Award | CAESARS PALACE DUBAI IS RECOGNIZED BY FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE 2022 STAR AWARDS WITH FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION

CAESARS PALACE DUBAI

CAESARS PALACE DUBAI IS RECOGNIZED BY  FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE 2022 STAR AWARDS WITH FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION  

The Luxury Resort on Bluewaters Island Earns Prestigious Accolade,  Ratings Showcased on ForbesTravelGuide.com 

New Delhi,  April 2022: Forbes Travel Guide has released their highly anticipated and illustrious 2022  guide, announcing Caesars Palace Dubai as one of their five-star recommended hotels. As the world-renowned authority in genuine five-star service, the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star recognition reinforces Caesars Palace Dubai’s reputation in the UAE for its world-class service standards, luxury hospitality, and guest experience.  

Under the leadership of Anthony Costa, Regional President, Caesars Palace Dubai, this award is the resort’s first in the region.  

Commenting on the occasion, he says, “For a young hotel to be recognized by the Forbes Travel Guide is a remarkable moment for our team of leaders and committed colleagues. Nurturing their ambitions through training and development has led to this recognition, and it lays testament to their unwavering passion, commitment, and relentless desire to be among the best in service. I am extremely proud of  what we have achieved in a short time - it truly motivates and inspires our team to always strive for  excellence!” 

The Forbes Travel Guide is internationally recognized as the top market for luxury hotels. “Travel has come back strongly, and the resilient hospitality industry is creatively rallying to accommodate the increased occupancy demand for most regions,” says Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide.  “While the industry faces some lingering issues, the 2022 award winners proved ready for those  challenges and more, demonstrating the best that luxury hospitality has to offer.”  

With luxurious accommodation, decadent dining experiences, legendary hospitality, iconic service, and kids’ recreation, Caesars Palace Dubai is the ultimate holiday destination, now with a five-star award in the Forbes Travel Guide 2022. 

To view the new Star Award winners, visit ForbesTravelGuide.com. 

For a detailed explanation of how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here.

WITT to hold Conclave “Mission with A Vision” in May 2022 to Celebrate Women Empowerment: TAAI

WITT to hold Conclave “Mission with A Vision” in May 2022 to Celebrate Women Empowerment: TAAI

Women have always been an integral part of the tourism domain. Addressing the need of acknowledging the contribution of Women, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) initiated the formation of WITT – Women in TAAI and Tourism, in 2021. The core objective behind this is to involve “Woman in Travel Tourism & Hospitality” to join hands to empower the women of India to become entrepreneurs.

While sharing the details of the newest initiative and announcing details of the upcoming Conclave to celebrate Women Empowerment, Jyoti Mayal, President said that WITT aims to leverage the Indian travel tourism and hospitality industry to empower women with the opportunity to fulfill their economic and individual potential while growing the sector. ‘This sector has a huge value chain & an unmeasurable deliverance scope, which we all definitely need to invest in. This is the first “Mission with A Vision” & we intend to hold many such in India & abroad.’ she added.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President, elaborated that, we will act as a facilitator to make women equal stakeholders in the nation's development and recognize the noteworthy contribution made by them. And, in addition, provide skill development and employability opportunities to women along with mentoring and networking workshops and events, not only in urban but rural India too.

Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary General, informed that the current President of TAAI is also the Chairperson of the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and hence the conclave is being organized under her leadership utilizing the strengths of both TAAI & THSC to focus on Tourism and the Skilling perspective. Lokesh stated that we intend to deliberate upon excelling and supporting the working women in the Travel, Tourism & Hospitality sector & welcome many more to join in.

Adding to the same, Shreeram Patel, Hon. Treasurer said that the Conclave will focus on both women & men, as we strongly believe there is a huge interdependence between both sexes & we need each other's support to empower women & together be powered to coexist in this society.

Appointment | Janet L. Thadou is now the Rooms Division Manager at Hyatt Regency Chennai

With over 14 years of experience, She is an expert in managing and coordinating complete rooms operations

Hyatt Regency Chennai has recently elevated Janet L. Thadou as the new Rooms Division Manager. With over 14 years of experience in guest relations and the hospitality industry, she is an expert in managing and coordinating complete room operations.

In her new role, Janet will work towards improving guest satisfaction by ensuring Room Division meets brand standards, targeting customer needs, focusing on growing revenues, maximizing the financial performance of the department, and driving quality changes besides overlooking Front Office and Housekeeping operations.

Janet had joined Hyatt Regency Chennai as an Executive Housekeeper in 2019 but has now taken over as the Rooms Division Manager. In her previous tenure, she was associated with other luxury brands such as The Leela Palace, New Delhi, and The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

She aims to provide customized services to the guests by creating small little touchpoints. The sole idea is to craft a difference between Hyatt Regency and the competition with the purpose that one happy guest brings in ten more guests. Janet has already activated a few guest engagement activities like Guest of the day, Long stayers cocktail, Personalized amenities, Celebrating milestone visits of guests in the hotel, Celebrating personal achievements of guests to name a few. This will ensure guest loyalty, giving a chance to tap into new business.

Ingredient Ideology | BAINGAN-E-BAHAR By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

BAINGAN-E-BAHAR

Tempting recipes using Brinjal…

Brinjal is one of the most popular vegetables in our Indian cooking and has been known to us for a very long time. It is one of those ingredients which is easy to cook, work with and adapt to our day-to-day cooking in a number of ways. Brinjal as we know has various names across the globe like aubergine and eggplant as well. 

Brinjal is available in a number of sizes and colors as well from the bright green to the shades of purple it has a vibrant appearance when it comes to attracting us at the vegetable vendors or markets. The beneficial properties of brinjal also make it a common choice by most of us to make it a part of our recipes and delicacies from the yummiest roasted brinjal Bharatha to the middle-eastern baba ganoush dip and from the masala baingan to the baingan aloo ki subzi the list goes on and on.

To me brinjal is one of the most interesting ones when it comes to fusion cooking and mix- n- match creative recipes and some of my all-time favorites are indo- Filipino brinjal with Toyo chicken, indo- Sri-Lankan curry leaf fish with baby brinjal, the indo-thai baingan ka saalan with lemongrass and coconut too is just out of this world!

“Brinjal or Baingan as we most commonly know it, is one of the easy to work with, versatile and tasty vegetables known to us for a long time, it is adaptable in a number of recipes beyond Asian Cooking as well”- Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef. 

Here are a few simple and easy recipes with brinjal from a touch of Indian to global flavors for all of us to relish:

Recipe-1] STIR-FRIED BRINJAL SALAD

Ingredients

Brinjal- 400 gms, cut into thick strips

Carrots- 150 gms cut into sticks

Beans- 100 gms cut into 3 each

Onion-1 no sliced

Tomato- 1 no sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Olive oil/oil-2 tbsp.

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies-2-3 slit.

White vinegar-2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Schezuan sauce- 2 tsp

Chopped coriander/parsley- 2 tbsp.

Flax seeds/ sunflower seeds/ melon seeds- 2 tsp

Cherry tomatoes/ micro-greens/ olives- for garnish.

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the stir fried salad with brinjal.

2. Heat oil in a pan add in the garlic, onions, chilies and saute for 15 seconds.

3. Add in the brinjal and carrots/beans and any other veggie of your choice and saute for 1-2 mins.

4. Add salt and pepper and simmer the pan with a cover for 12-15 mins, until cooked.

5. Now add in the other seasonings, herbs, chili flakes, seeds, and sauces to taste and finally add lime and vinegar as well.

6. Cook the salad for 2-3 mins on medium flame and remove, serve warm garnished with nuts/seeds/greens etc.

Recipe-2] MASALA STUFFED BRINJAL

Ingredients

Baby brinjal- 10-12 no slit

For the stuffing:

Grated coconut-1/2 cup fresh/dry/desiccated coconut

Roasted peanut powder-1/4 cup

Ginger-garlic-chili paste-1 tsp

Tamarind pulp-2-3 tbsp.

Jaggery- 2 tsp grated

Salt to taste

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

For cooking the brinjal:

Oil-2 tsp

Ghee-2 tsp

Hing-1/4 tsp

Jeera seeds-1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Onions-1 cup chopped finely

Ginger-garlic-chili paste-1 tsp

Tomatoes-1/2 cup puree fresh

Salt to taste

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Water-1 cup

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the masala brinjal recipe.

2. In a saucepan combine together the ingredients for the stuffing and cook all together for 3-4 mins on low flame and cool, stuff the slit brinjal with the stuffing and keep aside.

3. Heat oil and ghee in a kadai and add in the hing, onions, ginger-garlic-chili paste and saute for 1-2 mins. Add tomato puree and all powdered spices and salt to taste. Allow the masala to cook for 2-3 mins, add little water and also place the stuffed brinjal in this masala and cover and cook for 12- 18 mins and check if well cooked.

4. Adjust the seasonings and flavors to taste and serve the recipe hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy with hot chapati and with a splash of fresh lime juice on the brinjal.

Recipe- 3] BAINGAN KA FUSION BHARTHA

Ingredients:

Oil- 2 tsp

Ghee-2 tsp

Roasted chopped brinjal- 1 cup

Red chilies-2 slit

Green chilies-2 chopped

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

Onion-1 big fine chopped

Tomato- 2 small chopped

Soya granules-1/2 cup soaked in warm water for 10 min.

Green peas-1/4 cup boiled

Salt to taste

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala-1/2 tsp

Kasuri methi-1 tsp

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2 tbsp.

Fresh coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Lime juice- 2 tsp add and serve.

Water-1/2 cup

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion bhartha as listed.

2. Heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the jeera, red chilies, green chilies, onions and saute them to light brown. Add in the tomatoes and all masalas, salt and Kasuri methi and bhunao for 2-3 mins, add little water and allow to cook on low flame for 2-3 mins.

3. Add in the drained soy granules, peas and roasted chopped brinjal and mix all well in the kadai. Allow to simmer for 12-15 mins.

4. Finally add the roasted crushed peanuts and coriander leaves and serve hot with a splash of fresh lime juice.

Recipe-4] MEXI SPICED BRINJAL DIP

Ingredients

Oil- 1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomatoes-1 small chopped

Roasted brinjal-1 cup mashed

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Mexican jalapeno chilies- 2-3 sliced.

Mexican peri peri spice-1 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Toasted white sesame seeds-1 tsp

Lime juice -2 tsp

Peanut butter- 2 tsp mixed with ¼ cup warm water.

Grated cheese/ cream cheese- 2 tsp.

Coriander leaves- 2 tsp chopped.

To serve with garlic bread/ toast/ nacho chips.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the brinjal dip.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan and saute the garlic, onions, chilies for 2-3 mins, add in the tomatoes and salt and mix well

3. Now add in the roasted chopped brinjal and all other ingredients and mix well, allow to simmer for 8-10 mins.

4. Finally add in the sliced jalapenos, toasted sesame seeds, coriander, lime juice, cheese and mix well, serve it with assorted bread, etc as a snack.

Recipe- 5] ASIAN STYLE MARINATED BRINJAL

Ingredients:

Brinjal- 4-5 no cut into strips/sticks

Carrots-1 no sliced

Small baby onions- 4-5 no

Garlic cloves- 4-5 no cut 1x2

Oil-2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Red/yellow capsicums-1/2 cup sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

White vinegar-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Schezuan sauce- 2 tsp

Spring onions greens- 2 tbsp. chopped

White wine- 2 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Honey-2 tsp

Chopped nuts- 2 tsp assorted.

Raisins-2 tsp 

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe as listed.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan and add in the onions and garlic and saute for 15 seconds. Add in the brinjal and carrots, capsicums and any other veggies as well as per choice, cover and cook on a low flame for 4-5 mins.

3.Add in the salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes and all other ingredients one by one including honey, wine, vinegar etc and allow to cook on a low flame for 6-8 mins. 

4. Finally add in the nuts and greens and mix well. This recipe can be served warm or cold as well as a salad or starter as well.

Appointment | Mainak Ray is Director of Sales at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat

He will be responsible for implementing new sales and marketing strategies in order to boost rooms and events sales at the hotel

With over a decade of luxury hospitality sales experience in multiple cities across India, Mainak Ray has been elevated to the position of Director of Sales at The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat. In his current role, he will be responsible for implementing new sales and marketing strategies in order to boost rooms and events sales at the hotel.

Mainak’s key responsibility include transient and group pricing decisions, preparing budgets and forecasts, developing strategies, curating unique events to support the rooms as well as Food and Beverage sales and positioning the hotel as a preferred wedding destination. He has enjoyed an exponential career growth with top-of-the-line hospitality brands since completing his graduation from University of Calcutta, Kolkata and his Masters in International Management from University Of Sussex, United Kingdom in 2012.

Mainak has a great track record of being a successful sales leader and driving results from the department of sales, marketing and reservations colleagues. He is lauded for his business expertise, people-oriented leadership style, and attention to detail. He started his career with Lebara Mobile U.K. and further established a firm foundation in the hospitality sector. His past roles include leading hotel brands such as Hyatt, Accor, IHG and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. Mainak is an avid traveler with particular interests in exploring new cultures through food. He also takes keen interest in soccer.

Appointment | Abhiram Menon appointed as Hotel Manager for Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn properties at Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru

Hilton Group has appointed Abhiram Menon as the Hotel Manager for Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru properties.  In his role, Abhiram will closely work with the diverse team to optimize business operations, while paying an undivided focus on providing paramount hospitality experiences as well as commercial success of twin properties.

Abhiram is a seasoned hospitality professional who brings with him newer ways of engaging with the teams and the travelers alike. He hails from a prolific career with proven excellence in spearheading day-to-day operations of prominent hospitality brands like Taj, The Park, and Elite Hospitality among others.

This is his second stint with Hilton. His earlier association with the brand was in the role of Front Office Manager at Hilton Mumbai International Airport. Prior to joining Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Embassy Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru, Abhiram, who has spent 18 years in the hospitality sector, was Hotel Manager of Lemon Tree Premier at Mumbai International Airport.

Abhiram is an avid traveler and a fitness enthusiast. His love for long runs in the early morning keeps him energized for the day.

Events | Avadh Utopia, Surat gears up for its 2nd UCL event‘Utopian Cricket League’ is an exclusive event only for members of Avadh Utopia

Avadh Utopia, Surat gears up for its 2nd UCL event
‘Utopian Cricket League’ is an exclusive event only for members of Avadh Utopia

Avadh Utopia, a lifestyle club by Avadh Group is all geared up to celebrate its annual event – Utopia Cricket League. The event is played between teams that consist of members of Utopia and the event usually goes on for 12-16 days.
Avadh Utopia, Surat is a fully equipped Lifestyle Club boasting larger-than-life infrastructure, state-of-the-art amenities, and spacious and well-equipped rooms. The lavish amenities include 6 banquet halls, 2 Swimming pools, Theatres, an Indoor game zone, a bowling alley, Outdoor gam lawn tennis court and Cricket, 9 F&B outlets amongst many others.

Rucha Ogale, Head of Marketing & Communications, Avadh Group mentioned, “Cricket is a religion in India, celebrated and worshipped much more than just a sport. We have a budding, aspiring cricketer in almost every household in India. Initially limited to only the male gender, with the Indian women’s cricket teams shining at International cricketing events, the love for the game has grown multiple folds. The concept of UCL was developed on the basis of this love for the game that is shared by Indians.”

This is the second year of the UCL event as the last year’s event received an overwhelming response from the club members and this year too, the members registered with much enthusiasm. UCL 2022 will be played among 36 teams from April 23rd to May 8th at the C B Patel Cricket Stadium at Surat.

Head of Sales, Avadh Group Lakshay Arora said, “UCL is one of our most beloved and awaited annual events of Utopia. Members love that they get to relive their old days of playing cricket. Never compromising on the grandeur of the event, we ensure to always book the best venues, and arrange facilities for the players and their family members to make it a memorable event for them. We make it so much more than the box cricket that most of us have grown up playing!”

Avadh Group is one of India’s most premium real estate developers, also known for its luxury lifestyle clubs. With more than 25 years of experience in Real Estate, Avadh has been unstoppable in its endeavors to build a dream life for thousands of families. Avadh specializes in larger-than-life luxurious residential projects, technologically inventive commercial spaces, state-of-the-art corporate offices, and aspirational lifestyle clubs.

New Opening | Indian Accent To Open In Mumbai

Indian Accent To Open In Mumbai

Mumbai, April 2022:-  EHV has signed an agreement with Reliance Industries Limited to bring India’s most awarded restaurant, Indian Accent to Mumbai. This comes on the heels of announcing the summer opening of EHV’s forthcoming restaurant in New York, Koloman helmed by Chef Markus Glocker as well as a collaboration with Chef David Thompson for Thai restaurants in India.

Indian Accent, Mumbai is expected to open before the end of the year. It shall be housed in a beautiful space overlooking the fountains at the Dhirubhai Ambani Square at Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex.

Restaurateur Rohit Khattar, Chairman of EHV says, “For many years we have explored locations in Mumbai for Indian Accent and our search has ended at the spectacular Jio World Centre, the new epicenter of Mumbai. Indian Accent has a very loyal clientele of discerning guests from Mumbai. So we are particularly thrilled to be able to bring the Indian Accent experience to this vibrant city and look forward to it embracing us as warmly as New Delhi and New York have.”

The kitchen at Indian Accent Mumbai will be helmed by Executive Chef Shantanu Mehrotra who has been Executive Chef of Indian Accent, New Delhi since its opening under the guidance of Chef Manish Mehrotra, who created the Indian Accent menu and has been promoted to Culinary Director. Rijul Gulati shall be Head Chef and Varun Sharma, who leads the award-winning bar at EHV’s other restaurant, Comorin, shall head the bar program. The G.M. of Indian Accent is yet to be appointed and shall report to the Operations Director, Nitin Mathur.

The interior design of the restaurant is by the prolific London-based, Russell Sage Studio working closely with EHV's Design Director Rohini Kapur. Incubis Consultants were the local architects under project supervision by EHV’s Director of Development Vikas Bhasin. Indian Accent, Mumbai shall seat 80, including 2 Private Dining Rooms styled as a homage to Mumbai’s Art Deco movement.

About Indian Accent

 Indian Accent is owned and operated by EHV (www.ehvinternational.com) which is part of the Old World Hospitality group. Indian Accent is at No. 22 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and EHV’s other highly acclaimed restaurant Comorin, Gurugram has made its debut at No. 69 on the  list. Comorin was also declared the ‘Best Restaurant Bar in India’ at the recent 30 Best Bars India awards.

Indian Accent showcases inventive Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques. The restaurant in New Delhi opened in 2009 to significant acclaim for its path breaking approach to contemporary Indian food. It has won several awards and global recognition, including being the only restaurant from India on the World’s 50 Best list since 2015. It has been awarded the Best Restaurant in India by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants every year from 2015 to 2021. It is also part of the Time Magazine, 100 Great Destinations in the World. EHV opened Indian Accent, New York in 2016 to critical and popular acclaim. Indian Accent also hosts private parties at the restaurant and at various locations across the world.

Old World Hospitality has created over a dozen much loved restaurant brands in addition to Indian Accent and Comorin, including Chor Bizarre, The All American Diner, Eatopia and many more. The group has two catering divisions – luxe catering via Indian Accent on Location and corporate catering through Events Etc. 

Eclat Insights | Success Lists Are What You Need. Put this on your To-Do List!

We are built for novelty and excitement, not for careful attention to detail. Discipline is something we have to work at.” ~ Atul Gawande, The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right

We are big fans of pictorial SOPs & checklists (much better than the text checklists we see everywhere), but what we see missing from all of them is the success bit. What should happen when one of your team members tick marks the final item on a checklist?

Imagine this, your Housekeeping team member checks a 40 point checklist for the room. Every detail is on the list. Compliments on making a great list, but does she step back from the checklist once it is done and see the room as a guest would?

A Success List would include a little 'smile', an 'ah!' at the end of the checklist. If the Housekeeper does not look at the whole room and go 'nice!' then your SOP has failed.  

Success Lists is an Idea from ― Gary Keller, The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

Instead of a to-do list, you need a success list—a list that is purposefully created around extraordinary results.

Extraordinary results in a service setting produce extraordinary word-of-mouth, loyalty, and brand affinity. 

What Should You Do?

Individual Success Lists

Help everyone in your team create their own success lists. You can probably do these for designations or roles, but we prefer a more individual approach. Use this opportunity to add things that speak to someone's strengths directly. Give them the opportunity to flex and use that unique strength at work. You get a happy team member and an amazing customer experience. 

Example

A Food & Beverage Associate / Supervisor 

Traditional Checklist

• set up table

• check back area

• offer menu (open it before offering)

Success Checklist

• Make one guest laugh every day.

• Introduce one guest to one team member (not just names, with something insightful)

e.g. Mr Bedi, please allow me to introduce Aditya. He recently joined our team and is a huge F1 fan, though I don't think he is a Ferrari fan like you. After hellos, say to Aditya 'Mr Bedi is a longstayer with us and you must ensure he gets ice water every time'.

• Get one table to leave at least 20% tip. (this can also be a team success list item. You can make sure the entire team - everyone, showers so much care and attention, the guests are bamboozled. You can also increase this as your team starts hitting these goals. 50%, 100%, 200%. It has been done!)

Team Success Lists

Take it up a notch. 10X the insight.  

• Get everyone to contribute to the same success.

• Make everyone's success to create another teammate's success. WE LOVE THIS ONE!

So essentially, you create a little chart like this >

Then you ensure every box is ticked. 

Your success goals can be as wacky as you need them to be. Live your brand, live your values through these success goals.

Some amazing ones we have seen:

• Upgrade 100 guests in a month. (not upsell, upgrade. The hotel decided instead of letting better rooms go vacant, upgrading guests would either get them to book a higher category on their next visit or at the very least create a 'shareable' story)

• Appreciate everyone on the team at least once a week, by finding something good they did.

• Find / Notice at least 3 preferences for guests who stay or dine more than 3 times a month.

Take five minutes & do this right now!

Write down 3 things that would be amazing if your team could do regularly. Don't worry about how or not. Just make a note of 3 results or actions or outcomes that would be extraordinary. 

Now share these with me on p.bedi@eclathospitality.com and let me help you make these into fun success todos.  

Prabhjot

Bedi

is a Hospitality Ideator. A process innovator, trainer, and professional speaker, he has worked with the Taj Group of Hotels, conducted training programs for hospitality leaders, launched a National Council Accredited Hospitality Institute as Principal, successfully launched and sold three hospitality businesses. He now assists hospitality leaders and educators in creating superlative services and products. He also edits the very popular www.hospemag.com - the largest hospitality career e-mag

Appointment | Le Meridien Hyderabad appoints Vaibhav Sagar as general manager

Le Meridien Hyderabad appoints Vaibhav Sagar as general manager

Under his dynamic leadership, team-building skills, comprehensive knowledge of international standard service procedures, and a strong background in sales and marketing, the team will be able to provide strategic depth to the property.

Vaibhav Sagar has been appointed as the general manager for Le Meridien Hyderabad. Sagar has earlier served as the GM for the Radisson hotel in Agra before joining Marriott International. Being an accomplished hotelier, he brings 15 years of hospitality experience to this Bleisure hotel. In his current leadership role, Sagar will be responsible for spearheading operations.

Sagar has an established track record and a vast list of accomplishments at the multilateral level. He has worked for hotel chains such as InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, IHHR Hospitality, and Radisson Hotel Group.

His significant knowledge in marketing, finance, and dynamic guidance makes him accountable for steering beneficial strategies for Le Meridien Hyderabad. Under his dynamic leadership, team-building skills, comprehensive knowledge of international standard service procedures, and a strong background in sales and marketing, the team will be able to provide strategic depth to the property.

Sagar began his career with Hyatt hotels in 2002, post that he began his journey with banks like IDBI and Kotak Mahindra Bank and he returned back to hospitality with a well-versed experience. He has been accomplished with many recognitions and has successfully positioned many hotels.

Wanderlust List | Experience Wellness and Rejuvenation at The Residence by Cenizaro

Experience Wellness and Rejuvenation at The Residence by Cenizaro

With summer around the corner, a beach holiday is probably on the mind, not to mention an all-round wellness and relaxation experience. What better way to get your dose of sea, spa, serenity than at a luxury resort along or on the sea?

Whether you are travelling with a special someone, with bundles of joy in tow, or with a group of friends, The Residence by Cenizaro resorts is just what you need to breathe a sigh of relief and immerse in the goodness of life. 

Choose from three resorts, each a jewel in its own right: 

The Residence Mauritius 

Exude modern-day royalty as you unwind in the resort’s turn-of-the-century plantation house-inspired guest rooms. The Residence Mauritius stands on a mile of white sand kissed by the azure blue of the Indian ocean. 

Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the resort’s amazing Creole cuisine that captures the incredible potpourri of island flavours. 

 Get your zen on at The Sanctuary, the resort’s spa, built around the concept of a temple. Take your wellness experience up to the next level with a special spa pavilion built in the centre of a tropical garden overlooking the lagoon. 

The Residence Maldives Dhigurah

If you are looking to really immerse in a natural experience, this resort - designed to blend in perfectly with nature - is just what you are craving. Here, travelers can dive right from spacious guest rooms into the ocean to really get up close and personal with aquatic life. 

 Culinary wonders at this resort include Indian ocean specialties, Mediterranean tapas and contemporary Cantonese. 

 The Residence Maldives Dhigurah also brings you the absolute ultimate in relaxation with its Spa by Clarins that is ensconced in tropical gardens, assuring travelers of complete bliss. 

The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi

An authentic Maldivian experience is in store for travelers in guest rooms that seamlessly blend traditional Maldivian architecture with contemporary elegance. Rediscover paradise in your own private lagoon or simply enjoy the view from your beachfront room, or over-water villa. Revel in snorkeling experiences and hoard snapshots of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures. 

Kick back and relax at The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi spa, which sits serenely at the far end of a jetty, overlooking the soothing waters of the lagoon and a rainbow of coral reefs. What a dream-come-true to enjoy a heavenly view while having your stress melt away. 

Appointment | Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty appoints Rajesh Ramdas as General Manager

His journey with Hyatt started at Hyatt Regency Mumbai in 2010, and he has been the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Ludhiana and Hyatt Regency Kathmandu before he moved south to Grand Hyatt Kochi.

Rajesh Ramdas has been appointed as the General Manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. He is a seasoned hotelier with remarkable tenures at The Leela Kempinski and Burj Al Arab. His journey with Hyatt started at Hyatt Regency Mumbai in 2010, and he has been the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Ludhiana and Hyatt Regency Kathmandu before he moved south to Grand Hyatt Kochi.

He says, “I am thrilled to be part of this grand picturesque waterside property and to lead this vibrant and dynamic team. Together, we look forward to creating memories for our guests and colleagues, alike. With the pandemic almost on the wane, I believe there is a lot we can achieve for the city of Kochi as a destination, hand in hand.”

He completed his Hotel Management from Mangalore University and subsequently been part of courses at Cornell University and Harvard Business Publishing. He is a lover of fiction and enjoys traveling.

Appointment | Jakir Hussain is the Food and Beverage Manager at Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway

He will maximize employee productivity, integrate Food and Beverage trends into the hotel’s latest culinary offerings, and align Food and Beverage activities to maintain smooth operations

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway has appointed Jakir Hussain as the Food and Beverage Manager. He brings over 14 years of professional expertise in the hospitality industry which includes converting strategic direction to quantifiable results with a focus on day-to-day operations. His areas of operations will be to maximize employee productivity, integrate Food and Beverage trends into IHG culinary offerings, spearhead Food and Beverage operations and align Food and Beverage activities in tandem with maintaining smooth operations.

Prior to joining Holiday Inn Chennai, Jakir established his career with leading prominent brands such as The Oberoi Hotels and Marriot Hotels and Resorts. Throughout his hospitality journey, his focus has been on guest reputation, planning and implementation of unique event concepts, and increase in department profitability.

Apart from being a travel enthusiast and Graduate with a Bachelor of Hospitality Management from Asia pacific institute of hotel management Ahmedabad, Jakir enjoys spending quality time with family in his leisure time.

Accor appoints Laure Morvan as Chief Development Officer for India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey region

She will be leading the development team and strategic expansion of the group across India, Middle east, Africa and Turkey

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with over 420 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has appointed Laure Morvan as Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the development team driving the Group’s strategic expansion while consolidating its leading position in the region. 

Laure Morvan brings almost 20 years of experience and expertise in hotel development, marketing and project management in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific. She relocated to Singapore in 2012 to drive the development efforts across Asia Pacific in the luxury and premium segments, leading up to her latest role as Vice President Development Luxury Hotels Asia Pacific, which saw her driving the relationship on some notable and iconic projects including Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel and Serviced Residences, SO Kuala Lumpur Hotel and Residences and Sofitel Singapore City Center.

“It is a great honor for us to welcome back Laure into our region!” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “Her extensive experience within Accor and her market know-how make her an expert in her field and a true asset to the region. I am confident that with her on our Executive Committee, we will accelerate our expansion in the region while consolidating our position as leaders in the regional and global hospitality arena.” 

Laure is returning to familiar land, having spent eight years in the Middle East previously, where she had the opportunity to explore and build strong relationships with key owners, and contributed greatly to the development of the group through the signing and opening of projects across various segments including landmark properties such as the Sofitel Dubai Downtown and Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery to name a few.

In her new role, Laure aims to maintain the momentum in signings by targeting development across all segments, but notably accelerating development levers of Accor such as all-inclusive, lifestyle, collection brands, branded residences and extended stay.

“I am very pleased to be back in Dubai and continue my journey with Accor as Chief Development Officer for the group in the region, and consequently joining an incredible team of developers with whom I look forward to working and accomplishing great projects with” mentioned Laure Morvan, CDO for India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey for Accor.

Accor currently operates 420 properties (over 93,000 keys) across India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey with another 190 properties (over 40,000 keys) in the pipeline.

Appointment | Renest Bandhavgarh Meadows appoints Mayur Shinde as Resort Manager

He will be responsible for business development, reporting and status sharing, day to day resort operations, experience sharing with guests, photography discussions and story sessions at the resort

Mayur Shinde has been appointed as the new Resort manager at Renest Bandhavgarh Meadows. In his new role, he will be responsible for business development, reporting and status sharing, day to day resort operations, experience sharing with guests, photography discussions and story sessions and providing the Renest guest experience to all the guests at resort.

A keen wildlife photographer, Mayur’s love for all things wildlife, enthusiasm to share knowledge with travelers and exceptional people management skills made him a perfect candidate for this role. As a new-age hotel chain, Renest Hotels and Resorts focuses primarily on the guest experience. A manager like Mayur not only helps enhance the guest experience but also goes the extra mile to add a personal touch to the warm hospitality Renest offers.

Appointment | Doubletree by Hilton Jaipur Amer appoints Kunal Sabharwal as Director of Sales

He will closely work with the core sales team as well to enhance brand visibility and drive revenue for the segment.

DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer has appointed Kunal Sabharwal as the Director of Sales. In his new role, he will work towards optimizing hotel revenue performance across the verticals of Room Sales, Social and MICE business as well as spearheading Sales and Marketing teams and focus on key account management, strategic planning and business development. He will closely work with the core sales team as well to enhance brand visibility and drive revenue for the segment.

Kunal is armed with an experience of 20 years across international hotel brands like ITC Hotels, IHG Hotels, Radisson Hotel group and Accor. Prior to this assignment, he worked as a Cluster Director of Sales and overlooked the sales and revenue growth strategies.

Speaking on his new role, Kunal said, “I am honored to join DoubleTree by Hilton Jaipur Amer and look forward to achieving new heights of success for the hotel. In line with the hotel’s growth plans, I am committed to attracting new markets and growing the hotel’s reputation.

Neeraj Maharshi, General Manager, DoubleTree Hilton Jaipur Amer  said, “We are delighted to have Kunal on board and we are quite confident and assured with his expertise and diverse skill set, he will play a crucial role in helping us to convert our business objectives, as we continue to innovate and grow.

On a personal front, Kunal is a traveler by nature and enjoys singing.

Appointment | Gautam Chhabra is Director of Sales of the upcoming Courtyard by Marriott Faridabad Aravalli Resort

He will direct and oversee high-value projects and drive business through integration and transition to elevate occupancy rates and overall business demand

An accomplished professional with several years of experience, Gautam Chhabra joins the soon-to-be-launched Courtyard by Marriott Faridabad Aravalli Resort as Director of Sales. He would be amongst the youngest sales leaders to take on this role, having previously worked with the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, as an Associate Director of Sales for over 2 years.  In his current profile he will direct and oversee high-value projects and drive business through integration and transition to elevate occupancy rates and overall business demand.

Gautam began his career began as a Sales Coordinator at the JW Marriott Chandigarh, from where he took his initial first steps in hospitality, since then there was no looking back. Holding various positions from a Sales Executive to a Sales Center Manager, Gautam’s hard work and dedication has led him to now become a Director of Sales. Prior to that he also gained extensive over-seas experience as an Assistant Sales Manager at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai where he was responsible for driving Indian weddings and banquet sales for the hotel.

With a sharp and focused mind-set that sees every challenge as a learning , he believes in driving powerful sales and marketing strategies to boost Rev Par and steer improvements in occupancy rates and the overall sales business in charged market settings. He is a firm believer in moving forward as a team, and ensures his immediate team members are driven, focused and passionate when it comes to hitting a milestone or setting new benchmarks.  Working the fine balance between work and personal time, beyond his work Gautam loves spending time with family and friends, cooking, watching movies and most importantly traveling. Has done 08 solo trips internationally and is constantly researching his next destination to explore.

Appointment | Kishore Tadikamalla joins Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru ORR as Food and Beverage Manager

Commencing his career at Hyderabad’s TGI Fridays, he has been associated with Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Accor, Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts, Le Meridien, and JW Marriott hotels

Kishore Tadikamalla has been recently appointed as the new Food and Beverage Manager at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru ORR. He has around 11 years of experience working with major chains of hotels and restaurants around the country. 

Commencing his career at TGI Fridays in Hyderabad, Kishore has been a part of premium hotels like Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Accor, Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts, Le Meridien, JW Marriott and many more. From being a Guest Service Associate, Mixologist, to Beverage and Venue Manager, Kishore through his conscientious work and dedication is now the Food and Beverage Manager at Courtyard and Fairfield by Marriott ORR Bengaluru.

In his current position, Kishore would be responsible for overlooking the operations of all the outlets at this 5-star dual-branded property.

Kishore not only is an experienced professional in the field of Hospitality but is also a magician by passion. He has won many accolades like the Best Indian Entertainer 2005, People Magician Award 2009, Pro Mentalists of India 2015 to name a few. He also enjoys listening to music and enhancing his skills in the art of mixology.

UK celebrity chef Alan Coxon and The Queen’s Chef Mark Flanagon praise pastrychef Vivek Chauhan of Le Meridien, Delhi for his Easter buffet

New Delhi, April 2022: If Chef Vivek Chauhan of Le Meridien, New Delhi has a superpower, it's his ability to combine artistic creativity in the pastry kitchen with down-to-earth tips that help you bake with confidence. That's why we're turning to him for his irresistible Easter recipes, which got extensively praised by the renowned UK chefs - Alan Coxon, Mark Flanagon, Alan Heulin, etc.
This year, Chef Vivek Easter desserts range included Chocolate Easter Bunny, Bunny Ear Easter Cupcakes, timeless classic hot Cross Buns, Lemon blueberry posset, and Carrot Cake combined with a fresh layer of delicate flavors. The main show stopper was the almondy Easter Simnel cake and mouth-watering Easter Bunnies, to sparkle the festivities and represent Christian tradition.
These heavenly sweet delicacies, couldn’t stop Chef Alan Coxon, a multi-award-winning TV Chef/ Presenter, and the British Ambassador for food and tourism by praising. He said, "Congrats on the Easter Display to you and to your exceptionally skilled group in India, these culinary creations are extremely delightful”.

Chef Mark Flangan, known to be the personal chef of The Queen and head chef of the Royal Household also said, “ Superb workaround eggs and rabbits and you have a very talented team”.

Chef Alan Heulin, ex-Chairman Association of Pastry Chefs United Kingdom said, “Keep up the good work, you'll make a great ambassador for pastry.” Chef Paul Beard, Member of the Association of Pastry Chefs said, “great to see you are still producing those incredible vivid products, well done to you and your team. 

On these above heart-satisfying reactions, Chef Vivek said, ''I have learned easter recipes during my early stint in London, the UK with One Aldwych, The Lancaster and The Westbury Mayfair while working with the master gourmet experts  and finally, getting significant remarks from them means the world to me."

Here’s the Simnel Cake Recipe:

Ingredients

Almond Paste:

Castor Sugar - 375 gm

Ground Almonds-375 gm

Egg   - 120 gm 

Almond Essence- 1 tsp

Cake:

Butter – 350 gm

Demerara Sugar – 325 gm

Eggs -6 no.

Refined Flour-350 gm

Salt- 1 tsp

Mixed Peel – 105 gm

Lemon Zest- 1 no.

Method:

For Almond Paste

1. Mix Castor Sugar & Ground Almonds. Add Egg and knead to make a paste.

 For Cake

1. Cream Butter & Castor Sugar together until pale and fluffy 

2. Gradually pour eggs slowly until well incorporated 

3. Sift in flour, salt, and mixed spice.

4. Finally, add mixed fruit peel into the above mix.

5. Put half the mixture into already lined rings. Smooth the top and cover with the circle of almond paste. Add the rest of the cake mixture and smooth the top leaving a slight dip in the center to allow for the cake to rise.. Test by inserting a knife in the middle – if it comes out clean, it is ready. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool on a wire rack.

6. Brush with the apricot jam on top of the cooled cake. Divide the remainder of the almond paste in half. Roll out a circle to cover the top of the cake with one half and form small balls with the other half. Place the circle of paste on the cake and set the balls around the edge. Brush the cake topping with a little beaten egg.

7. Glaze with a blow torch.

About Chef Vivek:

A patissier and chocolatier, Chef Vivek Chauhan is a highly accoladed Patisserie Chef with an illustrious experience of 22 years, currently associated with Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi. An IHM, Gwalior graduate in Hotel Management, Chef Vivek's passion to learn beyond stereotypical creations and reinventions has allowed him to work with Michelin Star Chefs Allyn Williams and Chef Eric Chavot & others of International Reputees. His culinary experience includes his incredible years at various prestigious properties - Taj Mahal Hotel, One Aldwych, London, The Lancaster London, the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, The Westbury Mayfair, London, and The Imperial, New Delhi. Chef Vivek is a recipient of multiple honors and awards; most notable among them is the most recent‘ Pastry Chef of the Year 2018' conferred upon by ICF. He has also hosted opulent dinners for the Association of Pastry Chefs and Craft Guild of Chefs in the UK.

Appointment | Gaurav Tokas joins as Front Office Manager at Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel and Residences

He endeavors to elevate guest experiences at Hyatt Regency Pune Hotels and Residences, using his years of experience and knowledge in the industry.

Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel and Residences is pleased to welcome Gaurav Tokas who will take on the role of Front Manager of this premier 5-star property effective 10th of January 2022.

Gaurav began his career 13 years ago as a management trainee with Taj Hotels. Throughout his career, Gaurav has worked in different capacities with renowned names in the hospitality sector such as Radisson Hotels, the Intercontinental Group, and Marriott Group. Gaurav’s last stint was as Front Office Manager at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Panaji, Goa, before taking on the new assignment of Front Office Manager, at the Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel and Residences.

On joining, Gaurav states, “Hyatt is a great place to work. Excited and looking forward to a great & fruitful career with the organization!”

Exuding energy, enthusiasm, and passion, Gaurav’s endeavor is to elevate guest experiences at Hyatt Regency Pune Hotels and Residences, using his years of experience and knowledge in the industry.

Apart from work, Gaurav is an avid traveler and dreams of one day conquering Mount Everest and traveling the world. Apart from traveling, Gaurav is a family man and loves spending quality time with his family and newborn son.