When Architecture Becomes Part of the Dining Experience

There is something about dining in an old house that makes you slow down. You notice the high ceilings, pause at a doorway, spend a little longer in the courtyard and, before you know it, the space has become part of the evening. At The Swinton House in Jaipur, that is very much the point. Set within a nearly 150-year-old property, the destination brings together architecture, food, cocktails and nightlife in a way that makes the house as memorable as what happens inside it.

The story goes back to Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the British architect whose work shaped much of Jaipur, including the Albert Hall Museum and Rambagh Palace. His influence can still be felt in the way Indian craftsmanship and British design come together across the city. At The Swinton House, those references have been reworked for today rather than simply recreated.

The Yard opens into a generous courtyard filled with natural light and greenery, making it an easy spot for a long lunch or an unhurried evening. Move into The Albion, and the mood changes. The space is more intimate, with marble, traditional mouldings, rich details and statement lighting setting the scene for Pan-Asian food and cocktails.

Designed by Abhigyan Neogi and Kanika Gupta of Chromed Design Studio, the interiors take cues from the traditional Rajasthani mansion while bringing in a distinctly British influence. It feels rooted in Jaipur, but not stuck in the past.

And this is where the architecture starts doing more than simply looking good.

Where you sit can change the mood of the evening. A courtyard invites you to linger. A quieter room makes dinner feel more intimate. A bar encourages you to stay for one more drink. Even walking from one part of the house to another becomes part of the experience.

The food follows the same spirit of bringing different influences together. The Yard focuses on modern international fusion, while The Albion explores Pan-Asian flavours, with cocktails that add another layer to the evening. The menus feel contemporary, but they sit comfortably within a house that carries so much history.

What makes The Swinton House interesting is this meeting of old and new. The heritage hasn't been put behind glass or treated like a museum piece. It is being lived in over lunch, dinner, drinks, music and long conversations that carry on well after the meal is finished.

Because architecture isn't only about how a place looks. Sometimes, it is about how it makes you feel whether you want to stay for another drink, move to a different table or simply take one last look around before leaving.

At The Swinton House, the meal may end at the table, but the experience doesn't quite end there. You take a little bit of the house with you.

KAMARI Opens in Anjuna: Introducing a New Expression of Beachfront Hospitality in North Goa

KAMARI brings together architecture, world cuisine, progressive mixology and cultural programming in a destination that shifts with the rhythm of the coast.

Goa,  2026: North Goa welcomes a distinctive new address with the opening of KAMARI, a beachfront hospitality destination in Anjuna that brings together architecture, gastronomy, mixology, music and design in a setting inspired by the changing rhythm of the Arabian Sea. Conceived as an all-day seaside sanctuary, KAMARI moves effortlessly from sun-soaked afternoons and leisurely dining to sunset gatherings and vibrant evenings, creating an experience that transforms as the day unfolds.

Inspired by the timeless duality of the sun and the moon, KAMARI reflects two contrasting moods. By day, the space is calm, open and restorative, inviting guests to slow down against the backdrop of the sea. As daylight fades, lighting, music and performance reshape the atmosphere, giving the venue an entirely different character while remaining connected to its coastal surroundings.

The property's architecture draws from the movement of the ocean itself. Soft, sculptural curves flow through the entrance, the organically contoured central bar and the sweeping upper deck, framing uninterrupted 180-degree views of the Arabian Sea. Natural materials including weathered wood, linen, rattan and earthy textures reinforce a design language that feels contemporary while remaining deeply rooted in Goa's landscape.

Adding another layer to the visual narrative is KAMARI's bespoke Toile de Jouy artwork, commissioned exclusively for the destination. Reinterpreting the classic textile tradition through a contemporary lens, the intricate illustrations weave together the mythology of the moon, the rhythm of the sea, tropical flora and fauna, and the rituals of coastal living. More than a decorative element, the artwork captures the philosophy that shapes the space, celebrating craftsmanship, storytelling, and a strong sense of place.

KAMARI has been created as a destination where every space offers a different perspective of the coastline. Guests can spend the day on beachfront sunbeds just steps from the Arabian Sea before moving into sea-facing dining spaces or retreating to private cabanas with plunge pools overlooking the water. The experience begins even before arrival, with personalised hospitality that includes dedicated solar-powered golf cart transfers, setting the tone from the very first interaction.

As evening settles in, the venue takes on a new energy. At its centre stands a striking 23-foot Medusa sculpture, brought to life through dynamic lighting, digital storytelling and curated entertainment. The installation anchors the indoor-outdoor lounge, where art, music and hospitality come together to create one of Anjuna's most compelling nightlife settings.

The culinary programme, led by Chef Ram, presents a globally inspired menu built around seasonal produce, bold flavours and dishes made for sharing. Signature offerings include the Millet Tabouleh, Avocado Edamame Toast, Zucchini Burrata Curry, Garlic Butter Lamb Chops, John Dory Fish and Prawn Thermidor, alongside a selection that moves comfortably from relaxed lunches by the beach to celebratory dinners overlooking the sea.

The bar program led by Dikshit Shetty embodies a spirit of exploration by reinterpreting India's rich culinary heritage through innovative techniques. Methods such as clarification, fermentation, infusion, and distillation are employed to create drinks that are deeply rooted in Indian tradition, yet presented with the precision found in leading international cocktail bars. Each drink tells its own story, inviting guests to experience familiar flavors in unexpected and exciting ways. Few signatures include cocktails such as Rasam, inspired by the flavors of Southern India; Aarambh, inspired by the celebration of new beginnings; and Ko-cane, inspired by an addiction that tastes like affection. These cocktails feature indigenous botanicals, regional spices, tropical fruits, and nostalgic flavors.

Alongside its food and beverage programme, KAMARI will host a calendar of curated experiences celebrating music, culture and community. Among its signature offerings is IN WHITE, a weekly Sunday sundowner that transforms the beachfront into an immersive all-white celebration of music, elevated hospitality and sunset rituals. With Curated performances, signature cocktails and world cuisine, each edition offers a fresh expression of Kamari's experiential spirit. From relaxed afternoons by the beach to vibrant late-night celebrations, every visit promises a different experience.

Commenting on the launch, Varun Duggal, Co-Founder & Designated Partner of KAMARI, said: "We're no longer competing for people's appetite. We're competing for the few hours they're willing to give us. If those hours don't become memorable, we've only done half our job. That belief became the foundation of KAMARI. We set out to create more than a beach club, we wanted to craft a place where architecture, hospitality, food, cocktails, music and the natural beauty of the Arabian Sea exist as one complete experience. Our ambition is to build a brand conceived in India that resonates globally, demonstrating that Indian hospitality can stand alongside the world's most celebrated coastal destinations while remaining deeply connected to the spirit of Goa."

Blending thoughtful design with a dynamic culinary and cultural programme, KAMARI marks a new chapter in Goa's hospitality landscape—one where guests are invited to linger, return and experience the destination differently with every visit.

A Continued Testament to Refined Elegance: OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI Retains Coveted MICHELIN Key for Second Consecutive Year

This rare honour reaffirms the resort's place at the pinnacle of ultra-luxury hospitality, where every detail is curated and every guest is truly seen 

 Maldives, S 2026 – In the rarefied realm of the MICHELIN Key, with nearly 500 bestowed worldwide across a multitude of extraordinary properties, true distinction is found not in abundance, but in scarcity. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is counted among just 15 resorts in the Maldives to receive this coveted honour, a distinction that speaks volumes about its unwavering commitment to excellence.  

While international hospitality superpowers have long staked their claim on the Maldives, there remains room for something more intimate, a vision both all-encompassing and uncompromising. THE OZEN COLLECTION, an exclusive luxury brand within the island nation, has nurtured a flagship that stands shoulder to shoulder with the most recognisable names in the region. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commands its own private island and lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, where a curated collection of suites, villas, pavilions, and RESERVES redefines the art of refined Maldivian living. 

The MICHELIN Key serves as a powerful endorsement of the brand's philosophy of refined elegance, one where every aspect of the guest journey is meticulously curated, from the moment of arrival to the final farewell. At its heart lies the signature RESERVE™ Plan, a comprehensive paradigm of all-encompassing indulgence that ensures a seamless continuum of bespoke experiences: unlimited gourmet dining across multiple specialty restaurants, a curated selection of premium international beverages, and the dedicated service of a private Hiyani butler who anticipates every desire with discreet precision. 

Beyond the table and the villa, the resort offers dedicated sanctuaries for wellbeing and connoisseurship. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa invites guests into transformative wellness journeys. Meanwhile, the exclusive CUVEÉ wine library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers a sophisticated enclave for curated tastings, where rare vintages and expert guidance converge.  

Speaking on the recognition, Abnash Kumar, General Manager of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, remarked: "To retain the MICHELIN Key is a profound honour. It is not simply an award, it reflects the passion and dedication that our team brings to every guest, daily. It speaks to our commitment to creating experiences that go beyond expectation, where every detail matters, every moment is meaningful, and every guest feels genuinely seen. This recognition belongs to them, and to the guests who inspire us to keep raising the bar." 

Each element of the island converges to create something rare: a holiday that feels both boundless and intimately yours. As OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI looks ahead, it does so with quiet confidence, continuing to redefine what it means to experience the Maldives at its most extraordinary.

Sweeney Turns Up the Heat on Thai Dining in Mumbai

From Bangkok-style favourites and Thai-inspired sushi to a new weekday Bangkok Lunch Club and cocktails, Sweeney is putting Thai flavours at the heart of its Khar garden.

Sweeney is entering a new chapter, placing Thai food firmly at the centre of its culinary identity. Set within its lush Khar garden, the restaurant is bringing together the flavours people travel to Bangkok for- hot, sour, sweet, spicy and deeply aromatic,  through classics, contemporary interpretations and a playful Sweeney lens. The idea isn’t to recreate a conventional Thai restaurant. It is to capture the energy of eating and drinking in Bangkok and translate it into Sweeney: generous food, cocktails, music, a garden and a table designed for sharing. 

Thai small plates open the menu with a selection of dishes designed for sharing, bringing together familiar flavours and Sweeney’s own interpretations. Som Tam with Peanut Crunch, Miang Kham, Thai Chicken Satay, Thai Basil Prawns and Crispy Squid Thai Herbs bring together the fresh, spicy and aromatic notes associated with Thai cooking. Vegetarian options include Cottage Cheese Pad Prik Thai Dam, Tofu Pepper Garlic and Crispy Shiitake Mushroom, while Gai Med Pad Mamuang and Pe Prik Sod add chicken and lamb to the selection.

Thai × Japanese takes a more playful approach, bringing Thai flavours into familiar sushi formats. Green Curry Crab Roll, Som Tam Smoke Salmon Roll and Tom Yam Crispy Prawn Roll bring Thai profiles to the sushi counter, alongside Larb Het Maki Roll and Chilli Tempura Roll. The section reflects Sweeney’s approach to the cuisine, taking familiar flavours and presenting them in unexpected formats.

Curries, wok dishes and grills bring the menu back to more familiar Thai favourites, with the Classic Thai Green Curry, Panang Curry and Hot Basil Chicken Bowl leading the selection. From the grill, Tofu Broccoli Satay, Grilled Cottage Cheese Steak, Lemongrass Grilled Chicken and Chilli Tamarind Salmon offer another expression of the cuisine and continue to shape the flavours across the section.

A key new highlight of the Sweeney experience is the Bangkok Lunch Club, bringing the Bangkok-inspired story into the afternoon with a new weekday offering built around five courses. Designed as a relaxed lunch experience, it brings together a selection of Sweeney’s Thai-led flavours for diners looking to spend an afternoon in Bangkok, without leaving Khar. Five courses. One afternoon in Bangkok.

The Bangkok story continues into Sweeney’s cocktail programme, with cocktails such as Tuk Tuk, Bangkok Breeze, Zen Garden, Victoria’s Bloom and Sweeney-Tini bringing a playful, Bangkok-inspired perspective to the drinks menu. Together with Sweeney’s music, garden setting and social atmosphere, the drinks are designed to make the experience extend well beyond the meal.

The Thai influence continues through desserts, with Mango Sticky Rice served in both its classic form and as a Mango Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, alongside Tub Tim Krob and Thai Burnt Caramel Toast. The selection brings a mix of familiar flavours and playful takes to the end of the meal.

Whether it’s a long lunch, a dinner with friends or cocktails that carry the evening forward, Sweeney brings a fresh, easy-going way to experience Thai food in Mumbai.

Location: 759, 5th Lane, Opposite Union Bank ATM, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar, Mumbai 

The Great North targets share of £1.5bn Indian tourism market to drive growth across the North

Mumbai, October 2026: The North of England has joined forces under The Great North banner to target a greater share of India’s rapidly growing visitor market, with the ambition of attracting more tourists to discover the North. 

VisitBritain’s latest forecast shows India is set to become a £1.5 billion inbound visitor market for the UK by 2030, an increase of 71% from 2026, creating a significant opportunity for Northern destinations and tourism businesses to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays and increase spending across the North.

 That opportunity was presented at the first-ever joint North of England Mayoral trade mission to India, where Northern Mayors, VisitBritain and tourism partners promoted the North’s collective visitor offer to 150 leading Indian travel buyers and media at events in New Delhi and Mumbai. 

 The Great North and VisitBritain activity falls under The GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign which aims to enhance the UK’s global reputation and drives economic growth by encouraging international audiences to visit, study, trade and invest in the UK.

 By coming together around a shared proposition, the North’s cities, destinations and visitor attractions can offer international visitors an experience greater than the sum of its parts, combining globally recognised sport, music and culture with heritage, countryside, screen tourism and premium experiences.

 Looking at this year, VisitBritain forecasts 597,000 visits from India to the UK, with visitors estimated to spend £865 million during their trips. By making it easier for the international travel trade to build multi-destination Northern itineraries, partners aim to encourage more of those visitors to explore the North, stay longer and spend across more destinations.

 The relationships established during the mission will continue in November when Indian travel buyers and media travel to the North for Spotlight Manchester: Gateway to Northern England and North Wales, providing a further opportunity to turn interest into bookable itineraries and longer-term trade partnerships.

 Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and Chair of The Great North, said, “We want Indian visitors to enjoy everything Britain has to offer, but to travel further, stay longer and experience more. From our great cities and spectacular landscapes to Premier League football, international cricket, castles, culture and coastline, the North has an incredible amount to offer.

 The North East is a place I'm incredibly proud to call home, and our greatest strength is the warmth and hospitality of our people. We've experienced that same wonderful welcome in India, and I want us to return it to many more Indian visitors.

By bringing our regions together through The Great North, we're putting the North of England on the international stage. Now we want to work with the Indian travel trade to turn that opportunity into unforgettable journeys, more visitors and bookings, and lasting economic benefits for our communities.”

 Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The Liverpool City Region has so much to offer Indian visitors. We’re the UK’s cultural capital, home to The Beatles, two Premier League football clubs and an internationally renowned music, arts and cultural scene.

 As the UK’s third most visited region by international visitors, our visitor economy generates almost £7 billion a year and supports more than 58,000 local jobs. And beyond the world-class attractions, there’s nowhere quite like Liverpool when it comes to the warmth of our welcome.

 India’s growing tourism market presents a fantastic opportunity for the entire North, and through The Great North, we want to showcase the very best our regions have to offer, encouraging visitors to explore more, stay longer and experience the distinctive character of the North.

 Our message is simple: come and discover a city region with the ambition, infrastructure and connectivity to make every visit memorable.”

 Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said, “From Bronte Country to bustling nightlife, Hepworth to Hockney, West Yorkshire has so much culture at its heart. Across Yorkshire, tourism, including screen tourism, is worth a whopping £9 billion every year. As the partnership of the Great North, we can showcase our spectacular sights, vibrant culture, and encourage more people to explore our regions.”

 Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain, said, “We are proud to be working alongside Mayors, destinations and industry leaders from across the North of England to support the tourism programme for the inaugural North of England Mayoral Delegation to India, one of our fastest-growing markets.

 Drawing on our in-market expertise and relationships in India, we are telling the story of the North of England’s outstanding tourism offer, from its vibrant cities, rich heritage and spectacular scenery to world-class sporting grounds and visitor experiences. Working directly with the travel trade in India gets our products sold and broadens itineraries, so visitors explore further, stay longer and spend more.

 Strong and growing air connectivity between India and the regional gateway of Manchester is making it easier than ever for visitors to discover more. With India forecast to become a £1.5 billion visitor market for the UK by 2030, our destination showcase event is a timely and valuable opportunity to drive growth and visitor spending across the region and beyond.”

 Francine Bult, Senior Marketing Executive at Cumbria Tourism, said, “This collaborative Indian trade mission is another fantastic opportunity to showcase our destination to a fast-growing global visitor market. Working together across the North, it’s vital to forge direct one-to-one relationships and ensure tour operators have the right information at the right time to plan their schedules for 2027 and beyond. Key markets like India are vital to sustaining a thriving visitor economy, and we will continue working hard with our Northern partners to put relationships with inbound operators and product development at the forefront of our international marketing activity.”

 Angela Hodson, Commercial Director at Lancashire Cricket, said, “India is an incredibly important market for Lancashire Cricket and Manchester, and we are proud of the strong connections we have built with cricket in India over many years.

With India set to return to Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground for major international fixtures in both 2028 and 2029, we have a fantastic opportunity to welcome even more visitors from India to the City. We also have Manchester Super Giants playing in The Hundred at our venue as part of our joint venture with RPSG Group – who also own IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.

 From Catchday hospitality and events to our on-site Hilton Garden Inn hotel at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, there is a real opportunity to showcase Manchester and the North as a destination in its own right. Working collectively through The Great North gives us an opportunity to build on that appeal, create experiences for Indian visitors and encourage them to stay longer and return in the future.”

 Turning international interest into visits

As part of the North of England Mayoral trade mission, destinations and tourism businesses took part in the England’s Great North Destination Showcase 2026 in Delhi and Mumbai.

 Representatives from Marketing Manchester, Cumbria Tourism, Marketing Liverpool, West Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership and Experience NorthEast England joined businesses and attractions from across the region to build relationships with Indian travel buyers and media, with a focus on developing bookable products and expanding Northern itineraries.

 The activity will continue in November through Spotlight Manchester: Gateway to Northern England and North Wales, hosted by VisitBritain and Marketing Manchester. The event will bring Indian travel buyers and media to the region to experience its visitor offer first-hand and build relationships with destinations and tourism businesses.

 By turning the connections established in India into bookable itineraries and longer-term trade partnerships, the programme aims to create a lasting legacy from the mission and support the North in securing a greater share of international tourism growth.

 The tourism programme forms part of The Great North’s wider ambition to harness the collective scale and strengths of the North of England to compete internationally and generate new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.

New wilderness retreat adds Tadoba to SHRL’s growing presence across India’s leading wildlife destinations

Chennai,October 2026: Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL) has announced the opening of Sterling Vanyatara Tadoba in Maharashtra’s Chimur region, adding another significant location to its growing portfolio of jungle resorts across India.

With a presence across many of India’s leading wildlife destinations, Sterling is building wilderness travel as a distinct leisure category. Vanyatara brings Tadoba into this strategy while strengthening the company’s presence in Maharashtra.

The opportunity is larger than the safari itself. India’s forests differ in landscape, ecology, regional culture and culinary traditions, giving travellers reasons to return — not simply for another tiger sighting, but to discover another forest and a different way of experiencing the wild.

This also makes wilderness travel a richer family holiday. The anticipation of a safari can sit alongside comfortable stays, nature-led activities, regional cuisine and time together that engages different generations.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL), said: “India’s forests offer far more than wildlife sightings. Each has its own landscape, ecology, culture and cuisine—and therefore a different reason to travel. At Sterling, we see wildlife and nature-led holidays as an increasingly important part of our hospitality portfolio, and we are deliberately building depth in this category.

As Destination Architects, our ambition is to make the forest the experience, not just the safari. Sterling Vanyatara Tadoba strengthens that proposition while creating opportunities to connect destinations such as Pench, Tadoba and Tipeshwar into richer journeys for families and wildlife enthusiasts.

Our ambition is not simply to take travellers on more safaris. It is to give them more of India's wilderness to discover.”

Located with access to five safari gates of the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Sterling Vanyatara Tadoba has been purposely designed as an intimate 18-key wilderness retreat, allowing the stay to remain personal, quiet and closely connected to its setting.

Indulge Rooms with Sit-out offer elegant furnishing with seamless connection to the outdoors, Forest Villas opens to private lawns and greater seclusion, and the Two-Bedroom Villas provide generous shared and private spaces with a private lawn. A swimming pool, spa and outdoor areas create easy downtime between excursions.

As a part of the weekly evening rituals a visual story telling sessions with Naturalists, cultural performances by the Gond tribe artists and Saoji cuisine showcase by the rural folks; all designed to offer immersive experiences beyond the Safari.

Vidarbha’s culinary traditions provide another connection to the region. At The Jungle Table, the bold, fiery flavours of Vidarbha's traditional Saoji cuisine take centre stage. The choices here are Inspired by the popular street food of Nagpur and Shedgaon with the Zunka Bhakar with Thecha and Pitla -picked from hamlets of the Gond tribes, alongside a rich selection of Indian and international favourites. The dining experience extends beyond the restaurant with leisurely post-safari high teas and intimate private dinners beneath the stars, bringing a touch of indulgence to the wilderness.

Access to the Alizanza, Madnapur, Shirkheda, Belara and Shedegaon safari gates, subject to permits, provides flexibility in planning excursions into the reserve.

Mr. Ashok L Bhaiyya and Mr. Gaurav Bhaiyya, Partners, Sterling Vanyatara Tadoba, said: “What attracted us to Tadoba was the power of the wilderness and the opportunity to create a retreat where the experience continues after guests return from the forest. We wanted space, privacy and a strong sense of place to define the stay. Sterling’s understanding of Indian leisure travel and its ability to build richer journeys especially around the wildlife destinations makes it a natural partner for that vision.”

With Sterling already present in Pench and Tipeshwar, Tadoba can become part of a Pench–Tadoba–Tipeshwar forest circuit, allowing travellers to experience three distinct wilderness landscapes as part of one larger journey.

For SHRL, this is where scale begins to compound in value. Each new resort broadens traveller choice, enables new circuits and gives families more reasons to keep discovering India’s forests with Sterling.

Sterling Creates Capacity for 34,200 Dialysis Treatments Annually Across Underserved India.

₹2.25 crore committed towards the Dialysis Project across India | Creating enduring healthcare capacity beyond India’s metros

Chennai, Oct 2026 Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited (SHRL), one of India’s leading hospitality companies, has strengthened its commitment to community healthcare by supporting dialysis infrastructure capable of delivering most essential treatments unhindered, annually across underserved regions of India.

Under its philosophy of ‘Doing Good by Doing Well’, Sterling has committed ₹2.25 crore across FY2024-25 and FY2025-26 towards supporting the dialysis project, of which 38 machines have been provided across 19 hospitals and healthcare institutions creating a capacity for 34,200 treatments annually.

The initiative reflects Sterling’s approach to CSR: moving beyond financial contribution towards creating measurable, enduring community healthcare assets whose impact can multiply year after year.

Taking Critical Healthcare Beyond the Metros

A defining focus of Sterling’s CSR initiative has been to bring critical renal-care infrastructure closer to communities outside India’s major metropolitan centres.

For patients requiring dialysis several times a week, access to treatment can often involve repeated travel, lost working hours and significant financial strain on families. By supporting infrastructure closer to where patients live, Sterling aims to reduce this burden while strengthening local healthcare capacity.

The initiative reaches Tier II and Tier III cities, district headquarters and underserved communities across Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Sterling-supported machines have been deployed across government hospitals, medical colleges, district hospitals and community healthcare institutions serving populations well beyond their immediate locations.

From CSR Spend to Healthcare Capacity

Sterling measures the programme not merely by the money deployed or machines installed, but by the healthcare capacity created.

The initiative has also delivered wider economic and community benefits, including reported patient savings of approximately ₹2.05 crore and the creation of 260 local employment opportunities across the healthcare ecosystems supported by the programme.

More significantly, a dialysis machine is not a one-time intervention. It is a healthcare asset capable of serving communities year after year.

That means the social return on Sterling’s CSR investment has the potential to compound over time—through more treatments, lower patient costs, stronger healthcare infrastructure and greater access to care closer to home.

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, said:

“‘Doing Good by Doing Well’ reflects a simple belief at Sterling—that as our business grows, the positive impact we create around us should grow with it.

Through our CSR initiatives, we have already supported 38 dialysis machines across 19 healthcare institutions, creating capacity for approximately 34,200 treatments every year, particularly in communities where access to specialised healthcare can be challenging. What makes this meaningful is its ability to endure. Each machine becomes a community healthcare asset that can serve patients year after year—reducing travel, easing the financial burden on families and strengthening healthcare capacity where it is needed most.

For us, that is the real measure of meaningful CSR: not simply what we spend, but the capacity we create and the impact that continues long after the investment is made.”

Creating Impact That Multiplies

As Sterling continues to expand its hospitality footprint across India, the Company intends to focus its CSR investments on interventions capable of creating measurable, scalable and lasting social impact.

The objective is to ensure that Sterling’s growth creates value not only for guests, partners and shareholders, but also for the communities it touches.

Impact at a Glance

₹2.25 crore — CSR commitment across FY2024-25 and FY2025-26

38 — Dialysis machines supported so far

19 — Hospitals and healthcare institutions supported

34,200 — Annual dialysis treatment capacity created

₹2.05 crore — Reported patient savings

260 — Local employment opportunities generated

7 states — Geographic reach of the initiative

Philippine Airlines to Launch Delhi–Manila and First-Ever Mumbai–Manila Services

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to expand travel options from India with three weekly nonstop flights from Delhi to Manila and its first-ever Mumbai–Manila service with four weekly flights beginning December 2026, subject to Indian Government approval. The new routes will give Indian travelers direct access to the Philippines and convenient onward connections through PAL’s Manila hub to destinations across Southeast Asia, North America, Australia and North Asia.

“We look forward to welcoming more Indian travelers aboard Philippine Airlines and introducing them to the Philippines through our signature Filipino hospitality,” said PAL President Richard Nuttall. “Through Manila, they will also gain access to PAL’s wider network of destinations across Asia, North America and Australia.”

Flights from Delhi to Manila will operate as PR643 and will depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8:15 AM and arrive at 5:00 PM. Meanwhile, the Manila–Delhi flight, PR642, will leave Manila every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:40 PM, reaching Delhi at 3:00 AM the following day.

From Mumbai, PR647 will depart for Manila every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 7:15 AM and arrive at 5:00 PM. Manila–Mumbai flights will operate as PR646 every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing at 10:40 PM and arriving at 3:05 AM the following day. All times are local.

PAL will operate both routes using its 168-seat Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring 12 lie-flat Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. Passengers will enjoy a full-service journey with Indian-inspired inflight meals, including vegetarian and Jain options, beverage selections, curated entertainment, service touches suited to Indian travelers and PAL’s signature heartfelt service.

Through Manila, travelers arriving from Delhi and Mumbai can connect to Philippine destinations including Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Davao. They will also have onward options to international destinations including Los Angeles, Vancouver, Honolulu, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Tokyo Haneda and Hong Kong.

Corporate Affairs Department, G/F Lucio K. Tan, Jr. Center, PAL Gate 5 Andrews Avenue, Pasay City, Philippines 1300

The services will also strengthen PAL’s cargo capacity, allowing shipments from India to connect efficiently through Manila to the airline’s broader domestic and international cargo network.

Indian nationals traveling to the Philippines for tourism or business may enter the country visa-free for up to 14 days, subject to applicable entry requirements.

The new Delhi and Mumbai services reinforce PAL’s role as the Philippine flag carrier—strengthening ties between India and the Philippines while connecting both countries to the world.

ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, Curates a Special Karwa Chauth Dining Experience at Hornby’s Pavilion

A thoughtfully curated fast-friendly menu and a warm, festive ambience invite guests to mark Karwa Chauth with a memorable dining experience.

Mumbai, October 2026: This Karwa Chauth, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, invites guests to celebrate the cherished festival with a thoughtfully curated dining experience at Hornby’s Pavilion, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. Bringing together traditional Indian flavours, comforting festive preparations and warm hospitality, the experience offers an inviting setting for couples and families to come together and mark the occasion after a day of fasting.

Curated especially for the occasion, the fast-friendly evening menu features a selection of Indian preparations that bring familiar flavours and festive indulgence to the table. Guests can begin with refreshing Rooh Afza and rose cooler or saffron badam milk, followed by small plates such as Dahi Ke Kebab, Makhana Tikki and Sweet Potato Chaat. The main course features comforting favourites including Shahi Paneer, Aloo Jeera, Makhane Ki Sabzi and Dal Panchmel, accompanied by Phulka and Missi Roti. The meal concludes on a sweet note with traditional desserts such as Kesari Phirni, Rabdi Malpua and Gulab Jamun.

Extending the celebration beyond the dining table, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, also presents an exclusive Karwa Chauth experience at Point Of View Terrace, offering couples an opportunity to celebrate beneath the moonlit Mumbai skyline. With early-bird access to exclusive outdoor seating, a choice of dining experiences and thoughtful keepsakes that can be customised upon request, the experience is designed to make the evening personal and memorable. The offering is available at ₹19,999 plus taxes per couple, as per the promotional details.

Through these thoughtfully curated experiences, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai, brings together the traditions of Karwa Chauth, the pleasure of sharing a festive meal and the warmth of considered hospitality, creating meaningful moments for guests to celebrate the occasion with their loved ones.

About ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
Located in the heart of Parel, Mumbai, ITC Grand Central is a luxury business hotel that brings together refined hospitality, distinctive dining experiences and the ethos of ITC Hotels’ philosophy of Responsible Luxury. The hotel features elegantly appointed accommodations, multiple dining destinations and thoughtfully curated experiences that celebrate Indian culture, cuisine and craftsmanship.

What: Special Karwa Chauth dining experience featuring a specially curated fast-friendly menu
Where: Hornby’s Pavilion, ITC Grand Central, Parel, Mumbai
When: 29th October 2026
Time: Dinner
Price: INR 2250 plus taxes

TravClan Raises $5 Million to Build the Commerce Infrastructure for Travel Sellers

Funding from Flipkart, August One, Trifecta Capital and existing investors will accelerate TravClan’s global supply, AI-led technology and destination operations

New Delhi, October , 2026: TravClan, a global travel platform, today announced that it has raised $5 million in funding from Flipkart, August One and debt financing from Trifecta Capital. The company will use the capital to deepen its global supply network, expand its technology and AI capabilities, and strengthen destination operations across key international markets.

International travel in India is expanding beyond metros and upper-income consumers, with more first-time travellers from smaller cities entering the market at price points the existing travel ecosystem was not designed to serve. The challenge goes beyond demand alone. Making international holidays affordable requires better supply, while selling and fulfilling a complex trip still requires significant manual work. A travel business still has to piece together supply, pricing, itinerary creation, booking, payments, fulfilment, customer communication and on-ground support across multiple fragmented systems.

TravClan is building the supply, technology and fulfillment infrastructure required to make international travel affordable and reliable for the next 100 million travellers from India. Its common infrastructure layer allows travel businesses to sell and fulfil complex trips without rebuilding the entire stack themselves. TravClan directly contracts with hotels and activity partners and operates its own ground teams across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India, giving it greater visibility over pricing, availability and service delivery.

Arun Bagaria, Co-founder and CEO, TravClan, said, “We started TravClan by solving this problem for independent travel agents. Over time, that required us to build much more than a booking platform, including direct supply relationships, technology and on-ground operations across the travel transaction. The next generation of travel software will not just help sellers search faster. It will increasingly execute work for them. Our ambition is to make TravClan the infrastructure that any travel business can build on instead of having to recreate the entire travel stack itself. This capital allows us to invest aggressively behind that opportunity.”

By combining its supply infrastructure with AI, TravClan enables travel agents to plan, price and rebuild complex international itineraries in minutes instead of hours, including when a customer changes dates, hotels or other parts of the trip. TravClan brings global inventory, pricing, booking, AI-powered workflows and destination fulfillment into one platform.

More than 15,000 travel agents across India use TravClan to book flights, hotels, activities and destination services. Roughly 40% of the company’s business now originates from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reflecting the growing demand for international travel beyond India’s largest metros.

The new capital will be used to deepen direct supply relationships, strengthen TravClan’s AI and booking technology, expand destination operations and build the infrastructure required to serve larger travel businesses and platforms.

Sahil Kukreja, Vice President, Trifecta Capital, said, “TravClan has built a capital efficient model by owning supply rather than buying demand, and distributing through agents in underserved markets. We are pleased to support the company in this next phase of growth.”

Rajul Garg, Founder & Managing Partner, Leo Capital, said, “We backed them when owning supply looked like the slow way to build. It has compounded in two ways — better prices, and a trip that actually works when something goes wrong. In travel, whoever owns the supply owns the economics.”

With this round, TravClan has raised over $11 million to date from investors including Leo Capital, The Ventures, Hashed, August One, Flipkart and a group of prominent angel investors.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay in Vietnam Recognized with MICHELIN Key for Second Consecutive Year

The bayside resort is listed among the country’s most exceptional hotels for 2026

KE GA BAY, Vietnam (, 2026) – Azerai Ke Ga Bay, an all-suites-and-villas bayside resort in southern Vietnam, earned MICHELIN Guide’s One-Key distinction for the second consecutive year.

The editors praised Azerai Ke Ga Bay as delivering “a travel experience that’s nothing short of transformative,” while describing the accommodations as “essentially faultless in their comforts.”

Azerai Ke Ga Bay was one of just 21 hotels and resorts in Vietnam recognized in the MICHELIN Guide’s second year of Key awards for Vietnam, announced in September. “Just as MICHELIN Stars spotlight the best restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys highlight our most exceptional hotels,” the editors wrote. The One-Key distinction signifies “a very special stay.”

Julian Moore, General Manager of Azerai Ke Ga Bay, said: “Receiving the MICHELIN Key for a second year is both an honor and a powerful motivation for our entire team. It shows that the quiet, thoughtful hospitality we strive to offer every day continues to resonate. We remain deeply committed to creating a place where guests can truly disconnect and feel restored by the peaceful oasis of Ke Ga Bay.”

Azerai Ke Ga Bay has also been nominated in several leading categories in the Gourmet Vietnam Awards 2026, including Best Beach Resort of the Year, Best Resort Service Experience, and Best Resort Design & Ambience. It was recently named a Top 10 hotel for service in Asia in the Smart Travel Asia Poll 2026.

The resort is part of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha’s boutique Azerai portfolio, which also includes Azerai La Residence, Hue, in historic central Vietnam. Zecha is one of the world’s leading creators and operators of award-winning luxury hotels and resorts. He previously founded Aman Resorts in 1988.

Located a comfortable 2.5-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City via a new highway, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is nestled among 5 hectares of verdant gardens, framed to the east by Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse and to the west by soaring sand dunes.

IHCL partners with Pragyan TSPA Foundation launches Project Unnati to empower youth in Uttarakhand through skilling

Mumbai, October , 2026: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, partners with Pragyan TSPA Foundation to launch Project Unnati, a skilling initiative for youth in the Lohaghat, Pati and Barakot blocks of Champawat district, Uttarakhand. The project aims to equip young people with industry-relevant skills, enhance employability, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities within their local communities.

Mr. Prabhat Verma, Chief People Officer, IHCL, said, “Guided by our ESG+ framework of Paathya, we are committed to creating opportunities that strengthen livelihoods and foster inclusive development. This partnership reflects that commitment by supporting youth with the skills, training and guidance needed to build careers in hospitality.”

Through this partnership, students at Pragyan TSPA Foundation centre in Lohaghat, Champawat will receive career counselling, employability enhancement programmes, and practical skills training aligned with industry standards. The initiative will benefit 150 youth through career guidance and 60 learners through employability and hospitality training programmes.

Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, President, Pragyan TSPA Foundation, said, “Our young people are talented and hardworking, but they often lack the right guidance and opportunities. This MoU with IHCL will help them build skills and find good jobs in the hospitality sector,” he said.

Under its ESG+ framework, Paathya, committed to skill 1,00,000 youth by 2030, IHCL has trained more than 56,000 youth since 2020, supporting employability in established and emerging tourism destinations.

redBus launches ‘redStar’ to discover India’s next generation of travel creators

The pan-India contest will select the Top 5 creators for redBus’s inaugural microdrama, with winners receiving a feature and Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

National, October 2026: redBus, a leading online bus ticketing platform, has launched ‘redStar’, a nationwide creator-discovery initiative designed to give emerging travel storytellers a platform to showcase their creativity, share their journeys and turn their passion for content creation into exciting opportunities. Launched on 1 October 2026, the contest aims to discover promising talent from across India and offer selected creators opportunities to feature in an original redBus microdrama and win a Rayban Meta Glasses along with some more exciting prizes. 

As social media continues to shape how audiences discover destinations and plan experiences, redStar aims to help redBus identify emerging creator talent early and build long-term relationships with storytellers from across India. The initiative will create opportunities for creators to develop content that celebrates the role of redBus in everyday journeys and travel experiences across the country.

The contest is open to aspiring creators across India, including students and young storytellers from diverse fields, and registrations will be accepted through the redStar microsite. Participants do not need to be established influencers or have a large social media following to take part. By evaluating entries on content quality, creativity and storytelling rather than likes, follower count or reach, redStar aims to give aspiring creators an equal opportunity to showcase their talent and emerge as a redStar. The initiative will also reach out to college campuses to encourage participation from budding creators. To welcome diverse voices and regional perspectives, entries are invited in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali and others.

The 5 creator winners will form the inaugural redStar line-up and star in the microdrama owned by redBus and produced in collaboration with RVCJ. The initiative will also feature exciting rewards, including Ray-Ban Meta glasses and more.

The selected creators will get an opportunity to feature in a flagship redBus microdrama series produced in collaboration with RVCJ, bringing their travel stories and perspectives to life through original stories. The initiative will also open up opportunities for creators to engage with redBus through future initiatives. 

Commenting on the initiative, Pallavi Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer, redBus, said, “Travel inspiration increasingly comes from the stories and perspectives that people encounter within their social platforms. Creators have an important role in making destinations and experiences more relatable, while helping audiences imagine journeys through an authentic lens. With redStar, we want to move beyond individual campaigns and build a sustained ecosystem that discovers emerging talent, gives creators access to meaningful opportunities and brings diverse travel stories from across India to wider audiences.”

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Introduces Malaysian Seafood Boil for the First Time in Vizag

A celebration of bold Asian flavours and an indulgent seafood experience at Red Bowl – Pan Asian Kitchen

Visakhapatnam, October 2026: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is set to introduce an exciting culinary experience to the city with the launch of the Malaysian Seafood Boil, bringing the vibrant flavours of Malaysian-inspired seafood cuisine to Visakhapatnam for the first time. Hosted at Red Bowl – Pan Asian Kitchen, the special culinary festival will run from 22 October to 1 November 2026, inviting seafood enthusiasts to discover a delicious blend of aromatic spices, rich sauces and fresh seafood.

Inspired by the vibrant culinary traditions of Malaysia and Southeast Asia, the Malaysian Seafood Boil celebrates the art of combining fresh seafood with bold seasonings and flavourful sauces. The spread features an enticing assortment of seafood, including lobster, crab, mussels, prawns and squid, complemented by fresh herbs, spices and carefully balanced flavours. The experience promises a delightful exploration of textures and tastes, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy distinctive Asian cuisine.

Red Bowl – Pan Asian Kitchen provides the perfect setting for this culinary showcase, bringing together authentic Asian inspirations and contemporary dining experiences. The festival aims to offer guests an opportunity to step beyond familiar flavours and explore the richness of Malaysian-inspired seafood preparations in an inviting atmosphere.

Speaking about the launch, Uday Prakash, Director of Food & Beverage at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “With the introduction of the Malaysian Seafood Boil, we aim to bring a distinctive and exciting culinary experience to Visakhapatnam. Malaysian cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavours, aromatic spices and diverse culinary influences, and this festival allows us to showcase these elements through an enticing seafood spread. At Red Bowl, our focus is on creating memorable dining experiences that bring people together over exceptional food. We look forward to welcoming seafood enthusiasts and introducing them to this unique culinary offering.”

Available for both lunch and dinner, the Malaysian Seafood Boil is designed for seafood lovers, families and friends looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience. With its vibrant presentation, diverse seafood selection and distinctive Asian flavours, the festival adds another exciting dimension to the hotel's culinary offerings.

Through such curated food festivals, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach continues to bring diverse culinary experiences to the city, celebrating international cuisines while creating memorable occasions for its guests.

The Malaysian Seafood Boil will be available at Red Bowl – Pan Asian Kitchen from 22 October to 1 November 2026, for lunch and dinner.

Event Details:

 Venue: Red Bowl – Pan Asian Kitchen, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

 Dates: 22 October – 1 November 2026

 Timings: Lunch and Dinner

 Reservations: +91 77998 84370

Two New Addresses, One Pure-Veg Punjabi Table: Oye Kake's Festive Plan for Bengaluru

BENGALURU, October 2026: Festive seasons are meant for sharing a table, and Oye Kake is getting Bengaluru ready for exactly that. Mumbai's much-loved, 100% vegetarian Amritsari brand, now celebrating 15 years, is welcoming the festive season at both its Bengaluru addresses: its MG Road outlet, which opened in April 2026, and its newest at The Bay Eco World, Bellandur.

Founded by Pankaj Gupta and Avinash Gupta under Flavour Pot Foods, Oye Kake draws on the three pillars of Punjab's food culture: the langar, the street and the home kitchen. This festive season, both outlets bring that spirit to families, friends and colleagues gathering to celebrate. The regular menu is made for festive gatherings, with dishes meant to be shared across a crowded table: kulchas fresh out of the tandoor to tear and pass around, the Amritsari Chaat Gali for the snacking round, and a Kulhad Malai Lassi to end on a sweet note.

Festive, the Oye Kake Way

The festive season is about being together, and the langar tradition at the heart of Oye Kake is built on exactly that: a generous, shared meal where everyone has a place at the table.

Oye Kake, MG Road: Gather the family around tandoor-fresh kulchas, the Amritsari Chaat Gali and slow-cooked dals, a langar-style spread made for sharing.

• Oye Kake, Eco World, Bellandur: Celebrate in the outdoor setting or the raised private dining space, and finish with a lassi built your way at the Lassi Bar.

At Eco World, groups can celebrate across a substantial outdoor setting that continues the brand's colourful, playful design language, or in a raised private dining space overlooking the reflection pool, a quieter option for family gatherings and festive get-togethers. The outlet also features the Oye Kake Lassi Bar, a live lassi station where guests pick their flavour, build their combination and choose their toppings.

Rich Punjabi gravies anchor the main spread at both outlets, the same favourites Bengaluru has embraced since MG Road.

In the Founder's Words

“15 years into this journey, opening a second restaurant in Bengaluru feels like a full-circle moment. We didn't expect the city to embrace us the way it did at MG Road, and honestly, that love is what brought us to Bellandur,” says Pankaj Gupta, Founder, Oye Kake.

Oye Kake's philosophy stays the same: “Khaana sirf khaana nahi hunda, eh yaad hunda hai.” (Food isn't just food. It's a memory.) This festive season, both outlets invite Bengaluru to make a few new ones