NEWS | Goldfinch Hotel taps into food festivals for recovery growth

Goldfinch Hotel taps into food festivals for recovery growth

Food festivals, apart from highlighting the culinary expertise of a restaurant, hold more significance for 5-star hotels and resorts as they help in marketing other facilities of the property.

Successful hotels are not islands unto themselves, partnering with neighbors or others in the area is a popular way to offer something different for guests and draw in locals, as well as build on consumers’ quest for local flavour. Hotels are using this strategy to great effect when it comes to food and beverage.

Goldfinch Hotel in Mumbai has been organising a lot of food festivals at their Banjara restaurant. While The Grand Trunk Road food festival has just ended, the hotel has announced “10 ka DUM,” to promote their dishes in one offer.

The food festivals, apart from highlighting the culinary expertise of a restaurant, hold more significance for 5-star hotels and resorts as they help in marketing other facilities of the hotel apart from just food. Such food promotions are used as a marketing tool to keep a hotel or restaurant on top of a customer’s mental and emotional recall, thus enabling that hotel or restaurant to become a vibrant F&B destination in the city while also using patrons’ visits as an opportunity to highlight other offerings of the hotel.

“The food festival becomes a talking point on all fronts, guests talk about it and the hotel’s social media handle promotes it. Patrons look forward to experiencing something new and more walk-ins are also seen in the restaurant during the festival,” commented Subhadeep Datta, general manager, Goldfinch Hotel Mumbai.

The property witnesses at least a 30 percent increase in footfall during such festivals. For the Grand GT Road festival, inspiration has been to take guests on a culinary sojourn along with one of Asia’s oldest highways, where one could relish traditional fare from Chittagong and Kolkata to Kabul via stopovers at Amritsar, Delhi, and Allahabad.

“We are expecting a good footfall at the food festival. With the reducing number of covid cases and the fact that more and more people have got vaccinated, guests have regained confidence to step out of their homes, especially in hotel brands that are known for their strict adherence to hygiene,” Datta added.

The hotel is nearly back to doing pre-Covid business volumes. Datta states that the hotel expects to see a continued rise in terms of bookings and footfalls during the coming festive and year-end season.

Though food festivals are revenue-centric and organised to add to incomes, they also enable the chefs and culinary staff to explore more ideas and experiment with unusual cuisines which are not found on the regular menu.

NEWS | ITC Hotels announces its second Mementos property in Rajasthan

This luxury property in Jaipur will feature 130 rooms, offering the hotel brand’s signature services.

ITC Hotels has signed yet another property in Rajasthan, with the announcement of Mementos Jaipur. This is the second Mementos property by the group, the first one being in Udaipur, which was signed recently.

Both properties are poised as top-notch wedding destinations. Mementos Jaipur presents a unique venue in “Shahi Bagh”, inspired by the Mughal Gardens. Spread over 2 acre, it offers a picturesque setting for grand weddings, special celebrations and MICE events.

This luxury hotel located in Kukas in Jaipur, celebrates the architecture, art, culture and colours of Jaipur. This new addition will offer guests immersive experiences as it showcases the best of traditional hospitality that Rajasthan is acknowledged for.

Mementos Jaipur will have over 130 rooms spread over 25 acre of land. All rooms have the luxury of space with a minimum room size of 50 sqm, and comfortable sit-out courtyards.

The Food and Beverage options at the property include a multicuisine restaurant, Kebabs & Kurries (the acclaimed north Indian signature cuisine from ITC Hotels) and a bar. There are a multitude of offerings to choose from, including a library, the Kayakalp spa and the Ollies Club for young adults.

Anil Chadha, chief executive, ITC Hotels stated, “ From ‘Mementos Udaipur’ earlier this month to ‘Mementos Jaipur’, we are rapidly adding to the brand’s inventory. Brand “Mementos” helps us deliver unique luxury stays across different destinations through collaboration with asset owners who choose ITC Hotels for its top notch hospitality expertise.”

Mementos is the latest luxury brand by ITC's Hotel Group which brings together a collection of unique hotels, across varied destinations ranging from modern marvels, hidden retreats to historic treasures.

New Opening | Ginger Hotels steps into Coimbatore

he 72-key hotel will feature the hospitality chain’s newly-designed signature rooms.

Ginger Hotelsstrengthens its footprint in southern India with the signing of a new property in Coimbatore. The hotel will be designed around the brand’s lean luxe design and service philosophy of offering a vibrant, contemporary, and seamless hospitality experience to its guests.

Commenting on the signing, Deepika Rao, MD, and CEO, Ginger Hotels, said, “This development is in line with the brand’s growth strategy of expanding its presence in metros and key commercial hubs across India. Coimbatore is the second largest city of Tamil Nadu and a major industrial center. We are delighted to partner with Geetha Kumar’s Hospitality & Healthcare Private Limited for the hotel.”

Ginger Coimbatore will be located on Avinashi Road with convenient access to the Coimbatore International Airport and commercial center of the city. The 72-key hotel will feature Ginger’s newly designed signature rooms, Café Etcetera – the all-day diner, a bar, fitness center, banquet facility, and a meeting room.

Coimbatore is a hub for the textile industry in South India. Other major industries are manufacturing, education and healthcare. With the addition of this hotel, the Indian Hotels Company(IHCL) will have 17 hotels in Tamil Nadu, including four under development.

Award | 9 Fern Resorts win prestigious Hospitality India Travel Awards 2021!

9 Fern Resorts win prestigious Hospitality India Travel Awards 2021!

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain won big at the Hospitality India Travel Awards with nine of its resorts grabbing the awards at a glittering ceremony held in New Delhi on 12th November 2021. Besides seven others from the Fern family were awarded for outstanding performances in the fields of Sales & Marketing, Business Development, F&B and Operations.

The awards were presented by the Chief Guests, Mr Prem Bahadur Ale, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal, Mr Vijay Goel, Member of Parliament-Rajya Sabha, and others.

Congratulating the winners, Noshir A Marfatia, senior vice president, sales and marketing said, “It is a matter of great pride for us that so many resorts and individuals achieved recognition. The entire team has shown great commitment to accomplish this.”   

Following nine properties were awarded

1. Mr Tushar Mali, General Manager - The Fern Leo Resort & Club, Junagadh for The Best Luxury Resort & Club in Gujarat

2. Mr Nikhil Singh Rawat, Operations Manager - The Fern Sattva Resort, Dwarka for The Best Coastal Temple Town Resort in Gujarat

3. Mr Ranjeet Kumar, Operations Manager - The Fern Gir Forest Resort, Sasan Gir for The Best Jungle Safari Resort in Gujarat

4. Mr Brajesh Soni, Operations Manager - The Fern Sattva Resort, Polo Forest for The Best Nature-Friendly Resort in Gujarat

5. Mr Gurpreet Singh Kandhari, Operations Manager - The Fern Seaside Luxurious Tent Resort, Daman for The Best Luxury Tent Resort in Daman & Diu

6. Mr Ramesh Kumar Gupta, General Manager - The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Lonavala for The Best Luxury Hillside Resort in Maharashtra

7. Mr Dinesh Kumar Yadav, General Manager - The Fern Samali Resort, Dapoli for The Best Leisure Resort in Ratnagiri

8. Mr Arindam Bahel, General Manager - The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie for The Best Hill Resort in Uttarakhand

9. Mr Amit Mishra, General Manager - The Fern Denzong Hotel & Spa, Gangtok for The Best Hotel in Sikkim

The Fern Hotels & Resorts is India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain and amongst the fastest growing hotel brands in India, with 84 hotels & resorts currently operational under management or opening shortly across 69 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands, with 15 hotels opened during the pandemic lockdowns of 2020 & 2021. The company is a part of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

Launch | Wyndham launches Meetings Collection

Launching with eight hotels and resorts in the US, the company plans to expand the new network of premium meetings-focused hotels in the future

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched the Meetings Collection, the latest element to its Wyndham Business program. Initially launching with eight hotels and resorts located across the U.S. in popular meetings destinations and with plans to expand in the future, the collection was created to help event organizers book multiyear meetings at different hotels.

The collection’s portfolio comprises hotels under the Wyndham Grand, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, Wyndham, and Dolce Hotels and Resorts brands, and have more than 900,000 collective square feet of flexible meeting space and more than 4,400 total guestrooms.

Meeting planners will be able to earn Wyndham Rewards point when booking two or more meetings at participating hotels simultaneously or within 30 days of the contract for the first meeting. The offer includes:

• A 5 % discount on total meeting revenue when contracting multiple meetings or events at participating hotels
• Up to 30% attrition
• A streamlined contracting process and a single point of contact for each meeting or event
• Exclusive destination experiences at participating hotels
• The opportunity to earn up to 50,000 Wyndham Rewards points per meeting.

“It is a pivotal time in the meetings and events industry, with group travel beginning to return to fully in-person and hybrid meetings,” said Carol Lynch, Wyndham's SVP, global sales. “We are launching this collection to support planners during every phase of the process and are excited to be able to now offer a highly efficient way for them to source and book hotels at competitive rates, earn generous rewards and deliver an exceptional experience for their group.”

Source

Appointments | The Fern Hotels & Resorts appoints Ms.Malini Menon and Afroz Shaikh

Malini Menon

Ms. Malini Menon has been appointed as General Manager - Sales & Marketing (South India) for The Fern Hotels & Resorts.

Malini has completed her B.A (Psychology) and PGDBA in Marketing & HR from SCMS Kochi.

She has over 20 years of hospitality sales experience with renowned brands like ITC Welcomgroup, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, Lalit Hotels and Resorts, etc.

Her last assignment was with Raviz Hotels & Resorts handling pan-India Regional Sales Offices.

Afroz husain Shaikh – Operations Manager  The Fern Residency, Hubballi

Afroz Shaikh has been appointed as the Operations Manager for the newly-opened hotel, The Fern Residency, Hubballi.

Afroz has over 11 years of work experience with The Fern Hotels & Resorts. His previous assignments with The Fern were at The Fern Residency Vijayapura, The Fern Kadamba Hotel & Spa, Goa and UK 27 The Fern, Belagavi.

He has completed his bachelors in commerce from Karnataka University, Dharwad in 2008.

His last employment was with The Belgaum Presidency Hotel and Club.

New Opening | Hyatt Place Kathmandu Celebrates Official Opening

Hyatt Place Kathmandu Celebrates Official Opening

153-room Hyatt Place hotel opens in the heart of Kathmandu

  Hyatt Place Kathmandu, the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Nepal, is officially open, expanding the Hyatt Place brand’s footprint globally in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. The new hotel features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere and practical amenities, such as Free Wi-Fi Everywhere and 24-hour food offerings. Ownership of the hotel includes Akshay Golyan, Executive Director and Shakti Golyan, Chairman of City Hotel Ltd.

Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multitasking traveler. Hyatt Place Kathmandu is located in the lively city of Kathmandu, set in a valley surrounded by the beautifully scenic Himalayan mountains. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is steeped in rich history, long associated with ancient traditions and a vibrant culture. The hotel is only a short two-and-a-half-mile (four-kilometer) journey from the bustling city center and its attractions, which include many World Heritage sites like the remarkable ancient temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the sacred Hindu temple in Pashupatinath. For those looking for some retail therapy, the hotel is close to several popular shopping centers including New Road, Thamel and Durbar Marg.

“As Kathmandu continues to be a sought-after spot for both business and leisure travelers, we are excited to add to the momentum of the thriving city by welcoming the first Hyatt Place to Nepal in this truly unique capital city, which is bursting with history and cultural traditions,” said General Manager Varun Talwar. “With our smartly designed social spaces and guestrooms with separate work and sleep areas, our multitasking guests can easily accomplish what they need to do while on the road.”

Hyatt Place Kathmandu offers: 

• 153 spacious guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and play, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper

• Breakfast Bar featuring an inviting selection of hot and cold items to suit all guests’ needs

• Zing World of Flavors delivers good food, fast, combining local and worldly ingredients with bold tastes from South-East Asia with some Italian-Mediterranean options.

• Zing Sky Bar & Lounge is an energetic poolside venue with breathtaking sunset views, offering curated cocktails and Nepal’s best brews

• The Market serving freshly prepared meals anytime, day or night

• The Bar featuring specialty coffees and premium beers, as well as wines and cocktails

• Necessities program for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free

• Free Wi-Fi Everywhere throughout hotel and guestrooms

• Event Spaces offer approximately 5,382 square feet (500 square meters) of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space

• Fitness Center featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens

“Kathmandu is a vibrant city, filled with historic and artistic sites, friendly people, exciting neighborhoods, and an ever-expanding list of places to visit and experience,” said Akshay Golyan, Executive Director, City Hotel Ltd. “Our hotel is central to all of them and we are confident that the Hyatt Place Kathmandu will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting our area.”

HYATT PLACE KATHMANDU LEADERSHIP

Hyatt Place Kathmandu is under the leadership of General Manager Varun Talwar and Head of Sales and Marketing Achint Rastogi. In his role, Talwar is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the hotel, including overseeing the hotel’s 150 associates and ensuring guests encounter the thoughtful service for which the Hyatt Place brand is known. Rastogi is responsible for providing sales service and support to travelers and meeting planners frequenting the Kathmandu area. 

For more information, please visit HyattPlaceKathmandu.com      

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: https://hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness     

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

For further information:

500 Reasons to Stay Here 

Explore new places and reward your spirit of adventure. World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Place Kathmandu between November 27th 2021 through February 16th, 2022. 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.

Terms & Conditions

Offer valid for 500 Bonus Points for each qualifying night stayed by World of Hyatt members in good standing during a hotel’s offer period at participating hotels and resorts.  Offer valid at participating hotels and resorts for stays with a checkout date during each hotel’s offer period.  For each hotel’s offer period, visit worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus.  To be eligible for this offer you must be a World of Hyatt member in good standing at time of reservation and stay, stay at a participating hotel with a checkout date during that hotel’s offer period, provide your World of Hyatt mmbership number at time of check-in, and either pay an Eligible Rate or redeem a free night award.  An “Eligible Rate” and “Ineligible Rate” are defined in the World of Hyatt Terms and Conditions (located at worldofhyatt.com/terms).  Only one point bonus may be earned per member, per stay, regardless of the number of rooms booked.  Only the room occupied by the member will count toward this offer.  Two or more consecutive nights at the same hotel will be deemed one stay.  All points awarded under this offer are Bonus Points.  This offer is subject to the complete terms and conditions of the World of Hyatt program.  Please allow 3-4 weeks after travel is completed for World of Hyatt Bonus Points to be credited to your Account.  To join World of Hyatt, visit worldofhyatt.com.  Qualifying nights will automatically be tracked when you provide your World of Hyatt membership number at check-in.  A limited number of rooms are allocated to this offer; reservations subject to availability. Offer not valid with groups, conventions, other promotional offers, tour packages or special rate programs. Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw this offer at any time without notice.  The trademarks Hyatt®, World of Hyatt® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. © 2019 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

About Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 385 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2021, Hyatt’s portfolio included more than 1,000 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 69 countries across six continents, and the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group added 96 properties in 10 countries as of November 1, 2021. Hyatt’s offerings include the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMR™ Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless® Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua® Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Hyatt’s subsidiaries operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and the Trisept Solutions® travel technology platform. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.  

Trends | The Thinnai Jaffna hosted their Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony

Heralding the oncoming season of Christmas, The Thinnai Hotel Jaffna, hosted its traditional Christmas cake mixing ceremony (November 008, 2021). Led by Mr. Janitha Madawala, the General Manager of the hotel, hotel staff and guests kick started the traditional festivity by mixing the ingredients of the Christmas cake.

Armed with gloves and Santa hats, all came together to celebrate the festivities and merriment of cake mixing. The hotel used premium quality spices and dry fruits to get the best cakes of the season. Guests & Staff were seen pouring wine and mixing the ingredients together with a lot of excitement and gaiety. The event saw a good response as young and old together got into the act under the supervision of the chef’s presence at the event.

Amid Preparations, Mr. Janitha C. Madawala said, "Cake mixing is an age-old tradition around the world, and we are so excited to be hosting this unique ceremony at The Thinnai as we prepare for a festive season filled with joy and we are grateful to all the patrons and guests who participated at the event and are looking forward to hosting you all throughout the next few weeks for a string of celebrations, fun activities, special holiday promotions as well as our trademark year-end dinner gala.”

NEWS | Subway Announces Its Largest Ever Master Franchisee Partnership With Everstone Group To Expand Its Presence In India

New Delhi, India – Subway®, the world’s largest restaurant brand, today announced significant expansion in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as the company signed a master franchise agreement with Everstone Group (Everstone), a South Asia focused leading private investment firm. The agreement is one of the largest master franchise agreements in QSR history. 

Everstone, with expertise in growing and building brands in India and South Asia, will lead Subway on an ambitious growth trajectory, with a commitment to more than triple the number of restaurants in 10 years from the nearly 700 locations that exists today.

The new restaurants — as well as upgrades to existing locations — will adapt the company’s new, modern, and inviting “Fresh Forward” design and meet the needs of today’s consumer with comfortable guest indoor dining spaces as well as numerous delivery and order ahead options, with a strong digital first strategy.

“Today’s announcement represents a significant step in Subway’s transformation journey and global expansion plans,” said John Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Subway.  “Everstone, with extensive knowledge and proven restaurant operational expertise in the region, is the ideal partner as we begin this new chapter for Subway in India and South Asia.”

“The scale of this agreement is unprecedented and will ensure that Subway’s presence across India will more than triple over the next 10 years,” said Mike Kehoe, EMEA President at Subway. “We’ve seen huge demand from existing Subway guests in India and couldn’t be more excited to partner with Everstone to strengthen our presence and bring our beloved subs to even more Indian guests.”

“Subway is an iconic brand and its philosophy of freshly made-to-order and better-for-you food delivered at-home and in-store is central to one of the greatest structural consumer trends we see in South Asia,” said Sameer Sain, Founder and CEO, Everstone Group. “Everstone Group is delighted to be a partner and custodian of Subway in the region. We strongly believe that our significant experience in the QSR space, our strong digital focus, our ability to innovate, as well as our proven execution capabilities, will enable Subway to become a dominant player in the region.”

This new agreement with Everstone is part of Subway’s multi-year transformation journey to improve across all aspects of the brand as the business expands its presence around the world. In EMEA, Subway plans to double its number of restaurants across the region in the coming years and will continue to seek strong partners to support the brand on its journey. 

About Subway® Restaurants

As the world's largest quick service restaurant brand, Subway serves freshly made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls to millions of guests, across more than 100 countries in nearly 40,000 restaurants every day. Subway restaurants are owned and operated by Subway franchisees – a network that includes more than 20,000 dedicated entrepreneurs and small business owners – who are committed to delivering the best guest experience possible in their local communities.

Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC.   ©2021 Subway IP LLC

Appointments | IHG Hotels and Resorts has appointed Pankaj Gupta as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.

IHG Hotels and Resorts has appointed Pankaj Gupta as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.  

Mr Gupta is a self-motivated hotel operation professional with excellent interpersonal skills and a consistent track record. An industry veteran with over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Mr. Gupta brings with him holistic experience including strategic leadership, guest experience, and expertise in revenue analysis, yield management, and sales & marketing. He started his career as a Front Office Associate and since then there is no looking back, he has held various positions and as a General Manager with leading hotels chains: Accor Hotels, Marriott International, and IHG.

His achievements include opening a brand new hotel from the ground up and set up the entire operations, winning the Hotel Leader in South West Asia region in 2018, and many more. He has moved to this role from Holiday Inn Jaipur, spearheading the biggest property in the city center with enormous options for dining and banqueting and he was also responsible for the associates’ elicit performance, culminating fine guest experience and achieving the vision of the hotel.

Taking charge at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, Pankaj Gupta, General Manager said, “I am very excited to embark on this new journey with Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. I look forward to creating elevated experiences for our guests and taking the Hotel to the next level of success, hand in hand, with this excellent team”.

As a general manager, he has a diverse leadership team where one style cannot suit all. To make things effective, he usually has a mix of styles which include transformational and coaching. He always keep in mind that one can bring the best out of people when you believe in them and value their past experiences and learning. There might be times when one may come across difficult conversations, at such a situation, his primary objective is to empathize with individuals, understand their viewpoint, analyse and then he comes to conclusions. “He firmly believes leadership is not a position or a title, it is action by setting examples”.

New Launch | Chef Vicky Ratnani launches gourmet burger brand

Ratnani and his team plan to expand Speak Burgers, an online delivery brand, across Mumbai and then India.

Chef Vicky Ratnani along with actor Kashishh Rajput, and entrepreneur Alberto Bestonso has announced the launch of a new burger brand, Speak Burgers. Currently operating out of Pali Hill in Bandra, Mumbai, Ratnani and his team plan to expand this delivery brand across the city and then across the country.

Speak Burgers is presently equipped to handle about 200-300 orders per day, and the brand plans to have a company-owned central kitchen in every city and franchise at least 10 outlets in each city. “We will supply the franchise outlets with our products to ensure quality and consistency,’ Ratnani informed.

Ratnani feels that burgers have tremendous potential in India. “Looking at the growth of the other international burger brands in India which have shown that this is a over a billion-dollar industry and I think burgers are the future vada pav,” he added.

The Indian market is expanding now more than ever and global brands are finding this to be the perfect time to tap into the market. As of now, there are only a few burger chains that have made their presence felt. With Speak Burgers, the team aims to give the consumers an authentic premium gourmet burgers experience.

“The most important aspect for the burgers to reach the customers in perfect condition is the bun. At Speak Burgers, we have put in lots of research and efforts to create a perfect bun that has the perfect blend of taste, texture and consistency, which can hold the sauces and toppings without breaking, becoming soggy like most other burgers. The patties and the cooking process were developed to ensure that they stay crisp and retain flavour till they are eaten,” Ratnani added.

Their menu includes a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The non-vegetarian burger menu consists of some of Ratnani’s signature personal favourites such as the Harissa Lamb Burger, Baja Style Beer Batter Fish Burger and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger served in freshly baked Brioche Buns. For vegetarians, Chef has crafted a special menu consisting of Italian Grilled Veg Burger, Mother Earth Mushroom Burger, Pesto Paneer Burger, to name a few, which are served in a unique light, Peppered Potato Bun.

Marriott News | Marriott inks deal with Wasl for lively W Dubai hotel in Mina Seyahi

W Hotels and Resorts already exist on Palm Jumeirah and Yas Island

The UAE’s third W hotel has been confirmed, this time opening in Dubai’s Mina Seyahi area.

W Hotels and Resorts is one of Marriott’s most luxurious brands and The W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will be no different, with an expected 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites.

Inside, The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw inspiration from a Middle Eastern gathering place. Anticipated plans also include a new sunset destination experience by the pool overlooking Mina Seyahi bay, as well as a signature outlet on the 31st floor, with views of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.

Marriott’s Candice D’Cruz, vice president – luxury brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trendsetting W Hotels brand.

“With its unexpected design and iconic, socially-driven ‘Whatever/Whenever service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.”

Slated to open in 2022, the new hotel is developed by Wasl.

HE Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of Wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that Wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector.”

Sandeep Walia, COO, Middle East, Marriott International, added: “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Wasl Group to open W Dubai – Mina Seyahi in such an important leisure destination in Dubai. This new hotel underscores our commitment to growing our luxury portfolio in the Middle East, while signifying the demand for the W Hotels brand in the region.”

Event | Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre celebrates Children’s Day with a special brunch “A Child’s Fair”

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre celebrates Children’s Day with a special brunch “A Child’s Fair”

Hyderabad: 15th November 2021:  Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre organised  a Children’s Day Special Brunch on 14th November 2021 at Food Exchange. The hotel celebrated the National Children’s Day in an innovative way by organizing “A Child’s Fair” with a dream-like setting of perfect weather, fun games, and an array of national and international cuisines .  The event transited the kids on a joy ride and reminded guests of their beautiful childhood memories.  The event was adorned with  with fun-filled balloons, live music band, Face painting, tattoo artists, games jockey along with various kinds of food across the world. The kids enjoyed the colorful desserts counters and they also baked ginger cookie and ginger houses with the help of chefs and their parents.  

To make the big day more memorable a separate kid’s zone was created which was loaded with activities like trampoline, bouncy, X box, caricature painting and Super hero character. Apart from traditional cuisine the buffet will include Asian, Indian, Western delicacies along with Teppanyaki Ice Cream live counter and a unique Egg Station along with chat counters.

According to Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, “We are delighted to organise ‘A child’s Fair’ on the occasion of Children’s Day at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre . The event was planned to help kids and families unwind and  relax in a beautiful environment. Our team included all elements to take guests on memory lane with an array of fun elements and an amazing spread of foods. We are taking utmost care and will be strictly adhering to all the government-provided norms and regulations.”

Award | Uttarakhand gets awards in three categories in tourism sec

Proving its excellence in tourism in the country, Uttarakhand has won prestigious national level awards in three categories. Among them, the state has won the Best Wildlife Destination, Best Adventure Destination and Best Spiritual Destination Award. The Union Tourism Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy presented the awards to The Minister of Tourism, Shri Satpal Maharaj.

India's finest tourist destinations were given awards in 9 separate categories. Out of these, Uttarakhand has won three awards. Jim Corbett National Park in the state has been declared as the Best Wildlife Destination, Rishikesh as The Best Adventure Destination and Kedarnath as the Best Spiritual Destination.

Adding more in this Union Tourism Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy said, "Under the guidance of  our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, major initiatives are being taken to promote domestic tourism and promoting India internationally."

The India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2021 were distributed in New Delhi on Friday. After receiving the award, The Tourism Minister Shri Satpal Maharaj said, "Since Corona, Uttarakhand has emerged as a major hub in tourism, wellness tourism and AYUSH. Uttarakhand has been the destination of choice for its natural beauty.

It has been continuously attracting tourists from abroad. We have immense potential for adventure tourism in the state, and we are now a prominent destination for adventure seekers. Keeping this in mind, we are also constantly working to promote adventure sports. While Jim Corbett National Park is a perfect destination for wildlife lovers as well as nature lovers.

Uttarakhand's prestige has increased manifold with these three awards. Our government is committed to promoting tourism in Uttarakhand in an environment friendly manner and development of local communities. We are humbled to receive this honour.“

The tourism minister's aim has also been to promote the alternative pilgrimage sites of the four dhams as winter chardham.

Source

New Opening | Ginger signs new hotel in Dehradun

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have seven hotels in Uttarakhand, including three under development

Ginger signs a new hotel in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. The hotel will be designed around the brand’s lean luxe design and service philosophy of offering a vibrant, contemporary, and seamless hospitality experience to its guests.

Commenting on the signing, Deepika Rao, MD and CEO, Ginger Hotels said, “It is a proud moment for us. The beautiful city of Dehradun is an important economic hub for Uttarakhand with the development of Software Technology Parks and Special Economic Zones. It is also a gateway to several tourist destinations in the North. We are delighted to partner with Tanishk Garg for this project.”

Strategically located on Rajpur Road going towards Mussorie, Ginger Dehradun will have convenient access to popular leisure destinations and commercial hubs of the city. The hotel will feature 72 keys in Ginger’s signature Lean Luxe design, Café Etcetera – the all-day diner, a conference room, and a fitness centre.

Located in the Doon Valley at the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun is a notable academic and research hub. The city has many well-known institutions including The Indian Military Academy, Forest Research Institute, and The Doon School.

With the addition of this hotel IHCL will have seven hotels in Uttarakhand, including three under development.

NEWS | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands Debuts Behind the Bar Program Featuring Guest Bartenders from World’s 50 Best Bars

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is debuting a new guest bartending series aptly titled Behind the Bar. This program will feature some of the top bartenders and bring several of the World’s 50 Best Bars to Fari Islands, and we are hoping it might be of interest to your readers.  

Kicking off the program on November 3-4, 2021 is Little Red Door. The confidential den tucked in the discreet rue Charlot is known as a Parisian institution in the cocktail arts since 2012. Ranked in the very selective list of the 50 Best Bars for seven years, it is continually recognized for its tailored team of bartenders who are able to imagine clever drinks according to the mood and preferences of the clients, and also distinguishes itself by the creativity of its breaking codes and pushing senses menus. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands can join the guest mixologists at Eau Bar for an extraordinary cocktail experience or take part in the Cocktail Lab hosted by Little Red Door, that will dive into the art of cocktail conception and the connection the colors have in creating different sensations.  

The Behind the Bar program will be continuing through 2022 and has confirmed the following guest bartenders:  

∙ Three Sheets – November 29-30, 2021  

o Three Sheets is an award-winning cocktail bar opened by Max and Noel Venning in 2016. Known for being able to be ordered by strength, each section of their menu – be it One, Two or Three Sheets – offers a minimalist presentation and explosion of flavors. Noel Venning, Head Bartender and Owner of Three Sheets, will take over Eau Bar for two nights and offer a Cocktail Lab for all to discover the secrets behind this renowned cocktail bar.  

∙ Tjoget– December 18-19, 2021  

A perfectly balanced neighborhood bar, where drinks are inspired by the flavors and fragrances of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. Conceived and managed by two bartenders, Andreas Bergman and Joel Söderbäck, the cocktail bar has always been the beating heart of Tjoget.

Source

Ingredient Ideology |The Ravishing Ravioli By Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

The Ravishing Ravioli

Fresh home-made pasta varieties to relish

Italian cooking is one of the favorites of many of us and the very name of pasta and pizzas is so very inviting and mesmerizing. The basic of this universally accepted cuisine revolves around a few choice of ingredients which suit almost all of us and it starts from the varieties it has to offer from vegetarian to poultry, meat, seafood and even vegan in today’s times.

The word pasta as it goes back into history was all hand crafted and the chefs have designed some really amazing creative pieces of art with shapes and sizes of pasta which today are on menu cards across the globe with everyone’s own little twist of taste and flavors modifying it to suit the need of every guest and foodie.

To me ravioli has been a very exciting experience since it is possible to stuff these two sheets of pasta sheets with almost anything you can think of as your most favorite to the unusual combinations as well come out really well when tried out with a little open mind and out of the box. The concept of a ravioli is to place a filling between two sheets of pasta and seal the edges, ensure they open during boiling or frying and then they are tossed in a sauce or served with a dip when fried.

Innovation with ravioli from my kitchen include cheesy chicken tikka olive ravioli with creamy makhani sauce, palak aur soya ki ravioli tossed in a coriander peanut pesto sauce, shrimps cooked with butter garlic and dill leaves stuffed into a ravioli and then fried, served with a mayonnaise based tangy desi cocktail dip and the list goes on and on.

Here are a few of my all-time ravioli recipes to try out in your kitchens and enjoy the ravioli delicacies!

Recipe-1] CHEESY RAVIOLI WITH WALNUT PESTO

Ingredients

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the cheesy stuffing:

Oil-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1/2 chopped

Cottage cheese-1/2 cup grated

Green capsicum-1/2 chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs and chili flakes to taste

Cheese-2 tsp grated

For the walnut pesto:

Basil leaves- 1 cup

Garlic-1 tsp

Walnuts- 4-6 no

Olive oil/oil- 2 tbsp.

Chilled water-2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Parmesan cheese/ cheese-2 tsp grated.

Method:

1. Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of same size, side by side.

2.Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook for 2-3 mins and remove, cool completely.

3.Using a chutney grinder, combine all ingredients for the pesto and churn them all into a nice chutney concept, remove and keep chilled.

4. Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and boil the ravioli in boiling water for 3-4 mins and remove.

5. In a bow toss together the prepared pesto sauce with the ravioli and add cheese, cherry tomatoes and olives, basil etc and serve as a pasta snack or a mini meal concept.

Recipe-2] FRIED KEEMA MATTAR RAVIOLI

Ingredients

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the keema mattar stuffing:

Oil-2 tsp

Ginger-garlic-chili paste-1 tsp mix

Onion-1 small chopped

Chicken keema-1 cup

Green peas-1/4 cup boiled

Salt to taste

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Tomato puree-2 tbsp.

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Mixed herbs and chili flakes to taste.

Water to cook the keema.

Cheese- 2 tsp grated.

Oil to deep fry the ravioli.

For the dip:

Tomato ketchup/ sweet chili sauce/ hot garlic sauce can be served.

Method:

1. Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of the same size, side by side.

2. Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook the onions until light pink, add in the chicken keema and peas, salt and all masalas, tomato puree and saute for 2-3 mins, reduce the flame add little water just to cook the keema and dry it at the end, cool and add cheese.

3. Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and deep fry in medium hot oil for 3-4 mins and remove, drain excess oil on a kitchen paper.

4. Serve the fried chicken keema mattar ravioli with assorted dips or sauces of your choice.

Recipe-3] NUTTY SPINACH STUFFED RAVIOLI

Ingredients:

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Saffron water-few drops

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the nutty spinach stuffing:

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Spinach-1 cup blanched and chopped

Salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste

Cheese- 2 tsp grated

Nuts- almonds/cashews/walnuts-2 tsp chopped

To serve with:

Mayonnaise-chili dip/ hung curd dips/ assorted sauces of your choice.

Method:

1.Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of same size, side by side.

2.Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook for 2-3 mins and remove, cool completely and add the cheese last.

3. Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and boil the ravioli in boiling water for 3-4 mins and remove.

4. Serve the cooked ravioli with assorted dips and sauces of your choice.

Recipe- 4] RAVIOLI WITH BASIL AND SAUSAGES

Ingredients:

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the stuffing:

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1/2 chopped

Chicken sausages-2-3 chopped

Salt, pepper, herbs and chili flakes to taste

Cheese- 2 tbsp. grated

Fresh basil-4-5 leaves cut.

For the tomato herb sauce:

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1/2 chopped

Tomato puree-1 cup

Salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste

White wine-2 tsp- optional

Sliced green/black olives- 3-4 no

Fresh parsley/basil- 2 tsp

Method:

1.Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of same size, side by side.

2. Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook for 2-3 mins and remove, cool completely and add the cheese last.

3. Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and boil the ravioli in boiling water for 3-4 mins and remove.

4. Prepare the sauce in a pan add oil, garlic, onion saute until pink, add tomato puree, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, wine and cook for 3-4 mins, add sliced olives and parsley/basil and add in the cooked pasta and toss it for 1-2 mins. Garnish with cheese, basil and serve hot.

Recipe-5] RAVIOLI WITH TOFU & GARDEN VEGGIES

Ingredients

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the tofu- veg stuffing:

Oil-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Extra firm tofu- ½ cup crumbled

Sliced mushrooms-3-4 no

Boiled sweet corn-2-3 tbsp. crushed

Salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste

Grated cheese-2 tbsp.

Dipping sauces:

Tomato chili sauce/ sweet garlic dip/ mayonnaise chili/ schezuan dip.

Method:

1.Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of same size, side by side.

2. Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook for 2-3 mins and remove, cool completely and add the cheese last.

3.Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and deep fry in medium hot oil for 3-4 mins and remove, drain excess oil on a kitchen paper.

4. Serve the fried tofu & garden veggie ravioli with assorted dips or sauces of your choice.

Recipe-6] SEAFOOD RAVIOLI

Ingredients:

For the Ravioli dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt -1/4 tsp

Olive oil/ oil-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/4 tsp

Chili flakes-1/4 tsp

Egg-1 no optional

Warm water-as needed.

For the stuffing:

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1/2 chopped

Shrimps-1/2 cup chopped

Salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste

Soy sauce-1 tsp

Red chili sauce-1 tsp

Cheese-2 tbsp. grated.

For the cream sauce:

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Maida-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Prawns- 10-12 med sized

Salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste

Fresh cream-1/2 cup

Water/fish stock-1 cup

Cream cheese-2 tsp

Fresh herbs/olives/cherry tomatoes.

Method:

1.Prepare the ravioli dough and cover and keep for resting under a damp kitchen towel for 15-20 mins, divide the dough into 2 and roll out 2 thin rotis and cut the edges shape them into rectangle shapes of same size, side by side.

2. Heat oil in a pan and saute the ingredients for the stuffing and cook for 2-3 mins and remove, cool completely and add the cheese last.

3. Place the cooled filling on the rectangle sheets around 1 tsp, keep some gap between two. After placing the filling apply a paste of maida and water on all sides and edges and sandwich with the second sheet and using a fork pinch the sides, cut into small squares as per filling placed and boil the ravioli in boiling water for 3-4 mins and remove.

4. To prepare the cream sauce for seafood ravioli, heat oil and butter in a pan add in the garlic, maida and saute for 30 seconds, add in the fish stock /water and salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes to taste, add a little saffron water as well for a nice shade. As the sauce starts thickening, reduce the flame and slowly add in the full fat cream and cream cheese and blend it well then add in the cleaned prawns and cook for 4-5 mins.

5. Once the sauce is ready add in the cooked ravioli and toss it carefully in the pan and serve hot garnished with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, cheese, olives, etc.

Brief about the Writer:

NEWS | IHCL to convert Jaisalmer’s Gorbandh Palace into a SeleQtions hotel

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer, which will be converted into an IHCL SeleQtions hotel post comprehensive renovations. This hotel is yet another partnership between IHCL and Historic Resort Hotels (HRH).

Puneet Chhatwal, MD and CEO, IHCL, said, “With the signing of this hotel, IHCL is stepping into another strategic location in Rajasthan. We will now complete the important tourist circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. We thank Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar for reposing his trust in us for the third hotel in this partnership.”

The 83-key hotel is located in the heart of Jaisalmer, close to major tourist attractions. The yellow sandstone heritage hotel will have an all-day diner, bar, recreational facilities including a spa, a banquet hall and gardens for social and business gatherings. The hotel will shut down and undergo a complete renovation before it is launched under the SeleQtions brand in the second quarter of 2023.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, chairman and MD, Historic Resort Hotels (HRH), said, “This is the 50th year of our relationship with IHCL, which commenced with Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur in 1971 and continued with Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur. We strengthen our relationship with Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer.”

Nicknamed ‘The Golden city’, Jaisalmer in the Thar desert, stands on a ridge and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. Many of the houses and temples of the fort and the town below are built of finely sculptured sandstone, which gives it a golden colour.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 21 hotels across brands in Rajasthan including eight under development.

News | Marriott Bonvoy adds The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to its portfolio

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program, has announced The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join the program effective November 9, 2021. Translating the legendary Ritz-Carlton experience to sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is poised to become one of the most exciting debuts in the luxury travel sector, carving out an entirely unique space within the industry. Marriott Bonvoy members can now earn and redeem points for voyages slated to begin May 6, 2022, marking an exciting moment as they are invited to experience The Ritz-Carlton brand like never before.

“It is exciting to expand our unparalleled portfolio of travel experiences with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. “Marriott Bonvoy offers more unique accommodations than any program and this new offering is an incredible addition for our most discerning members.”

Marriott Bonvoy elite members will enjoy an elevated luxury experience during their voyage, including a private reception upon boarding and other bespoke recognition during their sailing.

“We are thrilled to announce that The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will join the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, creating a truly unrivaled offering for our members and guests,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands for Marriott International. “The Ritz-Carlton brand continues to drive innovation within the hospitality industry, creating the one-of-a-kind experiences we know the modern affluent traveler seeks. As the iconic brand continues to evolve, the participation of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in Marriott Bonvoy encourages both longtime Ritz-Carlton loyalists, those who are new to the brand, and guests across Marriott International’s portfolio, to earn and redeem points while exploring this incredibly exciting, elevated and immersive travel experience.”

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the latest accommodation under Marriott Bonvoy, joining 30 extraordinary hotel brands with 7,900 properties across 138 countries and territories around the world, including the company’s all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and in addition to 44,000 curated premium and luxury vacation rentals from Homes and Villas by Marriott International. As a participant in Marriott Bonvoy, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides members with another extraordinary opportunity to earn and redeem points as they pursue their passions through travel:

• Members will earn five points per $1 spent on the cruise fare only, as well as on the hotel package rate for participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
• Members can redeem an initial 180,000 points toward a $1,000 savings on the cruise fare, and increments of 90,000 points may be redeemed toward a $500 savings thereafter. Full redemption may be available.
• Members will receive one elite night credit per night on board toward achieving higher Elite status.
• Cruise fare and hotel package rate will be applied toward the annual qualifying spend for members striving for Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite status.
• Members can accelerate the points earned on their voyage purchase and even more when using their Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards from JPMorgan Chase and American Express.

Evrima, the first yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, will cruise a variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The intimate size of the vessel allows the yacht to call on locations typically not accessible to larger cruise ships, including Saint-Tropez, Ibiza and St. Barts. With a relaxed pace, which includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a curated collection of experiences. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will also collaborate with Marriott International luxury brand hotels worldwide on unique activations for guests. Travelers will additionally have the option to extend their pre- and post-voyage getaways, redeeming points at Marriott International hotels to explore a range of cities and towns across a vast number of destinations.

The experience onboard Evrima will perfectly blend the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton resorts with the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. It will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, with one of the highest space and service ratios at sea. The specially designed yacht measures 190-meters (624 feet) and features 149 suites. Guests will enjoy a range of programming including a thoughtfully curated menu of spa treatments, watersports from the yacht’s marina and Evrima’s signature restaurant, S.E.A., designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg in Germany. In each destination, guests can choose from a selection of exclusive experiences within The Shore Collection that align with their interests or utilize the services of the Concierge Ashore to customize their own private tours. By working with local guides selected for their insider knowledge, guests will enjoy a highly personalized and immersive journey while exploring the culture of each destination.

Meliá Koh Samui introduces ‘Samui, I Miss You’ package

As Thailand loosens the shackles of the pandemic and reopens to international tourists, Meliá Koh Samui has introduced a getaway that makes the most of its stunning beachfront setting, family-friendly facilities, dining and spa.

The resort's ‘Samui, I Miss You’ package coincides with Thailand's Test and Go programme that permits quarantine-free travel to the Kingdom for fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries deemed low risk.

Under Thailand's Test and Go programme, fully vaccinated travellers travelling by air from countries deemed low risk are required to do a COVID-19 test upon arrival to Thailand. With a negative result, travellers are allowed to freely travel anywhere in Thailand. 

With an outdoor terrace that sits above Meliá Koh Samui’s strand, The Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar is focused on contemporary Thai dishes as well as Western and Mediterranean cuisine and anchors the resort’s dining landscape. Blending ancient Asian wisdom with modern wellness techniques, YHI Spa offers a broad spectrum of treatments including massages, scrubs, wraps and facials, based on organic Thai wellness brand HARNN’s products. The hotel offers a standalone bathtub on a private balcony, premium pool access rooms, complimentary recreational and wellness pursuits range and kids club Kidsdom.