Author: Khwaish Jain

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its footprint in the Eastern Himalayas with the launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok. This new addition marks Sterling’s second property in the city, strategically positioned in the Development Area—Gangtok’s business and administrative hub. Unlike its sister property, Sterling Gangtok Orange Village, which offers a secluded resort experience, Mount Olive is designed as a contemporary city hotel for travelers seeking urban connectivity and proximity to the city’s commercial pulse. Property Highlights & Strategic Location Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok serves as a bridge between high-quality hospitality and the convenience of city living.…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Ananta Hotels & Resorts has announced the upcoming launch of Ananta Express, Katra, a property strategically designed to serve the spiritual tourism sector. Located directly opposite the Katra Railway Station and in close proximity to the Searli Helipad, the hotel offers seamless logistics for pilgrims visiting the holy Vaishno Devi shrine. This launch marks a significant step in the group’s “Ananta Global” expansion strategy, targeting high-potential spiritual and regional circuits across India. Property Highlights & Guest Experience Ananta Express, Katra is tailored for the “modern spiritual traveler,” balancing ritualistic needs with contemporary comforts. Strategic Location: Situated…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, the landmark luxury resort and convention center in Kerala, has announced the appointment of Kailash Gundupalli as its new Executive Chef. With a career spanning over 24 years in the global hospitality industry, Chef Gundupalli brings a wealth of international expertise and a passion for sustainable, ingredient-driven culinary arts to the property. Culinary Pedigree & Career Highlights Chef Kailash Gundupalli is a seasoned veteran known for his ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary innovation. Extensive Experience: His professional journey includes leadership roles at prestigious hospitality brands such as Accor, Marriott International,…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Nature Trails, the adventure and nature-led hospitality arm of Thomas Cook (India) Limited, has announced its strategic entry into Goa with the launch of Rock Valley. Located in Ponda, at the foothills of the Western Ghats, this resort marks the brand’s fourth property in India and its first outside Maharashtra. Spread across a sprawling 15-acre property within a larger 200-acre forest and farmland landscape, Rock Valley offers a “different side of Goa” focused on eco-tourism and high-octane outdoor experiences. Property Highlights & Adventure Experiences Rock Valley is designed to move away from the traditional coastal bustle…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Kantala Spirits has introduced Gracia Cero, India’s first non-alcoholic agave drink, specifically timed for the “Dry January” movement and post-festive resets. Positioned as a “choice-forward” beverage rather than an anti-alcohol product, Gracia Cero aims to redefine modern drinking culture by offering an inclusive, flavor-first alternative for social settings—from corporate mixers to high-energy parties. Product Highlights & Health Profile Gracia Cero is engineered for the health-conscious consumer who refuses to compromise on the experience of a premium agave-based drink. India’s First: The pioneer in the non-alcoholic agave category in the Indian market. 0% ABV: Completely alcohol-free, making…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@Imaws.org) Sayaji Kolhapur has announced the appointment of Mr. Yogesh Kumar as its new Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening the property’s leadership team with a seasoned hospitality professional who brings over 17 years of experience in Food & Beverage operations. Mr. Kumar has held key leadership roles with reputed hospitality brands including Radisson, Park Plaza, and Sarovar Hotels. His professional journey also includes valuable international exposure in Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies, where he gained hands-on experience across diverse culinary formats, high-volume service environments, and large-scale banqueting operations. Welcoming the appointment, Mr. Mukesh Rakshit, General…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) Fielia, Mumbai’s newest invite-only destination, has officially opened its doors at the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course. Conceptualized as India’s first “Cocktail Cinema,” this aperitivo-forward bar blends high-concept storytelling with heritage architecture. Designed by Gauri Khan and envisioned by restaurateurs Afsana Verma, Amit Verma, and Dhaval Udeshi, Fielia transforms a century-old mill into a theatrical space where every drink is a performance. The “Cocktail Cinema” Concept & Design Fielia is designed to mirror the drama of a vintage theater, using the architectural bones of the racecourse to create an immersive experience. Architectural Theatre: The space features a…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new Gateway hotel in Hennur, marking its 20th property in Bengaluru. This greenfield project, developed in partnership with Billore Ventures Pvt Ltd, is strategically positioned to capture the burgeoning demand in North Bengaluru’s fast-growing corridor, which is currently being transformed by infrastructure upgrades in the technology, aerospace, and education sectors. Property Highlights & Guest Experience The Gateway Hennur is designed as a full-service contemporary hotel, offering a blend of business and leisure amenities. Inventory: 350 spacious keys, designed with a modern aesthetic to cater…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The globally renowned French bakery and café brand PAUL, with a rich heritage spanning over 137 years, has officially entered the Bengaluru market. The first outlet in the city is located at Orion Gateway Mall, Rajajinagar, marking the brand’s eighth store in India. Spanning 3,850 sq. ft. in a scenic lakeside alfresco setting, the café brings the authentic “Eat Well, Live Well” French philosophy to Bengaluru’s discerning diners. Property Highlights & Experience The new outlet is designed to transport guests to a Parisian street café, blending European elegance with a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Ambience: Features a…

-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org) The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI), has successfully concluded the Industry Awareness Summit on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025. Held at the Omni Residency in Indore, the summit was a critical step in preparing the hospitality sector for India’s new data governance regime, emphasizing that data privacy is no longer just an IT issue but a core strategic priority. Summit Highlights & Focus Areas The summit addressed the unique vulnerabilities of the hospitality industry, which handles vast amounts…