reducing income tax rate & GST tax rate, abolishment of TCS & wage support with ease of business. Strengthening MSMEs, creating a fund of funds scheme for technology adoption for use in industry 4.0, reviving the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) for technology up-gradation.

To revive this struggling sector, we need ‘One India One Tourism’ approach inclusive of ‘One Tax Structure.’ Important points to be considered are E visa fees waiver for all tourist visas for 2022-2023, to support inbound revival Export status for tourism export earnings to support the inbound revival. Doubled, expenditure allocation for tourism ministry to enable intensive global reach out to support the inbound revival. Domestic income tax travel credit for Indian citizens and Indian companies to support domestic retail and domestic mice pickup. Global bidding fund to enable bidding support to Indian mice companies to bring global mice events to India. Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) extension for tourism and hospitality. ATF ought to be brought under the GST to make air travel more viable for the entire aviation stakeholders.

Lastly & most vital is a structured mechanism to future secure travel agents’ payments to ensure that we create security for our travel agents & operators’ survival. Travel agents’ payments to principals are unsecured credit and we need to ensure that some form of mechanisms whether escrow or guarantee or underwriting-based mechanisms are in place to ensure that travel agents’ money stays secure.

Ingredient Ideology | Gratitude To Grape : Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

GRATITUDE TO GRAPES

A grape is a fruit, botanically a berry, of the deciduous woody vines of the flowering plant genus Vitis. Grapes can be eaten fresh as table grapes, used for making wine, jam, grape juice, jelly, grape seed extract, vinegar, and grape seed oil, or dried as raisins, currants and sultanas. They have said to be introduced by The Phoenicians carried the grape into France about 600 BC. The Romans planted grapes in the Rhine valley not later than the 2nd century. The nutrients in grapes may help protect against cancer, eye problems, cardiovascular disease, and other health conditions. Resveratrol is a key nutrient in grapes that may offer health benefits. Grapes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and a range of vitamins and other minerals.

It is said that grapes have been around for almost 66 million years Amazingly, the oldest-known grapes grew in central India long before humans existed. Scientists discovered fossilised grapes, which were dug from sediment, that have since suggested an age of around 66 million years plus now. While some still try and look out for the reason why it is addressed as a grape? the simple reason being A grape is a small, sweet fruit that grows in clusters on a vine. Dried grapes are known as raisins, and this versatile berry is used to make many other products, including jelly, juice, and wine. Experts believe the word grape comes from an Old French verb, graper, "catch with a hook" or "pick grapes off the vine."

Grapes come in many colors, including green, red, black, yellow, pink, and purple. "White" grapes are actually green. "White" grapes are actually green in color, and are evolutionarily derived from the purple grape. Mutations in two regulatory genes of white grapes turn off production of anthocyanin’s, which are responsible for the color of purple grapes. While it is also believed that Grapes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps balance fluids in your body. Potassium can help bring down high blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Most people don't get enough of this nutrient, so eating grapes can help fill the gap.

Talking of how many varieties of grapes are known to us? Humans have been cultivating grape vines (Vitis vinifera, a different species than the table or concord grape) for wine since the Neolithic era. There are now more than 10,000 wine grape varieties in the world, but only a few varieties have achieved widespread popularity and acclaim. Another term associated with grapes is bloom, known as the "bloom," the waxy, silvery-white substance on the surface of grapes, blueberries, and certain plums acts as a barrier against insects and bacteria and helps to seal in the fruit's moisture. The bloom is also a sign of freshness, since it fades with time and handling.

Grape is a versatile crop that can adjust to any type of climate. The ideal climate is in the Mediterranean region. In Europe, America, Australia and Russia, it is grown under temperate conditions, while in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, China, Pakistan, Israel and North India it is grown under sub-tropical conditions. Are grapes good for skin? Yet another query which pops up from most foodies and connoisseurs, and the reply being filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants, grapes can help to revitalize your skin. In fact, they can even protect your skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation and free radicals that can, on a lesser scale, cause wrinkles and dark spots, grapes are truly good for the skin. While they are great for overall health, grapes are loaded with sugar and fats, which makes them the wrong fruit to eat while on a strict weight loss diet. 100 grams of grapes may contain 67 calories, and 16 grams of sugar, which means regular intake of these tiny delights could cause weight gain. Can grapes make you drunk? Well, grapes contain no alcohol (or very little, if they have begun to “rot” (ferment) they may have trace amounts of alcohol, but your stomach would fill up before you could eat enough to get even the little bit drunk). So the answer is, you can't get drunk from eating fresh grapes.

Here are a few Health Benefits of GRAPES:

1. Grapes are a great immunity boosting fruit and useful ingredient in a number of ways.

2. Grapes also aid in weight loss in some cases, if used and consumed wisely and in moderation with a balanced angle.

3. Grapes help in our digestion as well, need to have them once in a while to benefit from its qualities and plus points.

4. Grapes helps to lower cholesterol and regulates the blood pressure in the body as well.

5. Grapes help strengthen our bones and also are also considered good for hydration.

6. Grapes are rich in health and also protecting anti- oxidants. 

7. Grapes increase good cholesterol levels in our body. 

8. Grapes support muscle repair in our body and wear and tear is taken care of.

9. Grapes are also considered to be good for the skin and anti- aging as well.

10. Grapes improve the functioning of the human brain and overall supports the well-being being good for the eyes as well.

Here are a few Easy to Prepare – Yummy Recipes using Grapes:

Recipe-1] CITRIC GRAPE COOLER

Ingredients:

Green grapes- 200 gms, cleaned and washed

Amla/indian gooseberry- 1-2 pieces, boiled, mashed

Lemon juice-2 tsp

Sugar syrup-2-3 tsp

Mint leaves- 10-12 no

Fresh basil leaves- 4-5 no

Ginger juice- 1 tsp

Crushed ice- 1-2 cups

Aerated drink- as desired, suggested to use sprite/ 7 up

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the citrus cooler drink recipe.

2. In a blender combine together the green grapes, the Amla pulp, few mint leaves and basil leaves and adding a little crushed ice and few drops of water, blend it into a nice mash.

3. Add a little roasted crushed cumin powder/ black salt as well into the prepared pulp or rub it on the rim of the glass being served.

4. Place some crushed ice at the base of the glass, add in the prepared grape mash, add some basil leaves, sugar syrup to balance the taste, top it up with the chilled aerated beverage, lightly stir and enjoy the cooler.

Recipe-2] GRAPE AND SPICY CAULI ROAST

Ingredients:

Cauliflower- 400gms, cleaned, florets

Red grapes/California grapes- 250 gms

For the marination:

Olive oil/ oil-2 tbsp.

Mustard paste- 1 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Roasted crushed cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Roasted crushed fennel seeds-1 tsp

Brown sugar-2 tsp

White vinegar-2 tsp

Parlsey-2-3 tbsp. chopped

To serve with:

Yogurt- mint- garlic dip/sauce

Garlic mayonnaise

Minted yogurt sauce

Garlic tahini dip

Schezuan mayonnaise dip

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 170 degrees celsius and assemble all the ingredients for the recipe.

2. Prepare the cauliflower florets, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 mins, remove and cool.

3. Grease a roasting tray with a little oil/butter and prepare the marination on the tray add in the cauliflower and grapes and rub them with the marination.

4. Place the tray in the oven for roasting and cooking the cauliflower and grapes for around 20-25 mins, turn it occasionally inside to ensure even cooking.

5. Remove once done, serve it warm on a platter/bowl and place assorted dips and sauces alongside to enjoy the Cauli and grape recipe.

Recipe-3] HEALTHY GRAPE SALAD

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Iceberg lettuce leaves/ Lollorosso lettuce- 1 cup mix

For the body of the salad:

Green grapes/ red grapes- 1 cup assorted

Green apple- 1 no, cut into slices

Pear- 1 small, sliced

Cherry tomatoes- 3-4 cut 1 x 2

Walnuts- 5-6 no

Black currants/ raisins- 2-3 tsp

For the dressing of the salad:

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Mustard paste-1 tsp

Brown sugar- 1-2 tsp

Lime juice- 2-3- tsp

Ginger juliennes- 2 tsp

Honey- 2-3 tsp

Crushed black pepper- 1 tsp

Salt to taste

White vinegar-1 -2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Fresh herbs/ parsley/mint/ basil leaves- as desired

Assorted seeds- pumpkin/ chia/ sunflower seeds-1-2 tsp

Method:

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the salad recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl /jar combine together the ingredients for the dressing and give them all a nice shake/stir and keep aside.

3. Assemble the salad leaves for the base on a serving plate/bowl.

4. In a mixing bowl, place all the ingredients for the body of the salad and drizzle in the dressing just before serving, give the salad a nice toss and place it on the base of lettuce leaves.

5. Garnish the salad appropriately and serve it immediately.

Recipe-4] NUTTY CHEESE WRAPPED GRAPES

Ingredients:

Green grapes/ red grapes- 150 gms, cleaned and washed

For the marination on the grapes:

Olive oil- 2-3 tsp

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Chopped coriander-2- 3 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Honey-2 tsp

For the coating on the grapes:

Cream cheese- 1 cup

Chopped green chilies-1 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

Parsley- 1 tbsp. chopped

For the final coating:

Assorted nuts to be chopped

Pista-2-3 tsp

Almonds- 2-3 tsp

Cashews-2-3 tsp

Wanuts-2-3 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the elements of the recipe and keep it ready, choose slightly bigger sized grapes for this recipe and not the very small ones.

2. In a mixing bowl, prepare the marination for the grapes, apply it well and keep aside for 10 mins.

3. We can now prepare the cream cheese coating mixture and coat every grape using a tong into the cream cheese and immediately roll it up into the assorted dry fruit mixture to give it a nice crusty texture and look. Place the grapes on a butter paper and refrigerate for 20-25 mins.

4. Now arrange the set chilled grapes on a serving platter and using toothpicks offer these delicacies to the guests with a glass of wine to enjoy and relish a tempting mouth burst of flavors.

Recipe-5] GRAPE ON A SWEET NOTE

Ingredients:

Green grapes/ red grapes/ California grapes- 200 gms.

For the creamy mixture:

Hung curd-1 cup, beaten up

Fresh cream- 2-3 tbsp. sweetened, whipped

Honey-2-3 tsp

For the layers in the dessert:

Crushed digestive biscuits- 1 cup or cake crumbs/brownie crumbs can also be used.

Sliced kiwi fruit- ½ cup

Sliced strawberries- ½ cup

Mixed fruit jam-2-3 tbsp. or marmalade/ jelly etc can be used.

Chocolate chips- 2-3 tbsp.

Rabdi/custard/phirni/Aamras etc can also be added.

For the nutty flavor and crunch:

Coconut/ peanut/ mix fruit / cashew chikki- 2-3 tbsp. crushed.

Mint/ cherries/ assorted nuts/ seeds for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the elements of the recipe and keep them ready.

2. Decide the layers of the dessert and pre-prep all the contents.

3. Using chilled glasses start with the curd mixture/ any choice as listed above can be layered.

3. Place the crushed digestive biscuits/cookies in between add fresh fruits, sliced grapes in the layers along with others, add chocolate chips etc and repeat the layers.

4. Chill the glasses for around 1-2 hours in the fridge and then serve it garnish with assorted nuts/ chikki/ mint/ seeds etc and enjoy the dessert.

Recipe-6] GRAPE AND BERRY SMOOTHIE COMFORT

Ingredients:

California grapes/ red /black grapes- 150 gms

Dates- 4-5 no chopped

Soy milk/ milk- 2-3 cups

Honey- 2-3 tbsp.

Chia seeds- 1-2 tsp soaked for 20 mins

Raisins- 2-3 tsp

Walnuts- 2-3 tsp

Cranberries- 2-3 tbsp.

Yogurt-2-3 tsp

Banana-1 ripe, peeled and chopped

Flax seeds- 1-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the healthy grape smoothie recipe.

2. In a blender jar, combine together the ingredients with the grapes, fruit, nuts, banana and adding little milk blend it all together.

3. Adjust the texture using curd, milk, honey and dates to get a nice contrast in the taste and flavor.

4. Allow the smoothie to chill for around 10-12 mins before being poured out and served. Pour the healthy shake into tall glasses, add chia seeds, assorted nuts and seeds, herbs as desired and serve it.

Hilton is trying to tap into the $639 billion wellness tourism market with a fitness-focused hotel room.

Hilton has an answer for fitness fanatics who can't take a rest day, even on vacation.

For the last five years, some Hilton locations have included Five Feet to Fitness, an "in-room wellness concept" that offers 11 different fitness machines and exercise tools steps from a guest's bed.

The rooms, which are available in Hilton locations in Atlanta, San Francisco, Shanghai, and more, are equipped with an exercise bike, medicine balls, light-weight dumbbells, bands, TRX ropes, yoga blocks, and other supplies. 

The setup includes a giant TV filled with tutorials on how to use all the equipment, and guided workouts for yoga, high-intensity interval training, cycling, boxing, and meditation. 

It's Hilton's answer to the travel industry introducing new features to cash in on the $639 billion "wellness tourism" trend, or wealthy travelers' interest in retreats focused on self-care, health, and spirituality. 

In 2019, the Four Seasons launched Sensei Lanai, a relaxation resort offering wellness consultations and sensory walking meditation. Marriott will offer wellness-focused suites, complete with deep soaking tubs, bath salts, and wood decor, in its renovated Newport Beach location 

I stayed at Hilton's Five Feet to the Fitness room in the DoubleTree at Newark, New Jersey to see how "well" they made me feel. Here's what it was like.

Constant motivation to move

Upon walking in, I was immediately impressed by the selection of different tools. The hotel gyms I've stayed at typically don't have TRX bands and guided training like Five Feet to Fitness rooms do. 

With weights that ranged between 5 and 18 pounds, the setup felt geared more toward light strength training and might not appeal to guests who are used to heavier weights and more intense reps.

Though the setup could be stressful for people who don't want to workout on vacation, I view physical exercise as a mental health treatment. After struggling with depression and anxiety for years, consistently working out has brought me relief that I struggle to break from during long trips. 

Business travelers could further benefit from having exercise equipment so close to them. Frequent business travelers were more likely to report poor self-rated health, no physical activity, and trouble sleeping, according to Harvard Business Review. Five Feet to Fitness rooms can provide a place to workout late at night, when hotel gyms might close. 

Hilton said the Five Feet to Fitness rooms are ideal for "road warriors, exercise enthusiasts and wellness aspirants who want to maintain their fitness regime, even while on the road."

5 Capsule Hotels In India Perfect For Short, Budget-Friendly Stays

If you’re on the lookout for affordable in-transit stays, check out these five capsule hotels that won’t burn a hole in your pockets. By Naina Atri

Convenient and fuss-free, capsule hotels, which are Japanese in origin, are finding a market in countries across the world. In India, though there aren’t a plethora of options to choose from, the potential for them is certainly recognizable. Tailored to suit the basic requirements for usually overnight stays, each guest is provided with a ‘capsule’ of their own which is essentially a bed-sized pod. Subject to variation, additional amenities include a television, Wi-Fi, plug points and small storage spaces. Outside of Japan, the rooms may be slightly bigger, but the basic premise of just a bed-sized room remains the same. Such hotels are best-suited to traveling businessmen (who were the original ‘target audience’), backpackers and travelers faced with unexpected delays.

UrbanPod, Mumbai

Located at the Mumbai Central Railway Station, UrbanPod positions itself as the place to stay for the ‘new-age’ traveler. Minimalistic yet assuredly comfortable, UrbanPod, with the basic capsule room, offers variations to suit different needs. Beyond the classic pod, one can choose the private pod, the women’s only pods space, and rooms for the differently-abled, which includes a queen-size bed and space for wheelchairs. With the capsule, one also gets free Wi-Fi and free locker space. Modern and affordable, UrbanPod has quickly become reliable.

Qubestay Airport Capsule Hotel, Mumbai

Qubestay functions to support the nomadic traveler. Thus, along with the rooms, the hotel also has a café, an outdoor garden, work station, and a library. Room types, which include bunk beds, vary depending on one’s budget. Its location is another pro – the hotel is three kilometers from the International Airport and five kilometers from the Domestic Airport.

Snooze At My Space, Delhi Airport

Finding stay in between flights can be quite a demanding task and an expensive one. Herein comes Snooze At My Space, which offers a peaceful and comfortable oasis amidst the rush of the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport. With an air-conditioner, mini fridge, an attached toilet, and shower, working table, television, and Wi-Fi, the pod allows one to recuperate and get recharged for the next flight. The pods are available opposite the Arrival Gate No. 1 of Terminal 3 as well as the International Departures Pier in the Security hold area. Pods differ on the basis of single or double occupancy and the duration of the stay, with the minimum at three hours.

Aventura, Ooty

This capsule hotel isn’t a typical pod hotel. Outside the bustling city-life, Aventura is found on the hilltops of Ooty. Their ‘hobbit-holes’ found on Aventura’s campsites are surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous views. The site truly captures simplistic yet modern camping, with the hobbit holes providing a snug rustic experience.

PodStop, New Delhi

With dorms, pods and and larger deluxe rooms, PodStop caters to a variety of guests who have plenty of shared spaces that combats the loneliness of a solo traveller, such as the dining spaces, library and patio. Located in East Of Kailash, Delhi, PodStop is found in one of the liveliest parts of the capital city. With its warm neutral tones, PodStop is a welcoming space suited to ever-wandering travellers.

New Opening | Ginger Signs Its Ninth Hotel In Delhi-NCR

Ginger Signs Its Ninth Hotel In Delhi-NCR

Ginger expands its footprint in the Delhi National Capital Region (Delhi-NCR) with the signing of a new hotel in Greater Noida.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Deepika Rao, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Ginger Hotels, said, “We believe in the business potential of the region, especially with the upcoming Noida International Airport. This hotel, located in the heart of the commercial hub of Greater Noida, is ideally suited for business travellers.”

The 72-key Ginger Greater Noida is strategically located near Pari Chowk with convenient access to the commercial centre and new airport. It will feature Ginger’s signature design rooms, Café Etcetera – the all-day diner and two conference rooms. The currently operating hotel will be relaunched as a Ginger hotel with the brand’s lean luxe design and service philosophy of offering a vibrant, contemporary, and seamless hospitality experience to its guests by early 2022.

Delhi-NCR is a hub for major corporate houses, automobile, and telecom companies. It also houses Buddh International Circuit, the Indian motor racing track.

Appointment | HotelsPeople TIME Hotels expands its senior management team

From Left To Right

Ismail Makda,Toufic Tamim,Ghada Ziadeh,Rita Giendy,Mary Joe Estiphan

UAE-headquartered hospitality company TIME Hotels has announced five new senior appointments to support the company in its expansion plans across MENA region.

Toufic Tamim joins as vice president – commercial. With over three decades of experience in the hospitality sector, Tamim is an industry powerhouse who will be leading TIME Hotels’ sales, marketing, e-commerce and revenue department. Prior to joining the team, he was the corporate commercial director of Dur Hospitality in Saudi Arabia where he handled the overall sales operations, marketing, communication, revenue management, distribution and digital strategy for nine operating hotels in Jeddah, Tabuk and Riyadh. He served 16 years of his career in Movenpick Hotels & Resort and also held senior positions with other renowned hospitality chains, including Rotana Hotels & Resorts and Hilton International.

Ismail Makda was appointed as vice president of finance. He is a dynamic self-starter and brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry to TIME Hotels, with a rich mix of financial management and control, operational insight, business turnarounds, internal/external process re-engineering and systems implementation. Having held unit, regional and corporate finance roles, Ismail has a broad understanding and a strong track record of driving value at all levels in the hospitality industry. A commercially focused seasoned hotelier, he previously worked with hospitality chains including Jumeirah Group (Dubai HQ), Prima Hotels (UK), Shire Hotels (UK), Moat Houses (UK). He has a versatile character and is renowned for being a troubleshooter with a history of recalibrating a facility management operation, delivering a shared service center, leading a corporate pre- and post-opening function, and project managing key priorities in an effective manner.

Mary Joe Estiphan is Time Hotels’ new business development manager. She joins the team from the U.S. and has eight years of professional experience in the hospitality industry. Before relocating to the United States, she was with Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel in Lebanon where she was the sales manager handling the leisure market. She also worked as a sales representative in Four Points by Sheraton – Marriott Lebanon where she handled the leisure and corporate market. With her experience in the different markets, Estiphan has gained knowledge in researching organizations and individuals to find new opportunities and contacting potential owners and owner representatives for future business opportunities.

Ghada Ziadeh is the new loyalty program manager. She has been in the hospitality industry for over 17 years and has previously launched three different loyalty and rewards programs with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. Her areas of expertise are Marketing, loyalty programs, project management, corporate identity, brand management, training and social media. With her vast experience in this field, she will join to reshape TIME Rewards program and integrate a new CRM Platform.

Rita Giendy was appointed as hotel manager at TIME Asma Hotel. Giendy will be leading TIME Asma Hotel, a four-star hotel in the shopping district of Al Barsha. She has been in the hospitality industry for the last 22 years and has gained knowledge in the formulation of internal controls and policies to comply with our established best practices. In her new role, she will oversee the operations of all departments and work to meet the short and long-term hotel requirements to ensure the success of TIME Asma Hotel

Appointment | Gonzalo Rodriguez Fernandez-Diez Appointed General Manager Of Puente Romano Beach Resort & Nobu Hotel Marbella

Gonzalo Rodriguez Fernandez-Diez Appointed General Manager Of Puente Romano Beach Resort & Nobu Hotel Marbella

The five-star Puente Romano Beach Resort and Nobu Hotel Marbella welcome Gonzalo Rodríguez Fernández- Díez as General Manager. With over two decades of industry experience, Gonzalo brings with him an in-depth understanding of the hospitality industry and a proven track record in operations, pre-openings, quality of service and achieving top-line results.

In his new role, Gonzalo will be responsible for leading both Puente Romano and Nobu Hotel Marbella’s strategic development and customer experience while overseeing all aspects of the resort. On being appointed General Manager, Gonzalo said: “As tourism in Spain sets to make a very strong return for 2022, I’m delighted to be joining one of the Mediterranean’s most established and sought-after resorts, and working with the team to drive forward its success.”

Gonzalo joins from his most recent position as the pre-opening General Manager of Six Senses Ibiza – the first Six Senses Resort in Spain and one of the Mediterranean’s most anticipated openings of 2021. Here, Gonzalo envisioned and implemented an out-of-the-ordinary guest journey and spearheaded the resort’s exceptional guest experience.

His vast experience also includes key positions for a number of prestigious hospitality firms including Raffles, IHG and H Hospitality in Dubai, UAE where he was General Manager of The H Hotel Dubai - a multi-unit complex containing a five-star hotel, residences, offices, over 12 restaurants and clubs and a Mandara Spa. With a lively entrepreneurial spirit, a special passion for online reputation management and customer service excellence, Gonzalo’s notable successes include positioning Raffles Dubai as 1 out of 600 Hotels in Dubai and he moved H Dubai from a 150 ranking to Top 10 within a year, based on online guests reviews and opinions

The luxurious Puente Romano Beach Resort is perfectly situated on the beachfront of the Golden Mile between Marbella and Puerto Banús. The 55,000m2 Andalusian village-style resort boasts 180 spacious suites, 15 restaurants including the beachfront Sea Grill and El Chiringuito, a world-class Tennis Club and is home to mainland Spain’s only Six Senses Spa.

Overlooking the resort’s subtropical gardens and the vibrant Plaza is Nobu Hotel Marbella with 80 sleek and stylish rooms and suites. A space to rewind and recharge, guests benefit from exclusive access to the adults-only Nobu pool and priority table access to the  acclaimed Nobu Restaurant and Bar, located front and centre of  Andalucía’s culinary hotspot.

New Opening | Avani family with the opening of Avani Muscat Hotel in the capital of Oman.

we welcome a new addition to the Avani family with the opening of Avani Muscat Hotel in the capital of Oman.

Strategically located in Seeb, a prime residential area at the heart of Muscat's westward growth, the new hotel benefits from the superb airport and city access, making it a convenient base for business travelers, digital nomads, and leisure travelers alike.

Avani Muscat Hotel at a glance:

• The hotel is adjacent to the Al Araimi Boulevard Mall and is just a five-minute drive from the Mall of Muscat, home to a spectacular 8,000 sqm aquarium and countless shopping, dining and entertainment options;

• Blending heritage-inspired touches and sleek contemporary style, accommodation options include 161 guest rooms, 45 studios and one, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments;

• Flavourful dining options include Trisis, with indoor tree features specializing in Omani, Arabic and international cuisines, and Avani's easy gourmet grab-and-go concept Pantry. The alfresco Patio Bar offers refreshments overlooking the pool;

• The hotel introduces the brand's AvaniFit workout space for health and fitness enthusiasts;

• It is well-positioned to become one of the city's leading conference and event venues, featuring a 720 sqm ballroom, meeting rooms and a private majlis;

• Muscat International Airport is only a 15-minute drive.

IHG® Hotels & Resorts Unveils a New Vision for Loyalty with the relaunch of a truly transformed program later this year

January 20, 2022 (India): When the world hit pause on travel, IHG Hotels & Resorts saw an opportunity to reconnect and learn from its guests and owners. The company made big, bold investments, transforming its portfolio with exciting brands and creating richer experiences – all under a fresh IHG Hotels & Resorts masterbrand.  

As guests embark on a new era of travel and the industry continues to recover, the company turns to its pioneering loyalty program and is making one of its most significant investments to date.

Over the last few years, IHG Rewards has continued to evolve to meet the needs of current and future members. World-class partnerships, such as exclusive stays with Mr & Mrs Smith, a growing brand portfolio, and dynamic Reward Night pricing have given guests greater value and flexibility.

Today, IHG Rewards, the industry's first and one of world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, is sharing the first of many changes that will be introduced in the coming months. The new tier and bonus point earning structure – which will go live during March – is designed to help members earn more points faster and have more ways to use them than ever before. These changes, the first in a series of enhancements, include:

• Introducing a new Gold Elite tier starting at 20 nights, with an industry-leading 40% bonus point structure

• Renaming of the ‘Spire Elite’ tier to ‘Diamond Elite’ to simplify member recognition and understanding of our highest tier, which will retain our best-in-class 100% bonus point structure

• Improving bonus point earn levels across all other Elite tiers

Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “If there's anything that has united the world in the last two years, it's the realization that no virtual platform can replicate the value of travel and making memories with those we love. Travel is its own biggest reward, and that’s really at the heart of what we’re doing with our loyalty program. Each time our members choose to stay at our hotels, we are increasing their opportunity to travel more, experience more, and reap benefits they won’t get anywhere else. Our distinct portfolio of brands recognizes no two travelers are the same, helping guests and members make the right decision for all their travel needs.

We’ve made a lot of developments in the loyalty space over the years, but travel and hospitality have evolved considerably, and our guests’ needs are changing. These changes are just the start as we prepare to fully relaunch a truly transformed program later this year. We’ll continue elevating and enhancing our loyalty offerings with iconic brand partnerships and extensions, tailored experiences for our customers, enhanced benefits and so much more.”

IHG Rewards members’ stays beginning January 1, 2022 will count toward the new-and-improved status when the program launches. To learn more, please visit ihg.com/newrewards.

New Opening | Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand has opened on Thailand’s largest island.

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand has opened on Thailand’s largest island.

PHUKET, Thailand (Jan. 18, 2022) – Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, a wellness-inspired resort that fronts Phuket’s longest stretch of sand with a chilled-out beach club and private pool villas has opened on Thailand’s largest island.

The resort is the second five-star property to be launched in Thailand under Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International as part of a brand roll-out in key destinations across the Kingdom.

Situated on secluded Mai Khao beach, commanding eight acres of Phuket’s northwestern coastline on the Andaman Sea, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao opened its doors for business on December 1.

The 30-suite and 70-villa resort, owned by residential real estate developer Phuket Villa Group, is a 15-minute drive to Phuket International Airport and near an array of attractions including Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, Sirinat National Park, and Wat Phra Thong temple.

The resort’s design melds traditional and contemporary Thai aesthetics with a smattering of Mediterranean accents and uses a neutral palette of colours to complement Mai Khao’s sandy shoreline. High ceilings and decorative metal screens make the most of the natural surrounds and sunny, tropical weather.

GUEST SUITES AND VILLAS

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s contemporary, light-filled and spacious Mediterranean-inspired accommodations - with a focus on simple, clean lines and indoor-outdoor living - comprise 30 one-bedroom suites and 70 one-bedroom villas.

The resort has three accommodation categories. Each features a single bedroom and is differentiated by an anchoring amenity -- be it an outdoor bathtub, a private plunge pool or a wellness arrangement.

All of the suites and villas feature outdoor bathtubs, open-air showers and outdoor terraces to take advantage of Phuket’s tropical climate, which averages 28 degrees Celsius year round. Exquisite gardens and fixtures such as white stucco exterior walls also ensure secluded enclaves and the utmost privacy.

The 78sqm suites are complemented by cabanas and the 85sqm one-bedroom villas have private plunge pools.

At the top of the accommodation scale, the 15 wellness villas each feature an open-air Vitamin C shower, ultrasonic essential oil diffuser, GermGuardian air purifier, Tempur-Pedic pillows, aromatic salts for the outdoor bathtub, a fit ball and yoga mat. A highlight of staying at a wellness villa is a daily 60-minute massage.

Mod-cons in all of the accommodations include individually controlled air-conditioning, 43-inch LCD TV with satellite channels, Bluetooth speaker, Nespresso coffee maker and gourmet capsules and more.

The minibar has healthy snacks such as energy bars on request. Trays and tissue boxes made from banana leaves are among sustainable items in the suites and villas.

DINING

The resort’s diverse dining landscape comprises four outlets under the stewardship of culinary director Luca Mancini and adds a dash of Mediterranean flavor to Phuket’s culinary scene.

Adjacent to a beach pool framed with cabanas and sun lounges, the Gaia Beach Club celebrates Spain’s famed gastronomy by serving Mediterranean and fusion cuisine from an open kitchen and a creative cocktail selection from a long bar.

A warm and intimate setting adorned with timber finishes, SASA is an elegant all-day dining restaurant that specialises in international and Thai cuisine. SASA offers a healthy, freshly made breakfast and delectable Thai set lunches and dinners.

The Elyxr Café features a spacious lounge area with comfortable sofas and a selection of books and serves coffee and tea.

The Pool Bar is a swim-up affair at the centre of the resort that serves a range of refreshments including fresh juices, smoothies and cocktails.

SPA, WELLNESS AND RECREATION

Privately tucked away behind the lobby and Elyxr Café, Meliá’s signature YHI Spa is 300sqm and home to five treatment rooms. In addition to its extensive menu of massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, spa therapists also provide poolside and in-villa treatments.

The resort will offer wellness packages that include healthy menus and freshly squeezed juices as well as activities such as meditation, yoga, and walks and cycling amid stunning natural scenery.

The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and weights machines.

The kids club Kidsdom has workshops to keep youngsters entertained and the resort also provides a babysitting service.

Recreational pursuits on offer range from horse riding on the beach, to scuba diving at Racha Yai, Koh Dok Mai, Phi Phi Island and Shark Point, to golf at the nearby Blue Canyon Country Club.

MICE FACILITIES

The resort’s conference facilities include a grand ballroom and two additional multi-function rooms at 231sqm. The Grand Ballroom totals 131sqm and caters to up to 100 guests for a standing cocktail reception or 88 guests for a sit-down dinner. The two adjacent multipurpose rooms are each 47sqm that seat up to 16 guests for a boardroom meeting.

The resort’s event planners provide customized catering to suit any occasion. Mini mindfulness sessions also enhance the wellbeing of attendees.

“Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s debut marks such an exciting time for Phuket, signaling our genuine optimism for the future of tourism on Thailand’s largest island,” said Mr Maetapong Upatising, Phuket Villa Group's Managing Director.

“The team and I are thrilled we could bring such a significant hotel debut to fruition during these unprecedented times and we’re delighted with the interest in our resort so far despite the difficulties stemming from the global pandemic,” said Ms Magdalena Martorell, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao’s General Manager.

“With its distinct focus on guest wellbeing, Meliá Phuket Mai Khao brings Meliá’s sunny Spanish hospitality and passion for service to Phuket, as well as stringent health and safety measures to combat COVID-19,” said Mr Ignacio Martin, Area Managing Director South East Asia of Meliá Hotels International. 

Elsewhere in Thailand, Meliá Koh Samui debuted in January 2020 with a nautical theme underscored by boat suites made from refurbished merchant vessels. Meliá Chiang Mai is slated to open in April 2022 with a rooftop bar featuring two bars connected by a glass bridge. INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, the first property of its brand in Thailand, with 176 guestrooms, is due to open 2023.

For more information about Meliá Phuket Mai Khao, visit www.melia.com, call +66 76 563 550 or email info@meliaphuketmaikhao.com

Meliá Phuket Mai Khao has launched a seven-night sandbox package priced from THB 38,500 (USD 1155) for direct bookings before March 24, 2022 for stays before March 31, 2022. The offer includes daily breakfast for two, a one-way airport transfer and 20% off food and beverage as well as laundry

 

Appointment | Jw Marriott Mumbai Juhu Appoints Rohit Tiwari As The Director Of Operations

The flagship property of JW Marriott Hotels in India welcomes the new Director of Operations who possesses over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry

Mumbai, January 2022- JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, the luxury hotel in Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of  Rohit Tiwari as the new Director of Operations, effective as of January 2022. Rohit will play a key role in overlooking the operations of the iconic hotel across all functions and ensuring the highest levels of guest satisfaction.

Rohit comes with a rich experience of over 17 years in the hospitality industry, having previously worked as the Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu and other prestigious brands such as The Oberoi group.  With exceptional attention to detail and intuitive leadership, Rohit delivers results that exceed the expectations of all stakeholders involved.

At JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, he will be responsible for leading the team to further enhance and support business growth, revenue generation and ensuring strict compliance with quality, safety, environment and health standards.  Rohit will focus on conceptualizing processes and setting strategic goals to promote profitability across departments. 

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts 

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in over 30 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online,andon Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.

About Marriott International, Inc

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of roughly 7,900 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 138 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Luxury brand ‘ITC Grand Central’ presents an exclusive offer for Doctors and Defence personnel (serving or veteran)

A Token of Gratitude- For our deserving heroes

The Responsible Luxury brand ‘ITC Grand Central’ presents an exclusive offer for Doctors and Defence personnel (serving or veteran). The package offer consists of 25 percent savings on flexible rates, 25 percent savings at the all-day dining restaurant, complimentary buffet breakfast and access to high-speed internet. 

A token of gratitude for our deserving heroes is what we extend at ITC Grand Central this season. Truly grateful to our doctors, who have been selflessly fighting on the front lines, at this difficult time. As a small gesture of gratitude for their services, we are happy to announce an exclusive benefit, for our heroes in healthcare.

We also extend our salute to the valiant members of the Indian Armed Forces for all they have done, and continue to do for the country. For their service, bravery, and dedication, we at ITC Hotels, are extending a small token of our appreciation.

INCLUSIONS Curated for the valiant members of the Indian Armed Forces & Medical practitioners.

• Wi-Fi 

•   Daily breakfast

•  25% savings on flexible room rate.

•  25% Savings on Food & Select Beverages at Coffee Shop 

• Amenities and facilities as per the service design of the room category booked. All extras not part of this offer will be on an additional charge

The Grand Central carries forth the culture and builds the character of the place through its fine blend of British colonial style with modern contemporary design. Reflecting the rich heritage of Mumbai’s colonial past, the structure is inspired by several British colonial architecture buildings of South Mumbai.  ITC Grand Central is the first and finest business hotel in Central Mumbai for the discerning business traveller.  Built on an area of 2.53 acres, this 35 storied structure is at present the tallest hotel in the country. The tower-like exterior of the building is made with a combination of bricks and stones and is topped with a canopy which derives its inspiration form the Bombay Secretariat Building at the Oval.

About ITC Hotels www.itchotels.in

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience, ITC Hotels is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains offering comprehensive hospitality solutions through more than 100 hotels in over 70 destinations in the country. Embodying ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its guiding premise, ITC’s hotels integrates India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services to reflect the culture and ethos of each destination, through a collection of hotels. The brand features opulent accommodations, state-of-the-art business facilities, renowned signature cuisine and award-winning wellness experiences. ITC’s hotel group operates under six distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ at the Luxury end, ‘Welcomhotel’ in the 5-star segment, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale segment and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment.

Brand Mementos in the Luxury segment and brand Storii in the premium segment are the latest addition to the ITC Hotels portfolio

Each ITC luxury hotel is certified with a *LEED® Platinum rating for its endeavours towards green building, using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. *LEED® - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Eclat Insights | Anticipation - The Magic Ingredient Of Great Customer Service

Let me recount a recent experience. My mother called our neighbourhood chemist, who has been looking after us for over 2 decades now, to order a hot water bottle/bag for her neck pain. He sent the bottle as ordered, but he also sent a balm. He called her to ask her to try it. 'it will help' he said.

It did help. It also made an extra sale for him, but that is secondary. 

Why is this amazing? He anticipated what the customer needed, not just what she wanted. He proactively provided it.

Three Steps Of Service according to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Gold Standards are:

1. A warm and sincere greeting.

2. Use the guest's name. Anticipation and fulfilment of each guest's needs.

3. Fond farewell. Give a warm goodbye and use the guest's name.

Anticipation is the key.

Why is this relevant to Hospitality & Service Industries?

Anticipation is the key ingredient to creating a remarkable customer experience. When a customer is met with the surprise and delight of having their unexpressed needs fulfilled, it creates a compelling emotional connection and keeps them coming back for more. - Ryan Estis

Actionable Insights

• Guest Point Of View. Look at everything, from GPOV

You know your hotel lobby. You work there, you see it every day, you know where everything is, but that is not true for your guests. Is there enough signage?  

A guest once asked me 'why don't you have little lights as they have in aeroplanes, that tell you if the loo is vacant?'. In restaurants or spaces that have only one facility, this makes sense. It makes sure the guest does not need to keep checking and rattling the doorknob, which makes it very disturbing for the guest inside too.  

• Be Proactive

Anticipation is a stay ahead of the curve game. If you change something or introduce something because of a customer complaint, that is not anticipation. It's when you create a solution that the customer just loves and thinks 'that's nice!' or 'that's thoughtful', then it is anticipation.

A restaurant kept some prescription reading glasses in a nice little box for guests who may not be carrying their own reading glasses with them. A very thoughtful touch to let your guests read the fine print on menus or bills. 

• Take Bets

Start small experiments. We mentioned it before, and it is worth mentioning again. 

Here is one you can start today - If a guest visits the gym in the morning, prior to breakfast, be proactive, anticipate that she may want a healthy breakfast option and present it to her when she orders via In-Room Dining or visits your Coffee Shop.

It is a small bet you are making. One that says, this guest seems someone who might want a healthy option. It may not be true. If the guest is anything like me, probably a bigger breakfast is in order because of the morning workout. Either way, you will find out something about your guest and they will appreciate the thoughtfulness shown.

• Listen & Then Go Be Responsive

VOC - Voice Of The Customer is a powerful concept. I always tell my clients, if you collect any information or feedback, it automatically creates an expectation in the mind of the customer. Answer this, how many times did a business ask you for your birthday and not wish you? That is a gap.  

More importantly, listen for the unsaid. Respond to the obvious, but also, think about the not-so-obvious. Search for absurd or funny reviews and I am sure you will find a lot of them. I did. Here is one. I really think highlights all the points I am trying to make:

If you were the museum director, you throw this into the 'they don't know what they are talking about' pile or, look at this as the future coming to you faster than you think and create engaging content around your displays.

• Look To Add Value

This is a brilliant way to look at Anticipation. At every step of the process, for every interaction, if you can ask the question 'how can I add value here?' you will have done a super-duper job of it.

For example, Imagine you are visiting a country or city for the first time. You book a hotel car to pick you up from the airport. Wouldn't it be nice if your valet told you approx how much time it will take to get to the hotel? The pilots of all major airlines tell you that, even though you know from the booking, the ticket etc. They tell you again, in the flight, coz you may be on multiple flights in a day. It's just a nice thing to do. It adds value.

Want to make this WOW? 

Make Front Desk Predict Customer Behaviour. 

Ok, this is going to sound a little out there, and yet, it is something I really think you should try. As a leader, this will make work fun for your team and a little challenge never hurt anyone.

The idea is simple: After a guest checks in, ask the front desk or the guest relations team member who interacted with them to make some predictions. Will the guest eat in the hotel restaurant? Will the guest use the Spa? Is the guest going to call and ask for a room change?

Log these down. The team member who gets the maximum predictions right at the end of the month gets a reward.

This powerful exercise will 10X the ability of your team to anticipate.

Oh, I anticipate that you might need some more guidance on this. Maybe for formats, some ideas on how to get it started etc. Write to me at p.bedi@eclathospitality.com and let's get this done!

Prabhjot Bedi

The one thing you can do right now is going on a walk. I would love to either go on a virtual walk with you or see your recorded walk to discuss tons of improvement ideas. As always, write to me at p.bedi@eclathospitality.com

Appointment | Alan Snyman appointed executive chef at Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi

Alan Snyman appointed executive chef at Rotana hotels in Abu Dhabi

Alan Snyman is the new executive chef for Rotana Hotels at the Capital Centre Complex in Abu Dhabi. Snyman will leverage almost three decades of culinary experience at Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Centro Capital Centre and Capital Centre Arjaan.

Complex general manager Karim Nahas said: “We are happy to have chef Alan as part of the Rotana Capital Centre Complex family, with his extensive experience and culinary passion, he will surely add a great flair to the various food and beverage outlets at the complex, including the award-winning signature outlets The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar and Dino’s Bistro Italiano.

Over the course of his career, he has served food for heads of state, celebrities and even royalty. These include the Queen of Belgium, King of Greece, Queen Rania of Jordan, Nicholas Cage, Donald Sutherland, The Black Eyed Peas, Kate Moss, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams, Naomi Campbell, Jean Claude van Damme, and Nelson Mandela on three separate occasions.

Prior to the JBR hotel, Snyman has worked for Yas Island Rotana, Grand Rotana Resort and Spa in Egypt and Towers Rotana Hotel, all in the executive chef position.