The OZEN Collection: Leading the Culinary Renaissance in the Maldives

The OZEN Collection: Leading the Culinary Renaissance in the Maldives

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 27, 2024

The Maldives, often seen as a haven for honeymooners and romantics, has transformed into a diverse destination attracting luxury seekers, adventure enthusiasts, and culture aficionados. Amidst its breathtaking vistas and warm hospitality, the country is also becoming a culinary hotspot, thanks to innovative brands like THE OZEN COLLECTION.

THE OZEN COLLECTION, a renowned luxury hospitality brand in the Maldives, is at the forefront of this culinary revolution. Offering unparalleled gastronomic adventures, THE OZEN COLLECTION caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it a standout destination for food lovers.

At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, guests can enjoy lavish Champagne Breakfasts with stunning ocean views and a diverse array of global cuisines, including Authentic Chinese, Heritage Indian, and Sri Lankan delicacies. The exclusive INDULGENCE™ Plan ensures a comprehensive and luxurious island living experience.

A highlight of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is M6m, an extraordinary underwater fine dining restaurant. Here, guests can savor sublime seafood dishes while being enchanted by captivating underwater vistas. Another culinary gem at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is Lonu, which reimagines Maldivian cuisine with a 'New Age' twist, served in eco-conscious clayware in a charming oceanside setting. Lonu, meaning salt in Dhivehi, features handmade flavored salts, and every dish tells a story that immerses travelers in the nation's rich culinary heritage.

Over at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, guests are treated to a symphony of culinary wonders against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers personalized dining experiences and a selection of specialty restaurants and bars that elevate the stay to new heights of luxury. ORIGINƎ promises a culinary journey engaging all the senses, with each dish being a refined masterpiece complemented by carefully selected wines from renowned vineyards worldwide. Meanwhile, Saffron celebrates the tradition of Indian gastronomy with culturally inspired dishes from India.

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Overwater scenery of the ORIGINƎ that resembles fine dining encounters at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

THE OZEN COLLECTION continually extends its hospitality experiences, from regular champagne and wine trips to the recent 'Master of Sushi' event featuring world-renowned Japanese Chef Satoshi Tsuru. These initiatives highlight the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.

As the Maldives solidify their position as a premier luxury travel destination, THE OZEN COLLECTION stands out for its rich hospitality and culinary heritage. It offers discerning travelers an unparalleled fusion of local flavors and international flair.

About THE OZEN COLLECTION

THE OZEN COLLECTION, part of the Atmosphere Core portfolio, curates timeless sanctuaries characterized by Refined Elegance. The brand includes two resorts in the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO and OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, with future openings planned for OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI in the Maldives (2025), and resorts in India and Sri Lanka.

About Atmosphere Core

Atmosphere Core is a dynamic international hospitality company with three distinctive lifestyle brands: THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts. The company operates nine resorts in the Maldives and has an expanding pipeline of new properties across the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India. Each Atmosphere Core property features distinctive design, an authentic sense of place, inspiring service styles, and the finest cuisine.


Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

Top Spots to Catch the IPL Action in Bangalore This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2025

Cricket season is here—and so is the hunt for the perfect spot to catch all the IPL action in Bangalore. Whether you’re a die-hard fan chasing every boundary or just soaking in the vibes with brews and friends, the city has lined up some fantastic venues to turn match nights into full-blown experiences. From rooftop views to stadium-like energy and irresistible bar offers, here’s where you can catch every thrilling moment this April-May.

Ouzo by Fire — Drinks Specials & Big Screen Action

Located on 100 Ft Road, Ouzo by Fire brings cricket spirit alive with a tempting Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic beverages during all IPL matches. Pair it with bold Goan-Mangalorean flavours, a lively bar setting, and big screens, and you’ve got a perfect match-night hangout.

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Highlights:

  • Buy 2, Get 1 Free on alcoholic drinks
  • Live match screenings
  • Goan Bar & Grill vibes
  • Ouzo by Fire, 100 Ft Road, Indiranagar | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

2Moons — Cricket with a View

Perched atop 1MG Mall, 2Moons offers an elegant escape from the typical cricket crowd. Expect skyline views, a globally-inspired menu, handcrafted cocktails, and a warm, luxe atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for couples or small groups looking to turn match night into a mood.

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Highlights:

  • Rooftop city views
  • Curated global cuisine
  • Signature cocktails & premium pours
  • Warm, luxe ambiance
  • 2Moons, 1MG Mall, Bangalore | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Maize and Malt — Big Screens, Bold Brews

For those who love high-energy cricket nights, Maize and Malt in Whitefield delivers with house-crafted beers, hearty pub food, and multiple big screens. Known for its stadium-like energy, it’s a great spot whether you're arriving solo or with your full squad.

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Highlights:

  • Large-format IPL screenings
  • House-brewed beers on tap
  • Hearty pub fare & game-day offers
  • Stadium-like energy 
  • Maize and Malt, Whitefield | April-May | 7:00 PM onwards

Whether you’re chasing rooftop sunsets, craft brews, or electrifying cricket vibes, these Bangalore hotspots promise to deliver the perfect IPL fix. Bookmark your favourites, rally your crew, and let the good times and sixes roll!


Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

Proost Rises as a Challenger Brand Redefining India’s Beer Scene

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 16, 2025

Proost is the premium beer brand of Grano69 Beverages, a company dedicated to transforming the Indian Alcobev industry. Founded in October 2017 and headquartered in Gurugram, the company went live with its commercial operations in September 2018. The company's vision is to disrupt the Indian beer market as it combines premium quality with affordability and offers beers known for low bitterness, high drinkability, and excellent taste.

The story of Proost is one of great ambition and determination. It entered the highly-regulated Indian Alcobev sector and encountered significant challenges, as the absence of a unified liquor policy meant adhering to state-specific excise regulations. However, Grano69 overcame the challenges with a step-by-step approach, and established itself as a resilient, innovative player in the industry. From selling just 4,000 cases in its first year of operations, Proost has grown to sell over 3,000 cases daily. Its acceptance and demand are shown in its high sales figures.

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The idea behind this brand was born out of a need in the market-to provide a premium quality beer that would taste fresh but not at the cost of affordability. "We Brew Passion" is the tagline Proost believes in to materialize that vision. Proost has translated this promise into beers that align with the changing consumption patterns in India, and therefore, it has evolved a different beer experience for the masses.

The major difference between Proost and its contemporaries is its dedication to freshness and quality consistency. The brand offers a unique taste with each draught and unmatched drinkability. Striving for quality and innovation has enabled it to carve out a place in a market where the big fish have played for a long time.

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Proost’s success story is also a testament to its founders’ grit. CEO and Co-Founder Tarun Bhargava, alongside Vijay P. Sharma, entered the highly regulated alcobev sector and navigated complex state-wise excise norms with strategic persistence. A finance graduate from the University of Delhi, Tarun previously worked with companies like Aon and IBM before venturing into entrepreneurship. His earlier stint with a hyperlocal startup gave him valuable exposure, which he now channels into running Proost with a pragmatic, practice-first approach. 

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Proost started from scratch but has risen exponentially. Its annual revenue has been increased from ₹77 lakhs in FY 2017-18 to a current monthly recurring revenue of ₹10+ crore. It’s also on track to close the year with a top-line revenue exceeding ₹100 crore. It is an indication of the strength of the brand penetration and consumer loyalty. This growth has been supported by cumulative funding of ₹50 crore so far - raised across three rounds, including ₹30 crore as part of the ongoing Series A round.

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Proost currently operates in six key markets, which include Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Kerala. The company looks at expansion into three more markets over the coming year. Its operations are managed by 90+ professionals who propel the brand's success. With per capita beer consumption in India being lower than the global average, Proost has enormous opportunities for growth in the country. Growing disposable incomes, a younger population, and changing consumer preferences – all factors, together, create a rich ground for the brand's expansion plans.

As beer consumption continues to rise in India due to shifting social norms and increasing disposable incomes, Proost is positioning itself to take advantage of this growth wave. The brand’s ambition is clear — to be among the top five beer brands in India by the end of this decade.

The journey of Proost epitomizes the resilience and innovation necessary to make a mark in a challenging industry. As the brand continually intensifies its presence and explores new markets, it has remained true to its promise of fresh, high-quality beer that celebrates life. Proost is not just bringing quality and freshness to beer; it is transforming the way India experiences beer.


Bhagat Halwai Launches Mithai Refill Discount to Promote Sustainability

Bhagat Halwai Launches Mithai Refill Discount to Promote Sustainability

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 11, 2025

In a thoughtful move towards sustainability, Bhagat Halwai, one of Agra’s oldest and most cherished sweet shops, has introduced an innovative refill discount offer for customers who bring their own clean containers. This initiative aims to reduce packaging waste while rewarding eco-conscious behavior.

The new offer allows customers to refill their favorite sweets directly into their containers and enjoy exclusive discounts, blending the age-old tradition of mithai with a fresh, environment-friendly twist.

“This is more than just a discount—it’s a small yet meaningful step toward protecting our environment,” said Shri Shivam Bhagat, Director, Bhagat Halwai. “With this refill initiative, we’re offering not just mithai, but a way for our customers to make a responsible choice for the planet.”

Echoing the sentiment, Ms. Riddhi Bhagat, Strategic Director, added, “As a brand built on legacy and trust, we want to lead by example in sustainable practices. This is just the beginning of many green efforts we plan to introduce, and we’re excited to have our customers join us on this journey.”

With this initiative, Bhagat Halwai is setting a strong example of how traditional businesses can contribute to a greener future. So the next time you crave something sweet, just carry your container, fill up on deliciousness, and do your part for the environment—one mithai refill at a time.

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