Trainee Marine Biologist Modules at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
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Knowledge is Power: A Marine Biology Journey Starts With Trainee Marine Biologist Modules at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Immersing Youngsters in Ground Breaking Conservation and Research
Mumbai, December 2022: The fight for a healthier ocean is real and not to be taken lightly. Continuing more than 15 years of dedication to its UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve home, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has launched a new series of Trainee Marine Biologist modules to offer young adults a deep dive into pioneering marine research in one of the world’s most abundant oceanic territories.
Designed for 15 to 19-year-olds, the six one-day, one-to-one modules are designed as a serious foundation for scientifically minded teens, those considering a career in marine biology, or anyone with a genuine desire to deeply engage with the natural world.
Each module combines practical activities with comprehensive take-home texts for a deep dive into what it takes to be a Coral Biologist, Dolphin Biologist, Turtle Biologist, Aquarist, Plankton Biologist, or Manta Biologist. Each privately taught module stands alone and is bookable as a single-day experience.
Trainees work alongside the Resort’s expert Marine Savers marine biologists, on-site veterinarian and experts from The Manta Trust, gaining a unique insight into the Resort’s conservation projects. Activities might include using artificial intelligence to monitor coral reef restoration, cultivating artemia and rotifers in the Fish Lab, tracking and identifying local cetaceans, rehabilitating injured turtles, and contributing to the conservation of the world’s largest known population of manta rays.
“We know from experience that actively engaging youngsters with marine environments is key to inspiring long-term conservation efforts,” comments Simon Dixon, Manager of Landaa Giraavaru’s Marine Discovery Centre. “Our trainee modules offer an in-depth experience of life in our field and are a great foundation for anyone with a passion for environmental action. It’s the kind of training I would have loved in my own youth.”
Explore one or more of the following one-day modules:
Trainee Coral Biologist
A unique insight into the incredible underwater world of coral reefs – the most diverse of all marine ecosystems – and how to help ensure their survival. Alongside the resident Coral Biologist, trainees will take part in every aspect of the coral restoration project, from preparation and transplanting to photography and uploading.
Trainee Dolphin Biologist
An opportunity to be part of the conservation story of the Maldives’ much-loved marine mammals: dolphins and whales. Working alongside the Dolphin Biologists, trainees will find out all about these magnificent creatures, go on a cruise to track their movements around the islands, and take and process photos to identify individuals.
Trainee Turtle Biologist
Sea turtles have been found throughout the world’s oceans since around the time of the dinosaurs – with the exception of the polar seas – but now six of their seven species are at risk of extinction. Alongside the resident Turtle Biologist, trainees will learn about sea turtle anatomy and biology, the threats they face in the wild and what can be done to help conserve them.
Trainee Aquarist
This module takes a closer look at some of the smaller organisms that inhabit the underwater world. From plankton to clownfish, rotifers to jellyfish, each play a part in ensuring healthy ecosystems that sustain life. A fascinating introduction to the work in the Fish Lab, this module highlights the dangers and threats facing each species and explores how we can help ourselves by helping the oceans.
Trainee Plankton Biologist
A chance to discover the role these incredible organisms play in our lives, from providing the oxygen we breathe to helping us track climate events and understand the migration of large sea animals. Trainees will be part of the first long-term, continuous plankton survey in the Maldives – and, to the best of the program’s knowledge, in any global UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and help contribute to a model of plankton diversity and biomass that will hopefully expand into a national database.
Trainee Manta Biologist An insight into the secret lives of the gentle giants of the Maldives: manta rays. Trainees will spend time with these majestic animals and learn how the Manta Ray Biologists work to conserve and protect the local manta ray population. This module enables trainees to become a part of the team’s research journey, from photo identification to helping monitor size, behaviour and even pregnancy.
About Marine Savers at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
The Trainee Marine Biologist modules are the latest innovation in 15 years of marine research and education at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru. Other successes include the Maldives’ most successful coral reef regeneration project; establishing the Maldivian Manta Ray Project in 2005 (the founding project of the now worldwide Manta Trust); inaugurating the Maldives’ first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in 2011; rehabilitating more than 340 injured sea turtles (including rehoming 6 overseas); and identifying 350+ cetaceans through the Dolphin ID Project.
Working out of a dedicated exhibition and research space that includes a purpose-built Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and Fish Lab, the research team also organise Dive Against Debris and other ocean clean-up events; attend international symposiums and local festivals to share their research; collaborate with local and international partner projects and organisations; welcome Maldivian school children for educational marine conservation days; lead daily guest snorkelling excursions and awareness talks; and lovingly tend to their extended family of turtle, fish, coral, jellyfish, egg and spawn with the highest levels of care.
For more information, visit marinesavers.com for month-by-month updates on all marine conservation projects currently undertaken at Four Seasons Resorts Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, alongside data collated over many years of commitment to the preservation of the Maldives’ marine ecosystem.
To be part of the conservation story at Landaa Giraavaru and become a Trainee Marine Biologist, contact reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or call the Central Reservations department at tel: (960) 66 00 888.
A new outlet ‘Tenner’ adds to 10 Downing Street's great food and fun offerings
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December 2022, Hyderabad: 10 Downing Street, one of India's most renowned chains, announces the opening of a new cafe Tenner, a new dining destination right in the heart of Hyderabad. With an inviting atmosphere, delicious food and exceptional service, the new cafe promise to be a great place to hang out.
10 Downing Street expands its portfolio in Hyderabad with the opening of Tenner, and it is all set to delight its customers with its European flare. A total area of 3200 square feet and a capacity of over 70 Seating, the space promises to provide a memorable dining experience. With layers of intricate patterns and designs on the walls, vivid colours, and an emphasis on nature, the new cafe embodies the essence of Victorian-style art.
New Cafe Tenner features an inspiring line-up of culinary offerings and a carefully crafted menu featuring 10DS favourites and Authentic European dishes. The culinary mastermind, Chef Gracian De Souza has infused different food tastes into the menu, including Avocado Caesar Salad, Chicken goujons with apple remoulade, Spanish garlic prawns, truffle-infused mushroom risotto, feta cheese lamb burger are a few innovative dishes from the menu.
Speaking on occasion, Mr. Rohan Reddy - Founder of Tenner, said, “We are excited to bring a new Café brand called Tenner to the city, a brand which was conceptualised keeping in mind the core values of 10 Downing Street, a brand that has been in this industry for the past three decades. At Tenner, we offer a welcoming ambience, modern British-inspired interiors and a unique menu. With the addition of Tenner to our portfolio, we look forward to serving you and becoming your go-to Café spot for delicious food and fun.
Speaking on occasion, Mr. Pranay Reddy- Founder of Tenner, said "We are very pleased to add a new concept to the 10 Downing Street portfolio. Tenner is a food-focused joint with European classics at its core. In celebration of Tenner’s official opening, we invite the community to come and experience all it has to offer. We are looking forward to sharing our carefully crafted menu and inviting atmosphere with you."
About 10 Downing:10 Downing Street is India’s largest chain of pubs and a popular lifestyle lounge brand. With over three decades of experience, the brand 10 Downing Street is an iconic symbol of a premium nightlife experience. Our footprint in India is spread across India, and we continuously seek partners to take this established brand forward.
Novotel Visakhatapatnam Varun Beach ushered in the holiday season with the “First of its kind” tree lighting ceremony.
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The holiday season has arrived, and the Christmas spirit is permeating the air. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach ushered in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with festive cheer. The ceremony was attended by prominent local publications among others, alongside bloggers, in-house guests, outlet guests & the Novotel team. This year, the hotel opted for an eco-friendly Christmas Tree which was made out of recycled bottles.
The hotel was beautifully decorated for the festive season and the highlight of the event was the environment friendly Christmas Tree made from recycled bottles which was placed in the lobby area. Special dance performances by Shiva & team from Step Up dance troupe and Christmas Carols sung by Paul, Neha & team from Vizag music, added to the fanfare of the event. The culinary team curated a special menu for the evening which included Christmas delicacies such as turkey spring roll, mince pie, tapenade, ginger bread, cookies, etc. The hotel also served mulled wine which was prepared specially for the occasion. The event ended on a sweet note with traditional plum cake and handmade cookies presented to all the guests.
On the merry occasion, Chairman of Varun Group Mr. Prabhu Kishore said, “The holiday season brings with it a sense of warmth and joy to the environment and in the hearts of the people around. Our aim was to foster sustainable environmental practices through the Christmas Tree this year which was made out of recycled bottles. It was our pleasure to invite our guests to celebrate this joyous festival with us. We wish them Merry Christmas and a brighter and safer New Year”.
The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli) hosts Christmas cake-mixing ceremony
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Guests from Media, representatives from tour operators and leading travel agents from Delhi/NCR were taken on a familiarization trip to The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli) for 2 nights. The annual cake-mixing ceremony was held at the resort to mark the beginning of the festive season. Cake Mixing is traditionally done to celebrate the advent of Christmas and the start of winter festivities. It is also considered to usher in good tidings and happiness.
The guests rolled up their sleeves and participated in a hearty mixing of dry fruits and nuts for plum cakes with spirits. The cake-mixing ceremony was headed by the hotel’s General Manager Gunjan Pandey.
Mr. Mohit Sharad, Associate Vice President, The Fern Hotels & Resorts said, “we are very excited to be hosting this unique cake-mixing ceremony with our friends from Media and travel trade and a lot of activities will be conducted in this 2 day visit as Dharampur has a lot of offer its guest visiting this beautiful hill station. The event was followed by cocktails and scrumptious international food to celebrate the festivities with live music and dance performances
Ingredient Ideology | SHAKE & CHURN TO GOOD HEALTH POWER DRINKS TO STAY FIT By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef
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Health shakes and energy drinks are one of the most sought out options by many of us who wish to be prim and proper, maintaining ourselves even now during work from home kind of activities where are stationed within homes and focusing on work and need to stay fit as well.
The option of picking on wisely especially when it comes to ingredients that have beneficial properties and nutri-rich qualities to offer needs a little bit of awareness and update with regards to calories and overall balance which can help have a better start to our day and keep us full for a while and also assists in weight management.
While we do have a choice to enjoy seasonal fruits and other breakfast options as well, there are many who wish to grab and pulse a bunch of power-packed ingredients and sip it along the work table as well. Here are a few simple to make power shake recipes to keep us in shape.
Recipe-1] BERRY OATMEAL SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
Oatmeal /crushed oats-1/4 cup
Blue berries/ Cranberries-2-3 tbsp.
Dates-2-3 no
Soy milk/ regular milk- 200ml
Cashews/almonds-1 tbsp. chopped
Flax seeds-1 tsp
Mint leaves- 8-10 no
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the power shake as listed.
2. We can also use blue berries or cranberries for this recipe.
3. In a jar of a food processor, combine together the oatmeal /crushed oats, berries, dates, nuts, seeds, and milk and churn it all into a smooth mixture.
4. Pour the shake into a jar/glass and enjoy it for a start to the day or during mid-way, garnish with berries/mint etc and serve.
Recipe-2] CRANBERRY CRUNCH SHAKE
Ingredients:
Cranberries- 2-3 tbsp.
Banana-1 ripe
Soy milk/ regular milk- 200ml
Honey-1 tsp
Sunflower seeds/ chia seeds-1 tsp
Chopped raisins- 2 tsp
Walnuts/ pinenuts- 2 tsp chopped
Mint/ berries for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the power shake as listed.
2. In a jar of a food processor, combine together the cranberries or an assortment of berries may also be used as desired along with the other ingredients and churn it all into a nice smooth textured shake.
3. Check for taste/texture and balance it accordingly to taste, pour the prepared shake into jar/ serving glasses and garnish with mint/berries/nuts/seeds etc and serve.
Recipe-3] HEALTHY ALMOND BANANA SHAKE
Ingredients
Banana- 1 ripe
Soy milk/ regular milk/ oats milk- 200 ml
Dates- 2-3 no chopped
Almonds/ cashews- 2 tsp chopped
Chickoo- 1 no, peeled and cut
Melon seeds/ flax seeds- 1 tsp
Honey-1 tsp
Cinnamon powder-1 pinch
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients as per the list for the power shake.
2. Using a jar of a food processor, combine together all the ingredients from ripe banana, ripe chickoo, to dates, nuts, seeds, honey and soy milk etc and churn it all into a smooth textured shake.
3. Check for sweetness and flavor and balance it accordingly, pour the drink into chilled jars/glasses and sprinkle some nuts/seeds or a pinch of cinnamon powder over the top and lightly mix and enjoy it.
Recipe-4] NUTTY DATE SHAKE
ingredients:
Dates- 4-6 no
Walnuts/almonds/cashews- 2 tsp chopped
Chia seeds/ flax seeds- 1 tsp
Soy milk/ regular milk/oats milk- 200 ml
Cocoa powder-1/4 tsp
Cinnamon powder-1 pinch
Honey-1 tsp
Banana-1 ripe
Dark chocolate-2-3 pieces/ 2 tsp melted.
Mint/ cherries/ nuts etc for garnish.
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the yummy date shake.
2. Using the jar of a food processor, combine together the ingredients and churn them into a nice smooth shake and check for balance of taste and flavor and adjust as needed as per taste.
3. In this power shake we can also add a seasonal fruit as well to enhance the taste of the shake like sliced peaches can be added when we serve it.
4. Pour the shake into chilled glasses/jars and garnish with a dash of cinnamon/ shavings of dark chocolate/ mint/cherries etc.
Recipe-5] POWER PACKED AVOCADO SHAKE.
Ingredients
Avocado-1 no, ripe, peeled –sliced and stone removed.
Soy milk/ regular milk/ oats milk-200ml
Thick Yogurt-2 tbsp. greek yogurt can also be used.
Honey-1 tsp
Raisins-2 tsp
Banana-1 ripe
Sunflower seeds/ chia seeds-1 tsp
Mint leaves- 10-12 no
As an option we can also add spinach or kale as well in this recipe.
Sliced almonds/pista/cashews-2 tsp
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shake recipe as listed.
2. Using a jar of a food processor, combine together avocado pieces along with all other ingredients with the milk of your choice and churn the mixture into a nice smoothie-like texture.
3. Check for taste/flavor and balance it accordingly and pour into serving jars/ glasses and garnish with nuts/seeds/ mint etc and serve.
Embracing Maximalist Decor with Top Trends
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While minimal décor has its own charm, maximalism has gradually found its way back to the interior design industry. It is an expression of the distinct personalities of homeowners through ornate interiors, rich fabrics, eccentric pieces, and much more.
But a wide range of styles and elements do not mean that your place has to look cluttered or busy. With some subtle styles and trends, you can embrace the age of maximalist interior design and make a statement.
Top Maximalist Design Trends to Follow
Let’s read in detail our favorite interior design styles that you can follow to give your house a perfect maximalist decor.
Use of Vibrant Colour
Hold back the conservative colour tones and go bold with a more diverse colour palette to embrace maximalism. Remember, pops of colours here and there may not give you the maximalist decor. So, go all out and stir things up with vibrant hues across the entire space.
Statement Marble Stone for a Statement Design
Marble stone is seeing a huge resurgence in popularity as it brings a luxurious consistency throughout the interior space. The timeless natural marble can dignify the aesthetics of any room and give it a visual appeal of a larger, classic space. The use of marble in marble tables and countertops, marble skirting, and other natural stone elements can give your home an opulent look and feel.
Pattern Play
Patterns bring energy to interior spaces and the options can be limitless if you’re looking in the right direction. From carpets and rugs to cushions and upholstered furniture, patterns add a striking personality to your interiors. And since the idea is to go over the top, you can always experiment with different patterns to create a more dynamic design with a dazzling effect.
Patterns bring energy to interior spaces and the options can be limitless if you’re looking in the right direction. From carpets and rugs to cushions and upholstered furniture, patterns add a striking personality to your interiors.
And since the idea is to go over the top, you can always experiment with different patterns to create a more dynamic design with a dazzling effect.
Art for the Senses
Invest in art to create an outstanding maximalist interior design. Art plays a huge role in setting the tone of a space and helps you represent your personality in the best way possible. For example, a luxe marble frame for the living room wall or state-of-the-art sculptures can become the pieces of attraction in your maximal space. You can also create a gallery wall for different artworks and frames to amp up your home.
Creative Lighting
Lighting with complex and creative design plays excellently well with the maximalist decor. The more unique materials and adventurous design, the more stylish your space would turn out. Big overhead lighting, luxurious chandeliers, statement lamps, and fixtures – you can choose from different kinds of lighting for different areas. Just make sure to go big.
Mixing of Styles and Layers
Layered motifs and mixed styles do a great job of showing off your maximal interior design styles. Simple backdrops layered with contrasting patterns bring a unique character to the house and engage the guests. You can also layer modern décor pieces with the existing decor of a room; all you need to focus on is bringing in a few elements that immediately capture attention.
Accessories and Decorative Pieces
Maximalist décor is all about sparking joy and creating an interest in the space. So, if you’re a hoarder of books, trinkets, charms, and even quirky mugs, put them all on display. Show off your collectibles that represent your taste and passions. If you have a huge number of accessories or decorative pieces, you can create small groups and display them separately.
You can also go for wooden shelves or a fireplace feature for display. Just make sure that these additional elements do not affect the functionality of the space.
Wall Art and Wallpapers
Bold and bright wallpapers are the true essence of a maximal space. Unique wallpaper would not just add maximalism to your interior spaces but would also do so effortlessly.
And if you’re a fan of wall art or wall work, you can bring many patterns and styles together to create a striking show. Forget about matching the frames and size and whatnot; just create an amalgam of wall art styles that speak directly to you.
About Author
Aparna Rao has a great passion for interior design and decor. Her design mantra is that the interiors of any space should be designed keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. She works as a content marketer for Stonex, a leading marble manufacturer, and has gained valuable insights into the marble stone industry. Her extensive knowledge of different types of stones and their properties as well as interior design is what makes her content stand apart and is appreciated by her readers. Through her content, she also offers creative, innovative, and effective design and decor solutions.
Celebrate Christmas Cheer with ‘The Gift Studio’ this Holiday Season for Thoughtful, Effortless Gifting Solutions
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National, December 2022: ‘Tis the season for sweaters, sparkles, good cheer, and, of course, gift-giving! Christmas comes every year and it’s the season of gifting! With everything merry and bright, this festival in India has to be one of the most fun times of the year. It’s all about decorations, colorful lights, home gatherings, games, delicious food, and a lot of gifts!
Launched in October 2020 by Shashwat and Shivika Goenka, The Gift Studio is a one-stop curated gifting solution to make gifting thoughtful, easy, special & unique - for both the giver and the receiver. The brand aims to turn gifting from a tiring chore into a memorable experience, with thoughtfully curated hamper options that are flexible and endlessly customizable. Talking about the gifts! No matter how much we love buying them, thinking of the perfect gift ideas for loved ones can be time-consuming. And on Christmas, all of us expect to receive gifts from our Secret Santas, from a child to an adult. While most corporate offices host the ‘Secret Santa’ games, children anyway await new gifts every year!
This Christmas, The Gift Studio has put together ‘Xmas Assortment 2022 Hampers’, that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of the receivers. The hampers come in several price ranges that are accessible to customers with varied budgets. It includes All good things that include Cakes, Cookies and Candies Christmas Hampers, Fuel by Coffee and Xmas Cheer Hamper, and Holiday Hampers that include cakes, cookies and other sweets that will have you dreaming of a White Christmas! What better way to celebrate the holiday season with lip-smacking gourmet brands? A season of Sweetness hamper is definitely a perfect fit. For all food lovers, our special hamper is a delectable collection of gourmet goodies to make the holidays a #MerryGiftmas indeed.
Also, keeping the party season in mind, complete your get-togethers and high- teas with our Cheese and Meat Platters to get everyone in the holiday mood! Or pick from our collection of wines ranging from Jacobs Creek to Marchesi di Barolo
Eat, Drink And be Merry ! The Gift Studio’s Holiday Hampers are available to purchase on their website - www.thegiftstudio.in. The brand offers pan-India delivery and is also present in leading supermarket chains - Nature’s Basket and Spencers. This season, head to The Gift Studio and gift happiness to your friends and family with incredible, delicious hampers. #MerryGiftmas
Hilton Goa Resort Ushers In The Yuletide Spirit With An Unconventional Take On The Traditional Tree Lightning Ceremony
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Christmas is incomplete without the colorful and illuminating display of lights. The tradition which symbolizes the spread of light, hope, and goodwill in the world is one that is dear to everybody. Hilton Goa Resort is all set to embrace this tradition in a unique way this year, with an unconventional take on the envisioning of the tree on the 11th of December 2022.
The Christmas Tree for the ceremony will be specially crafted by an artist with materials such as choir rope and craft paper and the decoration on the Christmas Tree will include postcard-sized paintings of multiple artists making it a one-of-a-kind Christmas Tree.
Unveiling the Christmas Spirit, the ceremony will be hosted in the resort's lobby. This year the resort will be hosting an exhilarating art exhibition, Islands in the Sun - A confluence of art and artists by the art gallerist, Aarti Singh, a painter and artist and the managing director of Polka Art Gallery in New Delhi
The art exhibition will be inaugurated on the day of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony which will go on till the 4th of January 2023, the
sales proceeds from the event will be donated to a local orphanage.
The celebratory evening will feature an exclusive spread of appetizers and Christmas cocktails tailor-made for the event by the culinary team of Hilton Goa Resort.
What: Tree lighting Ceremony & Art Gallery - Islands in the Sun - A confluence of art and artists
Where: Hilton Goa Resort
When: 11th December 2022
Tree Lighting Ceremony Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Time for Art Exhibition: 11:00 am - 7:00 am
About Hilton Goa Resort - Located at the prime location of North Goa, the luxurious Hilton Goa Resort is a hilltop property that has a calming view of the Nerul River and overlooks the lush greenery. Offering 104 beautiful guest rooms with exclusive private balconies, and delectable dining options, the property is loaded with amenities. A cozy bar and a coffee lounge with a spectacular view make an ideal spot for locals to hang out. The Kids’ club and 24-hour fitness center make it perfect for long business guests and the 4 outdoor swimming pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool, add charm to this property. With versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces and being closer to Candolim beach, Hilton Goa Resort offers the perfect setting for vacations.
WINTER WEEKDAY GETAWAY AT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT MAHABLESHWAR
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Mahabaleshwar, Dec 22: Winters are here and the holiday season is the best time to travel. So if you are wondering which destination to pick for your next Winter Staycation, then Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has the perfect getaway package for you.
Feel the magic in the winter breeze at Mahabaleshwar, a quaint town nestled amidst the Sahyadri hills, an all-time favourite of tourists. This winters, Courtyard Mahabaleshwar urges traveller to look beyond the weekend and plan a luxurious Winter Weekday Getaway. Break the monotony of weekday with a rejuvenating stay in the lush green hills with panoramic views from the private balconies of the hotel rooms. A refreshed mind and body can really do wonders for your spirit and that is exactly how you will end up feeling after a break with your loved ones.
The Winter Weekday Getaway (Monday-Thursday) brings to you winter warms with a discounted room rate along with complimentary buffet breakfast for up to 2 adults and 15% off on food and beverage services, complimentary Hi-Tea and access to pool and all the recreational facilities at the hotel. Discover weekday getaways close to home with thoughtfully curated offerings to fulfil the needs of a coveted by modern travellers for an experiential and memory-making trips.
Head now to Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar for a mesmerizing Winters In The Valley.
Rahul Prashar has been appointed as the Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
/Mumbai, December 2022: City’s leading luxury hotel, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Rahul Prashar as the Director of Rooms. A seasoned hotelier, Rahul will be responsible for room division operations and will be helming to scale up property’s offerings for guests by creating a superior experience.
Mr. Prashar brings with himself 15 years of extensive experience in the luxury hospitality industry and with the passion of delivering highest standards of services, he is a talented trainer and supervisor who can build a strongly motivated team.
His strong background with luxury, business and leisure brands in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Thimphu (Bhutan) and Guwahati along with his remarkable work at Hyatt Regency Chandigarh and Westin Kolkata Rajarhat provides him knowledge in developing and implementing hotel-wide strategies that deliver service to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of the hotel’s discerning guests and associates.
At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Rahul Prashar will be instrumental in directing and administering all aspects of Room Divisions and will spearhead efficient working systems to scale new heights of luxury guest experiences.
About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers effortless elegance and sophistication. Just a short drive from Mumbai's international and domestic airports, the luxury hotel makes for an ideal destination for business and stay. Our 5-star hotel accommodation features 588 spacious rooms with pillow top beds, marble bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as generous work desks and 24-hour room service. Our Hotel’s dining options reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. Romano’s, JW Café, JW Lounge and JW Baking Co. showcase the gastronomic prowess of the talent we have at JW Sahar. Our 29,837 sq.ft. of indoor conventional and meeting spaces are a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality and world-class audio visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends its host of therapies so one can experience holistic wellness. Visit us online on www.jw mumbai.com. For social media updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on @JWSahar. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus.
LOUIS BURGER Launched in Hyderabad
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Hyderabad, December: - Louis Burger launched in Hyderabad the signature craft burgers created as a tribute to the legend Louis Lassen for introducing the concept of the burger to the world. To make sure it does justice to the great man, the team at Massive Restaurants has conceptualized, researched and worked on these masterpieces for over a year.
Blending together fine ingredients with a side of passion in between freshly-baked, milk washed buns to give you one smashing burger. The bun? cloud-light that it’ll lift you up in the air, the cheese? exclusively sourced mature / aged cheddar. The fries? 11mm thick with their skin-on to give you a fabulous texture and taste! The lettuce? as fresh as can be. The taste? Unforgettable.
The menu boasts of a ‘Smashed Lamb Cheese Burger’ with animal sauce and Swiss Emmental, headlining the mix is the ‘Monster Cheeseburger’ with double buff patty, English cheddar & Chicken Ham. Not leaving out the classic ‘Chicken Burger’ with honey mustard and cheese. The ‘Grilled AF Chicken Burger’ has truffle mayo, grilled chicken and English cheddar. Along with this, LOUIS BURGER offers a variety of plant-based burgers too. The ‘Vegan Gratitude Burger’ is your guilt free, power packed indulgence complete with beets, beans, sweet potato, jalapenos, confit tomato and vegan mayo. LOUIS BURGER takes burgers to a level fit for a KING. The LIMITED EDITION section offers two burgers, the ‘Truffletake Burger’ with shiitake, exotic shimeji mushrooms, truffle mayo, truffle oil, english cheddar and parmesan, to add to that imperial touch Gold varq adorns this Burger, making it totally unique. The ‘Louis Grand Royale’ is a robust double patty buff burger with exotic shimeji mushrooms, truffle, special Louis sauce, english cheddar and gold waraq.
As authentic as Elvis Presley's Music, as classic as Vogue, and as exciting as a Marvel Movie, Louis Burger is the burger of every dream. Massive Restaurants and Zorawar Kalra bring LOUIS BURGER to the virtual restaurant world on the 07th of December offering you yet another unforgettable gourmet experience with every bite.
Indian School of Hospitality partners with Karma Lakelands to run Experiential Farms at the Karma Lakelands Golf Resort
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Ashwani khurana Of Karma Lakeland gurgaon and dilip puri of indian school of hospitality
Gurgaon, India,December 2022: Karma Lakelands and École Ducasse ISH Gurugram announce partnership for an experiential farm at the Karma Lakelands Golf Resort in Gurgaon. The students of Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) will be initiated into organic farming, beekeeping and other eco-friendly initiatives of sustainability and conscious living — a vision shared by the founders of École Ducasse, ISH and Karma Lakelands.
Conscious living / Eco Initiatives have always been at the heart and helm of most endeavours at Karma Lakelands since the resort was developed. From being targeted as a zero-waste property to soil building, planting trees, rewilding, practicing bee farming and bio composting of plant & animal waste, life at Karma is an incredible example for meaningful and sustainable existence. At Karma, nature friendly initiatives and conservation practices that support and promote sustainable living are a way of life. As a resort, it strives to minimize our carbon footprint and execute the initiatives and actions to reduce the use of energy and water, while avoiding the use of plastic.
The idea for the farm came when École Ducasse-ISH sought additional locations to fulfil demands for herbs and organic produce in their kitchens. The farmland shall feature seasonal ingredients and regional plants that account for most of the ingredients used on campus. It will encourage farm-to-table practices, sustainable sourcing, and relying on locally-grown crops. Additionally, students shall participate in practical learning sessions in the open classroom and the rustic kitchen. They will also be guided by an expert on organic and sustainable farming at Karma Lakelands.
Talking about the initiative, Mr Dilip Puri, the Founder and CEO of ISH, says, “Indian School of Hospitality has always adapted its teaching philosophies to meet the needs of the ever-changing culinary and hospitality industry. As interest in learning about the origin of food increases, we have responded by offering students opportunities to harvest agriculture responsibly. It will allow us to incorporate sustainable approaches into the culinary coursework, like the Bachelor’s programme that features classes on food policy, ecology of food and farm-to-table concepts. This way, students will be encouraged to develop mindsets towards sustainability and eco-friendly farming.”
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr Ashwani Khurana, Founder & CEO of Karma Lakelands, says, “We at Karma Lakelands are committed to protecting the sanctity of mother earth through our various Environmental care - Conscious living initiatives. Collaborating with ISH is yet another step to motivate youth, the future of our planet, towards soil building and experiencing growing healthy food. We aim to promote the concept of living mindfully by minimising waste generation & its innovative management.”
Booking.com - Here is where Indians are travelling for the upcoming holiday season
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Nature getaways and coastal areas continue to be the most sought-after holiday for domestic travel
Metropolitan cities emerge as the top preferred destinations for international travel
Mumbai, December 2022 – December officially marks the beginning of the holiday season and
Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel companies, has released its latest search data
trends that shed light on Indian travelers’ preferred destinations during this time 1 . With most travel
restrictions lifted and the world opening up again, it marks a promising return of travel for Indian
travellers who are ready to get back out there and make the most of their holidays.
As per the Booking.com APAC Travel Confidence Index released earlier, beach, nature/mountains and
road trips are among the top 5 most preferred trip types by Indian travellers and this is reflective in the
most searched destinations for the upcoming holiday season. Data from Booking.com reveals that Indian
travellers prefer hill stations, beaches and historical destinations when it comes to domestic travel with
Pondicherry topping the list followed by Lonavala and Manali.
● Puducherry and Goa featured as the most preferred beach destinations
● Udaipur and Jaipur featured as the most preferred historical destinations
● Lonavala, Manali, Munnar and Shimla featured as the most preferred hill stations
Top 10 most searched destinations by Indian travellers for domestic travel with check in dates
between December 24, 2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Puducherry
2. Lonavala
3. Manali
4. Udaipur
5. Mumbai
6. Jaipur
7. Goa
8. Bengaluru
9. Munnar
10. Shimla
Exploring the world is back on the list again for Indians. When it comes to international travel, Indians
are searching for metropolitan cities to celebrate the festive season and ring in the new year. Bangkok
and Singapore continue to be South-East Asia’s most popular destinations, while Dubai remains at the
top as the most popular destination for Indian travellers.
Top 10 most searched international destinations by Indians with check in dates between December
24,2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Dubai, UAE
2. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Singapore, Singapore
4. London, UK
5. Paris, France
6. Patong Beach, Thailand
7. North Male, Maldives
8. Colombo, Sri Lanka
9. Phuket, Thailand
10. Ubud, Bali
When it comes to the top 15 searched destinations searched by global travellers overall for the holiday
season, Paris, London and Dubai are the most searched destinations.
Top 15 most searched destinations globally by all travellers with check in dates between December
24, 2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Paris, France
2. London, UK
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Roma, Italy
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Prague, Czech Republic
9. Wien, Austria
10. New York, USA
Mr. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, “The
last few years have taught us that travel should not be taken for granted. After two years of travel
restrictions, travellers are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling. It is encouraging to
see Indian travellers exploring different destinations both within India and abroad with a more positive
outlook towards travel. As people remain enthusiastic and book their holidays, Booking.com will
continue to make it easier for everyone to create their unique travel memories as they experience what
these different destinations have to offer during the year end and beyond”
METHODOLOGY
¹ This report looks at the top searched destinations between 07-11-2022 and 27-11-2022, with check-in dates
between 24-12-2022 and 02-01-2023.
Winter Offers from Luxury Lodge, Aramness Safaris and more at Gir National Park, Gujarat
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ARAMNESS, a beautiful Indian safari lodge with 18 private village-style kothis - each with its own courtyard, private pool, and forest views, re-announced its two special winter offers, which will be active till the end of March 2023. The offers include “Escape to Wilderness” and the “Signature Extended Stay Offer'Given that Gir is home to the only bunch of Asiatic lions around the world, these offers make for a great start to 2023 for the luxury traveler.
The first offer “Aramness Gir - Escape to Wilderness” is a two-night package (details given below), which includes all meals with a capacious kothi, two spectacular wildlife activities, and more. In case you decide to lengthen your opulent stay, you may take advantage of the “Aramness Gir - Signature Extended Stay” offer which is valid for 3, 4, or 5 nights. This includes an optimal package, details of which are given below.
Along with luxury, you may experience a safari tour that exhibits the park's diversity, including Asiatic lions, leopards, and paradise flycatchers in addition to the breathtaking scenery. Of significance is that each tour is accompanied by an Aramness naturalist who leads and engages the visitors in conversation, while educating them about the surrounding environment and its native flora and fauna. The lodge offers a special chance to connect with wildlife while on foot in addition to safari tours. The 18 sq.km space that separates the resort from Sasan Gir National Park is where this wonderful Indian wilderness experience comes to life.
No vacation is complete without exquisite gastronomy treats. From traditional Gujarati food to cuisines from around the world, the property offers a wide variety of dining options, for you to indulge your taste buds. The delectable menu includes the Gujarati Swaminarayan Thali, an all-vegetarian feast, as well as the Aramness Thali which allows you to savor the state's unsung non-vegetarian dishes. The Matla chicken, sheesha, and a spirituous drink make for the ideal evening followed by a jungle barbecue in the wilderness.
Unwind and revitalize yourself with spa treatments at the Aramness Spa while taking in the beauty of the imposing forest and its sweet-smelling fresh air. In conclusion, enjoy unparalleled luxury whilst being surrounded by the magnificent Gir's natural beauty and witness the wilderness unraveling before your eyes
Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management hosted “Bridge The Skill Gap” Event in association with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
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Pune- December 2022- Built on the foundations of "A Hotel School: By the Hoteliers, For the Hoteliers", Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management is a premier hospitality education institute that offers budding hoteliers the perfect balance of educational and experiential learning experiences. In light of the recent concerns of skilled workforce shortage in the hospitality industry, Lexicon IHM collaborated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council to host the “Bridge the Skill Gap Event- Strengthening The Hospitality Skills Ecosystem Through Empowerment.”
The speakers at the event included Mr. Jatin Khanna, CEO of Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Gladvin Rego, Principal of the Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management, representatives from THSC, Mr. Amol Bajaj, Head - of Apprenticeship Division, Ms. Feba Abraham, Apprenticeship Division, and Mr. Visham Thapa, Assistant Vice President- Client Acquisition Apprenticeship and Traineeship, 2COMS Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, MultiFit & EduCrack, says “Recruiting and retaining talent has been a big challenge for the hospitality and tourism industry. A lack of skilled talent directly affects the customer experience. It can have a long-lasting impact on the brand image and eventually, revenues. I believe that the Recruit-Train-Deploy model if implemented appropriately, can serve as an effective solution. It improves the employability scope of aspirants and can attract talent through short-term skilling programs to meet immediate industry requirements. It is a win-win scenario for both employee and employer. This was an important session as it highlighted, the need of the hour, by emphasizing on various tools that can help in developing an ecosystem that will be beneficial for individuals who aspire to establish careers in the hospitality segment. We are thankful to the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council for collaborating with us on this initiative that gave us an insight into effective measures to tackle talent deficit issues in the industry.”
The event focused on various aspects of the Hospitality Skills Ecosystem, starting with the future of hospitality traits that highlighted the trends shaping the hospitality industry and the skills required to adapt to these trends. In his address, Mr. Amol Bajaj, Head - Apprenticeship Division, THSC, also introduced the concept of apprenticeship programs that allows young individuals to Learn, Earn and Qualify for industry-specific jobs, which also helps improve skilling and recruitment in the industry. He illustrated the design of an efficient Recruit-Train-Deploy model that can successfully help bridge the skill gap and become a vital tool for hiring. Mr. Bajaj also emphasized the importance of Quality/Skilled team members' contribution towards generating valuable revenue. “With the “Bridge the Skill Gap” event, we sought to emphasize the need to develop sustainable skill ecosystems using various tools such as Apprenticeship Programs, efficient hiring strategies and building talent pipelines. One way in which hospitality education institutes can contribute to improving employability is by designing short-term foundation courses offering department specific training to help aspiring individuals enhance their skillsets. It was a pleasure to host and collaborate with the THSC and explore creative solutions to assist hotel groups and the industry to tackle talent deficit issues.”Said Mr. Bajaj while speaking about how RTD can be a sustainable solution for the hospitality industry.
To assist hoteliers in implementing apprenticeship programs, Ms. Feba Abraham, Apprenticeship Division, THSC, shed light on the new reforms and legalities of the Apprenticeship program by the Government of India. Towards the end of the event, Mr. Visham Thapa, Assistant Vice President- Client Acquisition Apprenticeship and Traineeship, 2COMS Consulting Pvt. Ltd., spoke about the advantages of expansion of the apprenticeship programs through collaboration with Sector Skill Council and Third Party Aggregators, which will also result in further strengthening the skilling ecosystem and help the hospitality and tourism industry reap maximum benefits from Apprenticeship programs.
By bringing together vital industry stakeholders such as National Skill Development Corporation, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, Poona Hoteliers Association, along with industry leaders, under one roof, the “Bridge the Skill Gap” event has taken a positive step towards enabling organizations and the industry successfully utilize resources and tools to develop a sustainable ecosystem for the creation of skilled workforces.
Raan Mussalam Recipe by Chef Ashfaque Ali
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Bark of Cinnamomum species. Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which are a healthy component of the diet that help neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells in the body. Cinnamaldehyde also has some antibacterial properties and might slow down the growth of cancerous cells. A cup of cinnamon tea everyday can reduce stress and body ache.
Black cardamom
Also know as Bengal cardamom. It gives powerful smoky flavor and has a huge health benefits too. It is very uses full for congestion of lungs, and digestive disorder etc to name a few.
Grinding and blending
Mixture of these two spices gives heavenly flavor and aroma to any dish. It can be use to make nice mutton, Biryani and stews.
Take a quantity of 2:3, broil them and let it cool and stone grind to get a better result. Keep it in an air-tight container and use it adequately to flavor the choice of your dishes.
Raan Mussalam
Ingredients
For marination
3kg lamb leg (clean, wash, and prick it with knife)
4onion finely slice
4tomatoes chopped
300g yoghurt
3 black cardamoms
2 cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
100g mint leaves
100g Fresh coriander stems
1 tablespoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
Salt to taste
For dishing out
Ghee
Ginger
Green chilly
Ran gravy
Fried onion
Red chilly powder
Cinnamon and black cardamom powder
100ml cream
10-15 leaves of mint finely chopped
50g fresh coriander
Kewra
Saffron water
Method
Marinade the mutton leg with marination ingredients and rub the mixture nicely to the mutton leg. Allow the mixture to be in the marination for 4-6 hrs.
Arrange the legs in the roasting try by covering it with its own marination then seal the tray with aluminum foil nicely & then Place it into the pre heated oven for 3 hours at 180c.
Remove the tray from the oven and check the tenderness if require then put it back again for another 20 minute.
Remove the legs from the mixture and separate the meat from the bone discard the unwanted tissues and keep it aside.
Blend the mixture in mixer grinder and strain through conical strainer and keep it aside use it as Raan gravy
Heat the ghee in a pan and add chopped ginger green chilly and sauté it gently add the strained gravy and cook it nicely so that the extra moisture goes out.
Add powdered spices and cook it for another 2-3 minutes add the separated meat to the gravy toss it gently add cream, check seasoning adjust accordingly.
Add chopped green, kewra water and dissolved saffron and serve hot on serving pan.
Chef Ashfaque Ali
A skilled professional, recognized for a comprehensive knowledge of national and international cuisine and an innovative approach to setting the stage for a customized culinary experience. Over 17 years of progressive Indian cuisine experience in managing the provision of fine dining for renowned luxury hotel and Michelin starred restaurants, refining the art of Indian cooking, developing Progressive menus, and preparing Indian dishes influenced by culturally diverse regions around India.
He worked with high end luxurious Indian and international brands like, The Oberoi, Shangri-la, Four seasons, Jumeirah and Meydan. He has also done preopening of very high end fine dining restaurant with Michelin starred chef Vineet Bhatia at two different location, one in Riyadh (Maharaja East) and another one in Doha (Indigo 360) . From his deep cuisine knowledge of different cultures across India, he will be sharing his secret trick of paring of spices to get maximum flavor and make aromatic dishes.Two spices which Chef Ali’s feels are the soul of Indian cuisine and are precious to him. Black cardamom and cinnamon, He feels that only these two spices are the soul of making flavorful Indian dishes, Rather than having hundreds of spices at home only these two spices can do wonders to home cooked meals. Plus these spices not only give good flavor to the dish but also have great medicinal benefits.
