New Appointment | Amit Mathuri joins The Fern Residency, Jamnagar as their General Manager

The Fern Residency Jamnagar has appointed Amit Mathuri as their General Manager.  Mathuri brings with him 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He has been associated with Concept Hospitality for the last 8 years.

Prior to joining The Fern Residency, Jamnagar, he has served as an Operations Manager at The Fern Kesarval Hotel & Spa, Goa where he successfully achieved customer and team satisfaction through his overall management skills & leadership.

He has also worked with Royal Orchid, ITDC, Kohinoor Continental and Sarovar Hotels.

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New Appointment | W Goa appoints Shreeja Jha as the new W Insider

W Goa has announced their all-­new W Insider, Shreeja Jha. For the unacquainted, W Insider is W’s signature concierge service in charge of tailoring every guest’s experience to perfection.

A key position at each W Hotels worldwide, Jha is the newest member to join the prestigious club of W
Insiders. Her intimate knowledge of the city and influential connections are what make her perfect for this iconic role.

The key factor that differentiates a W Insider from a regular hotel concierge is the former’s elite connections. A W Insider not only has the power to get you a reservation at a restaurant that is booked weeks in advance, but also the connections to organize a private tasting for you.

“This is my most innovate role till date, and I’m so excited to curate the most unexpected experiences for each guest at W Goa,” says Shreeja Jha, W Insider, W Goa. “I am here to make impossible expectations possible, in other words, W Goa’s genie that will grant more than just three wishes.”

At just 25 years, Jha has immense experience in the hospitality world, primarily having worked at top Marriott properties across Goa, Kolkata and even London, before returning to Goa in her current role as the W Goa Insider.

Her ability to fluently speak in 6 languages – English, Hindi, Bengali, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Konkani –
makes it possible for her to effortlessly interact and connect with people of diverse backgrounds. A great quality in a W Insider.

In her downtime, Jha enjoys all kinds of creative outlets.  She also loves doodling, reading poetry, experimenting new recipes and making personalized cards for W Goa guests.

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New Appointment | Arun Kumar Singh joins FHRAI-IHM as Director

In his last stint, he played a pivotal role in obtaining a grant of 11 crores from Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for upgrading the training facility at IHMCTAN Mumbai

The FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM) has appointed Arun Kumar Singh as its Director effective March 2021.

An illustrious career spanning over three and half decades in Hospitality Management, Singh brings to FHRAI-IHM his expertise in Institutional and academic administration. He will aid FHRAI-IHM’s Research and Development and be a value-add to the institute’s faculty.

Prior to joining FHRAI-IHM, Singh served as the Principal of IHMCTAN Mumbai, the Principal of Institute of Hotel Management of Lucknow and the State Institute of Hotel Management, Jodhpur.

In his last stint, he played a pivotal role in obtaining a grant of 11 crores from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for upgrading the training facility at IHMCTAN Mumbai. In the recent past, he assisted the Maharashtra Government in setting-up the State’s Institute of Hotel Management in Solapur.

“My tenure of twenty-four years in various Hospitality Management institutes has enriched my knowledge in the field. Over the years I gained exposure to infrastructure creation and development, student empowerment and up-gradation of knowledge and skill. Over the next five years, I aspire to lead FHRAI-IHM to become an institution of excellence in Hospitality education by fostering knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship. In this endeavor, I hope to make an impact on the hospitality industry ecosystem in the country,” says Arun Kumar Singh.

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New Appointment | Vinay Nair joins DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad as General Manager

In his new role as the General Manager, Vinay will be responsible for curating strategic initiatives to ensure the highest levels of guest engagement, profitability and continue to build on the positioning and the reputation of DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad

DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the appointment of Vinay Nair as their new General Manager. Nair is a well-rounded hotelier veteran with more than two decades of extensive hospitality experience.

In his new role as the General Manager, Vinay will be responsible for curating strategic initiatives to ensure the highest levels of guest engagement, profitability and continue to build on the positioning and the reputation of DoubleTree by Hilton Pune - Chinchwad. Nair hails from an army background and has keen interests in travelling, cars, and gadgets.

He has been a part of global brands such as Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Accor, Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Guoman & Thistle Hotels, Menzies Hotels etc.

Passionate about talent development, he has mentored many industry leaders in his tenure, and in the year 2014, he has received the award for Best Professional in Hospitality by PATWA, which is a testament to his passion for hospitality.

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Visit Maldives | 8,800 WORKERS IN THE MALDIVES TOURISM INDUSTRY VACCINATED

According to information published by the Ministry of Tourism, over 8,800 of frontline workers in the tourism industry have been vaccinated. The Ministry states that the number of vaccinated frontline workers represents over 30% of all workers within the tourism industry.

The Tourism Ministry and HPA started vaccination drives in resorts on 14th February 2021. The first vaccination center in a resort opened in Bandos Island Resort & Spa. The government prioritized 10,000 doses from the first shipment of vaccination doses for the frontline workers in the tourism industry. The priority is set not only for resort workers, but also includes workers in guesthouses, liveaboards, and airport representatives.

Over 137,120 people have received the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, produced by the Serum Institute of India under the name ‘COVISHIELD’.

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video Lesson's | Essential Technical Skills for Food and Beverage Personnel By Dr. Hemant Kumar singh

Essential Technical Skills Part 2

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | Being Friendly with Broccoli By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

It is believed that this evergreen and refreshing to look at & nutritious vegetable finds his origin somewhere in the 1500s created by a kale predecessor and much later was cauliflower developed from one of the hundred varieties of Broccoli. While what most of us think is that broccoli came to us much later as compared to cauliflower the white and green duo has been welcomed very well in our kitchens and in our recipes with various cuisines.

Broccoli has been a native to Italy and was found there since the Roman times and since then it moved to various parts of Europe, UK, the Middle-east and Asia since the 1800s. Its uses and adaptations to various cuisines developed ever since and most chefs wanted to have a varied look to their recipes by inviting broccoli to take up suitable space and add its freshness and flavor into the dishes.

While cauliflower remains more popular with us in Indian cooking, it has been one of our all-time favorites in our Indian kitchens with numerous dishes being made from subzis to curries, from Gobi ka Keema to stuffing for parathas.

Broccoli however came in later and its applications have somehow been exposed to us as exotic vegetable being used to make soups, salads, stir-fries, with pasta, as a side dish on main course plates etc.

Here are some of the Health Benefits of Broccoli:

*Broccoli has been regarded as great for the heart health veggie since it has a good mix of all nutrients like fiber, vitamins and fatty acids which support heart health.

* Broccoli is rich in bioactive compounds and also rich in anti-oxidants which is regarded as a boon for human health.

* Broccoli is good for diabetic patients and helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

* Broccoli supports bowel irregularity and also helps in digestion and also in healthy gut bacteria.

*Broccoli also helps in anti-aging due to sulforaphane a compound as its component which is good for our system.

* Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and Calcium and also is regarded as an immunity-boosting ingredient for our body.

*Broccoli is also good for our bones and joints, being rich in vitamin K it is loaded with goodness, it also prevents our skin from sun damage.

Here are some of the uses of Broccoli in our Kitchens & Bakery products.

• Corn & broccoli tarts, mini veg quiche filled with broccoli, cheese, and peppers.

• Broccoli in a variety of soups in combination with almonds, bell peppers, with cauliflower and spinach.

• It goes well with Asian-style stir fry recipes as well, broccoli-carrots & mushrooms in a light crunch stir fry preparation is a good welcome.

• Broccoli has also been used to make cutlets, tikkis, fillings for samosas, rolls and wraps, tacos, a broccoli basil pesto also goes well as a dip and sauce. Broccoli salsa to top with nachos and a cheese sauce.

• Baked dishes with white sauce, cheese and herb sauce, tomato and chili sauce, etc have also involved broccoli actively and its crunch and mouthfeel are just awesome laced with those sauces in the baked dishes.

• For some innovative additions try using broccoli into your Indian recipes as well, broccoli aloo ki subzi, saunfiya broccoli masala, simla mirch aur broccoli ka saalan, broccoli stuffed parathas, desi fried rice and Tava pulao with broccoli are some of the options.

• Broccoli is one good refresher a bowl of salad for the fitness lovers and it is a real filler ingredient easy to handle and bite to perfection as a part of being a body into our salads, marinate the blanched florets with some wine, vinegar, mustard, and honey dressing and then toss it in the salad to get some more juicy texture and mouthfeel. Add sesame, chia, flaxseeds, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds as well to salads.

• Adding it into canapes and or open sandwiches also looks nice with a variety of ingredients, spreads, dips, and toppings it can be served for evening tea as savory course, high tea menus, etc.

Some Recipes Using Broccoli:

1] Broccoli Beauty Soup

Ingredients:

• Broccoli- 150 gms.

• Olive oil/Oil-1 tbsp.

• Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

• Onion- ½ chopped

• Sweet potato- 100 gms, peeled and cut.

• Cumin seeds-1/2tsp

• Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped.

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oats- ¼ cup

• Water- 3-4 cups or use veg stock.

• Fresh cream- 2 tbsp.

• Roasted crushed peanuts- 2tbsp.

• Mixed herbs- ½ tsp or fresh herbs like basil/ thyme-5-6 nos.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the garlic, onion and saute for a few seconds, add in the sweet potatoes, broccoli, seasonings, herbs, spices etc to taste and mix well.

3. Add in the oats, mix them well, add water or veg stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 12-15 mins.

4. Cool- puree- strain the soup well, I prefer to use the stems as well of the broccoli for their fiber along with the florets in my soup recipes.

5. Bring the soup back to a boil, add milk –dairy/non-dairy as desired as well, the cream is optional as well in case making for a low cal, I also prefer to use almond or cashew paste with oat/soy milk at times for a creamy texture.

6. Check for seasoning, adjust as per taste and serve the soup hot, garnish with roasted crushed peanuts or flax seeds/sunflower seeds for that crunch along with some fresh herbs/micro-greens, etc.

2] Broccoli Beet Bowl

Ingredients:

For the body of the salad:

Broccoli- 200gms. cut, cleaned, washed, blanched/boiled.

Boiled beet- 2 nos. peel and cut into cubes

Roasted fresh sweet corn- ½ cup

Dates- 3-4 chopped

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil/salad oil- 2 tbsp.

• Honey- 1 tbsp.

• Ginger juice- 1 tsp

• Lime juice- 2tbsp.

• Mustard paste- 1 tsp

• Chia seeds- 1 tsp

• Salt and crushed pepper- to taste

• Chili flakes- ½ tsp

• Chat masala powder- 1/2tsp-optional

• Pomegranate seeds-1/2 cup

For the garnish: assorted sliced nuts/seeds.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing.

3. Add in the body of the salad toss well.

4. Arrange assorted fresh lettuce leaves in a serving bowl.

5. Portion out the salad, garnish as desired, and serve immediately. 

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai-based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Visit Maldives | CSMIA expands its Maldives reach with Mumbai-Male direct flights

Since the commencement of the air bubble arrangement with Maldives on August 13, 2020, CSMIA has seen a rise in passenger traffic catering to over 56000 passengers across an approximate total of 410 flights to and from CSMIA till date.

Witnessing a steady increase in passenger traffic from Mumbai to the Maldives, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is expanding its existing reach to Male, by adding a new flight operated by Vistara, from March 3, 2021 onwards.

Since the resurgence in air travel and ease in travel restrictions, Maldives has emerged as a preferred destination for passengers traveling from Mumbai. CSMIA has been working diligently to foster accessibility and profound connectivity to the destination while offering best-in-class facilities and services to travelers.

Since the commencement of the air bubble arrangement with the Maldives on August 13, 2020, CSMIA has seen a rise in passenger traffic catering to over 56000 passengers across an approximate total of 410 flights to and from CSMIA to date.

During this period, the airport had catered to the region through Indigo and GoAir, wherein Indigo catered to the highest passenger traffic, with over 32000 passengers from the airport. The increase in frequency to the destination through the addition of the new Vistara flight with effect from March 3, 2021 comes as a boon to travelers from and around Mumbai.

The ease in travel restrictions has made the Maldives a preferred destination amongst leisure travelers. Through the added frequency between Mumbai and Maldives, CSMIA provides passengers with easy accessibility to the region even for a short weekend trip.

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Event | A Cooking Workshop on International Women’s Day at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre Let’s CHAO This Women’s Day

A Cooking Workshop on International Women’s Day at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre Let’s CHAO This Women’s Day 

Sunday, 07, March 2021: Pink City's leading Chinese Restaurant- CHAO, Holiday Inn Jaipur  City Centre hosted the women of the city on the occasion of International Women's Day for a Chinese Cookery Workshop. The workshop included the art of unique culinary, bringing  alive the flavors of China, by Mihir Kane, Executive Chef along with his team of experts at  Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre.  

The event was followed by an exclusive lunching experience at the venue with the most tantalizing and authentic Chinese recipes prepared at the workshop and an elaborated buffet thematic Brunch at the All-Day Dining Monarch. The Chinese Cookery Workshop was the perfect way to celebrate Women's Day and embrace women's power in the city stated  Vidhi Jain, Marketing Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. 

"The special Women's Day workshop included authentic Chinese & Japanese dishes like  Assorted Sushi & Dim sums, Hand at the Wok, Classic Asian Mocktails and got a chance to try their hands on oriental cooking techniques which were learned by the ones present throughout the Workshop," said Mihir Kane, Executive Chef, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Center. 

Mr. Pankaj Gupta, General Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Center said, "The workshop was  a success, as we had planned to bring together the women of the city on the occasion of  Women's Day and had an amazing dining experience while enjoying the exquisite Chinese  flavors." 

CHAO's ambiance with its open setting offers family-style seating. The restaurant offers an exciting immersion in irresistible Chinese cuisine, prepared on the spot with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. It is fascinating to watch the woks fly up while master chefs are stir-frying and tossing the delicacies at the dumpling & noodle station finally, dishing out savory,  made-to-order bowls. It gives guests the chance to indulge in an array of uncomplicated yet authentic dishes that offer a modern spin on traditional recipes from China's popular culinary destinations.  

For further details, please contact: 

Vidhi Jain  

Assistant Manager - Marketing & Communications  

+91-9116122087

NEWS | Jumeirah Group appoints Connect Worldwide (CWW) as its global sales agent in India

Jumeirah Group appoints Connect Worldwide (CWW) as its global sales agent in India

Jumeirah Group has announced the appointment of Connect Worldwide (CWW) as its global sales agent in India. The partnership will include sales and marketing management for clients from the corporate, MICE and leisure segments, and support services for the luxury hotel Group from the Indian market.

Jumeirah Group is a global luxury hotel company and member of Dubai Holding, a diversified global company with operations in 13 countries and 130 billion worth of assets across 10 sectors, including hospitality as well as leisure and entertainment.

Jumeirah Group has had a distinct impact on the global hospitality market for the past two decades, transforming the way in which luxury is defined, as exemplified by its flagship hotel, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. As a luxury hospitality leader, the UAE born Group operates 26 Jumeirah branded properties internationally across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Its latest addition to the Dubai portfolio, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, offers the elevated hospitality synonymous with the brand to guests looking to enjoy longer stays in the city.

India has always been a strategic partner to the UAE, and Jumeirah Group embodies the Arabian hospitality much loved by the Indian market, continuing to be the preferred choice for various a-list actors, businessmen, film makers, extravagant weddings, and more. MICE and corporate travel are also significant drivers of inbound tourism to the UAE, as trade increasingly flourishes between the countries. Business partnerships, healthcare, and tourism, which is reflected in the continuous rise in inbound Indian travellers to the UAE, is anticipated to grow further once travel restrictions ease.

Alexander Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of Jumeirah Group, commented: “Indian guests have always been of great importance to Jumeirah as one of our top source markets across the global portfolio. We see Connect World wide’s appointment as a reflection of the immense efforts invested in this market, and as a further step to ensuring our exemplary offering is aligned with their unique needs, whether that’s for leisure, dining or family experiences or the crafting of unique, personalised stays. We see great potential in India – a market that has always appreciated the luxury hospitality that Jumeirah offers, and our attention to personal touches, especially when it comes to sentimental lifetime special events such as weddings. The decision to appoint Connect Worldwide as our sales partner in India signifies our continued focus on this region, as well as the promising future that lies ahead for the Jumeirah Group in India.”

Jumeirah’s spectacular spaces, including the opulent Ottoman inspired Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and Jumeirah Beach Hotel that was named by Travel+Leisure India as the Best Destination Wedding Hotel in 2020, serve as the perfect backdrop for Indian weddings.

All of Jumeirah Group’s properties place emphasis on memorable events, through the dedicated efforts of its specialised teams delivering thoughtful service, as well as its pristine décors, bespoke touches, and awe-inspiring settings.

"We welcome Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts as our newest travel partner," said Eric Otto President and CEO of Connect Worldwide. "We are proud to partner with such an iconic hotel group and our experienced team is excited to represent and enhance the brand further within the Indian travel market.”
"The CWW India team with its robust sales and distribution support looks forward to re engaging the market  with Jumeirah's portfolio of hotels", said Vasudha Sondhi MD CWW India.

CWW is a global sales, marketing, and digital services company with a focus on international market expansion and revenue development. Their clients include tourism destinations, independent hotels, hotel brands, and travel-related companies.

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NEW OPENING | The Fern Hotels & Resorts opens The Fern Residency, Jamnagar, Gujarat

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has opened its 20th hotel in Gujarat with the inauguration of The Fern Residency, Jamnagar, the CEO of the company, Suhail Kannampilly said. The Fern Hotels & Resorts now manages 78 hotels in India, Nepal and Seychelles, the CEO added.

Expressing his satisfaction on the continued expansion in Gujarat he said, “the people of Gujarat have embraced the Fern brand very closely. Today we are present in almost all the major business cities and leisure destinations of the state. This gives our guests all possible travel circuits in Gujarat using The Fern Hotels.”.

The Fern Residency, Jamnagar is a 49-room hotel situated in close proximity to the business hubs of Jamnagar. The hotel offers three categories of rooms, namely Winter Green, Winter Green Premium and Hazel Suite. The rooms are fitted with all modern facilities. Some of the room conveniences include digital in-room safe, weighing scale, eco-friendly room lighting and bathroom amenities, rain shower etc. The hotel also offers an in-house vegetarian restaurant serving local and world cuisines. Other facilities include spacious banqueting and conferencing options, a gym and gaming zone. The hotel building complex also hosts a drive-in cinema and PVR multiplex.

DINING: White Sand, a contemporary all-day dining, multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant offers an excellent range of local and global food and beverage selections. Open daily: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Galaxy, an elegant rooftop seating offering an extensive range of food and beverages. It is the perfect place to have a romantic candlelight dinner in Jamnagar.

IHCL Announces South Asia's First All Women-Managed Luxury Residences

IHCL has announced India’s first all-women-managed luxury residences, Taj Wellington Mews in Chennai. This initiative is in line with the Company’s ongoing efforts in creating an equitable workplace and ecosystem while empowering women in the hospitality industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Rakhee Lalvani, Vice President – Public Relations and Corporate Communications, IHCL, said, “Women at IHCL have played a very vital role in the organization with their contribution and by pushing boundaries. The upcoming Taj Wellington Mews, Chennai managed by an all-women team is indeed a proud moment for all of us, and testament to the Group’s commitment towards improving the gender balance in the organization with a vibrant workforce and by providing equal opportunities to women across roles and positions.”

Strategically located in the Old Mahabalipuram-IT corridor of Chennai, Taj Wellington Mews will have 112 spaciously and luxuriously appointed residences, led by a woman General Manager and a team of over 100 women across all operations and other departments. In addition to providing growth opportunities for women employees within the Company, the property will also generate employment locally.

The organisation has taken many strides to foster gender equality, both, within and outside the organisation. Several progressive policies like extended maternity leave, compulsory crèche facilities,

an expense reimbursement for family expansion including IVF treatments, and skilling women in the under-served communities and regions to improve their participation in the workforce have been implemented successfully. These efforts have resulted in developing a talent pool and a higher ratio of women across the Company. IHCL remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen gender parity within the industry in the coming years.

Visit Maldives | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Opens

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Set to open June 1, 2021, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands invites guests to embrace island life from the moment they arrive on its white-sand shores. Guests will be able to absorb a plethora of Maldivian culture and traditions, whether they are relaxing in their luxury overwater villa, watching the sunset from the sandy shore, or sipping an afternoon tea on property.

Upon arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are greeted by The Island Caller. To signal their arrivals, the Caller will blow the traditional Maldivian Sangu shell, also more commonly known as Triton’s Trumpet. The shell signifies an important piece of the Maldivian culture, as they were mostly used in the region by quiet island villages to share warnings or signal public gatherings, as the sound of the Sangu can be heard across the island.

As guests check in to the resort, they may notice many circular shapes and structures around the property. The resort encourages guests to embrace the cyclical nature of island life through distinct choices in architecture as well as in-room amenities. Each villa includes an artfully crafted Beru, or drum, which coincides with the evening Bodu Beru, an indigenous form of dance and music with drums - made locally from coconut wood on the island - and one of the oldest surviving traditions dating back to the 11th century. This sunset ritual at the resort’s Eau Bar is unique to the property and allows guests to reflect on a day full of discoveries, while transitioning into an evening of relaxation, indulgence and reflection.

Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will each have an Aris Meeha, or island butler, a concept inspired by the royal courts of the ancient Maldives. In Dhivehi, the local language,

Aris Meeha refers to a person who is assigned to a royal member, one of the most important positions among the many titles and rankings in a Maldivian Royal household. Similar to a modern-day butler, Aris Meeha fulfills every detail of the life of a royal and considered to be the closest confidant much like a Gentleman's gentleman or Lady in waiting or Gentlemen or Lady of the Chamber. (The concept also relates to The Ritz-Carlton’s brand motto of ‘We are Ladies & Gentlemen serving Ladies & Gentlemen’).

Once guests have eased into the pace of island life, they can focus on being present and together. The resort offers a traditional afternoon tea that is perfect for connecting and sharing the day’s discoveries with one another and planning for the evening ahead. Guests can enjoy their afternoon tea by the pool at Eau Bar, where the contemporary version of this ceremonial tea is based on Maldivian Hedhika and focused on providing local, light bites to guests. Shaping the country and culture, the Maldives lies in the old maritime spice route, and as such, the resort’s signature cocktail selection is inspired by the archipelago’s favorite five spices: cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric.

In an effort to reduce import footprints, guests of the resort will enjoy sustainably caught fish from local fishermen, fresh vegetables, and herbs cultivated from the resort’s organic garden. Guests also have the option of participating in Maldivian cooking classes to the art of making Mashuni, a breakfast staple in the island nation, made with tuna and fresh coconut.

As guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continue to explore the resort and its surrounding areas, they may find themselves at The Marina at Fari Islands, which is built around the vibrant Fari Beach Club, high-end boutiques, a selection of upscale restaurants, an art studio, and Fari Lagoon Coral Adoption & Marine Biology Center. With around-the-clock boat transfers courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests are welcomed with an array of meaningful experiences during their stay. This archipelago redefines the Maldivian experience, allowing guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to experience a balance of cosmopolitan and private island life never before seen in the region.

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RARE India pivots to RARE 2.0 to encourage travellers to explore the world

RARE India pivots to RARE 2.0 for encouraging travellers to explore the world around them through the lens of sustainability and ownership for the health of the planet. With Planet and People first being the core of its ethos, India’s leading hospitality marketing company launches its new website and logo.

New Delhi, March 1, 2021: Climate crisis is real, and the travel industry is affected in so many ways that there is an immediate need to address the ‘how we travel’. RARE India – a collection of some of the finest conscious luxury heritage palaces, boutique hotels, conservation based wildlife lodges, homestays and retreats of the Indian subcontinent, has responded by unveiling RARE 2.0 with a pledge to urge the travel community to explore differently and redefine its narrative for luxury and experiences – one that is people sensitive and planet friendly yet where service quality and transformative travel is a given.

The new RARE Logo is a simple, stylized leaf in gold of Ginkgo biloba, familiar to many as the maidenhair tree and is a metaphor for change to be led by travel and the community. Originally from the east, Ginkgo is a living fossil and has been around since before the Dinosaurs, deliberately propagated by avid horticulturists, it is found almost everywhere from the gardens in Kashmir to Oxford Street in UK, to the lanes of Manhattan. Change is driven deliberately when we inspire others to commit to a life that puts Planet and People first.

As part of its responsible tourism agenda under RARE 2.0, the organization has launched its new website and logo, which symbolize RARE India’s commitment towards conscious and mindful travel where luxury is redefined as experiences beyond excesses, stays that are sustainable and regenerative. Speaking about her vision for RARE 2.0 and the newly launched website, RARE India’s Founder Ms Shoba Mohan said, “For the longest time choices for hotels, lodges and boutique stays have been based on their price points and excesses that passed off as luxury. Every popular destination has suffered the consequences of placing the needs of the traveller’s demands without a thought to the integrity of the destination and the effects of unchecked tourism on its culture and environment. The community of hotels promoted under RARE India is designed to uphold the cultural and environmental integrity of the destination by engaging visitors in experiences to celebrate its people, diversity, cultural richness, authenticity and natural beauty. In destinations that are culturally fragile and are in the fringes of pristine natural habitats, travellers are urged to understand and participate in its preservation thus creating exceptional transformations.”

The new website emphasizes on the nine RARE Touchstones as unique value propositions of every hotel of the community that will be a benchmark for a conscious choice and will create value beyond the ubiquitous luxury and service quality. The attributes that every hotel will be measured against are their attitude towards Single Use Plastic, Local Community Engagement, Safe Garbage Disposal, Water Conservation, Low Impact Tourism, Living Heritage and its preservation, Wildlife, Nature & Habitat Conservation, Sensitive Destination Discovery and the power of Human Touch.

Since its inception in 2004, RARE India promoted the idea of unique owner-run boutique hotels that operate with an evolved consciousness towards environmental conservation, cultural and heritage preservation as well as community engagement. Currently, 63 hotels in the Community are free from or removing single-use plastic, 60 have implemented water conservation practices and 55 are working on safe garbage disposal. RARE India hotels also rank high on the wildlife conservation front wherein 10 partner hotels are TOFTigers PUG Nature Friendly Certified and 33 work toward nature and habitat conservation. Almost every hotel on board (77) run their operations with teams trained from the local community, 61 work towards promoting local arts, crafts, festivals and traditions along with incorporating farm-to-table food practices, and 84 member hotels focus on destination discovery through walks, bicycle rides and local immersions.

While all the RARE India Community hotels are audited for experience, quality, style and conscious luxury before they come on board, as part of its RARE 2.0 agenda the organization through campaigns and workshops aims to motivate its hotel partners to assess, adopt and improve their ‘sustainability quotient’ through training and knowledge. RARE India will also explore partnerships with like-minded organizations globally to strengthen the ethos of responsible tourism and share best practices. One such alliance was undertaken by RARE India a few months ago with Secret Retreats, which is headquartered in Singapore. The company is proud to be an Ally of Transformational Travel Council, USA, TOFTigers and Responsible Tourism Society of India.

In its technology upgraded version, the RARE India Community aims to be a consortium that is able to change traveller mindset towards destinations and experiences in the subcontinent that are alive, authentic, set in stylish and restful spaces, earth happy, conscious of their impact on the environment and committed to the land and the community. The Community will offer an opportunity to the travellers to explore differently and have mindful interactions with people, culture, nature, wildlife, crafts and traditions, create transformational experiences that will nudge them to live consciously.

Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center and Legacy Ventures proudly announced today the hotel’s opening in the Georgia state capital.

Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center and Legacy Ventures proudly announced today the hotel’s opening in the Georgia state capital. 

Located in Sandy Springs’ “Pill Hill” medical district, the extended stay property is comprised of 186 guestrooms.  Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center features an elevated pool, the H Bar with a Sip + Snack menu, as well as indoor and outdoor communal spaces, including fire pits and outdoor games.

In collaboration with general contractor Choate Construction and architecture firm Cooper Cary, Hyatt House Atlanta Perimeter Center is Legacy Ventures’ fourth ground-up hotel developed in the Greater Atlanta area.  Ameris Bank provided the construction financing. The hotel’s interior design brings Atlanta’s forested landscape into the hotel and emphasizes a focus on wellness, a complement to the surrounding medical offices. Its location benefits from The Simpson Organization’s redevelopment of Peachtree Dunwoody Pavilion, newly renamed Altmore, into a more dense, mixed-use and walkable environment.  The transit-oriented development features a pedestrian bridge directly to MARTA’s Medical Center Station, and The Simpson Organization also plans to add multi-family housing and a multi-use trail in a later phase of the development.

“In many ways, our Design & Construction team has had a vastly different experience with the pandemic than our hotel and restaurant operations teams; the lack of activity in the community and lower business levels in our hotels enabled them to move at an accelerated pace through the construction process,” said David Marvin, President and Founder, Legacy Ventures. 

Leading Legacy Ventures’ operations team at Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center is led by Zsuzsa Nagy, who will serve as the hotel’s General Manager. Kevin Richards, Legacy Ventures’ COO, Hotels, notes “Nagy’s wealth of preopening experience and results-driven attitude showed us that she’ll embody our ‘Make It Happen’ culture. With her leadership, we are excited to provide a compassionate and thoughtfully-curated experience for all guests, whether visiting the nearby medical offices or one of the many other demand generators of Sandy Springs and Atlanta’s central perimeter area.” 

Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center offers:

• 186 guestrooms, including 46 apartment-style Kitchen Suites with fully equipped kitchens, comfy living rooms, spacious bedrooms and stylish bathrooms

• Free Wi-Fi throughout hotel and guestrooms

• The Commons, a comfy lounge with an open and welcoming space for guests to relax, gather and socialize, and the Outdoor Commons, which includes an outdoor fire pit and BBQ, the perfect place to sip cocktails and enjoy savory bites

• Complimentary Morning Spread, a full hot breakfast served daily for guests, featuring a build-your-own Omelet Bar and assorted Breakfast Breads + Bowls Bar with steel-cut oatmeal, fresh fruit and more, along with vegetarian and gluten free options

• The H BAR, which features the Sip + Snack Menu, a delicious menu with items including soups and sandwiches, plus premium beers and wines, offered seven days a week

• 24-hour H Market to meet the everyday needs of guests, from snacks and sundries to freshly prepared salads and sandwiches

• 24-hour Gym to keep fitness routines going

• Gathering Rooms with more than 3,200 square feet of flexible meeting spaces, a tasty food and beverage menu, audiovisual equipment and a House Host to make sure events are a real crowd pleaser

• Borrows Menu with often-forgotten items from phone charges to razors

• A Very Important Resident (VIR) program, including complimentary grocery shopping, and other personalized perks, for guests with 30 or more consecutive nights

To learn more or book a stay at Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center, please visit the hotel’s website. 

World of Hyatt Gives Members 500 Reasons to Stay Somewhere New

To provide World of Hyatt members even more ways to be rewarded, World of Hyatt is offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt House Atlanta / Perimeter Center, from March 3 – June 30, 2021 as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer. Additional participating hotels and their offer stay periods can be found at worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus. No registration is required and members can earn on top of other offers.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.

For further information:

About Hyatt House Atlanta Perimeter Center 

Hyatt House Atlanta Perimeter Center is a 186-key upscale suite hotel purpose-built to serve the Atlanta Perimeter market, as well as the popular Buckhead markets. The hotel is located next to the Medical Center Marta station, which will provide easy access to Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, GA. Located at heart of two major interchanges, I-285 and SR-400, the hotel is easily accessible from all areas. The hotel features roughly 4,000 SF of flexible meeting, event and prefunction space.

About Hyatt House 

Hyatt House hotels are designed to welcome guests, including World of Hyatt members, as extended stay residents seeking the conveniences of home. Modern, apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas provide guests a stylish and comfortable environment so they can better maintain their work and personal routines while traveling. At more than 100 locations, the Hyatt House brand delivers home-like amenities, neighborly service and upscale spaces, including free hot breakfast for guests with made to order omelets; H Bar with a Sip + Snack menu; and indoor and outdoor communal spaces for productivity or relaxation. For more information, please visit hyatthouse.com. Join the conversation on Facebook or Instagram and tag photos with #HyattHouse and #WhySettle.

About Legacy Ventures, founded in 1994, is a best-in-class hospitality investment, development, and management company.  Legacy Ventures’ management portfolio focuses on full-service hotels and restaurants in city-center, suburban, and resort markets, and it has a proven record of success in ground-up development, repositioning, and value-add opportunities. Legacy Ventures delivers exceptional guest experiences through an engaged and passionate team, yielding measurably better results for owners, partners, and investors.  For more information visit LVmgt.com.

NEWS | The first hotel in space could be open for business sooner than you think

An American tech company hope to deliver a cruise-like space experience well before the end of this decade.

The Gateway Foundation’s ‘Voyager’ station is currently in development, with the goal being to provide rooms for up to 400 people. Its circular spinning frame should allow the structure to emulate an artificial gravity level similar to Mars - 40 per cent of the Earth’s own. The project is expected to be the first to create a more liveable, long term environment for humans in this way.

Voyager station will provide an assortment of cruise ship-like opportunities to eat, relax and work, including a health spa, cinemas, and bars. The hotel will have the capacity to surround the planet in just 90 minutes.

Its frame will also be large enough to fit twenty 65x40 foot pods which will act as marketable ‘villas’, as well as rented space for companies like NASA to work and live.

This logistics will be made possible by Orbital Assembly, a space construction company. They have developed the Structure Trust Assembly Robot (STAR), which will build the hotel in-orbit upon completion of successful gravity testing. A date is set to begin construction in 2025, with the expectation that the hotel will be fully operational by 2027.

The works are modeled from ideas first created by groundbreaking rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, who was a key figure in NASA’s Apollo space program.

Concept art for the project depicts everyday images of the final design, featuring rounded beveled windows, as well as a plethora of minimalist architecture.

“This will be the next industrial revolution" says Gateway Foundation founder John Blincow.

Hilton Chennai Celebrates Landmark 10 years of Hospitality

Redefining hospitality standards and bringing state-of-the-art authentic experiences to guests, Hilton Chennai completes ten glorious years of operations this year. Celebrating its decade-long journey in Chennai, the property has announced a series of month-long promotions and events that offer great deals and unique experiences for it’s guests. With a total inventory of 204 keys, Hilton Chennai today is amongst the city’s most vibrant and busy hotels, commanding the highest occupancy levels registered especially during the challenging times of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020.

Transforming the city’s hospitality landscape and contributing to its cultural identity, Hilton Chennai, over the years, has grown into a symbol of trust. Setting standards of safety and hygiene, Hilton Chennai has brought industry-first innovations such as contactless check-ins with its globally acclaimed Digital Key, contactless food delivery, and Hilton’s signature experiences in a safe and elegant setting, powered by the Hilton CleanStay program. The hotel has made a mark as a dining destination through its five award winning restaurants and bars, especially well known for its Global Sunday Brunch at Vasco’s and as a favourite after party destination at QBAR- the rooftop night club.

Commenting on the 10-year milestone occasion, Mr. Ruban Das, General Manager, Hilton Chennai, said, “It’s a momentous day for everyone at Hilton and it gives me immense joy to be part of a company that is rooted in shaping the hospitality landscape of the city. We owe this success to the contribution of all our partners and members, including team members at Hilton Chennai; my predecessors; the India leadership team for Hilton; and our esteemed owning company- Empee Hotels Ltd. Without their vision, their outlook towards innovation, and consistent encouragement, we could not have arrived this far. As we stand at the threshold of contributing to the next decade, we will continue to spread the light and warmth of hospitality and serve our guests with utmost delight.”

Demonstrating its commitment to the city, Hilton Chennai was the first hotel chain in the city to open its facilities to support the Government’s Vande Bharat Mission. As part of this program, Hilton Chennai has contributed to over 14000 room nights and served as a safe quarantine facility for all; brought to life by Hilton’s CleanStay program. The program expands on the sanitation standards addressing every touchpoint of the stay experience. This includes room seals for guest and meeting rooms to assure that the room has not been accessed after deep cleaning/sanitizing, adequate sanitizing stations in public areas and meeting spaces, modified service standards at all dining areas to support minimum contact dining and mindful social distancing and an Event Ready Room Checklist which allows for secure event occasions.

As part of the celebrations, Hilton Chennai will be holding a series of experiential events and promotions all month long in March. Based on the theme of “Brunch across Times”, the hotel is offering two showcase Sunday Brunches –as an “ode to the past” and as a forward looking “fusion futuristic” spread with over 100 dishes and 10 cuisines. The Vintage bank will host a Malt and Music celebratory dinner night featuring an abstract three-course meal with specialty kababs, premium malts and great music. The Showcase Dinner collection at Ayna features an a-la-carte spread of legacy dishes from Ayna perfected over the years available on advance reservations. The hotel is also offering Weekend Anniversary Staycation deals starting from INR 3750 plus taxes for a couple.

Recognizing the contribution and efforts of all team members, Hilton Chennai has lined up a week full of team member appreciation activities too apart from it’s guest centric efforts including a power breakfast table for long service team members, food festivals at team member cafe and a fitness focussed morning activity. The hotel team members shall also be undertaking volunteering activities, including spending a day with children and guardians from Prema Vasam, a home for children with special needs in Chennai, to mark the beginning of a hope filled decade ahead.

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WCCF Chhattisgarh Chapter Launched - Aiming to propagate Tourism, Culture & Cuisine of the state

WCCF Chattisgarh Chapter Launched... aiming to propagate Tourism, Culture & Cuisine of the state

The Sunsets beautiful in Chhattisgarh, birds fly past and returns to the nest, the din and bustle gradually fade out and one can hear the Sound of Silence gently fluttering around creating a soothing harmony in the oblivion. Amidst... stands out the beautiful and culturally rich monuments, scenic dams, boisterous forests, and serene temples which are witness to history, modern scientific developments, and the rich culture along with the flourishing flora fauna of this beautiful, however yet to be explored state.

After about of strategic and mandatory lockdown, when the entire country came to a grinding halt to counter and fight the perils of the Pandemic wherein the entire logistics, industries and various forms of mobility & mobilization were also cloistered, it is a great relief to know that a number of vaccines are finally on their way, some arrived... resulting in people daring out of their houses and shelters. Riding this sentiment the Domestic Tourism in India is definitely going to witness a new High in the coming days. I strongly feel Chhattisgarh is also highly slated to see a new dawn in the Inbound Travel & Tourism expansion, which otherwise have remained dormant till now. 

The resurgence has started setting in and the green shoots are already visible, with India ranking 5th in the world in terms of revival, and Chhattisgarh can definitely be a major contributor.

The silver lining is that certain demand is expected to be impacted on account of the ongoing concerns. India and its states are expected to benefit from it as demand for MICE from within the country and other Asian countries which were affected the most is expected to be diverted to and within Green zones in India to a greater extent, benefits of which is being witnessed gradually but steadily. Marriage as a revenue churner segment will see a rise in Destination Marriages at comparatively safer zones... maintaining stringent new normal protocols. The state of Chhattisgarh is definitely one such hot destination, given its rich flora, fauna, historical, cultural & gastronomic relevance.

On the back of marginally positive sentiments for the domestic tourism led by social and industrial activities, we expect the momentum to pick up and going forward the industry should be able to register some positive revenues in the fourth quarter.

India is a country with diverse religious sentiments which has prompted considerable emotional travel, so it has an advantage largely to contribute to the domestic tourism demand and Chhattisgarh is one with ultimate pilgrimage resources in lieu to encompass. The fair trend should be of solo tourism or in small groups of families & close friends indulging in religious & spiritual tourism. There is also a decent scope of smart business & revenge leisure travel within & post-Covid, more so with the arrival of multiple vaccines the state should definitely lead and yield from being a dormant offbeat destination till date, to being a vibrant one as a part of the Dekho Apna Desh campaign by the Govt of India. Time is ripe to expose and explore this silver lining... while the Sun shines Bright & High and Productive on Chhattisgarh and its Tourism and Hospitality Potential.

To propagate this wonderful culture of Food and Tourism of the state, World Chef Choice Federation (WCCF) Chhattisgarh Chapter is launched on 25th January 2021 under the auspices of the WCCF India Chapter on the Eve of Republic Day at a glittering and insightful event at The Aananda Imperial by Svenska... wherein the Crusaders in this noble cause are :

Chairman WCCF International Chapter: Master Chef Sylvester Rozario

Chairman WCCF India Chapter: Chef Harish Rawat

Chairman & Treasurer WCCF Chhattisgarh Chapter: Mr Sumit Vidhani

Sr Vice President WCCF India and in Incharge Chhattisgarh Chapter: Mr Rajib Roy Choudhury

President WCCF Chhattisgarh Chapter: Chef Awadh Lal Shukla

The association targets advancement of Cuisines, Culture and Hospitality tradition of Chhattisgarh through the Chefs, Culinary Talents, Culinary Entrepreneurs, Hospitality Professionals, Hotel Owners of the region... to bring all the stakeholders under a common umbrella to create opportunities for awareness of Incredible Chhattisgarh on a national platform as well as Globally. It aims at working with the State Tourism Board closely and strike a formidable camaraderie towards advocacy of the Mission & Vision of the Association!

EVENTS | ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru hosts Chapter-I of The Bangalore Wine Society

ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru was the proud host and venue partner of the Chapter 1 of the Bangalore Wine Society founded by Suryaveer Singh and co-hosted by Food & Travel Influencer, Abhilash Mithren. The event took place on Saturday, February 20, 2021 in the classy ambience of Ottimo – the Italian restaurant at the hotel.

Suryaveer graduated from École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and has worked in various capacities with some of the best luxury hotel brands across the globe. Suryaveer is also the Executive Director of Trance Hotels- a sleek hotel management company which he started with his mentor and father Mr. Veer Vijay Singh- another industry stalwart. Suryaveer received his wine degree at the Court of Master Sommeliers, Beverly Hills. Thus began a lifelong appreciation of wine, which Suryaveer imbibed into his professional role. Following his passion of wine and educating, he started the “Hyderabad Wine Society” which has successfully completed thirty-three wine dinners across the city- notably an astounding dinner at the luxurious Taj Falaknuma. The Wine society’s aim was to promote wine culture and education within the city via wine dinners and educational classes. The goal remains the same with the “Bangalore Wine Society” and with the dynamic audience of the city, it is an excellent initiative

Abhilash is a food, travel & lifestyle blogger based out of Bangalore and his journey started in Hyderabad too back in 2011. He writes extensively on his food and travel escapades and takes pride in his blog – GulpNMunch. He has curated food walks in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and has experienced numuroues cuisines in is its authentic form. Over the last couple of years, his food & travel journeys has been featured online as well as mainstream media.

Knowing well that Bengaluru is blessed with a gamut of food options across all the luxury hotels it has, The Bangalore Wine Society is hoping to curate wine dinners every month with cuisines from around the world paired with some fantastic old and new-world wines.

The wine dinner hosted at ITC Gardenia saw a mix of crowds – both wine experts as well as wine beginners, making it an excellent forum for learning about wines and understanding the nuances of pairing it with food. The second Chapter on the Bangalore Wine Society is slated for the mid of March 2021.

EVENTS |Mercure Hyderabad KCP hosted a session with TOUCH a Life Foundation

The session was organsied to give an exposure to all the departments at Mercure Hyderabad KCP and help them understand the hospitality sector better.

Mercure Hyderabad KCP recently hosted a session with TOUCH a Life Foundation by organising special event and fun activities.  The event started off with a warm welcome by the staff to all the ladies followed by a series of engaging activities. 

Mercure Hyderabad KCP coordinated a hotel tour for the participants and special sessions on hotels operations. The session gave ladies an overview on table etiquettes, cooking techniques, bed making tips, simple towel arts, leaf art and other daily operational nuances. 

The session was organsied to give an exposure to all the departments at Mercure Hyderabad KCP and help them understand the hospitality sector better.

Speaking on the occasion, Soumitra Pahari, General Manager, Mercure Hyderabad KCP said, “We are delighted to celebrate this day with ‘Touch a Life Foundation and happy the way they encourage these women to set their future goals. The session was planned to provide knowledge about the working of the hospitality industry and an overall understanding of our business. We will also forthcoming to provide further training in case these girls are keen to take hospitality as their career”.

"We are thankful to the team at Mercure Hyderabad KCP for conducting this educative session. The session was very knowledgeable and the girls were able to understand the basics of hotels operations and management. We all had a wonderful time" said Rina Hindocha, Touch a life Foundation.

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